PHAL^NOPSIS. 135 



ance, for the beauty of the plants consists in their having 

 good foliage as well as good flowers. The growing season is 

 from March to the end of October, during which time the 

 temperature by day should range from 70 to 75, allowing it 

 to rise to 80 or more by sun heat provided the house be 

 shaded. The night temperature should range from 65 to 

 70 in March and April. Afterwards it may be allowed to 

 rise a few degrees higher. During their resting season, from 

 the end of October to February, the temperature should 

 range from 60 to 65 by night, and 65 by day, or even a 

 little more will not do any harm with sun heat. In giving 

 air, a little should be admitted close to the hot-water 

 pipes, so that it may be warmed on entering the house ; 

 a little moisture should be sprinkled about on fine days, 

 but let it be in the morning so that the house may be dry 

 by night. 



Phalcenopses are grown in different ways; some are 

 placed on blocks, some in pots, and others in baskets. I 

 have found them to succeed well under all three modes of 

 treatment, but they require more moisture at the roots if 

 grown on blocks ; if in pots, give more drainage than in 

 baskets. The best way is to place an empty pot upside 

 down in the bottom of the one you intend for the plant, 

 and then fill in with potsherds broken into pieces about two 

 inches square to within two inches of the rim ; then fill up 

 with sphagnum, having a few small potsherds mixed with it, 

 and elevate the plant three inches above the rim, taking care 

 to keep it well above the moss. The successful culture 

 of these plants, as well as of all others, depends upon effi- 

 cient drainage. If grown on blocks they should be placed on 

 a good-sized one, so that there is room for the roots to cling 

 to it. In fastening the plant on, first place a little live 

 sphagnum on the block, and afterwards fix the plant qn 

 with copper wire and hang it up to the roof, but not too 

 near the glass, or your plants may get injured by cold, which 



