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~ODONTOGLOSSUM SANDERIANUM Rehb. f. 
Pseudobulbis ovoideis compressis ancipitibus diphyllis ; foliis lineari-lanceolatis ; scapo gracili nutante racemoso vel paniculato multifloro ; floribus 
stellatis ; sepalis lateralibus divaricatis lanceis acuminatis ; labello liberrimo cuneato pandurato ; laciniis basilaribus erectis antrorsum, angulato-patulis, lacinia 
mediana oblonga apiculata, margine denticulato crispula, callis rhombeis longitudinalibus, medio emarginatis, hinc bidentatis, geminis in basi ; columna 
clavate breviuscule alis triangulo-acuminatis erectis, Ex Venezuela. 
ODONTOGLOSSUM SANDERIANUM, Rchb. f, in Gard. Chron., Oct. 22, 1881, p. 524; id., April 15, 1882, p. 492. 
Tcones analytice. Labellum explanatum, Columna et labellum a latere. Columna antice. 
OponToGLossum Sanderianum, although, comparatively speaking, a small-flowered species, is nevertheless a pretty one, 
and deserves a place in all orchid collections. There are many things to be said in its favour, and among them must be 
mentioned the fact that it produces numerous flowers during the dullest season of the year, viz., from December to 
February, when few other Odontoglots are in bloom. For several weeks these flowers retain their freshness, and emit a 
most fragrant odour, similar to that of hawthorn blossoms. The sepals and petals are clear yellow, covered with streaks 
and blotches of chestnut brown, and the pure white lip is adorned by a large mauve blotch in the centre. 
Growing on the high mountains of its native country, O. Sanderianum is, therefore, an alpine orchid, and must, 
consequently, be treated as such. It can easily be grown in a house, the temperature of which ranges from 45 deg. to 
50 deg. I. during the winter months, to 55 deg. to 60 deg. in the summer. The usual compost of rough fibrous peat 
and chopped sphagnum, well mixed, suit the plants admirably, and pots are the best and most convenient receptacles for 
them. As this species grows strongly and quickly, it should receive at this period liberal supplies of water. After the 
pseudo-bulbs have been fully developed, the quantity of water may be gradually diminished, and the plants should enjoy 
as much sunlight and air as safety will permit, for in this way only can the growths be properly ripened and, when the 
time comes, push forth strong spikes of sweet-smelling flowers. Happily, this species is not subject to the attacks of the 
pests which, on account of stupid neglect, are often allowed to destroy so many orchids, and take away the immense 
pleasure good cultivation ensures. One often hears, ‘‘ Oh, I cannot flower this or that orchid,” and the fault is simply to 
be attributed to the plants having been infested at one time or other of their growth with greenfly, thrips, spider, and 
the numerous other pests to which these children of the tropics are subject when under cultivation. It is too late to 
fumigate when plants are already half destroyed by these insect pests ; they are then best burnt or thrown on to the 
rubbish heap ; but orchid houses should be fumigated when the plants are believed to be perfectly clean. Be prepared to 
keep the enemy away! have certain dates for smoking the houses ; never swerve or waver in keeping those dates; keep 
them firmly and earnestly in your mind, and mark them on your calendar with red ink. Fumigate twice every month 
and you will never have to complain of bad growths, unhealthy plants, or poor flowers ; but your plants will be sound as 
a rock, and their great, substantial flowers will delight and reward you one hundredfold. 
Our plate is taken from a plant in the collection of the Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe, Elvetham Park, Winchfield. 
