Encyclopedia of Gardening 255 



Phaius (phai-us, from phaios, shining. Ord. Orchidaceae) . A 

 small genus of tropical Orchids, with large, pleated leaves. They 

 differ a good deal in character, some being evergreen and others 

 deciduous. The former need a moist hothouse. The terrestrial 

 species should be grown in fibrous peat and loam in equal parts, 

 sand and a quarter of dried cow manure being added. Humblotii 

 and its white variety alba will thrive in Sphagnum moss to which a 

 little fibrous peat has been added. They may be propagated by 

 division after flowering. They should not be dried off in winter. 

 The Orchids once called Thunias by botanists, and which are 

 deciduous, are now classed with Phaius. These have large flowers, 

 and are very showy. They like a hothouse. They should be potted 

 high in a compost of fibrous peat and loam, equal parts, with sand 

 and a quarter of decayed cow manure. They may be repotted when 

 they start growing in winter, and may be increased by division at 

 that period if required. A good deal of water will be required in 

 summer, but none in winter, when the plants are at rest. Alba 

 (Botanical Magazine, t. 3991), Bensonae (Bot. Mag., t. 5694), and 

 Marshalliae are the most popular of the Thunia species, but there are 

 several hybrids, of which superba and Veitchiana are good. Grandi- 

 folius, Humblotii, maculatus (Bot. Mag., t. 3960), tuberculosus, and 

 Wallichii are the most popular of the Phaius species, but such 

 hybrids as Ashworthianus, Cooksoniae, Norman, and Owenianus 

 are interesting. For details, see a modern work on Orchids. 



Phalaenopsis, Moth Orchid (phalaenop-sis, from phalaina, a moth, 

 and opsis, like. Ord. Orchidaceae). Beautiful Orchids, with 

 flowers in long, graceful spikes. They require to be grown in teak 

 baskets on the roof of a warm house. Nothing but crocks and 

 Sphagnum are required, sufficient of the former being first placed in 

 the baskets to raise the crown of the plants above the top; they 

 may be packed in with Sphagnum ; basketing should be done when 

 growth starts at the close of winter. From then till early autumn 

 a temperature of 70 to 80 should be maintained. During winter 

 60 to 70 will suffice. The atmosphere should be kept in a saturated 

 state. A great deal of water will be needed in summer, but not in 

 winter, when it will suffice to give no more than will keep the moss 

 alive and fresh. Shade from hot sun will be necessary in spring and 

 summer. The following are a few of the best species: Lowii, 

 summer, purple, white, and yellow; Lueddemanniana, purple and 

 white; Sanderiana, pink and white, winter; and Schilleriana, 

 purple, rose, white, and yellow, spring, the best (Botanical Magazine, 

 t. 5530). There are many varieties and hybrids, for particulars of 

 which, see a modern work on Orchids. 



Phaseolus, Kidney Bean (phase-olus, from phasehis, a small boat- 

 Ord. Leguminosae) . See Kitchen Garden. 



Pheasant's Eye. See Bulbs Narcissus. 



Philadelphia, Mock Orange (philadel-phus, the Greek name. 

 Ord. Saxifrageae) . Beautiful deciduous hardy shrubs, with large 

 white flowers, fragrant in many species. They are not particular 

 as to soil. Propagation is by layers in autumn, by suckers, or by 



