THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



prefer growing them down upon the stage, and, instead 

 of baskets, use tall upright teak cylinders. In either 

 case three-fourths of their depth should be filled with 

 drainage materials, the remaining space being filled with 

 sphagnum moss, and the plant placed upon this, keeping 

 it slightly raised above the level of the rim. Then surface 

 the whole with moss, some broken crocks being mixed 

 with it to promote drainage. Phalaenopses generally 

 commence their growth in the spring, which is the best 

 time to examine them and ascertain if fresh material is 

 necessary or greater space required for root extension. 

 For the first few weeks after root disturbance these 

 plants require very careful watering. Instead of dipping 

 them in the usual way, it is safer to sprinkle with water 

 from a fine rose watering-can the surface moss and the 

 sides of the basket, taking every precaution not to allow 

 water to get into the centre of the plants, or the leaves 

 will decay. Phalaenopses require shade, and, as they 

 naturally grow in an atmosphere that is nearly always at 

 saturation point, it should be imitated as closely as 

 possible. A careful periodical sponging of the leaves 

 with clean tepid rain water is advisable, cleanliness 

 being an essential point in their cultivation. When 

 well grown, few Orchids rival these in graceful beauty ; 

 they are not only profuse bloomers, but their white or 

 rosy-tinted flowers last in perfection for many successive 

 weeks. P. amabilis (Blume), for many years known as 

 P. grandiflora, was the first species described (l75°)> 

 but was not introduced into this country until 1846. 

 Other well-known varieties are P. aphrodite, P. cornu- 

 cervi, P. Esmeralda, P. Luedemanniana, P. Marie, P. 

 rosea, P. Sanderiana, P. Schilleriana, P. speciosa, P. 

 Stuartiana, P. Sumatrana, and P. violacea. There are 

 also several pretty natural hybrids, as P. casta, P. 

 intermedia, P. leucorrhoda, and P. Veitchii. Of artificially 

 raised hybrids there are some, such as P. F. L. Ames, 



