Learn to think like a plant: five questions to think about if you want to keep your houseplants healthy

Many people struggle to keep their houseplants alive. Okrasiuk/Shutterstock

You don’t drown by falling into the water; you drown by staying there (Edwin Louis Cole).

I’d say most potted orchid deaths arise from drowned roots. Conversely, I’ve seen people desiccate cacti believing they don’t need water. True, I scarcely water mine for six months in the year, but in high summer I water them weekly. My potted orchids instead enjoy a good shower all year round.