THE ORCHID GENERA 53 



pans are preferable to the ordinary teak wood baskets, 

 being more easily managed, and the roots being less 

 disturbed when repotting has become necessary. Plenty 

 of drainage should be afforded, and the compost should 

 consist of two-thirds sphagnum moss with one of fibry 

 peat. The plants should be grown at the warm 

 end of the Cattleya house close up to the roof glass. 

 They generally commence to grow towards the end 

 of February, and should be afforded but little root 

 moisture. As soon as the flower spikes, which push 

 up along with the new growths, are visible, the quantity 

 of water may be considerably increased. Immediately 

 the flowers fade, the young breaks commence to emit 

 new roots, and this is the best time to afford more 

 rooting space to those that require it. Afford copious 

 supplies of water when re-established, and all through 

 the growing season. Towards the completion of growth, 

 remove the plants to a warm, sunny corner of the East 

 Indian house, which will assist them to swell up the 

 pseudo bulbs. When the new bulbs have attained their 

 full size, and the leaves begin to turn yellow, water 

 should be gradually withheld, and the plants removed 

 to a cooler and drier atmosphere. Managed in this 

 way, Chyses are amongst the most easily grown and free 

 flowering of Orchids. 



Cirrhcea 



Plants of this genus, such as C. viridi, C. viridi- 

 purpureum, and C. triste, are seldom sought after, being of 

 little value or importance. They are natives of Brazil 

 and Mexico. The flowers are produced in pendulous 

 racemes. The genus is allied to Gongora, and requires 

 similar culture. 



