i88i.] PLEIONES. 125 



to be excelled by any winter-blooming plants we know. The fact that 

 they are Orchids need not prevent any one from growing them, as they 

 require no special accommodation. Comparatively few Orchids are 

 grown for cut blooms in private establishments, being generally con- 

 sidered more difficult to cultivate than most stove-plants ; but we 

 have found them quite as easily managed as any other family of plants 

 that we have had to do with. Every one knows that without care and 

 attention no class of plants can be grown satisfactorily ; and Pleiones, 

 when properly managed, will give quite as satisfactory returns as any 

 other plants that are grown for winter decoration. 



The varieties we find most suitable are P. Wallichiana, P. lagenaria, 

 and P. maculata, especially the last named, with its pure white sepals 

 and petals, and most beautiful lips. To grow them well they should 

 be potted every year directly the blooms fade. Although terrestrial 

 Orchids, we give them much the same compost as Epiphytes, which 

 consists of three parts living sphagnum, one part peat and turfy loam, 

 with some small crocks and charcoal — the peat and the loam to have all 

 the smaller particles shaken out — mixing the whole thoroughly. If 

 put in pots, they should have a small inverted pot over the hole in the 

 bottom, and filled at least three parts full of crocks a little rounded on 

 the top. A good layer of clean sphagnum should be placed on the top of 

 the crocks. Fill up with the compost, pressing it rather firmly together 

 to as near as possible a half-circle from the inner rim of the pot. Pull 

 the decayed blooms out of the young bulbs, shaking them out of the 

 pots to separate them individually, and fix them over the pot with a piece 

 of copper wire in the shape of a staple to keep them in their places. 

 They should be at least 2h inches clear of each other. In placing 

 them, care should be taken that the young growths are as near as 

 possible that distance apart : it does not matter so much for the parent 

 bulb, as it will almost disappear by the time the young ones are ma- 

 tured. Put a little more of the compost over the roots, and finish off 

 with a layer of clean sphagnum, so that when finished the whole is as 

 near as possible to a half-circle with the outer rim of the pot. Give 

 a good watering, and with a sharp-pointed stick dibble in the sphag- 

 num amongst the bulbs. As Pleiones are shallow rooters, the growing 

 sphagnum helps to cover the roots that come to the surface. After 

 the first watering they will want very little until they begin to make 

 roots. Sprinkle them overhead occasionally through a fine rose until 

 they have got a good start, then, if properly drained, they can scarcely 

 be over-watered, especially in their growing season. Pved-spider is their 

 worst enemy, but they will stand the syringe as well as any plant I 

 know, so that pest can be guarded against. A shelf near the glass in 

 an ordinary plant-stove suits them very well ; in fact, they can be grown 

 in any place where there is plenty of heat and moisture, and shade from 

 the direct rays of the sun. After they have finished their bulbs and 

 the leaves are turning yellow, withhold water gradually; place them in a 



