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.