I love orchids for their delicate beauty and elegance. Thanks to my late mother who was an orchid enthusiast, I grew up with orchids blooming in our garden all year round. I love their vivid colours and these flowers make great subjects for my glass paintings.

The orchid flower has a simple structure and if you look carefully, their floral parts are arranged in 3’s or multiple of 3’s. In the outer whorl, is the calyx, which consists of 3 sepals and in the inner whorl there are 3 petals, 2 on the sides, which look similar and a third, which is slightly different because of its cup-shape. This is called the lip or labellum. The central part shows the column, which is the fused organ.

There are so many different varieties and hybrids that occur naturally – and more are being discovered every year. They are versatile and have adapted to grow in all kinds of environment and they are able to survive in almost all climates. Majority of them are however found in the tropics or subtropics. I keep some pots of orchids in my flat in London and they need very little maintenance. Their flowers are long lasting, sometimes lasting for months.

Orchids have been a symbol of love, beauty, luxury and strength. They have been admired by many cultures. They were believed to have many healing and protective properties against diseases. Their delicate beauty continues to charm and delight their admirers.