I noticed black specks on the the Dens that look like dust flecks. I can't seem to rid them even after flushing the flowers with water. The weather has been dry lately and I am religiously dumping buckets of water on them. Big Purple Den seem to be passing its peak and may not last after Chinese New Year. A shame.

Ji Mei Flowers sell plants cheaper than Far East Flora and they look, to my untrained eyes, healthier. I took home a badly labelled Orchid. It was with a couple of Oncidiums so I assumed it is one too. A tall pretty one with turgid leaves. The flowers are yellow with a touch of brown. The sepals are twisted like the mini Den I gave away. I put the Oncidium on the money plant. Once I had my back turned, it fell over and broke!

Ji Mei is selling full grown flowering Cymbidiums for $380 and you get a pot free after midnight if you buy one. I'm devastated! I can't afford that!

Early Jan, after the particularly harrowing Quant Maths assignment, I went to Far East Flora, intending to get only pussy willows, but I brought home two beautifully blooming Dendrobiums and a mini Den - all had purple blooms - in addition to fresh cut flowers. One of the big Dens has big and richly red flowers, the other is less purple with white tips on the sepals. The mini Den had lovely velvety twisted sepals. Unfamiliar with orchid buying, I didn't notice the deep red Den was loose and almost tipping over the pot. I also didn't take notice of the sun burnt spots on the leaves. I might have to re-pot Big Purple Den when I have the chance.

Although very much unwilling, I gave the mini Den to a colleague. I hope he decides eventually he has no idea how to take care of the plant and give it back!