64 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[Ducfinber, 19 14. 



CCELOGYNE CRISTATA. 



CO'lLOGYNE CRISTATA is generally 

 to be found amongst the first dozen 

 plants purchased by an amateur. Its 

 cultivation is universal, and in many green- 

 houses where decorative and other plants are 

 grown it often serves as the sole representa- 

 tive of the Orchid family. One has not far 

 to search for the cause of this popularity. In 

 the first place, healthy, vigorous plants can be 

 purchased for a small sum ; secondly, they 

 require little more than ordinary care ; and, 

 thirdly, the)- give an abundance of bloom 

 during the late winter months, a season when 

 every kind of flower is greatly appreciated. 



Years ago frequent importations took place, 

 but the stock of plants in this and many other 

 countries is now ampl)' sufficient to supply all 

 present demands. In common with all kinds 

 of Orchids this species must be in good 

 health, otherwise satisfaction will never be 

 acquired. There are many kind-hearted 

 Orchidists who will willingly give suitable 

 plants to any amateur desiring to commence 

 the cultivation of these elegant flowers, but 

 failing this opportunity strong plants can be 

 purchased from any of the well-known trade 

 dealers. 



Our illustration shows only a portion of a 

 flowering plant. Small plants are not recom- 

 mended, for it IS not until the bulbs are 

 numerous that good flowering results are 

 obtained. The more the bulbs grow one 

 upon another, and thus form congested 

 masses, so much the more numerous do the 

 flowers appear to be. It is no uncommon 

 sight to see plants 18 inches in diameter 

 with hundreds of bulbs piled up in almost 

 pyramidical style, and bearing m the late 

 winter months nearly enough bloom to 

 completely hide the plant. 



When the plants attain large proportions it 

 will be convenient to cultivate them m shallow 

 pans, or else in large pots two-thirds full of 

 crocks ; too great a mass of compost is always 

 injurious, and tends to injure the plant b\- 

 becoming sour through an over-abundance of 

 moisture. Of course, during the growing 

 season the plants should never lack a sufficient 



supply of moisture, but when the bulbs are 

 maturing and autumnal weather is prevalent 

 then drier conditions should be maintained. 

 During the winter months but little water will 

 be required, otherwise the flower buds, 

 situated at the base of the bulbs, are liable 

 to rot off. 



With regard to temperature nothing very 

 definite need be stated. This species can be 

 successfully cultivated m an ordinary green- 

 house along with ferns and other shade-loving 

 plants, or it can be placed in a vinery or other 

 houses of similar temperature. In Orchid 

 establishments it is usually placed in company 

 with the cool-growmg kinds during the 

 summer months and removed to a warmer 

 temperature in winter time. If there is a 

 secret regarding its cultivation it seems to Ije 

 that a warm house is needed during the 

 winter months, a minimum temperature being 

 about 55 degrees. 



Coelogyne cristata was originally discovered 

 by Dr. Wallich, in 1824. Its native home is 

 in the Himalayan zone, at elevations ranging 

 from 4,500 — 7,500 feet. The flowers are pure 

 white, with orange-yellow keels on the 

 labellum. Various varieties have from time 

 to time been recorded, the most prominent 

 being alba, in which the labellum is entirely 

 devoid of yellow, and Lemoniana, in which 

 the labellum is marked with citron. The 

 latter variety first appeared in the collection 

 of Sir Charles Lemon, at Carclew. 



Ccelogync lonieniosa. 



