PROPAGATION OF ORCHIDS. 47 



PROPAGATION OF ORCHIDS. 



I HE RE are clifFercnt modes of propagating the various 

 kinds of Orchids. Some are easily increased by 

 dividing them into pieces, or by cutting the old 

 pseudobulbs from the plants after the latter have done bloom- 

 ing ; such plants as Dendrohiums are increased in this way. 

 The best time for dividing the plants is just as they begin to 

 grow, or when they are at rest. They should be cut through 

 with a sharp knife between the pseudobulbs, being careful not 

 to harm the roots ; and each piece should have some roots 

 attached to it. After they are cut through, they should be 

 put into some shady part of the house, without receiving much 

 water at the roots till they have begun to grow and made 

 fresh ones ; then they may be parted, potted, and have the 

 regular supply. Dendrohmm nohile, D. Pierardi, D. pul- 

 cJiellian, D. Devonianum, D. Falconeri, D. superbum, D. 

 Wardianum, D. crassinode, D. sitjjevbiens, D. bigibhmn, and 

 sorts of similar habit, are easily propagated. This is effected 

 by bending the old pseudobulbs round the basket or pot in 

 which they are growing ; or by cutting the old flowering bulbs 

 away from the plant, and laying them on some damp moss in 

 a shady and warm part of the house, with a good supply of 

 moisture. In either case, they will break and make roots and 

 new shoots, after which they may be potted or put in baskets. 

 Such kinds as D. Jenkinsii, D. aygrcgatum, D. formosum, 

 D. speciosum, D. densifiorum, D. thyrsifiorum, D. suavissimimi , 

 and similar growing sorts, are increased by simply dividing 

 the plants. 



The species of Aerides, Vanda, Angracum, Saccolabiwn, 

 Camarotis, Renanthera, and plants of similar habit, are pro- 



