Mesospinidium vidcanicum is a dwarf compact evergreen plant, with bulbs two 

 inches in height, bearing dark green foliage, its flower spikes are produced from 

 the base of the pseudobulbs, and are a foot or more in length, bearing from 

 ten to twenty flowers, which are of a charming bright dark rose colour ; the lip 

 is dark rose, margined with a somewhat lighter hue, and the colour is also pale 

 on 'the disc.' Its flowering season in its native country ap^iears to be in the 



months of April and ■ May, but under cultivation its beautiful blossoms appear during 

 August and September, and continue in beauty for a considerable length of time. 



Tlie locality in which this plant grows wild naturally points to its requirin 

 cool treatment under cultivation, which renders it more valuable to those having 

 but limited means, and at the same time being of dwarf habit it occupies but 

 little space. We find it one of the easiest plants to grow, and that it thrives 

 well associated with Odontoglossums, either in pots or hanging-baskets. These 

 must be thoroughly drained. The soil we use is a mixture of rough fibrous 

 peat and live sphagnum moss, but the plant should not be overburdened with soil, 

 although it requires to be made firm. When growing this plant enjoys a liberal 

 supply of water, and, after growth is completed, it must by no means be allowed 



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to suffer from drought, but should be kept sufficiently moist to maintain the 

 bulbs in a plump and healthy condition. The growing season commences just after 

 the flowers have faded, and this is the best time to repot, if necessary ; but 

 should the soil about its roots still remain in good condition, it will not be 

 wise to disturb it. This species enjoys light, and delights in a free circulation of 

 air if w^ell charged with moisture ; yet, like the Odontoglossums, it requires to be 

 shaded during the hottest part of the day. Plants subjected to the above treat- 

 ment will be found to grow vigorously, the exposure to the light will ripen the 

 bulbs, and thus cause them to produce flower spikes more freely, and these when 

 expanded are so exceedingly beautiful, that they will be found to repay one for 

 every care and attention v/hich may have been bestowed upon them. 



When desirable to increase the number of plants of this species, propagation 



may be efiected by division just at the time the new growth appears — not less 



than two old bulbs being left at the back of the leading shoot. These divided 

 pieces should be placed in small pots, using the same compost as that previously 

 recommended, then put them in a shady part of the house until they begin to 

 grow and new roots are formed, after which they may be treated as established 

 plants. Mesospinidiums are not very subject to the attacks of insects, but should 

 they become infested these pests will soon injure the young growths if not 

 speedily destroyed. 



