40 STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



brilliant red on the ripening of the fruit. Propagated by Fall-struck 

 cuttings. 



ORCHIDS— Although there is an immense number of species and forms 

 of orchids few of them are grown solely for their cut flowers. Most of 

 them produce flowers but sparingly, and are chiefly grown in private 

 collections. A large number being hybrids very few of each kind are in 

 cultivation; only those species and their varieties which are procurable 

 in large quantities from their native haunts are grown for cutting from. 

 Under favorable circumstances, and when their w^ants are understood, 

 Orchids are as easily grown as any other class of plants. The epiphytal 

 class has a growing and a resting period. During growth, as a rule, 

 they need lots of water, and when resting they are kept on the dry side 

 so as not to start shoots at the expense of the flowers. Shading is 

 necessary as the sun gets powerful, and a stagnant atmosphere must be 

 avoided at all times. 



Potting material— This is mainly to supply a reservoir for moisture 

 during the growing period, and should consist of chopped fern roots, at 

 least six months old before using, live sphagnum, charcoal and broken 

 pots. If grown in pots or pans these should be filled two-thirds vrith 

 crocks, the plant elevated above the rim of the pot, using lumps of the 

 fern root, pieces of charcoal and finishing off with a thin layer of live 

 sphagnum. The best time to pot is before the plants start growth. 



Calanthe— This is not an epiphyte, but a terrestrial Orchid growing 

 among soil. It responds very readily to good treatment. As the 

 demand for Orchid flowers is on the increase this must eventually be- 

 come a popular genus. It is one of the few which allows of being prop- 

 agated freely. Loam, peat, sphagnum and well-decayed cow manure, 

 with a little sand added, will form a good mixture. Good drainage is 

 necessary, as the plants, while growing, need heavy waterings. During 

 the growing season a high temperature is necessary, lowering it and 

 curtailing the supply of water when growth is completed. When done 

 blooming either shake the plants from the soil and stand them in empty 

 pots, or withhold water from the roots. They should be started in 

 March. Careful watering is necessary at first. 



Cattleyas— These are the most popular Orchid flowers at present, 

 owing to their large size and delicate colorings. C. crispa is in flower 

 during July and later; C. labiata comes in during November. C. Triana^ 

 and C. Mossiae are the most profltable, as they bloom at a season when 

 there is a demand for the flowers. Of both species there are numerous 

 varieties. C. Trianoe is in season from November to February, C. Mossiae 

 in May. 



Ccelogyne cristata — If kept in a healthy condition at the roots this is 

 a very free bloomer. The potting material should be examined after the 

 flowers are gone, and if decayed replace with fresh material. In largo 

 specimens this is a tedious operation. A good size for flowering may 

 go into 10-inch pans. By the beginning of June we place our plants 

 under the shade of trees for four months, where they develop splendid 

 growth. Their flowering season in during February and March, and 



