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PSU NEZEINOISIS CASINA aya, 2 
PHALA&NOPSIS CASTA, Rchb.’f, in Gard. Chron., May 8, 1875, p. 5900; Warner & Williams’ Orchid Album V., t. 229, 
Radicibus rotundatis paulo ancipitibus raro asperis ; foliis P. Schilleriane floribus P, amabilis, Lindl. (P. Aphrodite, Blume) callo ejusdem ; sepalo 
summo ac tepalis basi purpureis ; sepalis lateralibus basi punctatis, 
Icones analytice. Flos expansus. Labellum ct columna a latere.  Pollinaria aucta. 
WuiLe the number of natural hybrids among such genera as Odontoglossum, Cattleya, Lzelia, etc., has of late years 
greatly increased, it is somewhat curious to notice that but comparatively few natural hybrid Phalenopsids, or “ Moth 
Orchids,” as they are popularly and rather appropriately termed, have appeared, notwithstanding the enormous quantities 
in which some of the most beautiful species have been imported. Perhaps one of the chief reasons for not meeting with 
larger numbers of “ Moth Orchids” which could be classed as natural hybrids, is that most of the species are not found 
in great abundance, nor do they grow in such close proximity as to afford easy opportunities for cross-fertilisation, either 
by insects or otherwise. Judging by the freedom with which they produce their seed-capsules in cultivation, it is only 
natural to infer that, if under favourable conditions in their native climes, cross-fertilisation would readily take place, and 
our collections would consequently be enriched by curious and beautiful forms. 
Phalzenopsis casta is evidently a natural hybrid, and seems to be the result of a cross between P. Schilleriana and 
P. Aphrodite, the latter being, perhaps, better known under Lindley’s name of P. amabilis. The evidence of the relation- 
ship to these two species is unmistakeably manifested in P. casta during its various periods of growth. Its leaves, when 
young, are spotted like those of P. Schilleriana, but as they grow older these spots gradually disappear. The large, 
handsome flowers—which as far as shape goes, are similar to those of P. Aphrodite—have often the bases of the 
segments more or less suffused with pale rose; the lateral lobes of the lip are streaked with crimson purple on each side 
of the bright yellow and purple spotted callus. 
Unfortunately Phalaenopses do not enjoy the reputation of being easily cultivated, although in some collections no 
apparent trouble whatever is experienced with them. We imagine that locality has much to do with the well-being of 
these plants, otherwise how can it be explained that, when treated in almost precisely the same way, they flourish in one 
part of the country and languish in another ? Phalzenopses, above all other Orchids, must be kept scrupulously clean 
and sweet, and grown in a shaded, airy house. When the plants require repotting, they should be thoroughly cleansed, 
by means of a small brush and tepid water, from all impurities, including old crocks and dead moss ; but great care must 
be taken not to injure the fleshy roots, nor to let water lodge in the crowns of the young leaves. They may then be 
fastened in teak baskets or cylinders, according to taste, by means of carefully placing clean crocks and charcoal around 
the roots, and top-dressing the whole with clean and fresh sphagnum, taking care to have all the leaves free. Being for 
the most part natives of Borneo and the Malayan Archipelago, a warm and moist atmosphere is naturally required by 
these plants, but this must be regulated according to external conditions. In summer the temperature should be about 
80 deg. F., and about to deg. lower at night, descending to 65—70 deg. in the ordinary winter weather. When the 
flowers are expanding, the plants may be moved into a house with a drier atmosphere, as moisture causes the blooms to 
become spotted, and hinders them from presenting a mass of almost unrivalled beauty for several weeks. 
Drawn from a plant in the collection of F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C,, Oldfield, Bickley Park. 
