orchids: how to ghow them successfully. 95 



in fibrous peat and splia^j^num, about Marcli or Apiil, as it then coni- 

 iMonccs to grow and ])nsli out now roots. Water moderately at first. 



All through the summer months, whilst the new pseudo bulbs 

 are in course of formation, the i)lant shoidd not be allowed to 

 suffer from drought, but watered when the compost assumes a 

 \\-liitish appearance. When the new growths liave reached their 

 normal size, the bloom buds begin to form and push, by degrees, 

 from the slu;ath, and open during the months of September and 

 October. But, like some others, this Orchid will occasionally push 

 up its flowers from the apex of the pseudo bulb without the 

 ])resence of the sheath : whilst, on the other hand, a sheath may 

 l)e formed and a flower fail to come. But these are exceptions 

 and not the rule. It sometimes happens that autumn-flowering 

 Cattleyas, instead of pushing up their flowers, start a young 

 growth from the base of the newly-formed pseudo bulb, and in 

 such a case I always pinch off the new growth to induce the flower 

 to form and open in due course. If, instead, the young growth is 

 allowed to remain, it rarely develops a full-sized, strong pseudo 

 bulb, and the autumn is far advanced before the growth is even 

 matured, and all hope of se(;ing the bloom grow and expand may 

 be abandoned. After floweiing veiy little water is required, only 

 enough to keep the bulbs and leaves healthy and plump ; probably 

 once a week will be sufficient, always taking care that the plant is 

 in a warm and diy position during winter. When the flower spikes 

 have been cut, the sheath should be entirely removed by pulling 

 them clean away from the pseudo bulb, and all danger of damping 

 or decaying will thus be arrested. Strong plants, newly imported 

 or established, at from 10 - to 20/-. 



A variety named C. Dowiana is very similar, l)ut is not such 

 a free bloomer. 



Cattleya lablvta Gaskelliaxa. From South America. 

 This is a late summer blooming species, producing its flowers 

 during the month of August and the early part of September, and 

 should be potted in March, just as they commence making their 

 growth, or may be left until after the plants have flowered. 

 Fibrous peat and sphagnum in equal proportions, with a little 

 broken charcoal mixed in suits this and all other Cattleyas, and the 

 pots should be well drained half theii' depth, placing large crocks at 

 the bottom, and smaller with some charcoal over them. Cattleyas 



