Thomas Moore

“ There is no genus of Orchids that surpasses Aërides in having handsome evergreen foliage, so that, even when not in blossom, they are exceedingly pretty objects; while to this it must be added, that their flower-spikes are beautiful, and their 41 flowers deliciously fragrant; some, of course, are more handsome than others, but all are worth growing: in fact, we have never seen an indifferent Aërides. They have every good quality that a plant of this character can possess, and they are of easy cultivation, so that anyone who has a stove may manage them successfully. ”

“ Lælia purpurata when well cultivated is a good looking plant, and even when not in bloom it is an object of attraction, on account of its stately evergreen foliage. It is a native of Brazil, and is found growing on the branches of trees on the outskirts of the forests where the plants get light, and are yet shaded from the burning sun. They are best grown in the Cattleya-house, and will thrive either in pots or baskets, but we find the pot system the best, as they are strong growing plants, and require ample space to bring them to perfection. ”

“ There can be no doubt that the species of Phalænopsis rank amongst our finest Orchids, on account of the purity and soft tinting of their blossoms and the profusion in which they are produced. Unfortunately, at present, we only possess a limited number of them. During the last few years, indeed, many new kinds, which are giving a fresh interest to the genus, have been introduced by our collectors; and, although it is barely possible that any new introduction should surpass the old species, yet it is gratifying to know that there are yet to be found distinct and novel kinds of great beauty. ”

“ The moss about their roots must be sweet and in a living state; when it becomes decayed it should be removed, the roots washed, and the plant replaced in clean live moss with fresh free drainage, so that the water, of which a considerable quantity is required, may never become stagnant. Shading is an important element in the successful cultivation of these plants; therefore the sun, when at its full power in summer, must never be allowed to shine upon them, but in winter a little sun-heat is beneficial, and they then require all the light which it is possible to give them. ”

“ As this species requires what is called cool treatment very little expense need be incurred in its cultivation. Indeed, any one having a small house where a temperature can be kept up in winter of from 45° to 50°, with as little fire-heat as possible, can grow a great quantity of them, since they occupy but little space. In summer no fire-heat is required, unless the nights are cold, which is seldom the case at that season, but no draughts should be allowed to reach them, as draughts are as deleterious to them as to all other plants grown in glass houses. ”

“ The flowers, which are rather large for so small a plant, being of a rich and brilliant colour, become rather effective; and though, of course, they do not compare at all in gorgeous beauty with those of many of the larger-flowered Orchids, they are by no means to be despised even from the decorative point of View; indeed, when grown on a block, as represented in the accompanying Plate, and suspended from the roof of the house, the plant forms a very pretty and distinct object, occupying, as it does, but a small space in which it displays much beauty and attractiveness. ”

“ None of the Masdevallias like heat, and most of them require the same kind of treatment. The house in which they are grown should have a north aspect, so that they may not get too much sun-heat, as this causes the leaves to become spotted, to the great disfigurement of the plant.
Insects become a nuisance if allowed to accumulate on the plants. The thrips, which is one of their greatest insect enemies, constantly attacks them, and must be subdued by cleansing them frequently and thoroughly with a sponge and warm soft water. ”

“ Like other Cattleyas, this species is subject to the inroads of the scale insect, which should be frequently sought for, and, if found, promptly removed. The foliage should be kept in a plump condition and not allowed to shrivel. In cleansing the leaves injury is often caused by too hard rubbing, by which they become bruised; rather should they be handled delicately, as, if once damaged, they cannot be restored to a sound healthy appearance. A damaged leaf is not only a disfigurement, but is of great injury to the health of the plant, by interfering with the action of its pores. ”

“ This is one of the most distinct of the new hybrid Lady’s Slippers that have been recently introduced to the notice of Orchid-growers; it will also be appreciated as one of the most useful, being of a neat free-growing and abundant-blooming habit of growth. The Cypripediums are everybody’s plants, that is to say, any one who has a place adapted for their cultivation can manage them without difficulty. Many growers make them their especial care and study, procuring every species and variety that can be obtained, and thus forming a very interesting and diverse group. ”

“ We have found good fibrous peat and sphagnum moss to suit well as material for the potting of these plants. They thrive best in small pots. The roots should not be disturbed too often; when, however, they require fresh material to root in, it must be given them, as they are free rooting plants and prefer to have sweet wholesome soil about them. They must also have good drainage, for they need an abundant supply of water, and by giving them efficient drainage the water passes off quickly without doing any harm, which it would do if allowed to become stagnant about them. ”

“ No collection should be without them, as they flower at all times of the year. Where a number of these Orchids are grown, as at Chatsworth, we have seen as many as 193 spikes in blossom at one time, presenting a most glorious sight.
The Vandas are of easy cultivation. The species which we now figure is a small, elegant-growing, free-blooming plant, and also very distinct in character, as will be seen from the plate, which gives a good representation of it. ”

“ We find it to thrive best in good fibrous loam, with a small quantity of charcoal, and a little leaf-mould or peat, all being well mixed together, giving the pots good drainage, but not so much as is required in the case of Cattleyas, for example. As it is a strong rooting plant, it is best grown in a pot, and should be a little elevated above the rim. We have found the East India house to supply the most suitable atmospheric conditions in which to cultivate it ”

“ Syringing should be avoided during the winter, except in the case of those on blocks, for a little dewing with the syringe during the day, will not hurt these, as the moisture quickly dries off. The water should always be used in a tepid state.
One of the most important items in Orchid culture is cleanliness. Every plant should be cleansed as soon as any indications of insect life are perceived upon it, since there are Insecticides and other remedies sold to destroy all such pests. ”

“ They last a long time in beauty and make grand exhibition plants, producing also, when in bloom, a charming effect in the houses if intermixed with the various Odontoglots and other cool Orchids. There are so many varieties that some of them will always be in flower, but the best time to see them is from May to July. They are so accommodating to the grower that many wonderful specimens have been produced and exhibited during the last few years. When a plant is found to be too large it may be divided, and the divided portions will go on increasing. ”

“ The bulbs sometimes shrivel when they flower too freely; if this is observed do not allow the blossoms to remain too long on the plants, as they will keep a good time in water when cut from the plant. Being of a graceful character they are well adapted for the decoration of drawing-room stands, in which, if intermixed with foliage and other flowers, they help to produce a very charming effect. Indeed no flowers are so useful as Orchids for decorative purposes, as they last so long when cut. ”