stanhopea. 295 



Stanhopea. 



A most beautiful genus of epiphytes, most of wliicli have 

 somewhat ovate furrowed pseudobulbs, which bear a large 

 dark green plaited leaf, some twelve inches or more long, and 

 six or more inches broad. The scape proceeds from the base 

 of the pseudobulbs, taking a downward direction. Flowers 

 large, curiously formed, thick and waxy in texture, in most 

 of the kinds highly coloured, and emitting a very strong per- 

 fume ; but unfortunately they remain but a few days in perfec- 

 tion, which has probably led so many growers of this order 

 to relinquish their culture. This is much to be regretted, 

 for, as they are free -flowering plants, a succession of blooms 

 renders them gay for a long time. Stanhopeas are of easy 

 culture, and are best grown in baskets, with siDhagnum moss, 

 and suspended from the roof; they require a liberal supply 

 of water in the growing season, and plenty of shade. The 

 baskets should be made shallow, and open at the bottom and 

 sides, so that the flowers may easily find their way through. 

 After their growth is completed they are the better for a good 

 period of rest, during which they should be kept nearly dry 

 at the roots. They will grow well in either the East Indian 

 or Brazilian house. I shall only mention a few of the best 

 sorts in these pages, though there are many others well 

 deserving a place in an Orchid collection, especially where 

 room is not an object. These plants are subject to the red 

 spider and the thrips, to prevent the attacks of which the 

 leaves should be well syringed during hot weather. 



S, aurea. — Pseudobulbs and leaves dark green, and together 

 about eighteen inches high. The colour of the flowers is 

 yellow. It blooms during the summer and autumn months. 

 Native of Guatemala. 



8. Bucephalus. — This fine plant is certainly one of the 

 richest coloured in the whole family. Its flowers, which 



