Perhaps the most unassuming plant in my collection has the best story. Days before I left Colombia in 2018, I went out for coffee with my flatmate and some friends. A leaf had broken off one of the succulents on the table and I popped it in my handbag, thinking it could be potted up back at our flat. Then I completely forgot about it, packed the handbag and flew back to the UK. A few days later, I found the leaf in the handbag, put it in water and then compost and it grew into a huge plant. Cuttings went to friends and prospered there but the original plant died. Now I just have one leaf, taken from one of the friend’s cuttings – the grandchild of the leaf that travelled back with me from Colombia.

Remember the orchid hospital? Two years ago I rescued about 18 orchids that had been abandoned on my neighbours’ balcony. I have since given some away and some have died, and now only five healthy plants remain. To my great joy, four of them show signs that they will flower in a month or two, the result, I am convinced, of beginning to steep them for 10 to 15 minutes in lukewarm water, advice for phalaenopsis (or moth) orchids that I read in a book (in Topping & Company Bookshop). This species is not indigenous to Colombia but thousands of other species of orchids are, and if you watch my little video (see above link), you will see why I associate orchids with my time in Medellín.

Another cutting from a dear friend has grown into this wonderful waterfall of green that flows elegantly from atop my kitchen units. Cheating slightly here because it is not currently in bloom, but I wanted to give you an idea of what it looks like when its flowering – a cluster of pink and white blooms. It’s called hoya carnosa if you like knowing these sorts of things.

Another post-Colombia gift from a kind friend. I made a mistake once by putting it outside where it got terribly battered by the wind on my balcony but it has recovered well in my front room. Well enough for me have a couple of plants potted on, one in my flat and one in my office. And look at all those wonderful offshoots ready to be plants on their own!