PL. 92.DENDROBIUM FINDLEYANUM.
PL. 92.DENDROBIUM FINDLEYANUM.
Epiphytal,Stemsjointed, the joints oblong-pyriform, complanate, two inches long or more, the lower part of each internode slender, stalk-like, and invested by the leaf sheath, the upper end much thickened, and at length becoming more or less furrowed.Leaveslinear oblong acute, three inches long, soon falling.Peduncleslateral, two-flowered, with small appressed bracts.Flowersrather large, three inches across, showy, the colours being clear and attractive;sepalslanceolate, recurved, the lateral ones somewhat broader, of a light purplish mauve colour, whitish towards the base;petalslarger and more oblong, white at the base, and heavily tipped with pale purplish mauve;lipstilted, roundish-cordate, concave, the sides meeting over the column, white, slightly tipped with purple, the disk velvety, marked with a large roundish orange-yellow blotch, paler at the edges, the basal callus obscure.Columnwith two deep purple hands in front.Dendrobium Findleyanum,Parish and Reichenbach fil., inTransactions of the Linnæan Society, xxx., 149;Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., vii. 334;Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 6438.
Epiphytal,Stemsjointed, the joints oblong-pyriform, complanate, two inches long or more, the lower part of each internode slender, stalk-like, and invested by the leaf sheath, the upper end much thickened, and at length becoming more or less furrowed.Leaveslinear oblong acute, three inches long, soon falling.Peduncleslateral, two-flowered, with small appressed bracts.Flowersrather large, three inches across, showy, the colours being clear and attractive;sepalslanceolate, recurved, the lateral ones somewhat broader, of a light purplish mauve colour, whitish towards the base;petalslarger and more oblong, white at the base, and heavily tipped with pale purplish mauve;lipstilted, roundish-cordate, concave, the sides meeting over the column, white, slightly tipped with purple, the disk velvety, marked with a large roundish orange-yellow blotch, paler at the edges, the basal callus obscure.Columnwith two deep purple hands in front.
Dendrobium Findleyanum,Parish and Reichenbach fil., inTransactions of the Linnæan Society, xxx., 149;Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S., vii. 334;Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 6438.
The Dendrobes form a large and splendid group of Orchids, in which may be found some of the finest examples of the Orchid family. The species we have now the pleasure to bring before our readers is of recent introduction, and is one of the most beautiful and distinct of the whole family, not only as regards its flowers, which are very attractive, but also on account of its very peculiar jointed stems, of which a better idea will be obtained from our illustration than from any minute description. The figure was taken from a beautiful plant grown in the large collection of J. T. Peacock, Esq., Sudbury House, Hammersmith, who is an enthusiastic collector and cultivator of plants, and has many houses filled with Orchids, which are doing well under the care of Mr. Vicary, the gardener.
Dendrobium Findleyanumis a free-growing plant, and its curiously knotted stems have a singular appearance. The blossoms are produced very freely; the sepals and petals are white, tipped with pale magenta, while the lip is white, with the apex rosy purple, and the throat or disk yellow. It flowers during March and April, and lasts for two or three weeks in beauty.
We find it does well in a pan or basket, suspended from the roof, in the East India house, where it can receive all the light possible, and be shaded slightly from the sun in summer. The material used about its roots must be rough peat and sphagnum moss. It needs a liberal supply of water during the summer season, and must be kept moist until it has completed its growth, when less water may be given, just sufficient to insure the plumpness of the stems.
Orchids at Summer House, Hammersmith, the Residence of J. T. Peacock, Esq.—The collection of Orchids grown by Mr. Peacock is truly surprising, as was the show of flower when we paid a visit to it in March last. There were then many hundreds of blooming Orchids, especially ofPhalænopsis, of which there were in one house hundreds of flowers of the different species and varieties, the drooping spikes overhanging and mingling with each other, and presenting a striking picture, some being snowy white, and others of different shades of mauve colour; there were, moreover, some very good forms among them. In an adjoining house were some very fine plants ofDendrobiums, such asD. Findleyanum,D. crassinode, andD. Wardianum; also hundreds of flowers ofD. Freemanii. In the same range of houses we saw a fine lot ofOdontoglossum vexillarium, showing well for bloom.O. Phalænopsiswas doing well, which we do not often see. OfO. Roezliithere were many fine plants in good health, as there were also ofO. Alexandræ (crispum), of which a great number were in bloom.Cattleya citrinawas well grown—better than we have seen it before; the plants were suspended from the roof.Lycaste Skinneri, of which we found a huge lot in bloom, were producing very fine flowers. We were surprised to see such fine plants ofL. Skinneri albain blossom. Mr. Peacock has been very fortunate in flowering these from an importation, as it is a rare and chaste variety. In the next house were many hundreds ofOdontoglossum AlexandræandO. Pescatorei, and other kinds; many of them were in bloom, and among them were some good varieties.
We also noted some good East Indian Orchids, many plants ofAngræcum sesquipedale, and other kinds. There was a fine collection ofCattleyasin a large span-roofed house, amongst which were some good forms ofC. Trianæin full bloom; also a grand lot ofCymbidium eburneumin flower, the white blossoms with the graceful green foliage having a good effect. There were several other houses filled with Orchids. If Mr. Peacock continues as he has begun, he will presently have the largest collection of these plants in the country. That this is likely to be the case we may presume, for we saw several other new houses intended for Orchids in the course of construction. Mr. Vicary, the excellent gardener, is one who takes great interest in the collection under his charge, and therefore we may expect that good results will be assured.—B. S. W.
PL. 93.CATTLEYA SCHOFIELDIANA.
PL. 93.CATTLEYA SCHOFIELDIANA.
Epiphytal.Stems(pseudobulbs) from one to one and a half foot long, slender, terete, slightly thickened near the top, jointed, the internodes nearly covered by whitish membranous sheaths, diphyllous.Leavesoblong obtuse, about six inches long and two inches wide, of a deep glossy green, shortly stalked, the stalks spotted behind with dull dark red.Flowersabout two, large, six inches broad, and about the same in depth, very handsome, in the way of those ofCattleya granulosa;sepalsligulate-oblong, bluntly acute, the dorsal one over, the lateral ones rather under three inches long, nearly one inch broad, of an Indian or pale tawny yellow, having a flush of purple and a tinge of green, the whole spotted thickly with crimson-purple, the spots most numerous on the outer half of each lateral sepal;petalsobovate, rounded at the apex, narrowed towards the base, about three inches long and one and a half inch broad, of the same colour as the sepals, the spots towards the edges coalescing in divergent, sometimes forked, lines, which run out to the margin;liptwo and a half inches long, three-lobed, the lateral lobes whitish, large, obliquely ovate, meeting over the column, the middle lobe with a long narrow claw, and a small transversely reniform fimbriated blade, which, except at the pallid edges, is entirely covered by lamellæ and papulæ of the most beautiful magenta-purple, the claw-like portion having a dash of yellow in its ground colour.Columnwhitish, curved, hidden by the lateral lobes of the lip.Cattleya Schofieldiana,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xviii., 808.
Epiphytal.Stems(pseudobulbs) from one to one and a half foot long, slender, terete, slightly thickened near the top, jointed, the internodes nearly covered by whitish membranous sheaths, diphyllous.Leavesoblong obtuse, about six inches long and two inches wide, of a deep glossy green, shortly stalked, the stalks spotted behind with dull dark red.Flowersabout two, large, six inches broad, and about the same in depth, very handsome, in the way of those ofCattleya granulosa;sepalsligulate-oblong, bluntly acute, the dorsal one over, the lateral ones rather under three inches long, nearly one inch broad, of an Indian or pale tawny yellow, having a flush of purple and a tinge of green, the whole spotted thickly with crimson-purple, the spots most numerous on the outer half of each lateral sepal;petalsobovate, rounded at the apex, narrowed towards the base, about three inches long and one and a half inch broad, of the same colour as the sepals, the spots towards the edges coalescing in divergent, sometimes forked, lines, which run out to the margin;liptwo and a half inches long, three-lobed, the lateral lobes whitish, large, obliquely ovate, meeting over the column, the middle lobe with a long narrow claw, and a small transversely reniform fimbriated blade, which, except at the pallid edges, is entirely covered by lamellæ and papulæ of the most beautiful magenta-purple, the claw-like portion having a dash of yellow in its ground colour.Columnwhitish, curved, hidden by the lateral lobes of the lip.
Cattleya Schofieldiana,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xviii., 808.
We have in cultivation many handsome species ofCattleya, but that now before us is very distinct from any we have previously seen, and is quite new to us. The growers of Orchids are all on the lookout for new species, especially such as are distinct. We are, therefore, glad to be able to bring such a beautiful and charming species as this, under the notice of our readers. There are, indeed, numerous other fine Cattleyas in cultivation, but many of them are much alike in form and colour. The present type is, however, distinct, and embraces but few forms, especially with blossoms of an equal size. Our illustration was taken from a well-grown specimen in the select collection of G. W. Law-Schofield, Esq., New-Hall-Hey, Rawtenstall, near Manchester, in whose honour it was named by Professor Reichenbach. This is the only plant of which we have any knowledge as existing in the country, and Mr. Schofield has been truly fortunate in introducing it.
Cattleya Schofieldianais an evergreen species, with slender terete stems, each bearing two leaves, about five inches in length and two in breadth, of a dark green colour; the stems grow some eighteen inches in height. In its growth thisplant resemblesC. amethystoglossaandC. Leopoldii, but it is not so robust. Mr. Wise, the gardener, grows it in rough fibrous peat, giving good drainage. Pot culture suits this class of Cattleyas best. They must be well elevated above the rim of the pot, so that the roots may run over the surface, as, when buried in the peat, if they get over-watered, they are apt to go rotten. A little charcoal placed on the top of the peat is advantageous, as the roots lay hold of it freely; and it is also desirable to mix a portion with the peat, as it renders it more porous, and allows the water to pass off more freely, thereby helping to keep the compost sweet. This latter is a matter of great importance to the plants, for Cattleyas, like many other Orchids, do not like the soil in which they are planted to set too closely together to the exclusion of fresh air from their roots. There is no doubt the access of fresh air keeps them in a more vigorous condition. In support of this it may be noted that in their native country they are found on trees, where they get a free circulation of air, their roots being merely sheltered by the small quantity of moss or decayed leaves from the trees which may collect about them, while many of them luxuriate with their roots suspended in the air.
ThisCattleyais one of those which should always be kept plump in the stems and leaves, for if allowed to shrivel it will be found difficult to get them again into a plump healthy condition. Give all the light possible, so that the stems may be well ripened. A great deal of success depends upon the thorough maturation of the successive growths, for if they are weak or immature they will produce but puny results. The plants require the same temperature asC. Trianæ.
Cattleya Mossiæ.—We have lately received from De Barry Crawshay, Esq., Sevenoaks, flowers of a fine series of varieties ofCattleya Mossiæ. The flowers were all large and very richly marked, some of the colours being exceedingly distinct, and the lips very large.—B. S. W.
Dendrobium Dearei.—We were agreeably surprised to see this novelty exhibited by Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., at the Summer Show of the Royal Horticultural Society. The flowering bulb was two feet six inches high, and was furnished with two spikes of flowers. This species seems to differ from theformosumsection of the genus, by throwing out lateral as well as terminal spikes. The flowers were about thirty in number, pure white, with a slight tinge of green in the throat. In shape they resemble those ofD. Jamesianum, but they are somewhat smaller.—H. W.
PL. 94.ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ GUTTATUM.
PL. 94.ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ GUTTATUM.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsovate-oblong, compressed, green while young, becoming tinged with purple as they grow older, diphyllous, with one or two accessory ones from the base of the pseudobulbs, bright green.Racemesproceeding from the axils of the accessory leaves, drooping.Flowerscrowded, white, beautifully spotted with bright chocolate-red, nearly four inches across;sepalslanceolate, crispy, white, with a few bold spots and blotches of chocolate-red about the middle part;petalsbroader and more wavy, with a solitary nearly central spot on each;lipoblong, subcordate at the base, much crisped at the margin, the apex recurved so as to produce an emarginate appearance, white, slightly dashed with yellow on the disk, where there are a few longitudinal lines and a series of radiate lines of light red-brown, and two divergent yellow crests, the margins half way down being marked by confluent blotches and a few largish spots both on the edge and on the surface towards the front.Columnwhite, slightly spotted with brown.Odontoglossum Alexandræ guttatum,Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 5697:Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 229.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsovate-oblong, compressed, green while young, becoming tinged with purple as they grow older, diphyllous, with one or two accessory ones from the base of the pseudobulbs, bright green.Racemesproceeding from the axils of the accessory leaves, drooping.Flowerscrowded, white, beautifully spotted with bright chocolate-red, nearly four inches across;sepalslanceolate, crispy, white, with a few bold spots and blotches of chocolate-red about the middle part;petalsbroader and more wavy, with a solitary nearly central spot on each;lipoblong, subcordate at the base, much crisped at the margin, the apex recurved so as to produce an emarginate appearance, white, slightly dashed with yellow on the disk, where there are a few longitudinal lines and a series of radiate lines of light red-brown, and two divergent yellow crests, the margins half way down being marked by confluent blotches and a few largish spots both on the edge and on the surface towards the front.Columnwhite, slightly spotted with brown.
Odontoglossum Alexandræ guttatum,Hooker fil.,Botanical Magazine, t. 5697:Williams,Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 229.
There are many varieties of this charming Orchid with spotted flowers, differing in the size of the blossoms and in the colour and amount of the spotting, which are cultivated under different varietal names, but the representation of the one we have now the pleasure of illustrating will, we hope, be the means of inducing growers to range some of them as forms ofguttatuminstead of so greatly multiplying names, which becomes inconvenient. We know that some of them are more distinct from the type than others, but the fewer names we can use the more easy and satisfactory will it be both for growers and purchasers.
We are indebted to R. Smith, Esq., Brentham Park, Stirling, for the magnificent spike of flowers from which our plate was prepared. We much regret not to have been able to represent it of its full size and its natural branching habit, but our artist has given enough to show that it is one of the most beautiful of the many named varieties. There was a fine collection of Orchids at Brentham Park, which we regret to find is to be broken up on account of Mr. Smith’s health.
Odontoglossum Alexandræ guttatumis a compact-growing plant, with lively green foliage, and it produces branching spikes furnished with many flowers. When well grown, as this plant was, by Mr. McLeod, the sepals and petals it will be seen are pure white, profusely spotted with bright chocolate-red, while the lip is white,densely spotted with the same colour. It blooms at different times of the year, according to the maturation of its growth, and lasts for six weeks in perfection if the flowers are kept dry. Too much moisture causes them to spot, so that it is better, if possible, to move them when in flower to a drier house, but while under these altered conditions the soil should be kept moist, as the plants require a good supply of fluid about their roots to prevent them from shrivelling. The best plan is to cut off the spike of flowers and to place it in water, as when treated in this way it will last a long time. It requires the same treatment asO. Alexandræ.
Lord Rendlesham’s Orchids.—We were recently favoured with a box from Rendlesham Hall, containing the following flowers:—Lycaste Skinneri amabilis. In this the flowers were very large, six and a half inches across, the petals two inches long, bright rosy crimson, the sepals pale blush, and the lip white, irregularly margined with bright crimson.Lycaste Skinneri, a fine variety, with two flowers to a scape, the sepals rose, the petals well recurved, bright rose, and the lip indistinctly spotted with bright rosy crimson.Cattleya citrina, a very large variety, the petals two and a half inches long and one and a half inch broad, canary yellow, beautifully scented, the lip bright gamboge,Odontoglossum Alexandræ, a grand variety, three and three-quarter inches across, the sepals rose coloured, both sepals and petals marked in the centre with distinct reddish-brown blotches,i.e., one blotch to each, five in all; petals almost white, lip profusely marked with small irregular spots. This is one of the most distinct varieties we have seen.—B. S. W.
High-priced Cattleyas.—At a recent sale at Stevens’s Auction Rooms, on the occasion of the distribution of the late Mr. R. B. Dodgson’s Orchids, enormous prices were realised for some of the established plants.Cattleya Trianæ Osmanii, a variety named some years ago by ourselves, realised the sum of 215 guineas, and was purchased for our own collection.Cattleya Trianæ Dodysoniirealised 185 guineas, end was purchased by W. Lee, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead. We hope on some future occasion to figure both these gems.—B.S.W.
Cattleya Skinneri oculata.—During a recent visit to the Collection of Orchids belonging to G. Hardy, Esq., Pickering Lodge, Timperley, we noticed a grand specimen of this splendid variety. There were seven spikes on the plant, some carrying as many as ten flowers; the colour was an intense mauve-magenta. Mr. Hardy grows this Cattleya extremely well. We also noticed a grand lot of Cattleyas coming on, especiallyC. WarneriiandC. Mossiæ, together with some fine examples ofLælia purpurata, showing well for flower.—H. W.
PL. 95.CYPRIPEDIUM MEIRAX.
PL. 95.CYPRIPEDIUM MEIRAX.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesdistichous, coriaceous, oblong-lanceolate, acute, the upper surface of a dull dark green, faintly mottled with transverse markings, the underside of a dull wine purple.Scape(peduncle) densely hairy, dark purple, with a short boat-shaped purplish-green bract at the base of the six-ribbed ovary.Flowersmedium-sized, solitary on the peduncle;sepalshairy externally, glabrous and glossy within; the dorsal one broad ovate, about an inch in breadth, ciliate at the base, and fringed at the edge with whitish hairs, blush-white, with a stout central dark purple stripe, having on each side a short green one, and beyond that five others graduated in length, and of a greenish-purple colour, the central rib more prominently hairy at the back and tip; lower connate sepal oblong-ovate obtuse, whitish, with seven green ribs or veins;petalslinear-oblong, broadest upwards, two inches long and about half an inch broad, plane at the base, recurvo-undulate at the tip, the upper side (half) glossy, of a deep claret-purple, streaked with green at the base, somewhat ribbed, ciliate with purple hairs, the central rib stouter, purple, with a few round black spots distributed along its base, the lower half of the same colour but less glossy;liprather large, oblong, an inch and three-quarters long, polished, the sides purple, deeply inflexed and extended at the base like a pair of ears, the front part green and veiny towards the tip, with a short purple rib, deep purple towards the edge; the inside of the pouch yellowish-tawny, beautifully spotted with crimson.Staminodelarge, roundish, deeply notched in front, dull purplish-tawny, with green veiny markings in the centre, shining as if varnished, thickly studded with short stiff hairs.Cypripedium Meirax,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xiv., 524.
Epiphytal. Acaulescent.Leavesdistichous, coriaceous, oblong-lanceolate, acute, the upper surface of a dull dark green, faintly mottled with transverse markings, the underside of a dull wine purple.Scape(peduncle) densely hairy, dark purple, with a short boat-shaped purplish-green bract at the base of the six-ribbed ovary.Flowersmedium-sized, solitary on the peduncle;sepalshairy externally, glabrous and glossy within; the dorsal one broad ovate, about an inch in breadth, ciliate at the base, and fringed at the edge with whitish hairs, blush-white, with a stout central dark purple stripe, having on each side a short green one, and beyond that five others graduated in length, and of a greenish-purple colour, the central rib more prominently hairy at the back and tip; lower connate sepal oblong-ovate obtuse, whitish, with seven green ribs or veins;petalslinear-oblong, broadest upwards, two inches long and about half an inch broad, plane at the base, recurvo-undulate at the tip, the upper side (half) glossy, of a deep claret-purple, streaked with green at the base, somewhat ribbed, ciliate with purple hairs, the central rib stouter, purple, with a few round black spots distributed along its base, the lower half of the same colour but less glossy;liprather large, oblong, an inch and three-quarters long, polished, the sides purple, deeply inflexed and extended at the base like a pair of ears, the front part green and veiny towards the tip, with a short purple rib, deep purple towards the edge; the inside of the pouch yellowish-tawny, beautifully spotted with crimson.Staminodelarge, roundish, deeply notched in front, dull purplish-tawny, with green veiny markings in the centre, shining as if varnished, thickly studded with short stiff hairs.
Cypripedium Meirax,Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle,N.S.xiv., 524.
This is one of the many hybrids that have been raised in this country, and which we owe to the handiwork of cultivators. It must be highly gratifying to those who devote their time and skill to so interesting a pursuit as the origination of new varieties, to witness the success of their labours, and we are greatly indebted to those amateurs and nurserymen who have so successfully carried out this process of hybridisation. Some of the new forms produced may be disappointing, but others are in every way encouraging, by yielding fresh forms and colours, and in this way, through careful selection, many beautiful flowers are originated. In their native country the wild plants are no doubt crossed by insects, but in such cases there are, perhaps, comparatively few forms growing sufficiently near together, and even those not all flowering at one time. The artificial hybridiser has the advantage of more abundant material to operate upon, and he can seize the most favourableopportunities for crossing various forms and colours from different localities; while by growing them together, and getting them into flower at the same time, the operation can be performed with a greater prospect of securing good results. We, therefore, hope that this useful and interesting work will be carried on with spirit by our amateur orchidophilists.
There is no class of Orchids more useful than that which forms the subject of our plate. The flowers of the Cypripediums in most cases will last a long time, and the plants are, moreover, of easy cultivation, requiring but little room, and most of them possessing perennial beauty in their nicely variegated foliage. The hybrid we now figure was raised by R. Warner, Esq, Broomfield, Chelmsford, from whom we have procured the stock. It was raised in company with several others, which have proved to be most beautiful and free-blooming subjects, but of which the parentage has not been noted.
Cypripedium Meiraxwas named by Professor Reichenbach. It is a small-growing form, as will be seen by our plate, but it produces good showy flowers, the dorsal sepal being broad, white, with green and purple veins, the petals purplish-crimson with green nerves, and the lip veined and barred with purple. It blossoms during the winter and spring months, according as it completes its growth, and the flowers last six weeks or more in perfection.
The plants require the same treatment as those of theC. barbatumsection. The most suitable material for growing them in is rough fibrous peat, having a small quantity of charcoal interspersed; they must have good drainage, as they need a good supply of water during the growing season, which follows the blooming period, and while they are making their growths they require more water. They will thrive either in the Cattleya house or the cool end of the East India house, near the light; but they must be shaded from the hot sun in summer. A little sun heat, however, will not injure them.
The Cypripediums of this character are propagated by dividing the plants when they begin to grow, leaving one or two old growths at the back. The divided parts should be potted in small pots until they are rooted, and then, should they require it, larger ones may be given to them.
Insects should be kept under. Sometimes the red thrips will attack the young leaves; this should be well sought after, for if it gets ahead the leaves will soon turn brown, and get very much disfigured, the plant, moreover, getting injured. A little tobacco powder applied to the leaves is a good remedy. When the insects are found to be destroyed it can easily be washed off.
PL. 96.ONCIDIUM PHALÆNOPSIS.
PL. 96.ONCIDIUM PHALÆNOPSIS.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsoblong, furrowed, about two inches long, of a dark green colour, with abortive leaves at their base.Leavesligulate, broadest upwards, acute, somewhat narrowed and channelled towards the base, six to eight inches long or more, pale green.Racemesfrom the axils of the abortive leaves at the base of the bulbs, the flowers seated on longish pedicels having small appressed bracts at their base.Flowersnarrow-oblong in outline, an inch and a half or more in length, and a little over an inch broad, the lip comparatively large and conspicuous;sepalsthree, the dorsal one oblong, acute, venosely marbled with purple, and having a white margin, the lateral ones of the same colours, concealed by the lip, oblong-lanceolate, united in the lower half and directed downwards;petalsspreading, oblong-obovate apiculate, white, with two or three broad transverse blotches of deep rich purple, the apex white;lippandurate, an inch long by an inch and a half broad, three-lobed, the lateral lobes broad, rounded, white, flushed with purple and spotted with dark purple-crimson, the middle lobe dilated, deeply bilobed, spotted at the narrow basal part, but almost wholly white in the broader front part, the disk, with a prominent yellow crest, having two projections at the base, and two acute lateral arms in front, with an elevated angular keel between.Columnshort, with the sides of the lower edges rounded, green at the tips, the apex and margins of the stigmatic hollow purple.Oncidium Phalænopsis,Linden and Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle, 1869, 416;E. André,L’Illustration Horticole, 3 ser., t. 3.
Epiphytal.Pseudobulbsoblong, furrowed, about two inches long, of a dark green colour, with abortive leaves at their base.Leavesligulate, broadest upwards, acute, somewhat narrowed and channelled towards the base, six to eight inches long or more, pale green.Racemesfrom the axils of the abortive leaves at the base of the bulbs, the flowers seated on longish pedicels having small appressed bracts at their base.Flowersnarrow-oblong in outline, an inch and a half or more in length, and a little over an inch broad, the lip comparatively large and conspicuous;sepalsthree, the dorsal one oblong, acute, venosely marbled with purple, and having a white margin, the lateral ones of the same colours, concealed by the lip, oblong-lanceolate, united in the lower half and directed downwards;petalsspreading, oblong-obovate apiculate, white, with two or three broad transverse blotches of deep rich purple, the apex white;lippandurate, an inch long by an inch and a half broad, three-lobed, the lateral lobes broad, rounded, white, flushed with purple and spotted with dark purple-crimson, the middle lobe dilated, deeply bilobed, spotted at the narrow basal part, but almost wholly white in the broader front part, the disk, with a prominent yellow crest, having two projections at the base, and two acute lateral arms in front, with an elevated angular keel between.Columnshort, with the sides of the lower edges rounded, green at the tips, the apex and margins of the stigmatic hollow purple.
Oncidium Phalænopsis,Linden and Reichenbach fil., inGardeners’ Chronicle, 1869, 416;E. André,L’Illustration Horticole, 3 ser., t. 3.
The Oncids form a large genus of Orchids, some of which are large-growing plants with showy flowers. They form a most useful group, and many of them are of easy cultivation, especially the large-growing kinds, which we find in the older collections of Orchids, these being cultivated for their long spikes of golden blossoms, which are useful for cutting purposes, and where large vases of flowers have to be supplied the graceful effect produced by their light airy panicles and their bright colours is very charming.
The species we have now to bring under notice is of the small-growing section, and requires more care and attention than some others, being one of those kinds which are more difficult to cultivate. This section contains many beautiful plants. Our specimen was received from the well-grown collection of E. Salt, Esq., Ferniehurst, Shipley, near Leeds, who has been successful in growing this rare species, which is not often met with.
Oncidium Phalænopsisis a compact evergreen plant, with small pseudobulbs and light green leaves about eight inches in length. The flower spike proceeds from the base of the pseudobulbs, and bears six or more blossoms. The sepals and petals are creamy white, barred and spotted with purple; the lip is large, white, spotted at the base with violet-crimson, and the crest is golden-yellow. These flowers last a long time in beauty.
The plant requires great care in cultivation, like many others of its class, but it is worth all the care bestowed upon it. We have found it grow well in small pots or pans with a little rough fibrous peat and some lumps of charcoal, so that it may send its roots over the peat and charcoal. The small-growing Orchids of this character do not like their roots covered up, and when they are making new roots it is very important that the insects should not be allowed to feed upon them, as the plants require all their roots to be sound and good to keep them in a healthy condition. They should be placed as much in the light as possible, so that their growths may be strong and full of vigour. The plants naturally grow on trees, in which position they get a great deal of moisture during the rainy season, while in the dry season they get heavy dews, and are shaded a little from the burning sun although they get all the light possible. In our artificial treatment of these plants we should give them their natural conditions as nearly as possible, for by so doing we shall not go far away from the right course. We have found the cool end of the Cattleya house to suit most of these small-growing kinds.
We trust we may soon see a good importation of this rareOncidium, so that growers may have a chance to try their skill upon its cultivation. The plants we have received at various times have been but small and puny. If only growers could get over some strong vigorous clumps, they would have a chance of making them into good specimens—an object which is worth the effort, as the species is one of the most beautiful and distinct of the family.
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