Part 9

These Calanthes are very accommodating, since they will thrive well in baskets suspended from the roof, as well as in pots suspended by wire in the same way as the baskets; they will also thrive in pots standing on the tables, where room is not an object. If grown in baskets, they will require more water in their growing season. We prefer them grown in this manner where there is room, as they look so pleasing with their spikes hanging gracefully from the roof. Where hundreds of spikes have to be produced, as for instance is the case with Mr. C. Penny, of Sandringham Gardens, for decorating the Prince of Wales’ table, the effect produced is charming, and even for filling large vases they form a most elegant adornment.

They are of easy cultivation when they get the treatment they require. Like all other deciduous and bulbous plants their blooming season follows that of the completion of the growth of the bulbs, and their growing season commences when they have finished blooming, after which they will soon begin to throw up their young growths. When this is observed, let them be fresh potted. We have found it best to do this every year, as they lose all their old roots annually. We shake the soil away and cut off all the roots, and repot them, when, as soon as they begin to grow, they will send out their new roots into fresh soil. The material we use for potting is good rough fibrous loam and leaf mould, with a little rotten manure, mixing them well together, and giving good drainage with a layer of rough peat and moss on the top of it. In potting, fill the pot up with the soil and place the bulb on the top, just making it firm; it will soon root and support itself. If planted in baskets, it is necessary to place some rough fibrous peat round the sides and at the bottom to keep the soil from washing out; fill the basket up with the same kind of compost as that recommended for the pots, with drainage at the bottom; place the bulbs upright in the basket, about three in number, on the top of the soil, and finish by giving a little water. After the plants get into growth and are making roots freely, they should always be kept moist until they have finished their growth, when a less copious supply will suffice; and after they have bloomed they may be kept dry for a time until they are ready for potting. When the plants are in vigorous growth a little manure water may, with advantage, be applied to their roots once or twice a week, but it must be well diluted before being used, as, if given too strong, it might destroy the roots.

We find the East India house to suit these Calanthes best, or they will thrive well in a house where stove plants are grown. They are propagated by separating the pseudobulbs at the time they are potted, and as they generally make two growths from one bulb the increase is comparatively rapid. Like other orchidaceous plants, they must be kept free from insects.

ONCIDIUM HÆMATOCHILUM. [Plate 32.] Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ none or obsolete, the leaves and flower-scapes springing directly from the axils of the scaly bracts which surround the crown. _Leaves_ solitary, flat, oblong, acute, leathery in texture, dull green spotted with reddish brown, nine to twelve inches long. _Scape_ radical, deep red, supporting a dense panicle of green spotted crimson-lipped flowers. _Flowers_ about an inch and a half across, showy on account of their rich colouring and markings; _sepals_ oval-oblong, yellowish green, thickly marked with irregular transverse bands of rich reddish brown; _petals_ oblong, spathulate, wavy, similar in colour to the sepals, but less heavily marked; _lip_ clawed, with a pair of auricles at the base, the claw and auricles deep magenta-rose colour, the front expanded portion roundish or transversely reniform, of a deep sanguineous crimson, and having the margin yellow, closely mottled with deep rose-crimson, the disk furnished with a flexuose crest shaped like the letter W, and thence raised into an eminence with a toothlet on each side. _Column_ short, with rounded wings curved downwards and somewhat lobed.

Oncidium hæmatochilum, _Lindley_, in _Paxton’s Flower Garden_, i., t. 6; _Id._, re-issue, t. 26; _Id._, _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Oncidium_, No. 132; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 783.

Oncidium luridum purpuratum, _Loddiges_, _List_—_fide_ Lindley.

This is undoubtedly one of our oldest Orchids—one that we recollect to have seen in bloom with the Messrs. Loddiges, in their noble collection of Orchids, about thirty years ago. We have always been under the impression that it was one of the prettiest of the spotted Oncidiums, but, although we have occasionally bloomed it, since then we have seen it in very few collections. We were accordingly very greatly pleased to meet with a remarkably fine example of it in the collection of G. W. L. Schofield, Esq., of Rawtenstall, near Manchester, from which our illustration was taken. The plant bore two flower-spikes, one of which was three feet six inches in length, bearing forty fine blossoms, and was a most beautiful example of the species; the other was shorter, and from this our drawing was made, as our page would not afford space for the representation of the larger spike. Our readers will, however, be enabled from the description and figure to form a good idea of the beauty of this rare species when well grown. Mr. Schofield is a great lover of good Orchids, and apparently intends having a fine collection of them, as he has had houses built for the different classes; his gardener also takes great interest in the plants, and consequently they are closely looked after and well cared for.

The _Oncidium hæmatochilum_ is a very compact-growing plant, with leaves from nine to twelve inches in height, and two and a half inches broad, of a dark green colour, spotted with brown. The sepals and petals are of a greenish yellow, mottled with crimson; the lip is of a rich crimson, edged with yellow, and spotted round the margin with magenta-rose colour. It flowers in November, the blossoms continuing for several weeks in perfection, and is a plant that will no doubt become popular, as it blooms at a time when flowers are in request. The specimen we are describing was grown in a basket in the Cattleya house, in peat and moss, which form an unexceptionable compost for it, with good drainage, and a moderate supply of water in the growing season. It is best suspended from the roof where it may obtain plenty of light, but it does not like bright sunshine, and consequently must be shaded in sunny weather.

The Oncidiums are a class of Orchids among which occur some most showy and beautiful species; while almost every colour we could mention is to be found represented among them. They come from different regions, and in consequence their treatment must vary. Some of them rank among our finest exhibition plants, as well as amongst the best for the decoration of our stoves and Orchid houses. We often see fine specimens of Oncidiums in our grand old collections of plants where there is no pretence at growing a collection of Orchids, but where they are merely cultivated for cutting purposes. What is more airy and elegant for vases than the inflorescence of _Oncidium flexuosum_, or even _O. sphacelatum_, or that of many others we could mention if space would allow? What more brilliant than such species as _O. varicosum_ and its variety _O. Rogersii_, _O. ampliatum majus_, _O. tigrinum_, _O. Marshallianum_, or _O. macranthum_?

Dendrobium Findleyanum.—This plant is now (January, 1882) finely in flower in the collection of J. C. Bowring, Esq., Windsor Forest. It must be a grand specimen, as Mr. Clinkaberry, the gardener, informs us that it has one hundred and ninety-two expanded blossoms. We have never before heard of such a well-flowered specimen as this; indeed, large plants of this species are somewhat rare. It is a most curious grower, and very remarkable for its long tapering compressed and deeply nodose stem-like pseudobulbs. The flowers are large, white, tipped with rosy pink, in the same way as those of _D. Wardianum_, and they are produced in great profusion. It is a plant that takes but little room, and should be in every collection.—B. S. W.

CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS. [Plate 33.] Native of Brazil in the region of the Rio Negro.

Epiphytal. _Stems_ slender, subterete, furrowed, with distant nodes, nearly a foot in height. _Leaves_ in pairs, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse, barely four inches in length, of a deep bluish green colour and stout coriaceous texture. _Scape_ four to five-flowered, issuing from a terminal oblong obtuse compressed sheathing bract, of a pale brown colour, which is about two inches long and three-quarters of an inch broad. _Flowers_ richly coloured, nearly six inches in breadth; _sepals_ elliptic-lanceolate, plane, about two and a half inches long, of a deep rich purplish rose colour; _petals_ of the same colour somewhat broader and longer, rhomboid, more or less undulated at the margin in the upper half; _lip_ about two inches long, three-lobed, the basal lobes elongately connivent into a tube acute in front, of a rich magenta-crimson, white at the base, middle lobe transversely rounded, broader than long, emarginate, narrowed into a claw, the front portion of the same rich crimson colour, the disk and interior of the tube yellow, the former traversed by five elevated golden yellow lines. _Column_ enclosed.

Cattleya superba splendens, _Lemaire_, _Illustration Horticole_ xvi., t. 605; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 4 ed., 127; 5 ed., 132.

The plant we are now about to describe is one of the most magnificent members of its genus, so far as regards the brilliant colouring of its flowers. This may be seen by a reference to the accompanying illustration, which was taken from a fine plant that flowered at the Victoria Nursery, and was subsequently purchased by William Lee, Esq. of Downside, Leatherhead. The plant was seen to great advantage when suspended in a basket from the roof of the Orchid-house, and in this position was greatly admired, by _connoisseurs_ on account of its rich and brilliant colours. The plants of _Cattleya superba_ vary considerably in the colour of their flowers, those of the original or type form being well represented in the first series of _Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants_ (t. 24), where a most beautiful spike with six of its really superb flowers is shown.

The variety which we now introduce to the notice of our readers—_Cattleya superba splendens_—is one of distinct character, and of unparalleled beauty. It comes from a different country, viz., the Rio Negro region of Para instead of Guiana. The plant is of compact growth like _C. superba_, and generally flowers during July and August; the stems (pseudobulbs) are ten to twelve inches in height; the leaves are produced in pairs, and are longer and more pointed, and its splendidly coloured flowers are produced four or five together in the spike from the top of the stem when it is making its growth. The individual blossoms are as much as five inches across, and are well expanded, the sepals and petals being of a bright but delicate rose colour, and the lip white at the base, the front and side lobes rich magenta-crimson, the disk and interior of the tube being of a bright golden yellow. The plant continues in blossom for three or four weeks if the flowers are kept from damp; indeed, all Cattleya blooms retain their freshness for a longer period if kept dry, especially the large light-flowered forms of _C. Mossiæ_, _C. Trianæ_, _C. Mendelii_, &c., which soon become spotted if the atmosphere surrounding them is much charged with moisture.

_Cattleya superba_ is not in general well cultivated, but we have seen some specimens which were grown with extraordinary skill and success in the select collection of O. Schneider, Esq., of Cromwell Grange, Fallowfield, near Manchester. These specimens, as many as nine in number, were suspended in baskets from the roof of the warm house. They were grown from imported plants, and we have noticed them in the same position growing and blooming freely for the past three years, and, as they succeed so well, we should certainly recommend their being retained in the same situation. It is a golden rule for cultivators that when a particular kind of plant is found to thrive in a certain position, it should be kept there, so long at least as the conditions are suitable. In the instance just referred to the plants were suspended close to the glass, where they enjoyed a great abundance of light, and this was possibly the secret of their success. Other important considerations are that the plants do not like to be disturbed and will not bear cutting up.

It is necessary at all times to keep sweet healthy material about the roots by removing the old effete soil and replacing it by that which is fresh and sound. We find rough fibrous peat and charcoal to suit it, but this must be accompanied by good drainage. We have seen them thrive well on blocks of wood, but when grown in this way they require more water. If cultivated in baskets they also need a good supply during the season of growth. In winter less will suffice, merely enough being given to keep the bulbs in a plump condition. As soon as they show signs of growth, more water should be given, but it is necessary to avoid wetting the young growths, as this often causes them to damp off, and when this is the case the succeeding growth will be weakly and unable to develop blossoms.

The plants should be kept free from insects; sometimes thrips will attack the young growths, but it should be speedily removed, as, if allowed to remain, it will soon make great havoc.

PAPHINIA CRISTATA. [Plate 34.] Native of Trinidad and Guiana.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ small, clustered, oblong-ovate, compressed, somewhat furrowed, bearing one to three leaves at the apex, and leaf-like scales at the base. _Leaves_ oblong-lanceolate, plicate, submembranaceous, spreading, about eight inches in height. _Scapes_ proceeding from the base of the pseudobulbs, pendent, two or three-flowered, clothed with loose brown membranaceous bracts. _Flowers_ smooth, spreading, whitish on the outside, beautifully marked with purple lines within, about three and a half inches across; _sepals_ lanceolate acute, fleshy, pale straw colour, almost entirely covered by thin transverse lines of chocolate-purple; _petals_ similar in form and colour, but somewhat narrower; _lip_ much smaller than the foregoing, fleshy, tripartite, almost entirely of a rich purplish black, ovate in outline, shortly unguiculate, with four stalked glands on the reddish orange purple-spotted claw, the lateral lobes sickle-shaped, the middle lobe rhomboidal, terminated by a tuft of club-shaped fimbriæ; disk crested, bidentate, with a few deep yellow spots down the centre. _Column_ club-shaped, semiterete, greenish at the base, the upper portion auriculate, with a projecting tooth on each side, deep yellow.

Paphinia cristata, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, 1843, misc. 14; _Lyons_, _Treatise on Orchidaceous Plants_, 203; _Van Houtte_, _Flore des Serres_, iv., t. 335; _Hooker_, _Botanical Magazine_, t. 4836; _Reichenbach fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_, vi., 614; _Williams_, _Orchid Grower’s Manual_, 5 ed., 265; _Bateman_, _2nd Century of Orchidaceous Plants_, t. 117.

Maxillaria cristata, _Lindley_, _Botanical Register_, t. 1811.

_Paphinia_ is a genus of very limited extent, and of which but few species are at present known. That now before us is a very old and familiar species, one of the best known amongst them, and a singularly handsome little plant. It was the _Maxillaria cristata_ of early Orchid days, and considerable quantities of it were formerly imported, but it has now become very rare. We have flowered several plants during the past year at the Victoria Nursery, where they were greatly admired by those who saw them. It is a plant which comparatively few persons interested in Orchids have met with in blossom, and of which our plate gives a very correct representation. The flowers are remarkably curious, not only for their structure, but also for their colouring, as will be seen by reference to our illustration. The plant has, moreover, a very peculiar mode of throwing out its flower-spikes.

We have also flowered _Paphinia rugosa_, another very singular and pretty plant, after the same style, but differing in colour, and well worth cultivation. They occupy but little space in the Orchid-houses, and are best grown in small pans suspended near the glass where they have the full benefit of the light, but must be shaded from the sun since their thin-textured leaves would suffer injury from too complete an exposure.

_Paphinia cristata_, is a low-growing plant, with small shiny pseudobulbs, and light green plicate foliage about eight inches in height. It is a free-blooming species, generally producing three flowers on a scape which proceeds from the base of the pseudobulb after that has completed its growth. The flowers last in beauty for about a fortnight, and are produced at different periods of the year. The sepals and petals are nearly covered with transverse parallel lines of dark chocolate-purple on a creamy yellow ground; the lip is coloured in a similar manner, and furnished with some curious tufted fringes.

These plants are not so easy to cultivate as some other Orchids; but, by bestowing on them a little extra care and attention, they may be kept in a thriving and healthy condition. We find them to grow best in small pans, nearly filled with drainage, and a lump of charcoal on the top of it; place the plant on the top of this with but little rough fibrous peat or live sphagnum moss about the roots, and so that it is elevated a little above the rim, as it has the peculiarity of throwing its flower-spike downwards.

This species is a native of Guiana, and of the adjacent island of Trinidad. In the latter it is found growing on decayed branches of trees in the neighbourhood of the mud lake. In the former it occurs in the warmer parts of Demerara, and, consequently, must be cultivated in the warm house, and kept in a moist atmosphere during the season of its growth; when at rest, however, a smaller quantity of water will suffice, but it should never be allowed to shrivel, as, when once its condition becomes bad, it is very difficult to restore its health.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ flaveolum.—Whoever expected ten years ago to see a yellow-flowered _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_ (?) No one, we should think, unless it were by a great stretch of the imagination. However, here is one from the fine collection of G. Hardy, Esq., of Timperley, Manchester. The flowers in every respect resemble those of _O. Alexandræ_, except in their colour, which is a bright canary-yellow. The spike before us bears fifteen expanded flowers, and is one of the greatest surprises we have had the good fortune to meet with for a long time. It is true that distinct varieties of this “the Queen of Orchids” are turning up almost every day, but one seldom has a chance of seeing an entirely new break of colour of this sort. We believe that a variety with yellow flowers bloomed some time ago in the Broomfield collection, but the colour was not so decided in Mr. Warner’s plant as it is in the case now before us.—B. S. W.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ANDERSONIANUM. [Plate 35.] Native of New Grenada.

Epiphytal. _Pseudobulbs_ ligulate-pyriform, costate, two or three inches high. _Leaves_ broadly linear, acute, about a foot long, of a light green colour, two from the top of each pseudobulb, with occasionally another from its base. _Scape_ radical, spreading, more or less drooping, supporting a branching raceme about two feet long. _Flowers_ resembling those of _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, but smaller, prettily spotted; _sepals_ ovate-oblong, acute, slightly crispy, creamy white, heavily and irregularly blotched on the lower half with bright chestnut-brown, the attenuated upper half unspotted; _petals_ similar in form and colour, the blotches which are also on the lower half smaller, and more thickly placed; _lip_ from a cuneate base, pandurate, narrow in front, apiculate, distinctly wavy and toothed, creamy white, yellow at the base, with fewer and smaller brown spots; disk deep yellow, with a prominent crest dividing in front into two divergent horns. _Column_ greenish towards the base, brown in front, the wings and anther-case white.

Odontoglossum Andersonianum, _Reichenbach fil._, in _Gardeners’ Chronicle_, 1868, 599; _Id._ 1872, 41; _Floral Magazine_, 2 ser., t. 45.

The charming _Odontoglossum Andersonianum_, supposed to be a wild mule between _O. Alexandræ_ (_crispum_) and _O. præstans_ or _O. gloriosum_, is one of the many prettily spotted Odontoglots which have been introduced into our collections during the past few years, and among which new varieties are continually appearing. One of the best forms of this plant which has come under our notice is that represented in the accompanying plate, prepared from a very beautiful specimen which bloomed last year among many other fine Odontoglots, well cultivated in the collection of Messrs. William Thomson & Sons, of Clovenfords near Galashiels.

The _Odontoglossum Andersonianum_ is a compact-growing plant, with pyriform pseudobulbs two to three inches high, pale green leaves, and gracefully drooping branched flower-spikes about two feet in length. The sepals and petals are at first creamy white, spotted with purplish brown, the lip being also white, but less heavily spotted. The plant is of free-blooming habit, the flowers continuing fresh and perfect for a period of five or six weeks. It is exceedingly difficult to recognize this form until it produces its blossoms, as its growth is remarkably similar to that of _O. Alexandræ_. Indeed there are many forms and varieties of this particular group which it is impossible to recognize until their flowers are seen; and, though cultivators may sometimes feel assured of the identity of individual plants, the production of flowers not unfrequently proves them to be mistaken.

_Odontoglossum Andersonianum_ requires the same treatment as _O. Alexandræ_ and other cool Orchids, also the same amount of water. The plants must have good fibrous peat to grow in, and plenty of drainage, as they need to be freely supplied with water all the year round, and this, if allowed to become stagnant, would prove very injurious to them. The material in which they are grown must also be clean and sweet; and though they must never be over-potted, sufficient space should be allowed for their roots. We have sometimes seen Odontoglots in pots far too large for them, and though this may tend to make the plants more important-looking, yet it will eventually spoil them, as the larger amount of soil becomes soddened with water, and this produces rotting of the roots.