194 
SOPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA. 
Our subject is a native of Brazil, where we believe it was found by Mr. 
Gardner, from whose native specimens or drawings a figure was some time ago 
published in the Botanical Magazine. Our plate is the first obtained from a plant 
that has bloomed in this country, and we owe it to Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney, 
in whose collection it blossomed in October, 1841. A plant which seems to be 
the same species, showed flower last year at Messrs. Rollisson's, Tooting, but the 
blossom perished by accident before it had been unfolded. 
Obviously the most natural way of growing this plant is to fasten it to a small 
log of wood. We must dwell specifically on the smallness of the block ; because 
many beautiful little plants are almost hidden by the large and unsuitable logs to 
which some growers attach them. It should be borne in mind that, as long as 
the wood appears needful for the plant, it is appropriate ; but when it is so large 
as to be more conspicuous than the plant itself, it becomes disagreeable and 
improper. It is necessary to insist on this point in regard to both species of 
Sopkronitis, as it would be a pity that their charms should be diminished by so 
paltry a circumstance. 
Besides fastening it to the wood, and suspending this to the roof of the house, 
little other attention is necessary. If a small portion of moss be placed around the 
bottom of the pseudo-bulbs, and over the younger roots, it will form a nucleus for 
moisture, and keep them shaded. The species flourishes well in a house that is 
only moderately warm and moist, and should have rest for three or four months, 
beginning about December. It is increased by taking off one or more of the 
pseudo-bulbs in spring, and placing them on another block. 
