THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
225 
ADA AURANTIACA. 
(With Coloured Illustration.) 
BT GEORGE GORDON. 
HE beautiful Ada aurantiaca, of which an illustration is 
here given, belongs to the section of orchids thriving in 
a cold temperature, and it is therefore a fitting com- 
panion to the Odontoglossum and the newly-introduced 
and extremely beautiful Masdevallias, to which Mr. 
Gedney, who has charge of Mr. Day’s magnificent collection of 
orchids, alluded in the last number of the Eloral World. It is at 
present the only member of the genus in cultivation ; and although 
known to cultivators for a cousiderable period, good specimens have 
been scarce. This, however, has been in a large measure due to its 
comparative rarity, for it is by no means difficult to cultivate when 
once its peculiarities are properly understood. Of late it has been 
imported more extensively, and at the present moment it is so plen- 
tiful in trade collections, that well-established plants can be pur- 
chased at prices ranging from fifteen to thirty shillings each, so 
that it is within the reach of all who can afford to grow orchids. 
It is a very neat-growing orchid, with evergreen leaves, and attains 
a height ranging from eight to twelve inches. The flowers, as will 
be seen by the illustration, are of a brilliant orange scarlet, and most 
attractive in appearance. Under good management the flowers are 
produced freely in autumn and early spring, and remain in perfection 
a long time, provided they are kept dry. 
As this species thrives under much the same system of manage- 
ment as that sketched out for the Masdevallias by Mr. Gedney, it 
is not necessary to say much in reference to the cultural details. 
Although found in New Granada at au elevation of 8500 feet, it 
appears to grow more freely and bloom most profusely in the tem- 
perature of an intermediate house ; but it will thrive exceedingly 
well with the cool orchids, provided it is placed at the warm end of 
the structure during the winter season. Like the majority of other 
orchids of a similar habit, it thrives most satisfactorily in fibrous 
peat, broken up roughly, or sphagnus moss, either separately, or the 
two incorporated together in equal parts. The drainage must be 
perfect, and as a rule it will be found preferable to fill the pots to 
about one-third of their depth with clean crocks of a moderate size. 
Liberal supplies of water will be required during the growing 
season; but through the winter, when the plants will be at rest, it 
must be applied more sparingly, and the material about the roots 
maintained in a moderately moist condition only. 
In repotting them, carefully loosen the roots round the out- 
side of the ball, to enable them to strike more readily into the 
new soil, and at the same time remove as much of the old stuff as 
possible. The base of the pseudo-bulbs should be rather higher 
than the rim of the pot. 
August. 15 
