CUT-FLOWER CROPS 283 



upper sepal usually larger than the petals, and the two 

 lower sepals usually united in one. The petals are spread- 

 ing, often colored like the sepals. The labellum becomes 

 a large inflated sac. The essential organs are variously 

 modified so they differ in structure from other orchids. 



Commercially, cypripediums and selenipediums are the 

 same. Botanically they are different. Selenipediums are 

 South American cypripediums. Technically, the genus 

 is separated from cypripedium by its having a three- 

 celled ovary, flowers several in a panicle, and it is a more 

 robust grower. 



Habitat. North and South America, Europe, Asia, 

 Malay Archipelago. None from Africa or Australia. 



377. Culture of cypripediums. Cypripediums are 

 among the easiest of orchids to cultivate. They require 

 no resting period, therefore they should be kept moist 

 throughout the year. They should be grown in a house 

 which registers from 60 to 65 at night in winter, and 

 about 70 day temperature. On the approach of spring, 

 the temperature should be raised a little, and in the fall 

 decreased. About the middle of February, the glass 

 should be given a light shading, and about the last of 

 May this should be made heavier, then gradually re- 

 moved during the fall, so that in the winter they may 

 have full sunlight. The larger number are terrestrial 

 and should be potted and grown as advised for ccelogyne. 

 The plants are evergreen. 



The hardy varieties grow best under shrubs or in shaded 

 rockeries. They also force well. The soil should be an 

 open and porous mixture of about equal parts chopped 

 sod and leaf mold. An eight- or ten-inch pot with at 

 least two inches of drainage in the bottom will hold 

 several crowns which are planted about two inches be- 



