54 orchids: how to grow them successfully. 



DESIRABLE POSITIONS FOE THE PLANTS. 



In our glasshouses we cannot closely imitate the conditions 

 under which the plants grow in their native habitats ; still it is 

 decidedly advantageous to their wellbeing when we can arrange 

 to reproduce as nearly as possible their natural surroundings, and 

 this, combined with good attention, are undoubtedly the two most 

 important points to be observed in their cultivation ; for if an 

 Orchid is given a place which suits it, and due attention is paid to 

 the plant and its natural requirements, success and credit to the 

 cultivator will be assured. Theory is, however, a great help to the 

 practical man, and much information may be gained from the 

 writings of others, which, if used in conjunction with experience 

 already acquired, will lead to a better appreciation of his work and 

 bring out many important points for his study and consideration, 

 thus increasing each year his store of useful knowledge, a circum- 

 stance not to be despised by any cultivator, however eminent. 

 When Orchids are growing satisfactorily, and look healthy and 

 well, it is a conclusive proof that the conditions under which they 

 are grown, and the position they occupy, are in every way suitable. 



Sickly plants are always to be found in every collection, and 

 their unhealthiness may be attributed to various causes, the true 

 one invariably being traced to the fact that some simple want has 

 not been attended to or is not understood. Tlirip and other insects 

 find it more difficult to make headway and increase when plants 

 are in their proper element. As to position, some plants will 

 thrive the year through without change ; whereas, with Den- 

 drobiums and others fi'equent changes and rearrangement arc; 

 beneficial. 



Some Orchids, such as Cypripediums and other Cool-house 

 kinds, thrive better in the shade, whilst Cattleyas, Lsehas, and 

 Dendrobiums prefer sunlight. Some do best when suspended, 

 others placed on a side stage, whilst instances have occurred when 

 a plant failing to groAV at one end of the house has thrived and 

 grew luxuriantly when moved to the other end. A casual visitor 

 would probably fail to see any reason for this ; but it would soon 

 become evident to the gTower that the plant experienced a decided 

 advantage in one position denied to it in the other. In many 

 cases this is caused by the plants getting a better current of air. 



I find shelves to be extremely useful in this respect, and use 



