Been bought an orchid as a present but they have never survived long!!

[larlemucker]

How do I look after it properly?!!

Where do I keep it, how often should I water/feed etc....

I would really like this one to survive!!!

is it one with a big green bulb at the bottom?

i had one and it was the only i've had that survived.
basically, you water it when the bulb gets wrinkly.

about once a week in summer and every 2 in winter.

and there are supposed to be tentacles over the side. make sure they don't get wet.

Is it a Phaeleanopsis (sp)?

I've managed to get them to last 2-3 yrs, and managed to get one to flower three times.

They hate being repotted, so leave them in the pot they came in (if it's a crap one, hide in in a nice ceramic one).

Water it very infrequently (Unique is right) and don't soak it too much.

Once flowering is over, cut the stem down to above a "knuckle".

Feed them about once or twice a year, while in flower.

Should I keep in sun or shade? Warm or cool room?

shade ish. cool room, but not cold.

Don't water too often, if you need to pot on use special orchid compost, which is well draining compost.

Likes light and sun, but not drafts.

We have 2 on our kitchen windowsill which we've had around 5 years or so. We don't usually do much with it (to the point of neglect sometimes).

Dehead when the flowers are past it, and cut off any stalks etc which are dead.

Don't move it around.

Hope this helps

I am the kiss of death for any plants.
If the person who gave it me is a regular visitor, I would buy a good quality fake for when they come round......

After I water I leave it in the sink to drain.
they hate standing in water.

Mine's now three years old, flowered three times and hope for more. Bought by Thai friend who tells me they live on air and need no attention (apart from dead-heading). I check roots now and again to ensure not dried out, and move it from window-sill into room during winter; they're jungle plants.