ODONTOGLOSSUMS. 121 



ODONTOGLOSSUMS. 



To this magnificent class of Orchids so many fine addi- 

 tions have, of late years, been made, that it now contains 

 some of the showiest in cultivation ; all of them are ever- 

 green ; some have stout thick bulbs, very compact in 

 growth, while others have small bulbs, with small narrow 

 leaves ; all produce their flower spikes from the sides of 

 the bulbs, and they require an intermediate house to grow 

 them in perfection ; little heat is needed for them, many 

 being destroyed by too much. I find them to succeed best 

 in a cool house, the temperature of which ranges from 45 

 to 50, with the exception of 0. citrosmum, which does best 

 along with the Cattleyas ; some are best grown on blocks, 

 while others do best in pots in peat with good drainage, 

 a liberal supply of water at the roots being required 

 during the growing season. They are propagated by di- 

 viding the bulbs just as they begin to push. 



Odontoglossum citrosmum. A charming Orchid from 

 Guatemala. It produces its long pendulous spikes of flowers 

 in June and July; the colour white, the flowers measuring 

 two inches across, twelve or more on one spike. It will 

 continue in perfection four or five weeks, if kept in a cool 

 house free from damp, and makes one of the finest plants 

 for exhibition. 



0. citrosmum roseum. A fine variety of the preceding, 

 from Guatemala, grows in the same way, and produces 

 its rosy flowers on long drooping spikes. J. A. Turner, 

 Esq., exhibited this variety on one occasion, in fine con- 

 dition, with many spikes, at the Manchester Botanic 

 Gardens. 



0. cordatum. A desirable species from Guatemala ; grows 

 ten inches high, with short thick bulbs, from the side of 

 which the spikes proceed ; sepals and petals yellow barred 



