Phal Kun & Ran Ran

There is no regret going back to Singapore for CNY holidays of course. Yet someone in Japan was probably longing so much for my return.

I started growing these lovely Orchids since last year's Spring and they added a new song to my life. It was tough looking after these tropical plants in a climate like Japan's, but I thought I was doing well.


Orchids, or rather, the ' Phalaenopsis ' type that I am growing at home is one of the most difficult to raise in cold Japan. Phalaenopsis is extremely vulnerable to chill, sensitive to hydration level, and particular about amount of sunlight. The Japanese calls Phalaenopsis the ' difficult flower ' indeed.

This is ' Phal Kun '. I named him so as he appears a sturdy young boy to me. ( ' Kun ' is the Japanese word used to call little boys ) He looks radiant than anything else whenever he bathes in the sunlight. He sparkles! Phal Kun is always such a delight to look at whenever we have our breakfast and enjoy the morning light. He is the apple of my eye.

Phal Kun has been responding well to my love and showing signs of bloom for the coming Spring. I sought advice from Orchid sellers and did my best to protect my Orchids carefully from chill, when I had to leave for Singapore.



Sadly, the countermeasures did not seem sufficient. To explain in Japanese terms, both Phal Kun and Ran Ran were severly ' scalded ' by the extreme chill of winter. I've learnt that the temperature has unexpectedly dipped way lower during my absence, it could have been then that my Orchids suffered.

I wish I could be there and protect them from the harsh winter...=*(

I hate to show you their present pathetic state. Both show no sign of recovery and their condition seem to be deteriorating. However, I am not giving up. It's alright that they may not bloom for us this Spring, I won't even think about it.

Phal Kun and Ran Ran are probably my closest friends in this lonely place. Looking after them takes a little effort, but every bloom makes my joy complete. It really saddens me to see their present state. I wish there is something I can do to make them feel better. All that I ask is Phal Kun and Ran Ran may be able to pull through this winter and survive.

I hope that I'll be able to post the good news next time. Meanwhile, I am trying my best to keep them comfortable in my love...

Lesson learnt : One can never be too careful. Complacence costs. Let's protect the ones we love.