Millie Bull

Experts advise keeping windows, doors, blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of a heatwave to minimise solar heat gain, opening them only when outside temperatures fall below indoor levels. Specialists highlight that UK homes retain heat due to their insulation and materials, stressing the importance of preventing heat buildup rather than trying to cool homes once they overheat. Recommendations include using light-coloured blinds, clearing airflow paths, reducing indoor heat sources, and enhancing fans with ice to improve cooling efficiency.

A hands‑off care method helps moth orchids rebloom several times a year by avoiding common mistakes such as overwatering, overfeeding, excessive pruning and harsh sunlight. Healthy watering involves soaking the plant every seven to ten days, less frequently in winter, and ensuring full drainage to prevent root rot. Feeding should be minimal, using orchid‑specific fertiliser once every few weeks during the growing season. After blooms drop, green spikes should be trimmed to the next node to encourage new flower spikes, while brown stems can be cut to the base. Orchids thrive in bright indirect light and humid environments, making kitchens and bathrooms ideal locations.