FLORICULTURE. 371 



observed. First of all, all truly epiphytal orchids need a season of rest 

 and a season of growth; that is, when the plant begins to grow, which is 

 generally in the spring time, but varies in different plants and species, 

 the supply of water and the temperature should be increased; when the 

 pseudo-bulb is nearly full grown, the plant should receive its maximum 

 amount of heat and moisture. A temperature of 60 to 70 degrees is most 

 suitable for the majority of orchids. As soon as the growth is completed,, 

 the plant should gradually receive more sun, air and less water, so as ta 

 ripen off the pseudo-bulb well and thus insure good flowering. After the 

 growth has been ripened, then only enough water should be given to pre- 

 vent the plant from shriveling. As soon as the buds begin to show, more 

 water should be given to fully develop the flowers. After the flowering 

 season is over the plant generally begins to show signs of growth, when 

 it should receive any potting or re-basketing, if needed; if not, then only 

 a top-dressing of sphagnum moss, and the plant may be started into 

 growth as described. 



The best potting material is good fibrous peat and clean sphagnum 

 moss, with plenty of potsherds intermixed. Good .drainage should be 

 provided, and plants well elevated ■ above the rim of the pots or 

 baskets. In re-potting, care should be taken not to disturb the roots; 

 rather break the old pot, wjiile the basket can be set into a larger one 

 and some material worked around. Over-potting should be avoided, and 

 plants not disturbed or potted, unless necessary. 



Orchids, as a rule, are fond of pure, fresh air and plenty of light, while 

 many delight in sunshine. The plants should be kept clean from insects 

 by occasional sponging, and some tobacco stems being laid on the hot 

 water pipes from time to time. With these general cultural directions, 

 and the brief statement with each described species, any one will be able 

 to grow orchids without any difficulty, and reap a rich harvest of their 

 beautiful blossoms. The Cypripediums, being terrestrial orchids, differ 

 in the culture only that they require the same potting, but should not at 

 any time of the year receive any rest, but be kept moist in the same way 

 as palms or ferns. 



The following are some of the most popular, showy, easiest cultivated, 

 and most inexpensive orchids in cultivation: 



Calanthe Vestita, from China. This terrestrial species is very useful 

 for cutting purposes during December, January and Februaiy, its time 

 of flowering. The flowers are produced thirty to fifty on long stems, and 

 are white with yellow or red centre. 



Calanthe Veitchii, hybrid. A hybrid of great merit, producing long 

 spikes of rose-colored flov^^ers, which are very useful for cutting, during the 

 winter months. 



Cattleya Mendellii, from Columbia. A very fine species, flowering from; 

 May to July. The flowers are large, white, with purple-fringed lip. 



Cattleya Mossiae, from Venezuela. This fine plant flowers from May 

 to July. The large flowers, which are produced several on a stem, vary 

 through the different shades of lilac and rose, while the lip is beautifully 

 colored with deep golden-yellow. 



Cattleya Percivaliana, from Venezuela. A species flowering from' 

 November to February. The flowers are of deep rosy-purple color, with 

 richly colored lip of deep crimson-purple and golden-yellow. 



