106 orchids: now to gkow them successfully. 



L.ELIA AUTUMNALis. From Mexico. 



This is another very pretty species and of very simple culture, 

 but it has a reputation for deteriorating, which is certain to follow 

 if wrongly cultivated, whereas, if hardened at the proper season, it 

 will last in good condition as long as any other Orchid and flower 

 as freely. It flowers in November and December, is very similar in 

 habit and general requirements to LseHa anceps, a,nd if treated in 

 the same way will take no harm. I would advise, however, that it 

 be always grown in a hanging basket near the glass, giving the 

 plant the full benefit of the bright sunshine whenever possible. 

 After the flowering an absolute rest should be given, but not so as 

 to cause shrivelling, and at that period it is capable of withstanding 

 a low degree of temperature, and will endure cold or direct draught 

 better than most Orchids. Plants should be purchased at about the 

 same price as quoted for Laelia anceps, but good newly imported 

 plants with good foliage are best. 



L^LIA PURPURATA. From St. Catherina. 



This is a noble growing and fine Orchid, in appearance very 

 much Hke a Cattleya, indeed, there is so little difference between 

 Cattleyas and Lsehas as to sometimes cause surprise that they are 

 not included in one group. There is, however, a botanical 

 distinction, consisting of the Cattleya having four pollen masses, 

 while the LfeHa has eight. 



This species (L. purpurata) is best grown in pots half filled 

 with drainage, and potted in peat and sphagnum in equal pro- 

 portions, and after being repotted it is apt to shrivel a httle, but 

 with just ordinary care it soon becomes re-estabHshed and grows 

 very freely. No better place can be found for this plant than on 

 the stage and well up to the light, watering and treating exactly 

 the same as a Cattleya. It differs slightly, however, inasmuch as 

 it is rarely ever at rest, growing during winter as well as in 

 summer, and has therefore no definite resting season. Its time of 

 flowering is May or June, and the varieties vary very much in 

 colouring, some being particularly dark and others almost a pure 

 white, all being well worth growing. 



This species may be purchased either as newly imported or 

 established plants, but a nice healthy established plant is perhaps 

 to be preferred, as, unless Lselia purpurata is imported in first-rate 



