Odontoglossum Andersonianumrequires the same treatment asO. Alexandræand 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.
Raised Blinds for Orchid Houses.—During the summer months we have found Raised Blinds very beneficial to the growth of Orchids, especially to those requiring cool-house culture. When the hot summer’s sun is shining upon the glass, it is very difficult, where Raised Blinds are not employed, to keep the temperature sufficiently low. The glass roof of the structure upon which the sun is shining becomes very hot, even when shaded with ordinary blinds; but if Raised Blinds are used a current of air is allowed to pass over the entire surface of the roof, and the glass is kept comparatively cool. The effect of this is to decrease very appreciably the internal temperature of the house; and the moisture, which would otherwise be dried up by the burning heat of the sun, produces a nice humid genial atmosphere in which Orchids delight. Having thus far referred to the advantages to be derived from the use of this method of shading, we may now explain briefly the mode of construction. Supposing that the house to be furnished with Raised Blinds is an ordinary span-roofed structure, it is necessary in the first place to provide a second ridge elevated about six inches above the top of the existing one. This should not consist of a solid plank, but of a strip of timber sufficiently strong to bear the weight and strain of the blinds and roller, and should be supported on blocks of wood placed at intervals in order to allow the current of air from below to find an outlet, which would not be the case if a solid ridge-board were adopted. Having arranged for the ridge, the next thing is to provide supports for the rollers; either wood or iron may be used for this purpose, but we have found iron to be the lightest looking and the most durable. Where the length of the rafters does not exceed say eight feet, half-inch rod iron will be found to be strong enough, and this should be cut into proper lengths, with the lower end turned up in a semi-circular form, so as to catch the roller when it descends, and prevent it from running off the supports. These supporting rods should be fixed to the bars or rafters of the house, about six inches above the woodwork, by being welded to vertical iron stays, which latter should be flattened out at the base, and provided with holes so that they can be screwed to the rafters or bars of the roof. In this way a strong support for the blinds to roll upon will be formed; the blinds themselves can be attached to the elevated ridge in the ordinary way, and the gearing usually employed for the purpose will be found to answer well for pulling them up or down. Many Orchid growers have already adopted these Raised Blinds with very beneficial results.—B. S. W.
PL. 36.CYPRIPEDIUM POLITUM.
PL. 36.CYPRIPEDIUM POLITUM.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesradical, distichous, coriaceous, oblong, acute, palish green thickly chequered with dark bottle-green markings, the under side dull reddish purple.Scapessolitary in the leaf axils, pubescent, purplish, terminating in a lanceolate sharply keeled bract, from which the solitary blossom emerges.Flowersmedium-sized, peculiar in form, rather showy;dorsal sepalsovate-acute, ciliate, the inner surface polished, suffused with reddish purple in the lower part, whitish towards the tip, traversed by numerous green veins of which the alternate ones are longer and stouter than the rest, all of them distinctly marked on the outer surface;lateral connate sepalssmaller, ciliate, greenish white with green veins, rather shorter than the lip;petalslinear-oblong, about two and a half inches in length, glossy, deflexed (more so than in the figure), ciliate with a fringe of unequal black hairs, bright wine-red, greenish towards the base, where it is marked with several Indian-purple warts most abundant near the upper edge, exterior surface green;lipnarrowly pouch-shaped, nearly as long as the petals, suffused in front with the same purplish red tint, and marked thickly with green veins at the sides and back, the basal auricles erect, obtuse, interior surface green, dotted with wine-red, the incurved margins of the claw greenish yellow, with reddish spots.Staminodetransverse, yellowish green, with two large exterior teeth in front and a small inner tooth, light brown with green markings.Cypripedium politum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xiv., 525.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesradical, distichous, coriaceous, oblong, acute, palish green thickly chequered with dark bottle-green markings, the under side dull reddish purple.Scapessolitary in the leaf axils, pubescent, purplish, terminating in a lanceolate sharply keeled bract, from which the solitary blossom emerges.Flowersmedium-sized, peculiar in form, rather showy;dorsal sepalsovate-acute, ciliate, the inner surface polished, suffused with reddish purple in the lower part, whitish towards the tip, traversed by numerous green veins of which the alternate ones are longer and stouter than the rest, all of them distinctly marked on the outer surface;lateral connate sepalssmaller, ciliate, greenish white with green veins, rather shorter than the lip;petalslinear-oblong, about two and a half inches in length, glossy, deflexed (more so than in the figure), ciliate with a fringe of unequal black hairs, bright wine-red, greenish towards the base, where it is marked with several Indian-purple warts most abundant near the upper edge, exterior surface green;lipnarrowly pouch-shaped, nearly as long as the petals, suffused in front with the same purplish red tint, and marked thickly with green veins at the sides and back, the basal auricles erect, obtuse, interior surface green, dotted with wine-red, the incurved margins of the claw greenish yellow, with reddish spots.Staminodetransverse, yellowish green, with two large exterior teeth in front and a small inner tooth, light brown with green markings.
Cypripedium politum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xiv., 525.
This new Lady’s Slipper is one of a batch raised some few years since by Robert Warner, Esq., of Broomfield, near Chelmsford, who has been successful in producing several very good forms by the process of hybridisation. The plants are of dwarf habit, free-growing, and free-blooming, each small growth bringing forth its flower. ThisCypripedium politumhas been flowered for several years past by Mr. Warner, and thus its characteristic features and its constancy are well ascertained. There are also some other distinct kinds obtained through the same cross, some of which we hope to figure on a future occasion. We should expect that the cross was made betweenC. barbatum superbumandC. venustum.
Cypripedium politumis a plant of compact habit and of free growth. The leaves are of a distinct and well-marked character, as will be seen in the very accurate portrait furnished by our artist. They are oblong, acute, about five inches long, and somewhat over an inch broad, of a beautiful light green, barred and chequered with a very deep or bottle-green, which gives it a very pleasing appearance; the under-surface is stained with a deep reddish wine-purple. The downy flower-scapes are also purple, some six to eight inches in height, eachsupporting a solitary flower, in which the dorsal sepal is ovate, polished, flushed in the lower part with purplish red and spotted with purple at the base, the upper part white, and the whole traversed by bright green veins which are alternately long and short. The petals are oblong, broadest at the apex, of a bright wine-red, polished, with black hairs along the margin, and Indian-purple warts near the upper edge, greenish towards the base and along the lower edge. The pouch-shaped lip is nearly as long as the petals, purplish red with a coppery tinge, glossy, veined with green at the sides and back. The flowers are produced during January and February, a season when they are much in request for decorative purposes. The Cypripediums are very useful for furnishing a supply of cut flowers, as they will keep fresh for several weeks in water, and will last for at least six weeks on the plant.
These interesting plants are of easy cultivation, and occupy but little space, hence they may be accommodated in every small collection, and may be grown without much expense. The species and varieties forming thebarbatumgroup, to which this plant belongs, all require similar treatment. They may be grown either in the Cattleya or East India house, and are best cultivated in pots. Some of our Orchid-growers prefer to plant them in sphagnum moss, others in peat; for ourselves, we prefer to use good fibrous peat, ample drainage being provided. We have seen them thrive well in fibrous loam. The plants must be kept above the rim of the pot, as they root freely over the surface of the rough material. Since they have no fleshy bulbs to support them, and their growth is continuous almost throughout the year, they require to be liberally supplied with water at the roots; for this reason the pots must be well drained.
Insects require to be constantly searched for. The scale sometimes appears upon the plants, but may easily be subjugated by sponging the surface with clean water. Their greatest enemy, however, is the red thrips, which must be hunted up and destroyed if the health of the plants is to be maintained, but it may be easily kept under if promptly, perseveringly, and vigorously attacked.
Dendrobium macrophyllum.—We have received two splendid spikes of this magnificent Dendrobe, with flowers of an unusually fine colour, from a well grown specimen, such as we might expect from so experienced a grower as Mr. Penny, of the Royal Gardens, Sandringham, who has been one of the most successful exhibitors of specimen Orchids at our London shows, where he has, with the large collections staged by him, carried off nearly all the leading prizes. We hope at some future period to be able to figure this fine Dendrobium, the sepals and petals of which are of a rose-magenta colour, and the lip of the same colour, with a purplish crimson throat. We received with the Dendrobe a fine spike of the white-lipped form ofOdontoglossum Halliiin grand condition, the sepals and petals being of a very bright golden yellow with rich markings of a brownish crimson colour. This variety forms a splendid contrast with the white-floweredO. AlexandræandO. Pescatorei, of which kinds there is a fine collection at Sandringham. The Prince of Wales is a great admirer of these as well as of other good Orchids.—B. S. W.
PL. 37.CYPRIPEDIUM CHLORONEURUM.
PL. 37.CYPRIPEDIUM CHLORONEURUM.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesradical, distichous, coriaceous, oblong acute, closely tessellated with dark hieroglyphic markings on a light green ground, the under surface reddish purple.Scapessolitary in the central leaf-axils, pubescent, reddish purple, one-flowered, with a very short ovate bract.Flowerslarge, with expanded petals, rather attractive in colour;dorsal sepalbroadly ovate, bright yellow-green with white margin, and a narrow purple central stripe, on each side of which are about four strongly marked dark green longitudinal veins, connected by finer transverse veins;lateral (connate) sepalssmall;petalsoblong, broader upwards, two and a half inches long, and three-fourths of an inch wide, with green longitudinal veins, and a dark purple central line, on one side of which (the upper half) they are washed with wine-purple, and have a yellowish buff margin, and a few black warts near the base, where they are ciliated; on the other (lower) half very slightly tinted with purple, the cross veins more apparent, and the margin green;liprather large, shortly pouch-shaped, heavily stained with wine-purple, and freely marked with bold reticulations of a darker purple, the upper angles yellowish at the margins.Staminodetransversely reniform, pale green, with dark green feathery markings in front.Cypripedium chloroneurum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xiv., 525.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesradical, distichous, coriaceous, oblong acute, closely tessellated with dark hieroglyphic markings on a light green ground, the under surface reddish purple.Scapessolitary in the central leaf-axils, pubescent, reddish purple, one-flowered, with a very short ovate bract.Flowerslarge, with expanded petals, rather attractive in colour;dorsal sepalbroadly ovate, bright yellow-green with white margin, and a narrow purple central stripe, on each side of which are about four strongly marked dark green longitudinal veins, connected by finer transverse veins;lateral (connate) sepalssmall;petalsoblong, broader upwards, two and a half inches long, and three-fourths of an inch wide, with green longitudinal veins, and a dark purple central line, on one side of which (the upper half) they are washed with wine-purple, and have a yellowish buff margin, and a few black warts near the base, where they are ciliated; on the other (lower) half very slightly tinted with purple, the cross veins more apparent, and the margin green;liprather large, shortly pouch-shaped, heavily stained with wine-purple, and freely marked with bold reticulations of a darker purple, the upper angles yellowish at the margins.Staminodetransversely reniform, pale green, with dark green feathery markings in front.
Cypripedium chloroneurum,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., xiv., 525.
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.
Our present subject was raised by Robert Warner, Esq., in whose collection at Broomfield it has been blooming very abundantly, and it was from Mr. Warner’s plant that our drawing was taken. The variety resembles the one figured on plate 36 in being of free-blooming habit, and also in being very attractive in regard to its foliage as well as its flowers. Many hybrid Cypripediums have been raised in this country of late years by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, and also by other growers. Some of these have proved to be very beautiful and effective subjects, and no doubt there are others coming forward that have not yet bloomed. Many splendid novelties may yet be gained by crossing those kinds that have flowers of distinct forms and colours, and, as many of the varieties bloom simultaneously, the hybridiser will find abundant opportunities for carrying out his plans.
These plants appear to be easily raised from seeds, and to reach the flowering stage sooner than most other seedling Orchids.
Some of the Cypripediums thrive well in a cool house, and by fertilising these with the best of the stove species, a new set of cool-house forms would probably be obtained. Such a result would be one of considerable importance to Orchidists, as no doubt, if varieties of a different character to those we already possess could be obtained, some of our enthusiastic growers would take up their cultivation in good earnest. At present the majority of the Lady’s Slippers require a warm house.
Cypripedium chloroneurumis a dwarf compact-habited plant, with evergreen foliage about six inches in length, beautifully variegated with closely chequered markings of dark and light green. The flowers are produced in January and February, and continue on for several weeks. The colours are distinct and attractive, the broad flat dorsal sepal being of a bright lively pale green striped with darker green nerves and bordered with white, the petals suffused with purple on the upper half and marked with black marginal warts, and the purplish lip freely ornamented with bold dark purple reticulations, altogether presenting a remarkably effective appearance.
This novel hybrid grows freely when potted in rough fibrous peat with good drainage. When in vigorous growth it requires a liberal supply of water at the roots. Propagation is accomplished by dividing the plants after they have finished blooming and are ready to start into fresh growth; they can then be divided with safety by cutting off a back growth with a leading shoot in front of it, but care must be taken in cutting that the remaining portion of the plant is provided with an eye so placed as to break and form a new growth. When this young growth has been made, the divided plant may be shaken out from the old soil and potted. The offshoots should be placed in small pots until the following year, when, if they have made good growth, they may require to be repotted. They must be kept moist and in a plump condition, as they have only slender resources of their own to rely upon, but they root freely. As the plants get established they will require larger supplies of water, for which reason good drainage must be secured.
Aërides Leeanum.—This novelty has bloomed in the collection of G. W. L. Schofield, Esq., of New Hall, Hey, Rawtenstall, near Manchester, producing four flower-spikes. It is a beautiful object, its spikes of richly-coloured rosy pink blossoms hanging gracefully from the plant. It is very distinct from any other species ofAërides, and will doubtless become a great favourite. One of its great recommendations is that it blooms in the winter, which is not the case with the generality of these plants, their usual flowering season being during the spring and summer months.A. Leeanumis a small growing plant, but produces its spikes of blossoms very freely; and requiring, as it does, but a limited space for its accommodation, it will be a most useful introduction for amateur cultivators.—B. S. W.
PL. 38.DENDROBIUM BIGIBBUM.
PL. 38.DENDROBIUM BIGIBBUM.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbslong, slender, erect, fusiform, one to two feet in length, closely invested between the nodes with dry light brown sheaths, the older ones swollen at the very base.Leavesoblong-lanceolate, sub-acuminate, five ribbed, of a deep green colour, and a somewhat coriaceous texture, a few only (five or six) being developed towards the extremities of the stems.Racemeserect or curving, six to twelve flowered, nearly a foot in length, usually produced from the upper nodes of the old leafless stems, but sometimes from the apex of the younger leafy stems.Flowerslarge, showy, rich rosy purple;sepalsoblong acute, flat, of a rich purplish magenta, the lateral ones united at the base into a short blunt spur below the setting on of the lip, above which spur is a gibbosity, occasioned by a similar swelling at the base of the lip (whence comes the specific namebigibbum);petalslarge, roundish, spreading, recurved, of the same colour as the sepals;lipthree-lobed, the lateral lobes incurved, the retuse middle lobe somewhat reflexed, rich crimson-purple veined with darker purple, the base decurrent and gibbose, and the disk with three white papillose crests.Columnscompressed, grooved, the back united with the sepal.Dendrobium bigibbum,Lindley, inPaxton’s Flower Garden, iii, 25, fig. 245;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 4898;Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 302;Warner,Select Orchidaceous Plants, 2 ser. t. 8;Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, xi., t. 1143;Bateman,Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 169;Williams,Orchid Growers’ Manual, 5 ed., 165.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbslong, slender, erect, fusiform, one to two feet in length, closely invested between the nodes with dry light brown sheaths, the older ones swollen at the very base.Leavesoblong-lanceolate, sub-acuminate, five ribbed, of a deep green colour, and a somewhat coriaceous texture, a few only (five or six) being developed towards the extremities of the stems.Racemeserect or curving, six to twelve flowered, nearly a foot in length, usually produced from the upper nodes of the old leafless stems, but sometimes from the apex of the younger leafy stems.Flowerslarge, showy, rich rosy purple;sepalsoblong acute, flat, of a rich purplish magenta, the lateral ones united at the base into a short blunt spur below the setting on of the lip, above which spur is a gibbosity, occasioned by a similar swelling at the base of the lip (whence comes the specific namebigibbum);petalslarge, roundish, spreading, recurved, of the same colour as the sepals;lipthree-lobed, the lateral lobes incurved, the retuse middle lobe somewhat reflexed, rich crimson-purple veined with darker purple, the base decurrent and gibbose, and the disk with three white papillose crests.Columnscompressed, grooved, the back united with the sepal.
Dendrobium bigibbum,Lindley, inPaxton’s Flower Garden, iii, 25, fig. 245;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 4898;Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 302;Warner,Select Orchidaceous Plants, 2 ser. t. 8;Van Houtte,Flore des Serres, xi., t. 1143;Bateman,Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 169;Williams,Orchid Growers’ Manual, 5 ed., 165.
This plant belongs to one of the most noble and popular, one of the most showy and beautiful genera of the whole family of Orchids, and one among the flowers of which nearly every colour occurs—bright yellow, pure white, rich crimson, bright purple, soft mauve, rich orange, nankeen, and many others being found among the many and various habited species of Dendrobes.
Dendrobium bigibbum, the subject of our plate, is a species of a remarkably beautiful and showy character, which, until within the last few years, has been somewhat rare. In 1876, however, we received a large consignment from our collector, Mr. Goldie, who was then on his way to New Guinea, and who met with it growing on an island in Torres Straits, it having hitherto, we believe, been found only on the mainland of Australia. These plants were very fine, some of the specimens being of enormous dimensions, with stems quite two feet long, and from one and a-half to two inches in circumference. The specimens from which our figure of one of the most charming forms of this species which we have yet seen, was prepared, were kindly sent to us from the fine collection of the Marquess of Lothian, at Newbattle Abbey.Dalkeith, where it bloomed in September last in full beauty, amongst many other notable Orchids which are well cultivated by the intelligent gardener, Mr. Priest, who takes great delight in the careful management of his plants.
This species ofDendrobiumis partially deciduous, the fully ripened stems sometimes losing the whole of their foliage, while the young growths retain their leaves until the following year. It grows from one to two feet in height, and produces its racemes of flowers sometimes from the top of the young growths, and sometimes from the old stems, in the latter case often bearing many spikes on the same stem. The flowers are of a rich rosy purple, and last in perfection for a considerable period. It is a most useful subject for associating with a button-hole bouquet, single flowers being shown off to great advantage by placing a light-looking fern frond behind them. The racemes of flowers last a long time after being cut if placed in water, and are most useful in all floral decorations. By growing several plants, successional blooms may be had at different periods.
This Tropical Australian species is best grown in a warm house, as the plants require a good amount of heat—70° to 80° while growing—and plenty of light, but the burning rays of the sun must be kept from them. They thrive best when planted in pans or baskets amongst rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, and suspended from the roof of the Orchid house. During the summer season they require a liberal supply of water, but in winter should have only sufficient to keep the stems plump. The plant will also succeed on blocks of wood, but, if grown in this way, it will in hot weather need watering twice a day, and once a day at other times. Some cultivators have been unsuccessful with this species, but we have found it to thrive well in a house where Crotons, Dipladenias, Stephanotis, etc., are grown; the Dendrobes seem to enjoy the moisture transmitted to them by the stove plants which are generally syringed in warm weather, and the dew arising from this operation appears to suit the Orchid. The syringe is also useful in subduing the red spider, which will sometimes attack the young growth. Insects often infest those kinds ofDendrobiumthat are grown in strong heat, but they must by this and other means be kept under.
Such treatment suits almost all the popular Dendrobes, namely,D. Devonianum,D. Wardianum superbum,D. chrysanthum,D. superbum (macrophyllum),D. crassinode, etc.; and the plants are found to be much stronger by reason of hanging near the glass well exposed to light, in which position they can be syringed on warm days—this moistening not only invigorating their growth, but being also a means of keeping insects under control.
PL. 39.PHALÆNOPSIS STUARTIANA NOBILIS.
PL. 39.PHALÆNOPSIS STUARTIANA NOBILIS.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent, the plants clinging to their supports by stout flattened roots.Leavescoriaceous, distichous, ligulate-oblong, acute, channelled, equitant at the base, the upper surface marbled with transverse grey blotches which disappear with age, the under surface purplish red, similar in size to those ofPhalænopsis Schilleriana.Scaperadical, bearing a many-flowered (120 or more) branching panicle of very handsomely and peculiarly spotted blossoms.Flowersnearly three inches across, expanded, cream-coloured at first, becoming white;sepalsoblong, or ovate-oblong, about an inch in length, the dorsal one white, the lateral ones white along the upper side, the lower side being yellow thickly spotted with cinnamon-red;petalsmuch broader, narrowed near the base, white;lipthree-lobed, with a four-horned yellow callosity at its base, the lateral lobes oblong, rounded, the middle lobe oval, with an anchor-like extremity, the apex terminating in a pair of narrow recurved laciniæ, all the lobes yellow at the base, white upwards and handsomely spotted with rich cinnamon-red.Columnclavate, white.Phalænopsis Stuartiana,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xvi., 748, 753, fig. 149; Moore,Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 49, t. 559.Var.NOBILIS; flowers larger in all their parts, marked with fewer and larger spots; front lobe of the lip rhombic.Phalænopsis Stuartianavar.NOBILIS,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xvi., 748.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent, the plants clinging to their supports by stout flattened roots.Leavescoriaceous, distichous, ligulate-oblong, acute, channelled, equitant at the base, the upper surface marbled with transverse grey blotches which disappear with age, the under surface purplish red, similar in size to those ofPhalænopsis Schilleriana.Scaperadical, bearing a many-flowered (120 or more) branching panicle of very handsomely and peculiarly spotted blossoms.Flowersnearly three inches across, expanded, cream-coloured at first, becoming white;sepalsoblong, or ovate-oblong, about an inch in length, the dorsal one white, the lateral ones white along the upper side, the lower side being yellow thickly spotted with cinnamon-red;petalsmuch broader, narrowed near the base, white;lipthree-lobed, with a four-horned yellow callosity at its base, the lateral lobes oblong, rounded, the middle lobe oval, with an anchor-like extremity, the apex terminating in a pair of narrow recurved laciniæ, all the lobes yellow at the base, white upwards and handsomely spotted with rich cinnamon-red.Columnclavate, white.
Phalænopsis Stuartiana,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xvi., 748, 753, fig. 149; Moore,Florist and Pomologist, 1882, 49, t. 559.
Var.NOBILIS; flowers larger in all their parts, marked with fewer and larger spots; front lobe of the lip rhombic.
Phalænopsis Stuartianavar.NOBILIS,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xvi., 748.
There can be no doubt that the species ofPhalænopsisrank 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.P. Stuartiana, which we now bring under the notice of our readers, is a very fine and well-marked species, recently imported from the East by Messrs. Low & Co., of Upper Clapton, and named by Professor Reichenbach in honour of Mr. Stuart Low, who is one of the largest importers of this class of Orchids. Our plate, which represents the variety calledP. Stuartiana nobilis, was sketched from a plant now in the fine collection of William Lee, Esq., of Downside, Leatherhead, who purchased it when in full beauty from the Messrs. Low, and we have to thank Mr. Lee for his kindness in allowing the drawing to be made. It is to be hopedthat collectors may find more of it in its native country, although we believe it to be very rare, and, like many other recent discoveries to be probably a natural hybrid produced by insect fertilisation. We have no doubt that there are yet many fine forms ofPhalænopsis; and if we could but obtain the scarlet one, which some years ago was reported to have been seen by a collector who was not able to bring it home, what a grand acquisition that would be!
Phalænopsis Stuartiana nobilisresemblesP. Schillerianain the young growth, its newly developed leaves being of the same shape and colour and similarly spotted, but the older leaves assume more of the character ofP. amabilis; while the flowers, instead of being mauve-coloured, are pure white, with the inferior halves of the lateral sepals yellow and boldly spotted with cinnamon-red, as also is a portion of the lip, the side lobes of which bear smaller and more closely set spots. We have little doubt that this plant is a wild hybrid betweenP. SchillerianaandP. amabilis, as though the young leaves come spotted, they afterwards change to the colour of those ofP. amabilis, as already described.
This plant requires the same treatment asP. Schilleriana, and is best grown among sphagnum moss in baskets suspended from the roof, care being taken to give it a good supply of water during the growing season. It should have the heat of the East India house, and should at all times be kept moist at the roots, for if allowed to become dry, it will loose its lower leaves. If the plants are in a healthy and free-growing condition, flowering does not injure them; but, if at all sickly, they should not be allowed to blossom until they regain strength and vigour, as they are naturally free-flowering plants, and under such circumstances might bloom themselves to death. 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. Neither drip, nor water in any other form, must be suffered to reach the hearts of the plants, as it causes them to rot.
Insects are troublesome at times. The thrips, if allowed to multiply, will greatly disfigure the plants, causing damage by depriving them of the juices which should go to sustain their vigour. When free from such pests, and in a healthy condition, the leaves of the Phalænopsids have a pleasing appearance; and, if they are well looked after, it will not be difficult to keep them clean, the more especially as being of large size, they can be readily operated upon.
PL. 40.ODONTGLOSSUM KRAMERII.
PL. 40.ODONTGLOSSUM KRAMERII.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsnearly orbicular, much compressed, ancipitous or sharply two-edged, one and a-half inch in diameter, pale green.Leavessolitary, oblong-lanceolate, acute, keeled, six to eight inches long, one and a-half to two inches broad, light green, with a smooth even surface.Scapesradical, four to six inches long, shorter than the leaves, three to five flowered, drooping or ascending, flexuous, pale green, with small appressed bracts and longish peduncles.Flowersone and a-half inch or more across, and delicately coloured;sepalsoblong acute, rosy lilac with a white margin;petalsabout equalling the sepals in size, and similar to them in form and colour;lipwith a short stout neck, deeply hollowed in front, with two erect calli, the lateral lobes semi-ovate, narrow, deflexed, the much larger middle lobe three-fourths of an inch broad, roundish reniform, emarginate, bearing at the base a pair of erect lamellæ, the unguis or neck yellow spotted with red, the front lobe deep rosy lilac, marked near its base with two semi-circular bands of white and purplish rose.Columnshort, thick, white in front.Odontoglossum Krameri,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle, 1868, 98, with woodcut;Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 5778;Bateman,Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 24;Williams,Orchid Growers’ Manual, 5 ed., 236;Floral Magazine, t. 406 (as O. Kremeri.)
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsnearly orbicular, much compressed, ancipitous or sharply two-edged, one and a-half inch in diameter, pale green.Leavessolitary, oblong-lanceolate, acute, keeled, six to eight inches long, one and a-half to two inches broad, light green, with a smooth even surface.Scapesradical, four to six inches long, shorter than the leaves, three to five flowered, drooping or ascending, flexuous, pale green, with small appressed bracts and longish peduncles.Flowersone and a-half inch or more across, and delicately coloured;sepalsoblong acute, rosy lilac with a white margin;petalsabout equalling the sepals in size, and similar to them in form and colour;lipwith a short stout neck, deeply hollowed in front, with two erect calli, the lateral lobes semi-ovate, narrow, deflexed, the much larger middle lobe three-fourths of an inch broad, roundish reniform, emarginate, bearing at the base a pair of erect lamellæ, the unguis or neck yellow spotted with red, the front lobe deep rosy lilac, marked near its base with two semi-circular bands of white and purplish rose.Columnshort, thick, white in front.
Odontoglossum Krameri,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle, 1868, 98, with woodcut;Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 5778;Bateman,Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 24;Williams,Orchid Growers’ Manual, 5 ed., 236;Floral Magazine, t. 406 (as O. Kremeri.)
This is a most charming small-growing Orchid, with remarkably pretty delicately coloured flowers. It is at the present time very rare in collections, and, in fact, had become almost lost to cultivation, but fortunately during the last year a small number of plants was imported into this country and distributed. Our drawing was made from a plant which formed part of this importation, and which produced its chastely coloured blossoms in the Victoria Nursery. Many years ago we remember to have seen a fine lot imported by the late George Ure Skinner, Esq., but since then it has until last year disappeared from our notice. We are, however, glad to see it again making its appearance in our Orchid-houses; for, as will be seen by reference to our illustration, it is a plant of a most distinct and pleasing character, and will be a real acquisition to the group of Odontoglots, of which numerous highly popular species are at present in cultivation.
Odontoglossum Krameriis a plant of compact-growing habit, with small flattened light green pseudobulbs, each producing from the top a solitary leaf of a pale green colour. The plant generally attains about ten inches in height. The flower spikes or peduncles are freely produced from the base of the pseudobulbs after they have completed theirgrowth, several flowers being produced on each peduncle. The sepals and petals are of a rosy lilac colour, margined with white; the lip is also rosy lilac, but of a darker shade, flushed with yellow and marked and spotted with purple at the neck, and having two semi-circular bands of dark purplish rose and white near the base. The plants continue in bloom for several weeks.
We have found this species to thrive well in the Cattleya house, planted in small pans or pots with good peat and sphagnum moss. It might possibly do in a cooler structure, but we have as yet only cultivated it in the Cattleya house, and this treatment has been found to suit it. It requires to be kept moist during the growing season, but when at rest should have only just sufficient water to keep it in a plump condition. The plant possesses one great advantage—that of blooming during the autumn months, when such flowers are so much in request. It has also another good quality—that of occupying but a small space, so that any cultivator who has a spare niche in his Orchid house can grow it without any inconvenience.
Cattleya Trianæ.—R. B. Dodgson, Esq., of Blackburn, has kindly sent us a wonderfully fine series of flowers of the different varieties ofC. Trianæ, including some of the grandest that have yet come under our notice. Of two or three of these our Artist is preparing plates, which will be issued in due course in theOrchid Album. The variety namedC. Trianæ Dodgsonibears most beautiful flowers, which are quite distinct from all that we have previously seen, the sepals and petals being large, and of a pure white, while the lip is of a rich magenta colour, with the throat rich orange, white in the upper part.C. Trianæ Osmaniis also a very fine variety, the flowers being rich in colour, the sepals and petals rosy pink, and the lip large, of a bright magenta colour; it is in fact altogether a wonderfully fine flower. There were several other varieties sent, including one which we have selected as the originalC. Trianæ; this we shall first bring under the notice of our readers, and the other two will follow.—B. S. W.
Mr. Dorman’s Orchids.—When visiting this grand collection last month (March) we noticed the rareEpidendrum Wallisiiin flower. Mr. Coningsby, the gardener, informed us that the flowers on this plant had been open since November, and they still looked fresh.Lælia flavawas also good.Galeandra Devoniana, a plant one seldom sees in bloom, was quite at home here, flowering and growing luxuriantly.Lycaste Skinneri alba, with its pure white flowers looked very charming; this was an extra fine variety, with flowers as large as any we remember to have seen. In addition to these there were many fine things in flower, which space will not permit us to mention. Mr. Dorman’s Orchids are looking remarkably well, and are well cared for, both employer and gardener being enthusiastically fond of them.—H. W.
PL. 41.ANGRÆCUM EBURNEUM.
PL. 41.ANGRÆCUM EBURNEUM.
Epiphytal.Stemerect, leafy, producing roots from the lower part and from between the bases of the lower leaves.Leavesdistichous, ligulate, very oblique at the apex, coriaceous, of a shining green colour, striated, about two inches broad, carinate below and overlapping each other at the base.Pedunclesaxillary, furnished with dark sheathing scales, and bearing an erect spike of numerous large flowers of peculiar form and appearance, all pointing in one direction and placed alternately back to back in a distichous or two-ranked manner.Flowersof a thick fleshy texture, green, with a broad conspicuous white lip;sepalsandpetalslanceolate, pale green, the dorsal sepal and the petals reflexed, the lateral sepals patent;liplarge, broadly cordate, cuspidate, ivory white, the centre concave, and bearing a cleft acuminated ridge;spurtapering, considerably longer than and parallel with the dorsal sepal, dark green.Columnshort, thick, greenish white.Angræcum eburneum,Du Petit-Thouars,Orchidées des Iles Australes d’Afrique, t. 65;Lindley,Botanical Register, t. 1522;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 4761;Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, xvi., 90, with woodcut;Bateman,2nd Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 111;Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1873, 216, fig. 46;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 88, with woodcut.Angræcum superbum,Du Petit-Thouars,Orchidées, tt. 62-4.Limodorum eburneum,Bory,Voyage, i., 359; t. 19.
Epiphytal.Stemerect, leafy, producing roots from the lower part and from between the bases of the lower leaves.Leavesdistichous, ligulate, very oblique at the apex, coriaceous, of a shining green colour, striated, about two inches broad, carinate below and overlapping each other at the base.Pedunclesaxillary, furnished with dark sheathing scales, and bearing an erect spike of numerous large flowers of peculiar form and appearance, all pointing in one direction and placed alternately back to back in a distichous or two-ranked manner.Flowersof a thick fleshy texture, green, with a broad conspicuous white lip;sepalsandpetalslanceolate, pale green, the dorsal sepal and the petals reflexed, the lateral sepals patent;liplarge, broadly cordate, cuspidate, ivory white, the centre concave, and bearing a cleft acuminated ridge;spurtapering, considerably longer than and parallel with the dorsal sepal, dark green.Columnshort, thick, greenish white.
Angræcum eburneum,Du Petit-Thouars,Orchidées des Iles Australes d’Afrique, t. 65;Lindley,Botanical Register, t. 1522;Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 4761;Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, xvi., 90, with woodcut;Bateman,2nd Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 111;Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1873, 216, fig. 46;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 88, with woodcut.
Angræcum superbum,Du Petit-Thouars,Orchidées, tt. 62-4.
Limodorum eburneum,Bory,Voyage, i., 359; t. 19.
A grand Orchid which was first introduced to this country from Madagascar by the Horticultural Society of London, through their collector, Mr. Forbes, in the third decade of the present century, that is, more than fifty years since. It is, without doubt, one of the finest of the species, and when well grown forms a noble plant, its long spikes of attractive flowers, in company with its bold and characteristic foliage and its majestic habit of growth, imparting to it an aspect of dignity which no one can fail to recognise. Indeed, the magnificent appearance it has when placed on the central stage of the East India house is quite sufficient to win for it the favour of Orchid fanciers.
Wherever space can be given to it, it should always be grown, as it blooms during the winter months and continues in perfection for many weeks longer than any other of its family that has come under our notice. Our drawing was taken from a very fine specimen, producing three well developed spikes, in the collection of D. B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, Kent, who is a great lover of Orchids, and is forming a nice collection of them.
Angræcum eburneumis, as we have before noted, from Madagascar, and consequently requires the heat of the East India house. It is of comparatively easy cultivation. The strap-shaped leaves grow to about eighteen inches in length, and are of a pleasant glossy, light green colour; the flower spikes are produced from the leaf axils on each side of the stem, and extend to the length of eighteen inches, bearing many flowers of which the broad cordate lip is of a conspicuous ivory white. The plants will sometimes produce as many as four spikes at one time. The blooming period is in December, January, and February.
There is in cultivation another variety ofAngræcum eburneum, calledvirens, but is not nearly so handsome and effective a plant as the type, its flowers being of a greenish white, but the spike has a somewhat more graceful contour, and the foliage is of a dark green colour, so that it also is worth cultivating where room can be found for its accommodation.
The Angræcums form a very interesting genus in the great Orchid family; and although amongst those that have bloomed in this country there are not many that we consider to be worth growing as ornamental plants, yet some, on the other hand, are very beautiful, and these we hope to be able to figure in due course. There have been several new introductions of late, and no doubt there are many yet to be acquired. We are glad to notice that Sir Trevor Lawrence is getting up a collection of all the best kinds, but it is found that some of them are difficult to obtain, and they are none of them so readily imported alive as many other Orchids are. They are mostly found growing on trees in their native country, different species being met with on the same trees. It was very interesting to hear the late Rev. W. Ellis talk of these plants, of which many years ago he brought home living specimens of some of the most beautiful of the species, such asAngræcum sesquipedale,A. Ellisii, and others.
Angræcum eburneumis best cultivated in a pot as it is a large growing plant, and produces thick fleshy roots. We find sphagnum moss to suit it well, but it must have good drainage as it requires a liberal supply of water during the summer months, for if it be allowed to shrivel the bottom leaves wither and decay; in the winter, on the other hand, it should have merely sufficient to keep the moss damp and the plant in a plump condition. It requires the same general treatment as the large growing Vandas, such asVanda suavis,V. tricolor, and others. The plants are not subject to the attacks of insects, their thick fleshy leaves appearing to have no attraction for these pests.
Cattleya Trianæ.—We have received from E. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, a very fine form of this splendidCattleya; the flowers were six inches in diameter, the sepals and petals broad and of a rosy pink colour, the lip of a rich magenta and beautifully fringed, having the throat bright orange colour and the upper part rose-pink. It is altogether a desirable and charming flower. The varieties of this species are very useful, as they bloom in winter, when there are but few other Cattleyas in flower.—B. S. W.
PL. 42.DENDROBIUM MACROPHYLLUM.
PL. 42.DENDROBIUM MACROPHYLLUM.
Epiphytal.Stems(pseudobulbs) stout, cylindrical, striated, the nodes of the flowering ones marked by the persistent scarious sheathing bases of the fallen leaves, drooping, and often attaining considerable length.Leavesalternate elliptic-oblong, acute or obtuse, subcordate at the base, nervose, thin in texture, two-ribbed.Flowersvery numerous, usually in pairs from the joints of the stems, which form long floral wreaths;sepalslanceolate, plane, the lateral ones produced at the base, of a deep rich purplish magenta, varying in intensity in different forms;petalsbroadly oblong-ovate, somewhat undulated, of the same colour as the sepals;lippubescent, cordate-ovate, acuminate, convolute at the base, so that with the extended front lobe it assumes something of the shape of an oblique-mouthed funnel, the margin denticulate, the basal portion of an intense sanguineous purple, appearing like two deep blotches; the front lobe purplish magenta, marked with longitudinal ribs, connected with finer transverse veins of a deeper purple, and having a transverse three-lobed callosity.Columnshort, included.Dendrobium superbum,Reichenbach fil.MSS.;Id.,Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 282;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 180.Dendrobium macrophyllum,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1839, misc. 46; 1844, misc. 62;Id.Sertum Orchidaceum, t. 35;Pescatorea, t. 40;Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, viii., 97.Dendrobium macranthum,Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 3970;PlanchoninFlore des Serres, viii, t. 757.
Epiphytal.Stems(pseudobulbs) stout, cylindrical, striated, the nodes of the flowering ones marked by the persistent scarious sheathing bases of the fallen leaves, drooping, and often attaining considerable length.Leavesalternate elliptic-oblong, acute or obtuse, subcordate at the base, nervose, thin in texture, two-ribbed.Flowersvery numerous, usually in pairs from the joints of the stems, which form long floral wreaths;sepalslanceolate, plane, the lateral ones produced at the base, of a deep rich purplish magenta, varying in intensity in different forms;petalsbroadly oblong-ovate, somewhat undulated, of the same colour as the sepals;lippubescent, cordate-ovate, acuminate, convolute at the base, so that with the extended front lobe it assumes something of the shape of an oblique-mouthed funnel, the margin denticulate, the basal portion of an intense sanguineous purple, appearing like two deep blotches; the front lobe purplish magenta, marked with longitudinal ribs, connected with finer transverse veins of a deeper purple, and having a transverse three-lobed callosity.Columnshort, included.
Dendrobium superbum,Reichenbach fil.MSS.;Id.,Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 282;Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 180.
Dendrobium macrophyllum,Lindley,Botanical Register, 1839, misc. 46; 1844, misc. 62;Id.Sertum Orchidaceum, t. 35;Pescatorea, t. 40;Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, viii., 97.
Dendrobium macranthum,Hooker,Botanical Magazine, t. 3970;PlanchoninFlore des Serres, viii, t. 757.
This is a magnificent Orchid, especially in the case of its finer varieties, whether superior on the score of size or colouration. It was first bloomed by the Messrs. Loddiges in 1839, in their wonderful plant emporium at Hackney, having been introduced by them from the Philippine Islands. A grand variety calledgiganteum, having flowers of immense size, is figured in Mr. R. Warner’sSelect Orchidaceous Plants(1 ser., t. 26); and in respect to colour, the form of which we now give an illustration, is one of the richest and most effective we have yet seen. The materials from which our figure was prepared were obligingly sent to us by Mr. C. Penny, gardener to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, at Sandringham. It will be at once seen that the specimen in question was a well-grown example, and we understand that the plant yielded two similarly well furnished wreaths, bearing as many as forty blossoms. Besides this there are many other Orchids of superior merit to be seen in the collection at Sandringham gardens, these plants, the magnates of the vegetable world, being highly appreciated both by the Prince and the Princess of Wales.
The Dendrobiums are among the most beautiful and charming of our Indian Orchids, many of the species being of a most graceful habit of growth, and by their brightly coloured flowers imparting a remarkably picturesque character to our Orchid houses. Some of them, moreover, have delicately fragrant blossoms. In very many cases they bloom most profusely, and with their long pendent stems look well suspended from the roof of the house. Our present subject belongs to this latter class, and is one of the most showy and beautiful of the species.
Dendrobium superbum, which is more commonly known in gardens asDendrobium macrophyllum, is a deciduous plant, losing its foliage just as it begins to blossom. It is a noble object when growing, producing stems from two to three feet long, furnished along each side with flowers growing in pairs; these flowers are four inches across, with sepals and petals of a lively magenta-rose, and a lip similar in colour, but with a purplish crimson throat. It blooms during February and March, the individual blossoms lasting about a fortnight in beauty. It thrives best when grown in a basket, and suspended from the roof. If hung up when in blossom, amongst the foliage of the other plants, the flowers are shown off to greater advantage, as it naturally blooms without foliage. It grows well in the East India Orchid house, and requires a good amount of heat and moisture during its growing season. After growth is completed it will do well in the Cattleya house during the dormant period, and when it begins to show its flower buds a little water may be given to induce the buds to swell and develop fine flowers. When the flowering season is over it may, if required, be placed in fresh sphagnum moss. It is a free growing plant, and thrives best suspended near the glass in the full light, but shaded from the burning sun. It is, indeed, absolutely necessary to give it all the light possible; and, in summer, a slight syringing when the house is closed will tend to keep the red spider and thrips in check.
Dendrobium Hillii.—There is in the collection of R. Wyatt, Esq., Lake House, Cheltenham, a very fine specimen of this cool Orchid, which has been bearing numerous spikes of blossom, some of the spikes being as much as twenty inches in length. The specimen was a most beautiful object, with its long racemes of creamy white blossoms, which proceed from the apices of its thick fleshy pseudobulbs; it has, moreover, dark green foliage. This plant was growing in the conservatory, and had continued in bloom for about two months, so that it is a most useful subject for winter decoration. It is a very old Orchid, but is worth cultivating, especially as it will grow in a conservatory or in any cool house. There was also in the same collection a very fine variety ofCypripedium villosum, one of the best we have seen, the flowers being wonderfully bright in colour, and of large size. OfLycaste Skinnerithere was a well-grown plant, with very fine flowers, the sepals and petals being broad and pure white, and the front portion of the lip bright magenta, with the throat white.