P halcenopsis Esmeralda is a dwarf, compact, evergreen species, and a perfect 

 em as regards the colour of its flowers. The leaves are oblong, ligulate, acute, 

 of a peculiar shade of green ; the scape issues from the axils of the leaves, and 

 attains a height of from fifteen to twenty inches, bearing a raceme of numerous 

 flowers, which are of a uniform brilliant amethyst colour, having bluntly oblong 

 sepals and petals, and a three-lobed lip. It blooms during the summer and 

 autumn months, and continues flowering for several weeks. We find this plant 

 requires the heat of the East India house, and will thrive equally well either in a 

 pot or hanging basket, with sphagnum moss and good drainage. It also requires 

 a liberal supply of water to the roots during summer ; but a much less quantity 

 during autumn and winter will sufiice. At this season, however, the moss should 

 be kept moist, bearing in mind to keep the foliage in a plump state, as these 

 plants continue to grow nearly all the year round. Shade is very necessary for this 

 Phalsenopsis during summer, as it will deteriorate if the sun is allowed to shine 

 full upon its leaves during the hottest part of the day ; a little sun in the early 

 morning, before it attains power, will not injure -the foliage, and the same 

 in the afternoon, when the sun is on the decline, will tend to streno-then it, and 



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render the leaves more robust and firm in texture, which enables it the better 

 to withstand the long dreary winters we are often subjected to. This is a free- 

 rooting plant, and with ordinary care can be induced to flower most profusely. It is 

 also a species which is not very delicate, and will undergo more hardships than 

 most Phalsenopsids. It should be grown in a light place, not too far from the 

 glass, always keeping good and sweet material about the roots, but not much of 

 it ; decayed moss is especially injurious, but if it is kept in a growing condition 

 it will be found most beneficial to the health of the plant. The foliage must be 

 kept free from insects, as sometimes scale and thrips will attack it, and if allowed 

 to remain, will speedily prove injurious; but these pests can be easily removed 

 by washing with a sponge and clean water. 



