286 BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 



Stake the plant securely, and then with the fingers pack a mixture 

 of fibrous peat and sphagnum, two-thirds of the former to one of 

 the latter, among the roots, and finish off a little above the top 

 of the pot. It is well to use a fairly large pot one that will 

 permit of extension for about three years as frequent repotting 



is undesirable. 



Throughout their growing season Cattleyas love abundance of 

 moisture, both at the roots and in the atmosphere. Given this, in 

 a light, airy house with a temperature of 60 (night) to 70 (day) 



throughout the summer, the plants will 

 grow rapidly. They will be the better for 

 light shade in very bright, hot weather. 

 When the growth is complete very little 

 water will be needed. So long as the 

 pseudo-bulbs keep fresh, and show no signs 

 of shrivelling, the plants will be all right, 

 even if they are kept without water for two 

 or three weeks. With the treatment indi- 

 cated the plants will bloom well. 



The flowering season of the Cattleyas 

 varies with the species. Some, and amongst 

 them the small fragrant yellow citrina, bloom 

 in spring. One of the best known is Mossiae, of which there 

 are many beautiful varieties. This grand Cattleya is imported in 

 enormous quantities, and is very cheap when bought at the auction 

 sales. The body colour may vary from white or blush to deep 

 purplish red or crimson. Mendelii, white tinted with rose, is 

 another good species, and of it also the varieties are numerous. 

 Both these bloom in late spring and early summer. Trianae is 

 a magnificent winter-flowering Cattleya, with a bevy of lovely 

 daughters. The colour is variable ; it may be white with a purple 

 lip. Labiata vera is an autumn bloomer, and also has a large 

 number of fine forms. It is rose, mauve, or purple, with yellow. 



ORCHIDS POTTING AN ORCHID 



A, small empty inverted flower-pot 

 B, crocks ; C, peat, charcoal, &c. 

 D, sphagnum moss. 



