CUT-FLOWER CROPS 277 



they should be much smaller than for most other species. 

 As the plants develop, they need to be re-potted from year 

 to year as the soil medium is filled with roots. 



365. Temperature requirements. The temperature 

 required for orchids varies with different species and 

 varieties, and will be considered under the cultural notes in 

 the different genera. 



366. Calanthe, botanical classification. (Name from 

 Greek for beautiful flower) ; tribe, Vanda ; species, 

 vestita. Veitchii is a hybrid between vestita and rosea. 

 It is often given a species rank. This is the best calanthe 

 for cut-flower purposes. There are may other named 

 hybrids and varieties. 



367. Calanthe, botanical characters. Calanthes pro- 

 duce strong pseudobulbs, from the tip of which a broad, 

 plaited leaf develops. After the growing season is ter- 

 minated, the leaves drop and the flower buds soon appear. 

 This is usually about December first. A long peduncle is 

 formed and the basal flowers begin to open about January 

 first. The flower-cluster develops slowly, requiring nearly 

 six weeks. The flowers are mostly white or rose colored. 



Habitat. India. 



368. Culture of calanthe. Calanthes are among the 

 easiest of culture. The soil should contain about one-third 

 each of chopped sod, with the fine soil removed, chopped 

 live sphagnum and leaf-mold, a little charcoal being added 

 to sweeten it. One-third of pot space should be devoted 

 to clean drainage, with a layer of sphagnum. Distribute 

 the roots evenly and work the compost into them firmly, 

 leaving the surface convex and a little below the rim of 

 the pot. The convex surface gives the base of the pseudo- 

 bulb a chance to dry out frequently, thus avoiding black- 

 rot, which is very troublesome in this species. 



