Compost as for Dendrobiums. A little good leaf-mould and moss make a satis- 
factory addition. Pot high, firmly, and stake securely. Provide ample drainage. 
Use well shredded peat, osmunda fibre, todea fibre or cocoanut fibre, either 
singly or mixed. 
AR AC PLINIES 
A small but very interesting genus of epiphytical plants found in the Moluccas— 
“particularly Java and Borneo. They are closely allied to the Renantheras and the 
Vandas, with which genera some of the species have been included from time 
to time. The type species is flos-aeris, whose spider-like flowers gave the genus 
its name. They are found in the tropical jungles generally growing upon the lower 
branches of the trees, but sometimes on rocks and cliffs. 
They are usually regarded as rather difficult subjects for cultivation, probably 
due to wrong treatment. The principal species are:— 
ARACHNIS FLOS-AERIS (Syn.: Arachnanthe moschifera) . 
The type species. Growth similar to Hookerae. Flowers are large and of a yel- 
lowish white to lemon colour, spotted with purple, spider-like in form. They 
have a strong musk-like scent and last for seven to ten weeks in perfection. 
Cultural conditions are similar to those presented for Arachnis Hookerae. 
ARACHNIS HOOKERAE. 
This plant is something like an Epidendrum Boundii in appearance, but the stem 
is much thicker and the leaves longer and more leathery in texture. It grows to 
a height of from eight to ten feet and throws flower spikes from the upper nodes. 
These spikes are long and loose and usually carry up to fifteen or twenty flowers 
24 to 3 inches across, somewhat spider-like in form, coloured orange with reddish 
to purple spots. It has a lavender-like scent. A native of Java and Borneo, it 
requires consistently warm treatment, The variations of temperature and rain- 
fall are:— 
temperature rainfall temperature rainfall 
January 73° to 91° 13 inches July 70° to 89° 3 inches 
February Fa bon Se yay August Zi to 89 7 aaa 
March 73) took: Be iKviee September 71° to 92° BON ph 
April 72) ‘to 91: Soe reas October 72) to92 r Ae 
May 72,.,to. 91" Ale November 73° to 92° Bhat 
June 71° to 90° Abe ve December 72. te 91" Ce 
It will be seen from this table that to have any chance of success this species 
must be grown in a glasshouse in Brisbane, with heat in the Winter months. In 
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