ORCHIDS 285 



We have here named sixteen genera four of the first import- 

 ance, and twelve of the second. 



All these Orchids are divisible into two classes those which 

 grow on blocks or rafts, or get most of their sustenance from 

 the air, and are termed epiphytes ; and those which grow in soil 

 like ordinary plants, and are consequently called terrestrials. 



The vast majority of those who start Orchid-growing do so 

 with imported plants, which arrive in a dry or what appears to 

 be a dry state. We may very well begin our cultural hints with 

 a few remarks on these imported " pieces," as they are called. 

 Some of the kinds will have pseudo-bulbs 

 which are greyish-green swollen growths 

 coming between the roots and the leaves 

 and others will not. 



Taking Cattleyas first, we may say that 

 they have pseudo-bulbs. -They are grown in 

 pots, but the compost used is not the loam, 

 leaf-mould, decayed manure, and sand which 

 make up most potting mixtures ; it is crocks, 

 sphagnum moss, and peat. The crocks (pieces ORCHIDS-AN IMPORTED 

 of broken flower-pot) should be clean. In 



dealing with imported pieces, which require to be freshened and 

 stimulated into growth before they are fully potted, only crocks 

 need be used ; and if they are kept moist, the plants will soon start 

 in the temperature which has been indicated as desirable for them. 

 They may be kept upright by means of a stake firmly fixed in the 

 crocks ; the plant should be securely attached to it, as if loosely 

 tied, and subject to shaking, they would be slow in rooting. It 

 is very desirable that a moist atmosphere be maintained. 



As soon as the plants have started vigorously, both at top 

 and base, they may be fully potted. At this operation the other 

 ingredients come into use. First of all, the pots are filled two- 

 thirds up with crocks, and then a layer of sphagnum is placed on. 



