56 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[December, 1913- 



with the fact that the pollen must be removed 

 from its position and placed on the stigmatic 

 surface before fertilisation can take place, an 

 occurrence which is effected naturally by 

 insect agency. But many botanists in the 

 early days believed that the pollen could 

 fertilise the ovules while still remaining in its 

 natural position, and several curious ideas 

 were put forth as means by which this could 

 be done. 



SOPHRONITIS HYBRIDS. 



ALTHOUGH the hybridist has effected 

 great and astounding improvements 

 in practically every genus of the 

 Orchidaceae, it is doubtful whether his 

 successful efforts have been better rewarded 

 than by the use of the brilliant Sophronitis 

 grandiflora in the production of bigeneric 

 hybrids, known as Sophro-Cattleya, Sophro- 

 Laelia, and Sophrocattljelia. 



These Orchids produce the most brilliantly 

 coloured flowers imaginable, the scarlet of the 

 Sophronitis parent being usually retained, but 

 the flowers are greatly enhanced by deriving 

 from the Cattleya parent its beautiful lip and 

 gorgeous colouring. 



No collection of Orchids should lack a few 

 of these charming plants, and I append a list 

 of some of the best, most of which can be 

 procured at moderate cost. 



Sophro-Cattleyas. 



Dons, S. grandiflora x C. aurea. 

 Marcus, S.-C. Calypso x C. Enid. 

 Queen Empress, S. grandiflora x C. Mossiae. 

 Thwaitesii, S. grandiflora x C. Mendelii. 

 Mrs. F. Wellesley, S. grandiflora x C. 

 labiata. 



Blackii, S. grandiflora x C. Hardyana. 



SOPHRO-L/ELIAS. 



heatonensis, S. grandiflora x L. purpurata. 

 Orpetii, S. grandiflora x L. pumila. 

 Psyche, S. grandiflora x L. cinnabarina. 



Sophrocattl.5:lias. 



Marathon, S.-L. Psyche x C. Empress 

 Frederick. 



Nestor, S.-L. Gratrixiae x C. aurea. 

 Olive, S.-L. Psyche x C. Enid. 

 Pandora, S.-L. heatonensis x C. aurea. 

 Thalia, S. grandiflora x L.-C. Cappei. 

 A light position at the coolest end of the 

 Cattleya house suits these plants to perfection, 

 suspending them near the roof glass, where 

 they will be found to thrive much better than 

 if grown on the staging. The usual treat- 

 ment given to Cattleyas in regard to shading, 

 ventilation, moist atmosphere and tempera- 

 ture will be found suitable, but watering 

 demands special care. 



These plants do not often possess a very 

 strong constitution, and the following will 

 give a rough idea as to how to water. During 

 the dull winter months give only enough 

 water to prevent the compost from becoming 

 dust dry, but from late spring to early autumn 

 enough must be given to keep the surface 

 moss green and living. 



Be very careful never to let any drops of 

 water lodge in the young growth, or this will 

 immediately turn black and rot away. Over- 

 watering when at rest, or in winter, will also 

 have the same effect. Overhead syringing 

 must not be practised in the growing of these 

 Orchids. But where the grower studies the 

 plants and observes their wants, the watering 

 and general culture of these beautiful 

 Sophronitis hybrids will present no difficulties, 

 although they cannot be recommended for 

 amateurs who have had no previous 

 knowledge of Orchid culture. 



Re-panning is usually needed every other 

 year, and this must be carefully performed, 

 removing the plant from the pan and picking 

 out the old soil being a delicate performance. 



For fresh compost use a mixture of Ai, 

 or Polypodium fibre and green heads of 

 sphagnum moss. The only time when 

 re-panning can be performed is when the 

 plants begin to root again after resting. 

 They should be kept slightly drier and 

 more shaded until re-established. Frequent 

 sponging of the leaves is much appreciated, 

 and weak plants must not be allowed to carry 

 their flowers for too long a period. 



C. Alwyn Harrison. 



