Recently I’ve been buying orchids. I think they have beautiful flowers and the way they grow is fascinating. I’m no expert but I’ve noticed they like potting in transparent pots. I think it’s so light can get to the bark. The plant sits in loose bark and you can get orchid food, which you add to the water you use for them. I don’t think they like tap water, but that’s all we have got.

The pink orchids pictured are a new addition, they are supposed to be scented but I could not smell any perfume. They seem to like a bit of warmth and I’m worried that it might be too cold in the kitchen.

One of the orchids I bought about a year ago has grown lots if ariel roots. It’s had quite a few flower spikes. First they grow bulbous buds which open to form magenta flowers. I’ve cut back all the dead growth and repotted them. I have 5 orchids now. I think they are 3 separate sorts. Hopefully I can keep them going!!