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c*:* • iiiiii 



M Jl?^ (g-ard^r) a^d Is)aloi). ^ 



ORCHIDS FOR AMATEURS. 



HE most popular flowers of the day, perhaps, are 

 the orchids. Many varieties are sold at fabulous 

 prices, and persons are sent into all parts of the 

 world where they grow to collect new varieties. 

 Amateurs are beginning to attempt the culture 

 of some kinds, and I am very glad of this, because 

 there are several fine varieties which can be grown 

 in the ordinary greenhouse, and the study of this 

 peculiar class of plants is sure to be greatly enjoyed. 

 It is difficult to say which is most interesting to 

 the enthusiastic florist, their beauty or their pecu- 

 liarities. It has been demonstrated satisfactorily of late that some of the best 

 sorts can be grown among ordinary collections of plants. Even some kinds 

 which were formerly considered hothouse varieties, can be brought to perfection 

 in a house adapted to carnationsj and other plants of similar character. Expe- 

 rience has shown that Dendrobiuni nobik, Wardianum and Densiflorum^ and a 

 large number of cypripediums, cattelyas, lycastes, oncidiums and epidendrums 

 may be grown in the ordinary greenhouse along with a miscellaneous collection 

 of plants. This being the case, I would urge amateurs possessing such houses 

 to invest a few dollars in good plants, and experiment with them. 



There are two classes of orchids : those which grow in earth, called terres- 

 trial orchids, and those which grow on trees, rocks and similar places, epiphytal 

 orchids. Most kinds require a long season of rest, especially the class last 

 named. In their native habitat, flowering and growing periods are succeeded 

 by periods of complete rest, and we must imitate Nature's management of them 

 if we would be successful with them. All orchids which form what is called 

 pseudo-bulbs, must be thoroughly matured before success can be attained in 

 their culture. Evergreen sorts, which do not form these bulbs, require to be 

 kept moist at all times, but a larger quantity of water is required at times when 

 they are making growth than after that growth is completed. 



The chief essentials in orchid culture are fresh soil for such kinds as 

 require earth to grow in, clean pots, freedom from insects, and a steady tem- 

 perature. Dendrobiums do about equally well in pots, baskets, or on blocks of 



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