1372. ] 
DISA GRANDIFLORA. 
273 
discover tlie most efficient coping and spring protection for the head of the tree, 
we should also bestow a little more thought and care upon—the, if possible, 
more vital part—the root; and at the same time, not altogether neglect to 
provide the tree with the proper and necessary means of obtaining a fair share 
of nature’s great restorer—rest.— Thomas Challis, Wilton. 
DISA GRANDIFLORA. 
d|rf HE Cape district of Southern Africa is rich in terrestrial orchids, but there 
are few, if any, that rival the gorgeous beauty of this superb species. In my 
f travels among orchid-growers I have very often been asked how it is that 
the Disci is so difficult to cultivate. I have seen plants struggling in many 
different situations—sometimes in a dry hot plant-stove, infested with thrips and 
red-spider, and looking yellow and sickly ; indeed, it is the rule, not the excep¬ 
tion, to find it struggling for existence, and nearly starved to death through lack 
of the only conditions under which it succeeds—a cool humid atmosphere, a 
shady position near the glass, and a liberal supply of water at its roots. It has 
several times been flowered out of doors, in this country ! This fact proves its 
hardy nature ; still to grow it to its full and proper development a cool, shady, 
house or pit is necessary. I should only be too glad to hear of Mr. James 
Backhouse giving it a trial in his splendid Rock Garden at York. There one 
may find our native Cypripedium Calceolus luxuriating in great healthy patches, 
and having 20 to 30 flowers expanded at the same time! C. spectcibile also grows 
well at the same place ; and Sarracenia purpurea , Darlingtonia californica , the 
North American Fern Adiantum pedcitum , and many other rare and beautiful 
plants, withstand the rigour of our Northern winters unscathed. No doubt the 
Cape Disci would prove hardy if planted in one of the many excellently sheltered 
positions which this charming Rock Garden affords. 
There is an erroneous idea prevalent among many growers, that orchids 
should be kept dry and induced to rest during our winter months, but however 
desirable this may be, it nevertheless happens that many orchids adhere to the 
habits formed in their native habitats, and persist in growing during our gloomy 
winter season. Now to keep the Disci dry during our winter is next to killing it 
outright, because as a rule it commences its growth in October or November, and 
keeps on growing if properly treated until the succeeding July, August, or Sep¬ 
tember, when it flowers. All through its season of growth it must be syringed 
once or twice daily ; and provided that the pan in which it is grown is thoroughly 
well drained, and the compost fresh and porous, it is next to impossible to give 
this plant too much water at its roots. The best compost in which to grow it is 
bog-peat; the more fibre it contains the better ; this forms the piece de resistance , 
to which add one-fourtli dry and sweet horse-droppings, and sufficient well-washed 
road or river sand to keep the whole in a porous condition. The superb Disas 
grown by Mr. E. Culley, gardener to E. Salt, Esq., Ferniehurst, Yorkshire, are 
planted in a compost similar to the above, and the plant has never fared so well 
