150 



ORCHID-GROWEK S MANUAL. 



■enclosed in a sheath, rises from .the top of the stem, and a single spike 

 sometimes contains as many as nine perfect flowers — we have seen as 

 many as thirty. 



The whole of the Cattleyas are on scientific grounds referred by 

 -Px'of. Eeichenbach to Epidendrum; but" it is not necessary to overload 

 Our pages by quoting this synonymy." 



^'^^'fi%ilture. — The plants generally begin to make their growth for the 

 •iMjxt season as soon as the flowering is, over ; but some of them, such as 

 C. WaUceriana, G. violacea, C. superba, and several others, flower while 

 making their growth. We have found Cattleyas thrive best in potS:a,nd 

 baskets, with the exception of C. WaUceriana, G. marginata, C. citrina, 

 G. Aclandiae, G. superha, and other small growing kinds,' which grow best 

 on blocks with a small quantitj^ of moss, or in small pans with the same 

 compost as for pots. If the accommodation is limited, all the kinds may 

 be grown on blocks, but they will then require more attention, and 

 seldom thrive so well as they do in pots or baskets. They require a 

 good depth of drainage ; so that the pots or pans should be filled about 

 half full of potsherds, and these covered with a layer of moss, the 

 remaining space being filled up with peat, a few lumps of charcoal being 

 added, taking care always to have the plants elevated well above the 

 rim. 



We grow nearly all the Caitleyas in the Brazilian house, and are 

 accustomed to give them a good supply of heat and atmospheric moisture, 

 and' not too. much .water at the rootS' while they are growing. Water 

 applied to the roots aboiit three times a week will be sufficient for those 

 in the most vigorous state of growth; too much water is apt to cause 

 the bulbs to rot. Wc find it a good plan, while the • Gattleyas are in 

 vigorous growth during the summer months, to frequently • syringe 

 beitween the pots on every fine warm day. So long as the soil remains 

 moist, no water is required ; and when the surface of the soil beconies 

 dry, water should be applied to the roots — not to the bulbs, as it is apt 

 te). injure them greatly. When the plants have made their growth- they 

 should be allowed to rest, and be kept rather dry, giving them just 

 ^sufficient ws^ter to prevent their shrivelling. 



'"■ Cattleyas require all the light possible, therefore a thin shading 

 should be used ; even this need only be lowered when the sun is shining 



