68 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING 



and have rather attractive flowers. With their thick, fleshy 

 stems and scale-like leaves, they are curious plants. 



Many of the exotic Orchids can be successfully grown on the 

 trees of our hammocks if proper care is given them. Two of our 

 native species, Epidendrum conopseum and E. tampense grow on 

 trees in the hammocks throughout the greater part of the pen- 

 insula of the state and it is probable that a few of the hardier 

 exotic species might be cultivated over most of this area. First 

 among exotics are the Cattleyas, queens among Orchids. All 

 of them bear large, handsome flowers, and with the exception of 

 C. citrina, which is a cool house species, all that I have tried have 

 done well. With a good selection one may have blossoms through- 

 out the entire year, provided his plants are large and in good 

 condition. C. labiata and its varieties will furnish flowers dur- 

 ing the spring, summer and autumn and C. trianae, by some 

 considered a variety of labiata, is a winter bloomer. C. labiata 

 and C. trianae have mostly pink to purplish flowers; C. dowiana, 

 yellow, and C. wagneri, white. 



The Laelias have handsome flowers and are closely related to 

 the Cattleyas, having much the same range of color, though they 

 are less showy. L. anceps, L. m,ajalis, L. perrini, L. jonghiana 

 and L. superbiens promise well here. 



Dendrobium is a large genus of Oriental Orchids, most of which 

 are handsome and easily grown. D. nobile and its varieties are 

 among the finest; D. wardianum, D. palpebre, D. moschatum, D. 

 superbum, D. fimbriatum, D. formosum, D. densiflorum and D. 

 griffithianum are all doing well with me. The last two have hya- 

 cinth-like spikes of deep yellow flowers; those of the others vary 

 through white, red, purple and straw color. D. phalanopsis and 

 its variety schroederianum are very fine, with deep purple flowers, 

 individual specimens of which have remained in perfection with 

 me for over three months. So far the Dendrobes are perfectly 

 healthy with me. A number of them throw out air roots from the 

 young stems; these stems can be cut off and will make new plants. 

 I occasionally put stems among my pots containing plants on the 

 shelves in the slat house and by keeping them slightly moist I 

 can sometimes root them. 



Oncidium is a large and fine genus inhabiting the American 



