Frugal repast will aid plants

The saying that you can kill with kindness is never so true as with certain houseplants, which you insist on cosseting, watering too often and feeding regularly when they'd really rather be left alone.

I remember having a Christmas cactus which flowered its head off on my kitchen windowsill during the festive season year after year, when I showed it little affection, often leaving it dry as a bone and seemingly pot-bound.

But actually, Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) can flower from November to March, as long as they have been given a cool, dry resting period in February and March. Don't move them when their buds have formed as they don't take kindly to a change in atmosphere.

Many plants you buy at Christmas for taking indoors need to be kept cool in the house and away from radiators, draughts which create temperature fluctuations and shouldn't be overwatered.

Cyclamen, for example, can be left to virtually dry out before watering and you should water from below, pouring the water into the saucer or bowl in which they stand. Also, once the soil is fairly moist, empty the excess water from the container.

An ideal position is on an east or west-facing windowsill, porch or conservatory, as they need reasonable light.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) should be protected from cold and draughts and need a light position and a temperature of 55-60AF (16-18AC) but not above a radiator.

Allow compost to dry out between watering, as over-watering will lead to loss of colour and possible leaf drop. If the leaves look limp because the plant is too dry, it can be revived by watering from beneath.

Orchids, the must-have indoor plant of recent years, were once thought of as fragile and difficult, but in fact they don't like too much TLC, but most hybrids need to be kept in an atmosphere of a minimum of 16C (61F).

Phil Griffiths, conservatories co-ordinator at Kew, says: "Most of them are pretty tough and they are getting easier to grow as nurseries bring out new varieties. Orchids don't like to be pampered and it is generally overwatering which kills them."

He says it's a myth that they must be shaded. They will do well on a windowsill and flower more freely if you give them some sun. And they don't need misting.

"They don't want fussing. They can be left without water for a week then submerse the pot in a bowl of tepid water until moist."