12 ORCHIDS FOR EVERYONE 



the flower producing such pollen may be quite capable of receiving 

 and becoming fertilised by the pollen from another and fertile 

 source. In other words, some hybrids may have the maternal and 

 not the paternal capacity. 



The time that elapses between pollination and fertilisation 

 varies in different genera and species, but in most cases the effect 

 of pollination may be seen in a few hours, the chief indication 

 being the quick collapse of the sepals, petals, and lip. The period 

 that elapses between pollination and the ripening of the seeds 

 varies greatly. In the case of Bletias, Calanthes, and allied terres- 

 trial Orchids, only a few weeks seems necessary, but in the case of 

 most epiphytal Orchids, such as Cattleyas, Lselias, Odontoglossums, 

 etc., the period is usually about twelve months, or a little longer. 

 It is a curious fact that the longer the seeds take to ripen the better 

 they are. 



After the interesting work of pollination, and a record of the 

 cross is made in a stud-book, against a number corresponding to 

 one on a tiny celluloid label attached to the pollinated flower, there 

 follows a time of more or less patient waiting for the seeds to 

 ripen. If all goes well and good seeds result, the next business is 

 that of sowing the seeds. The methods considered necessary to 

 ensure successful germination when Orchid hybridisation was in 

 its infancy, are not those generally followed to-day by the leading 

 raisers. The practice of sowing the seeds on the surface of the 

 compost in which a plant of the same or kindred species has been 

 recently potted is still followed by some raisers for Cypripediums, 

 Calanthes, Cymbidiums, Zygopetalums, Phaius, and other terres- 

 trial kinds, but is rarely adopted for Odontoglossums, etc. 



Cattleyas, Lselias, Brassias, Brassavolas, Epidendrums, 

 Sophronitis, and similar Orchids, are best raised in an ordinary 

 propagating case placed in a house where a warm, moist atmosphere 



