Colourful, fragrant and an exotic cluster of joy, orchid plants make for great gifts that last long after the occasion and become keepsakes. Taking care of them is easy, if only one knew the basics of the epiphytes (air plants) that grow on trees and cling on feed with their exposed roots. Savitri Wadhwani, who runs Savi Orchids, a delightful little nursery at Peddar Road, shares a rulebook.

Water it right: The easiest way to kill an orchid is to overwater it. Drench and drain works best, says Wadhwani. “Soak or wet only the coconut chips/ medium/pot with room temperature water and drain the excess water. Allow to almost dry out between watering (usually three to five days days). The best time to water is in the morning or daytime; never at night,” she adds.