422 ORCHIDS 



Phalcenopsis. 

 and P. violacca — and the other in which the petals are 

 much larger and broader than the sepals, and where the 

 apex of the lip separates into two divergent horns, which 

 in some species assume quite a thread-like form. To the 

 latter section the showiest species belong. A valuable 

 property is the length of time the flowers remain in 

 iDeauty ; indeed, in cases where the plants are not in the 

 most vigorous state, it is advisable to remove the flowers 

 before they naturally fade. 



Culture. — Although in some instances, where particular 

 requirements appear to be exactly- met, Phaljenopses grow 

 as freely as C}'pripediums do, such is not by any means 

 always the case. It often happens that, through differences 

 in moisture, ventilation, &c., they succeed in the same 

 house much more satisfactorilj- in one part than the)- do 

 in another. In one particular instance of our own 

 experience, every endea\-our had been made to grow the 

 plants successfully for man}- years, but the results were 

 most unfavourable. It was decided that they should be 

 removed to another house. In doing so, it was found 

 that two or three of the plants had no apparent life, 

 excepting in the roots around the base of the crown, and 

 because of their unsightliness they were hung from the 

 roof of the old house, little hopes being entertained of 

 their recovery. They had not been in this position long, 

 before they commenced breaking, and continued to grow 

 in a satisfactory manner. In a few months the whole of 

 the plants were returned to their old house and suspended 

 like the previously discarded plants, and although only a 

 few inches nearer the glass than the original position on 

 the stage, the whole of them made such good progress that 

 it is doubtful if a finer lot of Phals;nopses are to be found 

 in cultivation. It is also worthy of note that the majority of 

 these plants had been in cultivation for over twenty years. 



PhaL-enopses are best accommodated when grown in 

 baskets. Afford plenty of drainage, and let the potting 

 compost consist wholly of chopped .sphagnum. During 

 the growing season an abundant supply of water must be 

 afforded, and the plants must not be allowed to suffer from 

 want of moisture until the flowering period is over. From 

 the flowering season until the return of May, when the 

 plants commence to root, little water is required. 



