Feeding houseplants with household stuff

Any ideas on the compost I use?

As an emergency I put them in a bit of multipurpose-I have some bulb fibre going spare, is that ok or will I need to get some specialist stuff?

 

I have vague memories of seeing a gardening programme ages ago and orchid roots being discussed-the roots don't go in soil but in those bark chips. In the "wild" orchids are a sort of parasite to the tree and grow in hollows of the tree with the roots stretching out looking for water.

I may be wrong, but this is what I remember from the programme, I think!

 

I'm so nieve?sp on orchids. For some reason I believed that once they flowered the plant died. NOW I'm interestested!!!!! Our local wilkis have often got them on sale because they are not looking so healthy. Only due to they never water their? plants. What I would like to know is if a plant dosnt look to good can I bring it back?? 02

 

I used to work in very, very posh hotels in London, and the guests (especially overseas visitors) were forever getting orchids in their rooms and leaving them behind when checking out, which is where I always got my orchids from. They lasted years with healthy neglect

 

Thanks for the advice JKW in future if I see them on sale I think I might have a go. Im the soft touch that buys plants that are on there last legs and get great pleasure in bringing them back to life.:D 02