90 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [Marcn, 1903. 
CALANTHE REGNIERI. 
Or the deciduous section of Calanthes, this species and its varieties may 
be considered as amongst the most useful stove plants which bloom at this 
time of year. The flowers commence to open about the middle of 
January, and last well into March. The spikes of bloom, from strong 
vigorous pseudobulbs, are often seen from four to six feet in length, and 
are exceedingly effective for decorative purposes generally; especially so- 
when stood upon the floor of the Orchid house, and arranged amcngst 
Palms, Ferns, Cyperus, &c. The spikes when cut and placed in water 
last for three or four weeks in a cool room. The formation of the inflores- 
cence as well as the time of flowering marks them out as distinct from. 
those of the C. vestita section. 
The typical C. Regnieri, from Cochin China, produces flowers with’ 
white sepals and petals, the lip having varying tints of rose pink. C.R. 
Sanderiana is probably the best of this section ; it has large white flowers, 
with a dark crimson blotch on the lip. C. R. Williamsii isa pretty variety; 
its petals are white with a rose-coloured border; the sepals white, some- 
times shaded with pink, and the lip rosy crimson. C. R. Stevensii has also: 
white sepals and petals, with a pretty light rose-coloured lip. Unfortunately 
this last named variety is unsuitable to grow in the neighbourhood of 
London, as the blooms are quickly destroyed in foggy weather. 
When the flowers commence to open, water at the root should be dis- 
continued altogether, and the plants should be stood in the driest position 
available in the house where they have been grown. After the spikes are 
cut, still keep the soil dry. The plants will begin to grow again in April,. 
when they should be shaken out and repotted. They prefer an open 
mixture of three parts good fibrous loam, one part peat, with a small 
addition of leaf soil and coarse silver sand; and though drainage must be 
liberally afforded, the potting is like that accorded to ordinary plants. 
Very little water is needed until growth is well advanced, and the roots. 
have a firm hold of the compost, and are seen clinging round the sides of 
the pots. 
I have not noticed that these plants are much troubled with insect pests 
during their season of growth, but when they are in a dormant state mealy 
bug is often to be found concealed about the pseudobulbs, and should be 
thoroughly eradicated by brush and sponge. No Amateur need fail in 
tease 5 and blooming these Calanthes, even if he has no special house for 
Orchids, an Ordinary plant stove answering all requirements. 
The dwarf-flowering C. rubens from Malaya, and its pure white variety 
alba, are aise in bloom at this season. Their short spikes and small flowers: 
form a striking contrast to their companions of the C. Regnieri group, but 
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