ORCHIDS FOR PARLOR CULTURE. HI 



Orchids, adapted to parlor culture, are all from genera 

 having evergreen leaves, and the foliage of some is orna- 

 mental. 



The general rules for potting Orchids are : give plenty 

 of drainage ; no Orchids thrive in a close, sour soil. Many 

 require plenty of water, but none thrive in standing water ; 

 make the soil porous, lumpy, broken, not sifted; give 

 pure air, and light, and a decided season of rest ; keep 

 the foliage clean and free from dust, and preserve the 

 roots from their numerous insect enemies. 



LYCASTE. 



A family of some thirty species of terrestrial Orchids 

 from South America. The leaves are large and plaited, 

 the flowers borne usually on single scapes, large and very 

 showy. 



These plants should be potted in coarse peat and 

 sphagnum moss with broken potsherds or bits of char- 

 coal. 



When growing, they need plenty of water, and even 

 when at rest should never be allowed to become entirely 

 dry. 



L, Skinneri. This beautiful plant is a native of Guate- 

 mala. The flowers are large, from three to six inches in 

 diameter sepals and petals white or rose, recurved, lip 

 varying from pure white to deepest carmine. The growth 

 is made in summer, the flowers are produced in winter ; 

 they last six weeks in beauty and many are produced in 

 succession. 



Although a close moist atmosphere is best suited to 

 this plant when in growth, it may be grown in the parlor ; 

 give plenty of water and light without full sun, the object 



