outside they are deep lilac; the lip is purplish brown, with a light ochreous 
border. Its flowers are produced in the summer months, and they continue in 
full beauty for a long time without injury to the plant. 
This species should be grown on a block of wood, or better perhaps a raft, 
in which position its creeping stems will have space to ramble, and its roots will 
be able to better absorb the moisture from the atmosphere than is the case when 
an attempt is made to grow this plant in a pot. In its native country the plant 
grows upon the branches and stems of the forest trees, where they derive nourish- 
ment from the tropical rains, and from the decayed leaves which fall from the 
trees and alight amongst their pseudobulbs; and in the dry season they are 
sustained by heavy dews. The present plant enjoys a liberal supply of water under 
cultivation during the growing season, and during the period in which growth is 
‘not active the roots must be kept in a moist condition in order to maintain the 
pseudobulbs plump and firm. Neglect of this enfeebles the plant, and prevents the 
development of its handsome flowers in due season. 
The temperature of the East India-house is most congenial to this species 
during the period of active growth, with abundant atmospheric moisture. It should 
be well exposed to the light, and shaded from the sun during the hottest parts of 
the day in summer; but during the winter no shading will be necessary, and the 
plant or plants hung up near the roof-glass in order that they may obtain all the 
light possible. The plants of this genus do not require much material about their 
roots, but a little is necessary when grown on a raft in order to avoid rapid evapora- 
tion. To this end a little living sphagnum moss should be placed about its roots, 
and a gentle sprinkling from the -syringe morning and evening will be highly 
beneficial, to continue them in robust and vigorous health. In addition, the rafts 
should be frequently taken down and dipped in a tub of water, allowing them to 
become well saturated before hanging them up again in position. This, however, will 
not be needed frequently in winter, but even then do not allow the plant by any means 
to suffer in health by shrivelling. It will also be necessary to carefully keep these 
small-growing plants free from insects, because if these are allowed to increase they 
rapidly produce a sickly appearance which is too frequently succeeded by death ; but 
at any rate, it leads to anything but the desirable appearance, from whence its 
generic name is derived. 
