

Hio base, wiUi apair of largo, ricli^purplbh-icd spots. It generally bio r in April and May, ami continues 



in perfection for about a fortnight, if Uic Qowera arc kept dry. It makes a fine exhibition plant 



In the natural habitat of these Dcndrobee, though the atmospheric beat is high in the growing-soiBon, 

 vol the plant, get also a free circulation of air. In our Orchid house* foah air, which is of the utmost 

 benefit, mnsl I* warmed as it enter*, by causing it to pm near the hot-water pipes. Cold air is dangerous, 

 often destroying the young growths while they are tender ; but fresh air must be afforded, for the plants 

 will not thrive when they arc kept closely confined. This latter, indeed, i* often the condition of Jkndro- 

 fetal*, on account of their being grown in baskets, and hung up near the glass ; for as hot air always rises 

 to the roof, the heat there is intense, and, in consequence, the plants dwindle instead of luxuriating. This 



is, no doubt, (he cause of many failures in growing Orchids. 



The noble specimen already adverted to, was grown by Mr. Day's gardener, Stone, hi a basket, amongst 

 sphagnum moss, suspended from the roof in the India home, where alto were other fine plants of the same 

 kind, together with a splendid lot of dcridts, Saccotabium* Fmda, Phatonopm* etc. "We should like to sec 

 more of these plants cultivated in the same manner. 



The materials Ih*1 suited to the mold of this Dcndrobc arc good sphagnum moss, and broken potsherds or 

 charcoal mixed therewith. If a good supply of moss is not to he had, fibrous peat will answer the same 

 purpose, but if this is used, some moss should he placed first in the basket, in order to prevent the peat from 

 being washed away- We have also grown them well on blocks of wood, with moss ; but in this way they re- 

 quire a great deal of eare in watering, as they must never be allowed to get dry when in a state of growth. 

 This plant requires a thorough good season of growth, without which, it is vain to look for success. It com- 

 mences to grow soon after it has finished flowering, and Uic cultivator must be careful not lo give too much 

 water until the young shoots have attained the length of about six inches, after which a good supply of 

 moisture at the root is requisite during the remainder of its growth, which continues from June till 

 December. As soon as the growth is completed, water is to be withheld from the roots, only sufficient being 

 given to keep the stems plump, till they begin to show llowcr, when an increased supply will assist in their 

 development. When the flowers are expanded the planU should he removed to the cooler Catllcya house, 

 where the llowcriiig-pcriod will be prolonged; and they should he returned to the warmest house when the 

 flowering is over, to induce them to make fresh growth. This is also the time to apply fresh moss, or 

 to renew the basket, if required. 



When propagation is desired, it is effected by dividing the old stems just before they begin to grow ; 

 each division should have about two old stems and a leading hud. Increase is obtained also by means of Uic 

 young shoots, which branch out from the old stems; these should be left on until their growth is completed, 

 and then taken off and placed on blocks, or in small baskets with moss. 



If well grown, the plant is not very subject to insect attacks ; sometimes the red spider and thrips will 

 appear on the young leaves, but they may l>e kept under by cleaning and syringing, as well as by 

 fumigation. 



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