PL. 53 ADA AURANTIACA
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs sub-cylindrical, tapering upwards, three to four inches long, sheathed with reddish scales at their base. Leaves terminal, channelled, broadly linear, four to six inches long, one to three in number. Scape terminal, longer than the leaves, bisquamate, bearing a drooping spike of from ten to fourteen rather distichously placed flowers, which have each a scariose lanceolate-subulate bract at its base. Flowers brightly coloured, the perianth closed below, and only opening in the upper part; sepals sub-equal, of a bright orange or cinnabar-red, spreading only from above the middle, linear-lanceolate, much acuminate, the lateral ones somewhat oblique at the base; petals smaller, but similar in form and colour; lip of the same bright orange-red, undivided, parallel with the column, and adnate to its base, lanceolate, shortly acuminate, scarcely half the length of the sepals, with a crest formed of two connate membranaceous lamellæ, pubescent inside near the base. Column short, thick, wingless; anther case hemispherical; pollen-masses two, obovate, seated on a cuneate caudicle, arising from a gland.
Ada aurantiaca, Lindley, Folia Orchidacea, art. Ada; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 5435; Bateman, Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 113; André, L’Illustration Horticole, 3 ser., t. 107; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 62.
Mesospinidium aurantiacum, Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 857.
This is the only member of the genus Ada with which we are yet acquainted, and even this is by some authorities referred to Mesospinidium. Whether forming a distinct genus or not, it is a well marked and charming Orchid, one by means of which a fine contrast of colour can be insured in the arrangements made for the decoration of our Orchid houses. The accompanying plate was taken from a fine specimen which bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, but as our page is limited in size only a portion of the plant could be represented. This plant bore twenty of its graceful and brilliantly-coloured spikes of flowers. When thus successfully cultivated no one could fail to admire the Ada aurantiaca, the more so as it is one of the Orchids which thrive in a cool house, and plants can be purchased at a very small cost.
Ada aurantiaca is an evergreen species of remarkably free habit. It grows about ten inches high, and has foliage of a fine dark green colour. It produces its flower spikes from the young growths, between the leaves, one or two together, the spikes being drooping towards the extremity and the flowers of a bright orange-scarlet colour. These flowers are produced during the winter and spring months, and last for several weeks in perfection.
The species is a native of New Grenada, where it is found at the great elevation of 8,000 feet, consequently it will grow well with Odontoglots under cool treatment. Some years ago it was very rare, but now, thanks to our collectors, it is more plentiful, and hence has become popular. It is a most important decorative plant on account of its colour, which, as a contrast, is especially useful when placed amongst the Odontoglots. We have found it most effective when it is brought into close association with the delicate colours of O. Alexandræ and O. Pescatorei the effect obtained by the intermixture is altogether charming.
The Ada requires the same treatment as the Odontoglots. The potting material best suited to its growth is good fibrous peat, with plenty of drainage. It will thrive either in a pot or in a basket, and in potting it should be well elevated above the rim, so that the roots can work freely among the material in which it is potted. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season, but on no account must the moisture be allowed to become stagnant, a condition which can be prevented by using charcoal mixed with the peat, which will keep the drainage open, and allow the water to pass off. If the soil should by any mischance become soddened it must be removed and fresh soil made use of, the roots at the same time being well washed previously to repotting.
Shade is very essential to the well being of the foliage, as the leaves are apt to go spotted if the sun is permitted to shine upon them. In its native country it is found in shady places, and hence will not bear full exposure, although in its artificial home it likes all the light possible.
Aërides Lobbii Ainsworthii.—We have received a grand spike of this beautiful Orchid from R. F. Ainsworth, Esq., M.D., of Lower Broughton, Manchester. It is one of the darkest and best varieties that has come under our notice. The same plant was exhibited a few years ago at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Show at Preston, and it was the admiration of every one who saw it. Mr. Mitchell, the gardener, informs us that it blooms in the same style every year. The spikes are more than two feet long, and well branched, while the colour of the flowers is very bright and effective, so that it makes a fine exhibition plant. This variety is much darker and brighter in its markings than the type.—B. S. W.
PL. 54. CŒLOGYNE CRISTATA ALBA.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs oblong, becoming somewhat angulate, growing from a thick scaly rhizome, diphyllous. Leaves linear-lanceolate, somewhat flaccid. Scape radical, erect, bearing a drooping raceme of three to five flowers, furnished at the base with dry brown imbricated scales; bracts oblong, persistent, sheathing the stalked ovaries. Flowers large, fragrant, about four inches in diameter; sepals oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, undulate, white; petals similar to the sepals in form and colour; lip three-lobed, concave, everywhere pure white, the lateral lobes half oblong, truncate at the upper end, and somewhat broader than the small middle lobe, which is transversely roundish and obtusely dentate; on the disk are five parallel veins or lamellæ covered by delicate fringes, which are also white, the three central ones having a wavy plate at their base, while in front of the two which stand on each side the middle vein is a solid plate terminating abruptly.
Cœlogyne cristata alba, Hort.; Moore, in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., xv., 442; Id., N.S., xv., 511; Id., N.S., xvii., 153.
Cœlogyne cristata hololeuca, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., xv., 563; Bull, Catalogue of New Plants, 1882, 100.
All Orchidists know well the old type of Cœlogyne cristata, which has been in cultivation for many years, and which is one of the most useful plants we have for winter decoration. In the novelty we now introduce we have a pure white form of this plant, which is a most charming addition to our collections, and which will assuredly be sought after by all Orchid growers. We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. W. Bull, of the King’s Road, Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring this choice variety. It was first made known last year at the Regent’s Park Spring Exhibition, by Mr. J. D. Richards, gardener to T. A. Titley, Esq., Gledhaw, Leeds, who obtained for it a well merited First Class Certificate, and shortly after the plant passed into the hands of Mr. Bull, who gained another Certificate with it at South Kensington, and has the honour of having introduced to the public a most lovely novelty. The variety is extremely rare, Mr. Bull having only a very limited number of plants. As will be seen from our plate it will make a most useful plant for cutting, since pure white flowers are so highly appreciated for bouquets and other decorative purposes.
The new variety is in all respects similar to the type, save in the absence of the yellow blotch upon the lip. It is a compact-growing evergreen plant, attaining the same dimensions as regards foliage and bulbs as Cœlogyne cristata itself, and producing its pure white spotless flowers in the same manner, four or five together on a drooping spike; it blossoms during the winter and spring, and lasts for two or three weeks in beauty if the flowers are kept dry. It is both a free-growing and a free-blooming plant, and will no doubt thrive either in the Odontoglossum or Cattleya house. If cultivated in a cool house we should recommend that the plants be taken into a warmer structure when they begin to show flower. We have always found C. cristata to be greatly benefited by this treatment, as the spikes are apt to damp off in too cool an atmosphere; moreover, on account of their pure white colour they seem to absorb the cold damp more quickly and readily than many other flowers, and this of course soon disfigures them.
We have found good fibrous peat the best material in which to grow Cœlogyne cristata, and no doubt the variety we now figure will require the same treatment, as the two forms are found growing together in their native country. Pot culture will suit them best, as they require a good amount of water at their roots during their growing season, which can thus be secured. After the growth is completed less water will suffice, but they must always be kept so far moist at the root that their bulbs may remain in a plump firm condition.
Orchids at Fallowfield.—In this, which is one of the noted collections near Manchester, Dendrobium Falconeri was the first plant that attracted attention; it is a choice kind, and there was a fine specimen of it with two hundred of its bright purple, white, and orange-coloured flowers in full beauty. This was an exceedingly well cultivated plant. Mr. Swan, the gardener, informs us that he has had this specimen for several years under cultivation, and that it improves each successive season, and has been several times exhibited at the Manchester Shows. We mention this in order that our readers may understand that this species can be cultivated successfully for years with proper treatment. We also noticed the charming Thunia Bensoniæ, with many spikes of its reddish purple flowers, some of the spikes producing as many as eighteen flowers on each spike. When grown in this way it forms a grand object of attraction, especially as we possess but few Orchids of the same colour. We also noticed some fine spikes of Oncidium macranthum, bearing its bright yellow flowers, and when grown among the plants of Odontoglossum Alexandræ, with their pure white blossoms, it produces with other flowers a good effect. We also saw in the East India house some fine plants of Aërides Lobbii finely in bloom, some of their racemes of bright coloured flowers being three feet in length and branched. A. crassifolium was in full beauty; it is one of the best of its family, and one that should be grown in every collection, as it occupies such a small space.—B. S. W.
PL. 55. SCUTICARIA STEELII.
Epiphytal. Rhizome short, articulated, branched, ebulbous, the branches monophyllous. Leaves flagelliform, as thick as a swan’s quill, channelled, subulate at the apex, two to four feet long, drooping. Scape radical, short, one to three flowered. Flower large, fragrant, with the perianth connivent; sepals oblong, the lateral ones produced at the base into a blunt chin, pale primrose-yellow, blotched with deep reddish brown; petals of the same form and colour as the sepals; lip three-lobed, pale yellow, striately marked with brownish crimson, especially on the lateral lobes, which are roundish erect, the intermediate one bilobed, with roundish, subcuneate, divergent divisions, and bearing at the base an oblong callus having three obtuse orange-coloured teeth in front. Column semiterete, decurrent with the base of the lateral sepals, so as to form a blunt spur or chin; pollen-masses four, sessile, in pairs, on a dilated transverse gland, acuminate at both ends.
Scuticaria Steelii, Lindley, Botanical Register, xxix., misc., p. 14; Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 551; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 292.
Maxillaria Steelii, Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 3573; Lindley, Botanical Register, t. 1986.
This is a small genus of Orchids separated from Maxillaria by Dr. Lindley, and generally adopted. The few species are distinct in their habit of growth, as also in reference to the manner in which they produce their flowers. That which we now figure is one of the best as yet known. Our drawing was taken from a plant in the collection of W. McDonald, Esq., Woodlands, Perth, who has many fine specimen Orchids, and among them some choice species. We may state that Mr. McDonald often sends us specimens of beautiful Orchids, such as we are always very glad to receive from any growers, either for the purpose of naming, or with the view to their illustration in the Album.
Scuticaria Steelii is a native of British Guiana. The foliage is terete, pendulous, and of a dark green colour, three to four feet in length, and tapering off to a point; in fact it is almost like a rush in its form. The flower spikes proceed from the rhizome at the base of the leaves; they are about two inches high and generally three-flowered. The sepals and petals are yellow, irregularly spotted with brownish crimson, while the lip is yellow, striped with crimson. The plant blooms at different times of the year, and continues a long time in perfection. When in flower it is a very attractive object, those who see it in bloom being astonished to find such a beautiful inflorescence proceeding from the peculiar rush-like foliage, and when hanging from the roof of the house the whole plant has a very singular and handsome appearance.
The plants thrive best grown on blocks of wood, with a little live sphagnum moss about their roots; if the moss should become decayed it must be removed and renewed by fresh. They will also grow on rough blocks of wood without moss, but when cultivated in this way they require the more frequent application of moisture to keep their roots active. We have seen them thrive well in baskets, planted in rough fibrous peat, but grown in this way they do not look so well. They should be hung up as near to the glass as possible, in the full light, as they require but little shade. They will do either in the Cattleya or East India house. A good supply of water must be given during the growing season, but less when their growth is completed. These plants are not easy to increase, as they do not like to be divided.
Orchids at Chislehurst.—When calling in July last on W. Vanner, Esq., at Camden Wood, Chislehurst, we were pleased to find some beautiful Orchids in bloom in the show house, which is a square lofty structure, with tables round the sides, and chairs and seats in the centre. The Orchids are here shown off to the best advantage, intermixed with foliage and flowering plants, the flowering Orchids being brought into this house as they come into bloom. We noticed some fine plants of Lælia purpurata in full beauty, one variety with rose-coloured sepals and petals, and a beautifully veined rich dark amethyst lip, was especially fine. Cattleya Mendelii was well represented, one plant having six spikes of bloom—a grand plant and the picture of health. Lælia elegans was also in bloom, a fine large variety, with a very richly-coloured lip. We also saw here two specimens of the finest varieties of Odontoglossum hastilabium we have ever met with, having large branching spikes, one with seventy flowers upon it; the sepals and petals were creamy white, barred with purple, the lip white, with a purple base. This is a grand exhibition Orchid, as it lasts a long time in perfection.
In the next house were some fine plants of Odontoglossum Alexandræ; one variety in particular was very fine, having rose-coloured sepals and a very large finely spotted lip. The Bull’s-blood variety of Masdevallia Harryana was in good form; also M. Harryana læta and M. Harryana lilacina, a very pretty light-coloured variety, with rosy lilac flowers. Sobralia macrantha was also very finely in flower, as well as many other good things in bud, or making good growth for another year.—B. S. W.
PL. 56. SACCOLABIUM GIGANTEUM.
Epiphytal. Stem short, producing from the basal portion thick fleshy roots. Leaves subsecund, leathery, broadly lorate with the apex oblique and bilobed, about a foot long and two inches broad, channelled, the surface streaked. Racemes densely flowered, drooping, about equalling the leaves in length, axillary. Flowers very numerous, handsomely spotted, and remarkably fragrant, with broad, short, membraneous bracts at their base; sepals oblong or cuneate-ovate, obtuse, white, with a few amethyst dots; petals narrower, obovate, white, more freely spotted with amethyst; lip wedge-shaped, dilated, and trifid at the apex, the central portion short, ligulate, and slightly retuse, and the lateral parts semi-rhomboidal, all being of a beautiful mauve-violet or magenta colour, veined with darker lines; from the short conical spur two elevated hairy lines pass outwards, diverging in the middle, and reuniting at the contracted portion of the lip. Column greenish, short, reclinate, the anther with a stout beak.
Saccolabium giganteum, Lindley, in Wallich’s Catalogue, 7306; Id., Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants, 221; Bateman, in Botanical Magazine, t. 5635; Jennings, Orchids, t. 8; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 287.
Vanda densiflora, Lindley, in Paxton’s Flower Garden, under t. 42; Id., Folia Orchidacea, art. Vanda, No. 22; Van Houtte, Flore des Serres, tt. 1765-66; Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 869.
There can be no doubt as to the position that the Saccolabiums occupy in the Orchid family—they certainly rank among the very finest of the whole race. They are not very numerous, but among the known species there are some which are of great beauty. They used to be exhibited in splendid style some quarter of a century ago by the late S. Rucker, Esq., of Wandsworth, Mrs. Lawrence, of Ealing Park, Dr. Butler, of Woolwich, and also from other fine collections then in existence, at which time there was seldom an exhibition group staged without a fine specimen of Saccolabium guttatum, or some other equally fine species. Now, however, we rarely see them shown. Orchid growers appear to have forgotten this noble class of plants, and many beginners think that they are difficult to cultivate, but we ourselves have never found them to be so, and, together with other nurserymen, we are growing and selling specimens every year. Where can the greater part of these go to? Why they are purchased by foreigners, who seem to have a greater taste than we have in this country for these most wonderful of all Orchids, which even when not in bloom are objects of attraction from their noble aspect and graceful foliage. Our illustration of S. giganteum was taken from a plant which bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway. It blooms during the winter months, which adds to its value, as there are but few Saccolabiums which flower at that season of the year. The species, at first referred to Saccolabium by Lindley, was afterwards transferred by him to Vanda, under the name of V. densiflora.
Saccolabium giganteum is a slow growing plant, and makes about three leaves a year; from the axils of these the flower spikes emerge, and extend to the length of ten or twelve inches. The plant continues in bloom for about six weeks, the flowers, moreover, are deliciously fragrant, which is an additional recommendation, indeed this species possesses all the good qualities a plant can possess, and, if strong, blooms freely when only a few inches high. We have seen a very fine specimen of it in the beautiful collection of C. Walker, Esq., Brettagh Holt, Milnthorpe, bearing many flower spikes, all of good length; it was a noble object, one that Mr. Walker might well be proud of. We were surprised three years ago to receive, amongst some imported masses, one which stood three feet high, forming quite a pyramid of young growths, and carrying from twenty to thirty spikes; other masses were also of great size.
We have found this Saccolabium to grow well in the East India house, where the temperature by fire-heat during winter is kept at about 60° during the night and 65° during the day. When the sun causes the heat to rise above this, air should be given, avoiding cold draughts. The plants require plenty of light, but must be shaded during the spring and summer months, when the temperature should be about 65° by night and 70° by day, or with sun-heat 75°. During June, July, and August it should range from 70° to 75° by night and 75° to 80° by day. The house should be moistened twice a day in summer—in the morning and in the afternoon, about three or four o’clock, when it may be closed for the night, always, however, keeping a certain amount of air on, but not sufficient to interfere with the temperature.
We find the best material for growing the Saccolabiums in is fresh clean sphagnum moss, with good drainage. If grown in pots these should be nearly filled with drainage material, and the plants placed on sphagnum moss and kept well elevated above the pot rim. They will do well in baskets suspended from the roof, so that their roots can hang in the moist atmosphere. They require a good supply of moisture during the summer season, and also in autumn, but in winter less will suffice, indeed during this season they must never be allowed to get too wet, though the moss must be kept damp. They have no thick fleshy bulbs to fall back upon for support, and therefore if they are allowed to become too dry they will shrivel, and lose their lower leaves, which is a great disfigurement. The plants must always be kept free from insects.
PL. 57. PESCATOREA LEHMANNI.
Epiphytal. Stems none, or consisting of a short crown or growing point, from which the leaves, with their narrowed overlapping bases and the stout fibrous roots proceed. Leaves lorate-lanceolate acute, upwards of a foot long, and from an inch to an inch and a half wide, of thin, firm texture, ribbed. Scapes radical, much shorter than the leaves, bracteate, one-flowered. Flowers large, upwards of three inches across, showy, white striped with purple; sepals and petals broadly cuneate oblong, obtusely rounded, with a short projecting point, white, with contiguous curved parallel lines of reddish purple extending nearly to the edge; lip deep mauve-purple, the basal segments small, triangular, erect, the interposed calli forming a ruff of chestnut-brown, consisting of about eleven ridges, the anterior mauve-coloured portion oblong, revolute, retuse, covered with lines of long bristle-like purple papillæ. Column stout, curved forwards, purple and rounded behind, brown in front, the anther case whitish green.
Pescatorea Lehmanni, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., xii., 424.
Zygopetalum Lehmanni, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., xii., 424.
The genus Pescatorea is one of recent introduction. A few years ago the plants referred to it were unknown, but latterly they have been met with by botanical collectors, and have gradually found their way to our Orchid houses, some very beautiful species being included amongst them. Pescatorea Lehmanni, represented in the accompanying illustration, is one of these. It was exhibited a short time since at the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, by Messrs. Vervaet & Co., Nurserymen, of Ghent, Belgium, and on that occasion was deservedly awarded a First Class Certificate. It was from this specimen, which was a well-grown one, that our plate was taken. The plant was grown on a block of wood, and thus placed had a really beautiful and attractive appearance. The species was collected by Mr. Lehmann, in whose honour it is named, and who has sent home many fine Orchids.
Pescatorea Lehmanni is an evergreen plant, with broadish light green ribbed foliage, which grows from twelve to eighteen inches in height. The flowers are produced from the axils of the leaves at the base of the very short stem, several proceeding from each tuft; they have the sepals and petals white, striped with purple lines, while the lip is mauve-coloured, covered with a number of hair-like papillæ, and having a rich brown ruff or throat. The plant blooms after it has completed its growth, and the flowers continue fresh for some considerable time; it appears to yield its blossoms at different times of the year.
These plants are not generally well cultivated, but in the case of those we saw at Messrs. Vervaet’s there seemed to be no difficulty about it. They were fixed on blocks of wood, which appears the most natural method of cultivating them; and no plants could be thriving better, producing finer foliage, or flowering more profusely than these. The appearance they presented when hanging from the roof was very charming, as the flowers and plants both seemed to be in their natural position, which of course conduces greatly to success in their cultivation, wherein it is wise in most cases to follow natural habits as closely as possible. They are found in their native country growing on the branches of trees in moist places, and in consequence when suspended from the roof they require abundance of water, which can easily be applied with a syringe about the roots. We have seen them thrive well on blocks plunged in pots of fibrous peat, but in this way they frequently fail, and after two or three years’ growth the plants rot away. Of course there are exceptional cases in which they grow well for a longer period; but they will, we believe, be found to thrive better and last longer in a suspended position, if they get shaded from the sun. Their leaves being broad and thin are apt to become spotted if exposed to the full sun heat, but they like plenty of light, which they get when hanging from the roof, besides which their growth becomes more robust, and their foliage stands better. We find the cool end of the East Indian house to suit them. They require to be watered all the year round, not having bulbous stems to support them, and they take little rest, being generally in full vigour. In winter rather less water may be given, just sufficient to keep them plump.
Insects must always be closely sought after, as the foliage of these plants is tender, such as these pests delight to feed upon. The species are propagated by dividing them where there are one or two back shoots, with a young growth in front.
Watering Orchids.—We have found rain-water to be the best for Orchids and for all kinds of plants, this being the water supplied in their natural habitats. Rain-water is easily to be obtained, by providing tanks under the stages, and allowing the rain-water to enter from the roof; in this way no room is lost. A pump should be attached, in case the water gets low in dry weather, when it can be easily raised to the required height.
The plan we adopt is to have a deep cemented tank in the centre of the house, under the stage, so that the top may be open; this allows the water which is standing in the tank to become somewhat warmed by contact with the atmosphere of the house, which is very beneficial; in fact, Orchids should never be watered with water that has not had the chill taken off, as cold water, especially in winter time, causes spot, and may rot the growths and injure the roots. Into this tank the rain-water runs from the roof, and as we have the New River water laid on as well, when rain-water is scarce we fill up with this, and thereby have a mixture of rain and hard water.—B. S. W.
PL. 58. ODONTOGLOSSUM TRIUMPHANS.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs ovate oblong, two to three inches in length, furrowed when old, diphyllous. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed to the base. Scape arising from the base of the pseudobulbs, elongate, the inflorescence racemose, the flowers having longish internodes between them, and the pedicels each furnished with a small triangular bract at its base. Flowers large, handsomely spotted; sepals oblong acute, narrowed to the base, deep golden yellow, marked for three-fourths of their length with transverse spots and blotches of rich brownish crimson; petals similar in form and colour, somewhat broader, the margins lobulate or sinuate-dentate; lip clawed, the limb fiddle-shaped, apiculate, with the point recurved, the margin denticulate, the basal half white with yellow crests, and the anterior portion of a rich brownish crimson, narrowly edged with yellow, the claw bicarinate, the keel running out into crests on the disk, with a pair of larger falcate crests interposed. Column white, semi-terete, curved at the tip, with a rhombic minutely erose wing.
Odontoglossum triumphans, Reichenbach fil., Bonplandia, ii., 99; Id., Pescatorea, t. 46 (less densely blotched, and lip tipped with rosy purple); Lemaire, Illustration Horticole, t. 609 (as in Pescatorea); Bateman, Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 23; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 245.
The varied phases of beauty which are met with in the genus Odontoglossum are quite overwhelming; indeed so many of the species are really fine plants that to describe and illustrate all that are deserving would alone be a heavy task. We have now, at least, before us a species of the O. luteo-purpureum group which is quite distinct, O. triumphans, which we may observe is one of the most useful to cultivators, since it mixes up so well and forms so fine a contrast in colour with the forms of the O. Alexandræ type. The particular variety we now illustrate, and which is a very remarkable one, was kindly sent us by E. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, who has been cultivating Orchids for many years, and who has also sent us blossoms of many other beautiful species. The spike of O. triumphans here represented was, it will be seen, a very fine one, having splendidly marked and showy flowers. There are many varieties of this species, some of them being lighter in colour than others; in fact there is an almost endless variation among the imported plants owing no doubt to the chance intercrossing of the parents, which has been effected by insects in their native country, where so many of them are found in contiguous spots. Our home cultivators too are taking a hint from the insect world, and doing much service to floriculture by hybridising some of the choicest forms of Orchids with remarkably good results. We hope their success will encourage them to continue their pleasing and profitable work.
Odontoglossum triumphans is an evergreen plant, with pseudobulbs from two to three inches in height, and foliage of a light green colour, growing about twelve inches high. The flower-spikes are produced after the plant has completed its growth; in some of the varieties these grow two or three feet in length, with many flowers developed upon them. The sepals and petals are of a golden yellow, barred with brownish crimson; the lip is white at the base, its front portion having a large irregular blotch of brownish crimson. It generally blooms during the spring and winter months, and lasts for six or more weeks in beauty. This is a most useful feature in the Odontoglots, as they can be used for decorative purposes, and can be removed into living rooms without any injury to the plant or flowers if due care be taken—that is to say, the heat need not be higher than from 45° to 50°, they must not be placed near gas, and the roots must be occasionally moistened.
As an example of the power of endurance possessed by these plants we may mention that we took a plant packed in a box with other specimens to America, and showed it at the Philadelphia Exhibition, where the Odontoglot lasted some time in full beauty. We also took many other Orchids in bud, and they flowered after their arrival, much to the astonishment of the American cultivators. Mr. R. Warner carried an Odontoglossum in full bloom to the St. Petersburgh Exhibition, and afterwards, while still in blossom, showed it in London. We mention these facts to show what may be done with these beautiful flowers.
Odontoglossum triumphans requires the same treatment as O. Alexandræ as regards temperature, material for potting, and moisture at the roots.
Disa grandiflora superba.—This grand Orchid is grown very successfully by Mr. Elphinstone, gardener to John Heywood, Esq., the Grange, Stretford, Manchester. We received from him a spike of it bearing seven flowers—a perfect marvel of cultivation. We should like to see this gorgeous plant better managed than it generally is, it being, when grown as Mr. Elphinstone grows it, without exception the most showy Orchid in cultivation.
PL. 59. VANDA ROXBURGHII.
Epiphytal. Stems dwarf, stout, erect, leafy, with aërial roots from the lower portion. Leaves two-ranked, evergreen, leathery, light green, ligulate, channelled, obliquely tridentate at the apex. Flowers six to twelve, in erect axillary racemes longer than the leaves, tessellated; sepals and petals oblong-obovate, obtuse, undulated, white on the exterior surface, the inner side pale green, marked with olive-brown in chequered lines; lip three-lobed, projected backwards near the middle to form a short pinkish spur; the lateral lobes lanceolate, sharp-pointed, about as long as the column, white; the middle lobe convex, with the sides inflected beneath, ovate, emarginate and very obtuse, channelled, violet-purple, deeper towards the apex. Column short, thick, obtuse, white.
Vanda Roxburghii, R. Brown, in Botanical Register, t. 506; Lindley, Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants, 215; Id. Folia Orchidacea, art. Vanda, No. 4; Id. Paxton’s Flower Garden, t. 42, fig. 2; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 2245; Van Houtte, Flore des Serres, ii., t. 11; Wight, Icones Plantarum Indiæ Orientalis, iii., t. 916; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 307.
Vanda tessellata, Loddiges; Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, vii., 265 (var. with rosy lip).
Vanda tesselloides, Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 864.
Cymbidium tesselloides, Roxburgh, Flora Indica, iii., 463.
We now bring before our readers a plant that few of the present generation of Orchid growers have seen, but one which we think they all should possess, as it requires but little space, and produces its flower-spikes on very small specimens. Our plate will give some idea of this, as it represents a full-sized plant, with a spike of very charmingly coloured flowers. There are several varieties of this species known, among which we consider the one which our plate pourtrays to be an excellent form. The plant represented is in the collection of W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead. We are delighted to know that Mr. Lee is taking up the cultivation of the Vandas (of which he possesses a splendid collection), and intends devoting a centre table in one of his houses to their accommodation. There are no Orchids that flower so freely when they are well grown; indeed, Mr. Lee blooms many plants of Vanda tricolor while quite small. When the specimens attain a large size they flower two or three times a year, lasting each time some six weeks, or even more, in perfection. They are extremely fragrant, imparting a grateful odour to the whole atmosphere of the house. Other growers also are paying more regard to these beautiful plants, which we are glad to observe, as, though they flower so often, they do not require so much heat as some East Indian kinds.
Vanda Roxburghii is a dwarf compact growing plant, with light green foliage. The flower-spikes proceed from the axils of the leaves, and are upright, bearing from six to twelve flowers. The sepals and petals are of a greenish yellow, netted with purplish brown, the lip being of a bright mauve colour. This plant usually blossoms in May, and lasts six weeks in full beauty; but it sometimes varies as to the time of flowering.
The treatment which we find to suit this plant is to grow it in a basket suspended from the roof, where it procures a good amount of light, being merely shaded in summer when the sun is hot. It does best at the coolest end of the East Indian house. We have also cultivated it in a pot with good drainage and sphagnum moss; it requires a moderate supply of water in summer, but in winter only just sufficient should be given to moisten the moss.
Watering Orchids.—There can be no doubt that Orchids, like other plants, are particular as to the fluids given to them to nourish their roots. We often hear growers say, that the water obtainable in the particular locality where they may reside is hard, and that their plants do not thrive as they should do. We can fully sympathise with these men, as we know that hard water is bad for Orchids as well as for other plants. Hardwooded plants especially will not thrive if the water they receive does not suit them; but it must be borne in mind that these plants have fine hair-like roots, and are much sooner killed than Orchids which have thick fleshy roots. When conversing the other day with an Orchid grower from the north of England, who said that his plants were not doing well, that he could not keep the sphagnum moss alive—which he attributed to the use of hard water—and that he consequently put up a cistern for rain-water, and employed that, we were not surprised to hear that the result had been to improve the health of the plants, and that the moss was now growing luxuriantly.
There is a great difference between different hard waters; some contain a quantity of iron, while others contain lime; these when used for syringing leave white marks upon the foliage. We believe water containing chalk and lime to be beneficial to some kinds of Orchids, especially Cypripediums; in fact, some growers use chalk or broken limestone mixed with charcoal and peat to grow them in, and they succeed very well in it. We have frequently seen distinct traces of lime on imported Cypripediums. An importation of Cypripedium Spicerianum, received some time ago, was literally covered with lime deposit, probably owing to the plants having been found growing in the fissures of limestone rocks, where the water trickled down upon them. We should think that water containing iron would be the most injurious to Orchids.
PL. 60. LÆLIA PERRINII.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs (stems) club-shaped, under a foot in height, becoming furrowed when old. Leaves solitary, oblong-obtuse, about as long as the stems, coriaceous, of a dark green colour. Spathes oblong, compressed, green, often tinged with purple. Scape two-flowered, purplish. Flowers large, about six inches in expansion, richly coloured; sepals linear-oblong, bluntish, the lateral ones falcate, of a diluted magenta-rose; petals broader, oblong-lanceolate, of the same colour as the sepals; lip oblong-lanceolate, three-lobed, unguiculate, the base forming an inflated fistular cavity, the lateral lobes erect, acute, convergent over the column, the middle lip elongate, oblong-obtuse, wavy at the margin, the basal portion white inside, washed externally with magenta, the front part of an intense velvety purple-crimson. Pollen-masses eight.
Lælia Perrinii, Lindley, Botanical Register, 1842, under t. 62; Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, xiii., 5; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 207.
Cattleya Perrinii, Lindley, Botanical Register, 1838, t. 2; Hastingen, Paradisus Vindobonensis, i., t. 10.
Bletia Perrinii, Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 421.
The Lælia Perrinii is a very old species, and one that nearly all Orchid growers have seen or had in their possession, but we do not consider it too ancient to be introduced to the notice of our subscribers. It is a useful acquisition to the Orchid house, as it flowers when there are few Lælias, or any other Orchids in bloom. There are several varieties of this Lælia, which vary in colour, some being much paler than others. The form we here illustrate is part of an importation we received a few years ago, many of which bore blossoms of the same colour as that here represented. A pure white variety also came from the same locality at the same time, but the latter is very rare, there being only a few plants in this country. The white-flowered forms seem to be making their appearance in many of the species of Lælia and Cattleya. We are glad to notice this, as they make a very pretty contrast with the dark-coloured flowers, of which we have so many in these two genera—genera which resemble each other very closely, the only tangible difference being in the number of pollen-masses.
Lælia Perrinii is an evergreen plant, with dark green foliage and pseudobulbs, the leaves being about a foot high, and the pseudobulbs ten inches. The flower-spikes proceed from the top of the bulbs, and issue from a sheathing bract; they appear after the plants have completed their growth. The sepals and petals are of a light tint of magenta colour, while the lip is of a dark purple-crimson, with a rich yellow throat. The species blooms in October and November, and continues for about two weeks in perfection.
It requires the same treatment as Cattleya Mossiæ, and is best grown in a pot with good drainage and fibrous peat. It must be kept moist at the roots during the growing season, but after it has completed its growth less water will do, that is, merely enough to keep the roots and leaves in a plump state. When it recommences to grow a little water may be applied to encourage it to make strong growths, which are the precursors of finer flowers. The plants must be always fully exposed to light by being kept near the glass.
Orchids at Bickley.—A recent visit to Oldfield, the residence of F. A. Philbrick, Esq., Q.C., reminds us of the grand collection of Orchids in Avenue Road, Regent’s Park, many of the best of which were sold on Mr. Philbrick changing his residence. It is surprising to find the rapid way in which a new collection is now being grown and brought together in the new place. Houses had to be built, and the plants removed from one garden to the other, which, of course, involves more or less of injury. It is now twelve months since we visited this place, and the change that has taken place in that interval in respect to the collection of Orchids is remarkable, and highly creditable to Mr. Heims, the gardener. The plants have real vigour about them, sending out their growths and making roots freely, which is a sure sign they are doing well. The Cattleya house is a well-built structure, having plenty of light, with provision for a good circulation of air, two things very essential to the successful cultivation of Orchids. Mr. Philbrick is doing the right thing in securing the very best species and varieties, for, as he remarked to us, “they take up no more room than the bad ones, which are dear at any price.” We noticed some grand specimens of Lælia purpurata in bloom, with many spikes of flowers, and there were some wonderful varieties among them; also some large specimens of Cattleya Mossiæ in bloom. Of Sobralia macrantha there were large specimens which had been very fine; and of Cattleya Mendelii some fine varieties. Near to these stood several good Lælias, such as L. elegans, L. anceps alba, and L. anceps Dawsoni, which were growing vigorously. Epidendrum ritellinum majus was at the time finely in bloom.—B. S. W.