and very prolific blossomer which is always a joy in the early spring, D. cucumer- 
inum, which, while distinctly curious in its manner of growth, flowers very fre- 
quently—my specimen seeming to flower on and off throughout the year. Cym- 
bidiums ividifolium, suave, and canaliculatum are all worthy of a place in your 
collection, Sarcochilus Hartmannii, §. Fitzgeraldii, §. falcatus, §. Cecilae and S. 
divitiflorus have charm and interest, the two first named of this group being 
sought after by overseas growers. 
As to our terrestrial Orchids, the beauty of our Phaius grandifolius is famous 
and, with Calanthe veratrifolia, is worthy to be in any collection of Orchids for 
floricultural value alone. But in addition to these, many of our host of small 
ground Orchids under proper treatment will repay the care taken of them and 
reward the grower with beautiful blooms. 
By reason of the fact that their natural growing places are so handy, thus 
enabling us to get a thorough knowledge of their requirements, the cultivation of 
our native species presents very little difficulty even to the beginner. 
The Dendrobiums generally are sun lovers, and will do well grown out in 
the open attached to a tree trunk, or a post, or properly potted up in a basket, pot 
or raft. If potted, good care should be taken of the drainage, for long periods of 
damp feet mean death to an Orchid just as they may do to you or me. The best 
potting material is staghorn or elkhorn peat, and care must be taken that the 
Orchid is planted on the compost and not in it. Those Dendrobiums that grow 
on the open forest trees, such as tetragonum, teretifolium, gracilicaule, etc., need 
less water than the rain forest or scrub Orchids, such as speciosum and aemulum. 
But no variety of Dendrobium needs too much water, and in the winter months 
practically none need be given. 
The native Cymbidiums do well in basket or pot in a peaty compost, though 
a mixture of sand, old dung, leaf-mould and fibre or peat suits them equally well. 
They like a reasonable amount of water during the summer months, but are very 
adaptable to almost any surroundings. I find’ they do best out in the open hung 
from a tree where they can get the morning sun, but where the fierce noon-tide 
rays are broken by overhead foliage. 
Sarcochilus Hartmannii grows on the cliffs of the mountain ranges exposed 
to full morning sunshine. It grows well for me in a compost of sand, leaf-mould 
and charcoal which approximates very closely its natural living conditions. It 
does not require very much water. 
Sarcochilus Fitzgeraldii, however, grows in the cool moist gorges. I grow 
it in a tray of sand and leaf-mould in a cool, damp part of the bushhouse, where 
it does quite well. I once saw a whole mass of this plant growing gaily among 
the damp charcoal screenings under and around the shelves of a bushhouse. 
Sarcochilus falcatus seems to do best if it is left to grow on a branch of a 
tree, particularly a piece of crow’s ash or she-oak, It likes a cool location where it 
gets plenty of light but not too much of the direct rays. 
Sarcochilus divitiflorus does nicely potted in peat and given fair sunlight. 
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