THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



cyrtopodium. — Plants of this genus are not generally grown, their large habit and 

 shy-flowering character rendering them unsuitable for amateurs' collections. A strong 

 heat while growing and a rich compost are best for C. Andersoni, C. cardiochilum, and 

 C. pimctatum, the three species most grown. 



DENDEOBIUM. 



This is an extensive and very important genus, containing some of the most beautiful 

 orchids in cultivation. The loveliest shades of yellow and orange are to be found 

 among the evergreen kinds, while the deciduous section and the nigro-hirsute (hairy- 

 stemmed) group contains many remarkably fine plants. 



To take the deciduous group first. These should be grown in small pans, or baskets 

 suspended from the roof in the warmest house. A suitable compost will consist of peat 

 fibre and sphagnum moss, and the baskets or pans must be thoroughly clean and well 

 drained. The object of keeping then! near the roof of the house is to afford them all 

 the light and sun possible. A free amount of moisture, both in the atmosphere and at 

 the roots, is required until the plants have completed the season's growths. They should 

 then be taken from the warm house and placed in a light, airy structure, keeping them 

 comparatively dry until the flowers are showing ; then give a little more moisture and 

 warmth. This must not be overdone at first, or it is apt to cause the plants to produce 

 more growth than flowers ; but the temperature may be sensibly increased as soon as the 

 flower buds show plainly. Great care is necessary in watering at first, as the young 

 growths are very tender and easily injured by excess of moisture or sunlight. 



The evergreen kinds require a more regular temperature throughout the year, and 

 usually rather less heat than the deciduous species. As a rule they make their growth 

 very quickly, and it is not at all unusual for them to produce two sets of growths in a 

 year. Such as D. densiflorum, and its ally D. thyrsifolium, and others, will often make 

 a new pseudo-bulb, or set of pseudo-bulbs, as the case may be, in about six weeks ; so, 

 naturally, they do not need so much encouragement as such deciduous kinds as D. 

 superbum, that has to produce and perfect growths a yard or more in length. 



The pots for the evergreen kinds maybe rather larger, and the compost rougher, than 

 for the last-named set. The nigro-hirsute group is rather more difficult to deal with, and 

 amateurs should gain some proficiency in cultivating the other members of the genus 

 before attempting their culture. As a rule, their seasons are not so constant as are 

 those of the other classes, and often they are in full growth during winter. So, too, with 



