204 THE GARDENER. [May 



NOTES ON CYPRIPEDIUMS. 



The Cypripedium is, in some respects, the most interesting genus in 

 the whole family of Orchids. Not the least interesting amongst their 

 many fine features is their beautifully-marked foliage of every shade 

 of green, spotted and variegated, from the richest creamy white to almost 

 black. The beautiful and distinct formation of their flowers also 

 invests them with an interest all their own. In the few remarks which 

 I have to offer on their successful cultivation there is no secret to 

 unfold. What .may be said of Cypripediums in this respect may be 

 said of every other class of plants — namely, where a true love for the 

 plants exists, it will, in nine cases out ten, call out the intelligence 

 and energy necessary to cultivate them with success. 



With a few exceptions, w^hich shall be noticed presently, I grow 

 them all in the warmest or Indian Orchid house, placed on the side- 

 tables, w^here they are exposed to plenty of light and no draughts. The 

 temperature in winter ranges from 58° at night to 68° by day; in 

 summer, from 68° at night up to 75° by day, and of course more with 

 sun-heat. All the shading found necessary is to screen them from 

 strong sun. The hot-water pipes are covered with evaporating-pans 

 kept constantly full of water. The paths, pipes, and stages are damped 

 as often as the air begins to get dry. So long as there is plenty of mois- 

 ture in the air, a few degrees extra heat is not injurious. The syringe 

 is seldom used, being convinced that the method adopted is the most 

 conducive to good health. The foliage remains longer clean, and 

 has a fine, glossy, full, plump appearance, which adds greatly to the 

 general finish of the plants. The material I grow them in consists of 

 two parts tough fibry peat, one part Sphagnum moss, with a liberal 

 supply of charcoal and river-sand. The pots should be perfectly 

 clean ; and their drainage is of great importance. The ^vay 

 I do it is, to take small pots without the bottoms and invert 

 them one above the other, sufficiently high for the topmost to form a 

 rest for the root stem, with the addition of 2 inches of crocks or char- 

 coal, and over all some of the largest pieces of the material used for 

 potting. In turning the plants out of the pots, all the old soil is 

 shaken quite clear from the roots. Everything in the shape of insects 

 and decay is removed. In placing the plant in its position, the neck 

 or collar of the plant is kept rather above the level of the pot. When 

 potted they receive a thorough watering of tepid water. The roots of 

 the plants are not allowed to remain dry for any length of time, and 

 the air of the house is kept regularly moist. If this point is neglected 

 the plants soon show that they are suffering by the thin, hard, dry 

 look of the foliage, and the peculiar unpleasant odour indicates to the 



