dendrobium. - 153 



Dendrobium. 



This is a magnificent genus of Orchids, producing, in some 

 of the species, flowers which are very large and deHcate in 

 colour, and delightfully fragrant ; indeed, there are not many 

 Orchids that surpass the Dendrobiums, for their beautiful 

 flowers are of nearly every shade of colour, and some of 

 them blossom very freely. Many of them, moreover, retain 

 their leaves all the year round, whilst others are deciduous. 

 Some of the kinds are compact in their growth, while others 

 are straggling ; and others again are very graceful in habit, 

 especially when cultivated in baskets and suspended from 

 the roof, for in this way their pendulous stems hang down and 

 exhibit the flowers to the best advantage ; indeed, all the 

 drooping kinds require to be grown either in baskets, or on 

 blocks of wood. 



Though some of the Dendrobiums require different treat- 

 ment from others, they may all be successfully cultivated with 

 proper attention. The majority of the species are found in 

 various parts of India and the Indian Islands, growing on the 

 branches of trees, frequently such as hang over streams of 

 water ; whilst others are found in Australia. To grow these 

 plants to perfection, they must have a decided season both of 

 rest and of growth ; for it is quite necessary that they should 

 make strong stems or pseudobulbs for the production of a 

 good crop of flowers, and it is equally essential that these 

 growths should be well ripened. Some of the sorts are best 

 grown in pots, with peat and good drainage ; others do best 

 on blocks of wood. Nearly all of them should be placed in 

 the East Indian house during their period of growth, as they 

 require a good supply of heat and moisture, with a liberal 

 quantity of water at the roots ; in fact, the moss or peat should 

 never be allowed to get dry while they are in vigorous growth. 

 After their growth is finished, allow them a good season of 



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