ENUMERATION OF THE PRINCIPAL GENERA AND SPECIES IN CULTIVATION
Acanthophippium.—A small genus of terrestrial plants with oblong pseudo-bulbs, and broad, plicate leaves. Scape erect, flowers ventricose, yellow and reddish-purple. Warm house. Pot in equal parts of turfy loam, peat, and leaves. Rest dry after the leaves fade and growth is completed. The most familiar species are A. bicolor, A. javanicum, and A. striatum.
Acineta.—The species of Acineta are epiphytal Orchids with stout pseudo-bulbs and broad, coriaceous leaves. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes; they are fleshy, whitish, or yellow, and spotted with purple or brown. They should be grown in baskets suspended in the intermediate house. A. Barkeri, A. densa, and A. Humboldtii are free-growing species.
Acropera. See Gongora.
Ada.—Cool-house genus from Colombia. Leafy evergreen plants with racemes of orange-scarlet flowers. Ada aurantiaca is almost the sole representative of the genus in gardens, and should be grown even in the smallest collections.
Aëranthus. See Angræcum.
Aërides.—A large genus of evergreen Orchids with distichously arranged, leathery, green leaves, the stem producing air-roots freely. Natives of India, the Malay Archipelago, and other parts of that region, extending to Japan.
All the species of Aërides may be grown in pots, crocked from one-half to two-thirds of the way up, the old stems of the plants, when long, being placed in the pots before the crocks are filled in. The surface should be of good living Sphagnum-moss, and the plants should be liberally watered from the end of February or beginning of March until autumn, when the supply of water should be restricted according to the condition of growth of the plants. Those which have finished their growth and are not showing new leaves in the centre should be given the least supply, but it is not advisable to dry any off completely, unless for some reason they have to be kept comparatively cool throughout the winter, when they are safest if kept tolerably dry. The smaller species may be grown in baskets with advantage when convenient—indeed, the true epiphytal character of the whole genus would suggest that method as the better, but experience has proved that they may be equally well grown in pots. The warm house, or warm end of the intermediate house, suits all the species, but A. japonicum may be grown in the cool house. Most of the species have white and rose-coloured flowers, and they are very fragrant.
A. odoratum, one of the oldest of garden Orchids, is one of the best and most free-growing species. A. crispum, A. crassifolium, A. Fieldingii, A. Houlletianum, A. falcatum, A. Lawrenciæ, A. multiflorum in its many forms, A. quinquevulnera, A. suavissimum, and A. virens are the best for amateurs.
A. cylindricum and A. Vandarum have terete leaves like Vanda teres, the former with white flowers, having a fleshy yellow and red lip, and the latter, which is more membraneous in substance, being white. Although often confused with each other in gardens, there is little resemblance between these two species.
Aganisia.—This genus thrives best in Orchid pans in the intermediate house, in the ordinary compost used for epiphytal Orchids, with an addition of leaves. Place the plants in a moist situation.
A. cærulea is of trailing habit, and has blue and white flowers. A. ionoptera is white and purple, and A. lepida white.
Angræcum.—A large genus chiefly from Africa and Madagascar, and requiring similar treatment to Aërides. Botanists have divided the genus into Aëranthus, Listrostachys, Mystacidium, &c., but for garden purposes the one generic title suffices. The flowers of nearly all the species are white and fragrant, many of them being furnished with long, greenish spurs.
A representative selection could be made with A. arcuatum, A. Ellisii, A. Humblotii, A. infundibulare, A. Kotschyi, A. modestum, A. Scottianum, A. superbum (eburneum), and A. sesquipedale, the last-named Madagascar species being the finest of the genus.
Anguloa.—Colombian and Peruvian Orchids of strong growth, and similar in habit to Lycaste. The flowers are usually produced singly on upright stems. Pot in two-thirds peat and one-third Sphagnum-moss or Osmunda fibre. When good loam fibre can be obtained, a small proportion may be added. Intermediate house. Rest tolerably dry and cool after growth is completed. A. Clowesii, yellow; A. Ruckeri, yellow and dark-red; A. uniflora and its variety eburnea, white.
Anœctochilus.—A dwarf genus with fleshy, creeping stems and very handsomely marked leaves. The plants should be grown in shallow Orchid pots, using a mixture of one-third peat, and loam and leaves in equal parts well mixed together, adding some finely broken crocks. The plants should be placed in a moist corner, or suspended in a shady part of a warm, moist house. They root along the stems, and may be increased by cutting the leading portions with a root or two and leaving the bases to break into new growth.
With the Anœctochili, and often under the same generic title, are usually associated Dossinia marmorata (A. Lowii), with broadly ovate, olive-green, veined leaves; Macodes Petola, emerald-green veined with gold; Hæmaria discolor, dark bronzy-red veined with copper colour, often named Goodyera Dawsoniana, and plants of similar character. The flowers of most of the species are white. They are sometimes grown in plant cases, or under bell glasses, but if the proper position in a warm, moist house can be found, they are better without these coverings. Propagation renews the vigour of the plants and prevents them degenerating, as they often do in cultivation if left undisturbed for too long a period.
Ansellia.—A fine genus of some half-dozen species peculiar to Natal and Tropical Africa, and growing from one to six feet in height, the leafy pseudo-bulbs having at the top fine, branched spikes of yellow flowers, more or less barred or spotted with purple. Pot as for epiphytal Orchids, and grow in the intermediate house. Water the roots liberally until the flowering is past, and then rest the plants in cool and dry conditions.
A. africana is not only most commonly grown, but it is one of the finest species. Others, some of which are mere varieties of A. africana, are A. confusa, A. gigantea, A. nilotica, and A. congoensis.
Arachnanthe.—This is a small genus of warm-house plants possessing extraordinary habits, and including the Bornean A. Lowii (Vanda Lowii), a very strong-growing species which bears drooping racemes of greenish-white flowers barred with red. The two basal blooms are dissimilar or dimorphic both in shape and colour, being tawny yellow spotted with purple. The plants should be grown in pots or baskets as Aërides. Other species are A. Cathcartii (Himalaya) and A. moschifera (Malaya). A. Cathcartii will thrive in the intermediate house.
Barkeria.—The Barkerias form a section of Epidendrums. They should be grown in baskets or suspending pans in the cool intermediate house. They require a dry and cool resting period.
Bartholina.—The Bartholinas are dwarf, terrestrial Orchids of South Africa. They should be potted in loam, peat, and sand, and cultivated on a greenhouse shelf. Rest dry and cool. B. pectinata is the only species in gardens.
Batemannia and Bollea. See Zygopetalum.
Bifrenaria.—Pot these as recommended for epiphytal Orchids, and grow them in the intermediate house. B. Harrisoniæ is the finest species. Others worthy of cultivation are B. aurantiaca, B. bicornaria, B. inodora, B. tyrianthina, and B. vitellina.
Brassia.—The Brassias are epiphytal Orchids of South America, and may be grown in the intermediate house. The most familiar species are B. brachiata, B. caudata, B. Lawrenceana, and B. verrucosa.
Broughtonia.—B. sanguinea is a pretty, crimson-flowered species from Jamaica. B. lilacina is also a fine species, though rarely seen in gardens. Broughtonias should be grown on bare rafts suspended in the warm or intermediate house.
Brassavola.—A small genus with white, fragrant flowers. B. Digbyana, a species with large, fringed-lipped flowers, has been much used by the hybridist. Brassavolas may be grown with the Cattleyas.
Bulbophyllum.—A widely distributed genus which may be divided into two sections—the deciduous, chiefly Burmese, requiring a dry resting season; and the evergreen, which should not be strictly dried off. All the species thrive in a warm, intermediate house, with cooler rest for the deciduous and highland species. The genus is one of the most varied and remarkable, and full collections of them are grown by some amateurs.
Calanthe.—These are terrestrial Orchids, which may be divided into two sections—the evergreen of the C. veratrifolia class; and the deciduous, comprising C. vestita, C. Veitchii, and numerous other species and hybrids which are extensively grown for flowering in winter. Pot them in a compost of one-half fibrous loam, one-fourth Sphagnum-moss, and one-fourth leaves, with a sprinkling of sand. Rest the deciduous section dry after flowering, and repot them when growth commences in spring. Water liberally with occasional applications of liquid manure, which should be withheld when the growth is completed.
Catasetum.—The Catasetums are curious, epiphytal Orchids, which should be grown in baskets, or Orchid pans, suspended in the intermediate house, and treated in a similar manner to the deciduous Dendrobiums. They require a long, dry rest after the growths are completed. All the species are worthy of cultivation, C. Bungerothii, C. splendens, and C. macrocarpa being the more showy kinds.
Cattleya.—One of the largest, most varied, and florally beautiful genera of Orchids. The plants should be potted as recommended for epiphytal Orchids, and they should be grown in the intermediate house. The C. labiata section, including C. Gaskelliana, C. Mossiæ, C. Mendelii, C. Dowiana and its variety aurea, C Warscewiczii, C. Warneri, and C. Schröderæ in succession, produce flowers for the greater part of the year. C. citrina should be grown in the cool house, suspended from the roof. Cattleyas and Lælias are impatient of a close atmosphere, and therefore the proper ventilation of the house in which they are grown is an important matter. C. Trianæ, var Hydra, is illustrated in [Plate IV].
Chysis.—A small genus of intermediate-house epiphytes, comprising C. bractescens, white; C. aurea and C. lævis, yellow and red; C. Limminghei, and several hybrids.
Cirrhopetalum.—A section of Bulbophyllum, of similar habit, and requiring similar treatment. The curiously formed flowers frequently have the upper segments fringed, and the lateral ones approached and continued into slender tails.
Cirrhæa.—Allied to Gongora, and requiring similar treatment.
Cochlioda.—A compact-growing genus to be grown with the Odontoglossums. C. Noezliana, scarlet, has been a fine species in the hands of the hybridiser, and in the future may give us "Scarlet Odontoglossums." C. vulcanica has deep rose-coloured flowers.
Cœlia.—There are several species of Cœlia, and they require to be grown in the intermediate house.
Cœlogyne.—A very large genus of two distinct sections, that represented by C. cristata being evergreen; the Pleione or Indian crocus section deciduous, and requiring to be treated as terrestrial Orchids, while the larger section are epiphytal. The epiphytal sections are warm and intermediate house plants. The Pleiones should be grown in a cool house, and rested quite dry after the leaves fade and until growth again commences.
PLATE VII
ONCIDIUM MARSHALLIANUM
Comparettia.—These are small-growing epiphytes. Grow in small baskets or hanging pans in the intermediate house. C. falcata, red, C. macroplectron, pale rose; spotted; and C. speciosa, scarlet, are the best species.
Colax.—A small genus of cool-house Orchids allied to Lycaste, and requiring similar treatment. C. jugosus has been crossed with Zygopetalums with good results.
Coryanthes.—These are similar in habit to Stanhopea. The plants should be grown in baskets suspended in the intermediate house. The structure of the large, fleshy flowers is most remarkable, and some interesting particulars relating to their fertilisation by insect aid have been recorded in the Gardeners' Chronicle (July 17, 1897, p. 31).
Cycnoches.—Of similar habit and requirements to Catasetum. The plants are best grown in baskets and suspended. They should be rested cool and dry with the deciduous Dendrobiums. C. chlorochilon (Swan Orchid), C. Egertonianum, C. Loddigesii, C. maculatum, C. peruvianum, and C. pentadactylon are fine species.
Cymbidium.—These are showy, large-growing Orchids for the intermediate house or warm conservatory. Pot the plants in equal proportions of fibrous loam, peat, and Sphagnum-moss. C. giganteum, C. Lowianum, C. grandiflorum, and C. Tracyanum are the most commonly grown. C. eburneum, C. Mastersii, C. insigne, and C. erythrostylum are fine, white species, the latter two with rose markings on the lip. There are numerous hybrids. C. Lowio-eburneum, a cross from C. Lowianum, and C. eburneum is illustrated in [Plate VI].
Cynorchis.—Terrestrial Orchids from Tropical Africa and Madagascar, requiring to be grown in the warm house in moist and shady conditions. The flowers are generally of rose colour.
Cypripedium.—This is one of the largest, most useful, and most prolific genera, which, although commonly known in gardens as Cypripedium, may be divided into several distinct classes. Most of those generally known in gardens as Cypripediums have been termed Paphiopedilum, including C. barbatum, and C. Rothschildianum, and the green-leafed class, more commonly known in gardens as Selenipedium, are now termed Phragmopedilum. The name Cypripedium, however, has so firm a hold on cultivators that it is convenient to retain it in gardening handbooks.
The Cypripediums have very numerous hybrids, and their numbers increase annually. An enumeration is therefore impossible within the scope of this work. All require to be treated as terrestrial Orchids, a proportion of fibrous loam (see the chapter on potting terrestrial Orchids) being added in proportion to the strength of the subject, the largest proportion being given to the strongest growers. The Selenipedium, or green-leafed section, should be potted in fibrous loam, with a sprinkling of leaves and Sphagnum-moss. C. insigne, C. Spicerianum, C. Charlesworthii, and others of the class, also hybrids of them, may be grown in the cool house. C. Rothschildianum, C. Stonei, and the whole of that section require the highest temperature, but all may be grown successfully in an intermediate house. C. insigne Sanderæ is illustrated in [Plate I].
Cyrtopodium.—A strong-growing genus needing to be grown in the intermediate house. The plants should be potted as terrestrial Orchids. C. punctatum is the showiest and most easily grown species.
Dendrobium.—One of the largest and most decorative genera of epiphytal Orchids, comprising several hundred species and a large number of hybrids. Primarily the genus may be divided into two classes—the evergreen; and the deciduous, which lose their leaves after the completion of the growths, and should have a protracted dry resting season. The evergreen species have a shorter and less rigorous resting season accorded them. The deciduous class is exemplified by D. nobile, D. Wardianum, D. crassinode, and the plants associated with them, and their hybrids; and the evergreen species by D. densiflorum, D. Farmeri, and D. chrysotoxum. D. Wardianum, with 264 flowers, is illustrated in [Plate III].
Next, the genus may be divided into two further classes—those requiring a high temperature, such as D. Phalænopsis, D. superbum, D. atro-violaceum, &c.; and those which may be grown comparatively cool, which include D. speciosum (an excellent plant for a sunny conservatory), D. moniliforme from Japan, D. aggregatum, D. Jenkinsii, and many others. All the species require a high temperature, moist atmosphere, and an abundance of water during the growing season, but should be kept drier and cooler after the growth is completed to prepare them for flowering. The species with pendulous growths should be grown in baskets or suspended pans.
Diacrium.—A section of Epidendrum, with hollow pseudo-bulbs, and white, wax-like flowers. D. bicornutum is a very fine species for the warm house.
Disa.—A genus of terrestrial Orchids from Africa, best represented in gardens by the fine Scarlet Disa grandiflora, which, with the others of its section, D. racemosa and D. tripetaloides, have produced many beautiful hybrids. These are cool-house plants, and should be potted in a mixture of peat, Sphagnum-moss, sand, and loam fibre. They are increased by offsets, and, when repotted soon after the flowering season, the strong growths should be potted on for flowering, and the smaller ones placed together in store pans. Free drainage should be provided, and the plants liberally watered until they flower. After this stage, cultivation in a cold frame for a few weeks before repotting and returning the plants to the cool house will benefit them.
The D. graminifolia or Blue Disa section do not increase by stolons. They are heath plants, and should be potted in sandy peat, and kept quite dry when they lose their leaves.
Epidendrum.—There are over 400 known species of this genus. E. vitellinum is a fine orange-coloured, cool-house species. All may be grown in the intermediate house. E. O'Brienianum, E. radicans, and E. Boundii are fine plants for covering the ends of houses and back walls.
Eria.—An interesting genus, comprising many curious, and some very pretty species. They are epiphytes, and should be grown in the intermediate house. The deciduous species need to be kept dry when at rest.
Eriopsis.—These are epiphytal Orchids from South America. They should be grown in the intermediate house, and they need moisture and shade. E. biloba and E. rutidobulbon are the best-known species.
Eulophia.—A large genus in which both evergreen and terrestrial plants are represented. Grow them in the intermediate house.
Eulophiella.—The genus includes two species from Madagascar, E. Elisabethæ, white, and E. Peetersiana, rose. Grow them in a moist position of the warm house, giving them a liberal supply of rain-water.
Galeandra.—These are deciduous epiphytes, needing similar cultivation to Catasetum.
Gomeza.—Allied to Odontoglossum. The flowers are yellowish, and are produced in racemes. Intermediate-house plants.
Gongora.—Intermediate-house Orchids, which should be grown in baskets or suspending pans to allow of the full production of their long flower-spikes.
Grammatophyllum.—A genus of strong-growing epiphytal Orchids for the warm house. G. speciosum is a gigantic Malayan species.
Grobya.—Brazilian Orchids represented by G. galeata and G. Amherstiæ. Intermediate house.
Habenaria.—Terrestrial Orchids. H. militaris and H. rhodocheila are bright scarlet; H. carnea, flesh colour; H. Susannæ, H. Bonatea, and H. Ugandæ, tall-growing, green and white. The two latter species will grow in a cool house; the others need greater warmth. The North American species are nearly hardy, and may be grown in a frame.
Houlletia.—Fragrant epiphytal Orchids from South America. Intermediate house.
Ionopsis.—Pretty, slender, white and lilac species. Grow in small baskets in the intermediate house.
Lælia.—One of the largest and showiest genera, great favourites in gardens, and fine subjects in the hands of the hybridiser. The Mexican species L. anceps, L. autumnalis, L. albida, &c., used to be allotted a special dryish intermediate house, but they are now usually grown in the intermediate or Cattleya house, and rested in a cooler vinery or corridor. All the species require the same treatment as Cattleya.
Liparis.—A genus of dwarf Orchids chiefly of botanical interest. Intermediate house.
Lissochilus.—Showy terrestrial Orchids, chiefly from South and Tropical Africa. They should be grown in warm or cool conditions according to their habitats. L. Krebsii and L. speciosus are two handsome, cool-house species; L. giganteus, L. Horsfallii, and others of this class require a warm house. Being marshy plants, they need weak, liquid manure when growing.
Lueddemannia.—A fine genus of strong, Acineta-like growth and pendulous racemes of bronzy-orange coloured flowers. The growths are three to five feet in length. The best species are L. Lehmannii, L. Pescatorei, and L. triloba. Grow in baskets suspended in intermediate house.
Luisia.—Terete-leafed Orchids that may be grown in the warm house with the Aërides.
Lycaste.—Most of the species thrive in the cool end of the intermediate house. They have been grown successfully in a compost in which decayed leaves formed the principal ingredient, the remainder being either Sphagnum-moss, loam fibre, or peat, with a little sand or fine crocks added. In some collections L. Skinneri and some of the other species are grown in the cool house. All the species require to be kept as cool as possible in summer.
Masdevallia.—Dwarf, tufted plants, with pretty and varied flowers, from high ranges in South America. They should be grown in the cool or Odontoglossum house. Pot them in equal proportions of Sphagnum-moss and peat, with a little sand and fine crocks. The species of M. chimæra section should be grown in suspending baskets or pans, and given a rather warmer situation than those of the showier M. Harryana (coccinea) and M. Veitchiana sections, being placed in the cool end of the intermediate house in winter. M. tridactylites, M. O'Brieniana, M. ionocharis, and many others form an interesting section of dwarf Orchids, with singular, insect-like flowers. The Masdevallias require to be kept moist all the year, and are benefited by occasional division when being repotted in spring or late summer.
Maxillaria.—An extensive genus, widely distributed in South America, and extending to the West Indies. All the species are intermediate-house plants, requiring the ordinary potting material for epiphytes. The flowers are varied in form and colour from the white M. grandiflora and M. venusta to the large claret-blotched M. Sanderiana. Many of the species have fragrant flowers.
Megaclinium.—A singular genus from Tropical Africa, closely allied to Bulbophyllum, their chief characteristic being the singular flat rachis of the inflorescence, which bears a single row of insect-like, brownish flowers on each side. M. Bufo, the type species, is probably not now in gardens. M. falcatum is the commonest, and M. purpureorachis, M. triste, and several other species are sometimes seen. They should be grown in the warm house in baskets or pans.
Microstylis.—The species of Microstylis should be grown as terrestrial Orchids in Sphagnum-moss and peat, with fine crocks added. Rest the deciduous species in dry and cooler conditions.
Miltonia.—The Miltonias are compact-growing South American epiphytes, to be grown in pans elevated in a sheltered corner of the intermediate house. Pot the plants in ordinary material for epiphytal Orchids, and surface the compost with living Sphagnum-moss. M. vexillaria, M. Roezlii, M. Warscewiczii, formerly included in Odontoglossum, form a section requiring to be grown like Odontoglossums, but rather warmer. This section has been found to thrive well with a good proportion of leaves in the compost. Miltonia vexillaria, "Empress Victoria," is illustrated in [Plate II].
Mormodes.—Grow these with the Catasetum and Cycnoches, and treat them similarly by resting them dry. The genus is a singular one, the curiously formed, generally fragrant flowers being very attractive.
Neobenthamia.—N. gracilis is an elegant, white-flowered, slender species from Tropical Africa, and it should be grown in warm-intermediate temperature.
Nephelaphyllum.—Dwarf, terrestrial species for the warm house. Grow with Anœctochilus.
Notylia.—Graceful epiphytes for baskets and suspending pans. Intermediate house.
Octomeria.—A genus allied to Pleurothallis. The flowers are usually white and rather small.
Odontoglossum.—The Odontoglossums are deservedly the most extensively grown genus of cool-house Orchids, the larger proportion of those in gardens being represented by O. crispum (illustrated in [Plate VIII].), one of the most beautiful of Orchids. The spotted forms often realise very high prices. Cool, moist houses are provided for O. crispum and its section of Odontoglossum; in some gardens several houses are allotted to the species. Given a suitable house and careful treatment, the Odontoglossums are among the easiest Orchids to grow, and the most certain to flower. All the species generally classed with O. crispum should be grown in well-drained pots. The compost in which they are grown used to be formed exclusively of Orchid peat and Sphagnum-moss, and, where these materials can be obtained of good quality they have never been improved upon. There came a craze in some collections for putting the Odontoglossums in leaf-soil, which ended in disaster, although it indicated that a proportion of dry leaves (not leaf-soil) may be used in the compost with advantage. Scarcity of good Orchid peat brought about the introduction of Polypodium fibre and Osmunda fibre, both excellent materials when prepared as recommended in the chapters on Potting Epiphytal Orchids, and Hybrid Orchids. For the general repotting of those requiring it September is the best month, but in early spring the plants should be examined in order to repot those which need immediate attention. The Odontoglossum house must be kept cool at all seasons, and the necessity to have lower night temperatures must be strictly recognised. Free ventilation should be provided, but at all seasons when drying, east winds prevail, especially in winter and early spring, the bottom ventilators should be only opened slightly, the top ones being kept closed; the laps of the glass of the roof will admit sufficient air. Moisture should be freely distributed about the house by syringing beneath the staging and between the pots in summer, but in winter the houses, if kept at the prescribed low temperature, will be moist without much water being distributed. Odontoglossum citrosmum, O. Rossii, O. membranaceum, and some other Mexican species should be grown in baskets or pans; O. coronarium and its varieties in oblong baskets; O. Londesboroughianum on rafts. Odontoglossums require abundance of water, but are easily injured if allowed to get soddened. Water should therefore be given systematically—a thorough watering, and no more until the effect of it is passing and the still moist material is sufficiently near the dry point. After flowering, a lessened supply should also be given for a time, but the plants must not be dried off. At this stage it is a good time to repot any requiring to be repotted. In the cool houses, and indeed all the Orchid houses, observation should be made as to the rapidity of evaporation of water from the floors and staging. If the moisture evaporates too quickly and the floors and stages become dry rapidly, it must be remembered that the conditions are not favourable to sustaining the vitality of the plants in the house, for, where rapid evaporation takes place, a similar process affects the tissues of the plants. Means should be taken, either by lowering the temperature or checking the ventilation, to sustain a lasting humidity in the houses.
Oncidium.—This is a large genus, most of the members being suitable for cultivation in the intermediate house. O. macranthum is a cool-house plant, and O. crispum, O. Forbesii, O. concolor, O. Marshallianum (illustrated in [Plate VII].), O. varicosum, and others also do well in the cool house in baskets or suspended pans. O. Papilio, O. Kramerianum, O. Lanceanum, and O. ampliatum should have a position in the warmest end of the intermediate house. Pot the plants as epiphytal Orchids. Withhold water for a time after growth is completed.
Paphinia.—Small-growing epiphytes. Grow in baskets or pans in a warm, moist house.
PLATE VIII
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM
Phaius.—Strong-growing, terrestrial Orchids for the intermediate house. Pot them according to the directions in the chapter on the potting of terrestrial Orchids. The species are evergreen, and require but a short resting season. They require shade.
Phalænopsis.—These are warm-house species from the Philippines, Java, Borneo, India, and other places. Pot the plants in Sphagnum-moss. They succeed best when suspended, but if they are grown on the stage they should be elevated on inverted pots. A moist atmosphere is essential. P. amabilis Rimestadiana will grow in the intermediate house; so will also most of the other species, if placed in a moist corner.
Peristeria.—The genus is best known in gardens by P. elata (Dove Orchid). The cultivation is similar to that for Phaius.
Physosiphon.—A small genus allied to Stelis. P. Loddigesii has racemes of orange-coloured flowers.
Platyclinis.—These are pretty, intermediate-house Orchids, with pendulous racemes of white or yellow flowers, generally fragrant.
Pleione. See Cœlogyne.
Pleurothallis.—A large genus of elegant, dwarf-growing Orchids for the intermediate house.
Promenæa. See Zygopetalum.
Renanthera.—These showy species are natives of Tropical Asia and Malaya. They should be grown like Aërides and Vandas. R. Imschootiana is a compact, free-growing species, with showy, crimson flowers.
Restrepia.—A cool-house genus usually grown with the Masdevallias, and requiring similar treatment.
Rodriguezia.—This genus includes the species usually called Burlingtonia in gardens. Suspend the plants in the intermediate house. R. secunda has rose-coloured flowers; most of the others are white, and they are generally fragrant.
Rhyncostylis.—These are warm-house plants, which are known usually as Saccolabiums in gardens. The commoner species is R. retusa, with fine racemes of blush-white flowers, spotted with purple; and the blue R. cœlestis. The cultivation is similar to Aërides.
Saccolabium.—The Saccolabiums should be grown in a warm house like Aërides. S. bigibbum and others of its class are pretty, dwarf species, with yellowish flowers spotted with purple and having a white lip.
Sarcanthus.—Allied to Saccolabium, and having similar cultural requirements.
Sarcochilus.—The species of Sarcochilus need to be grown in Sphagnum-moss in the intermediate house.
Satyrium.—Terrestrial Orchids chiefly from South Africa, needing greenhouse treatment. The plants must be kept dry during the resting period.
Schomburgkia.—A strong-growing genus, requiring similar treatment to Lælias and Cattleyas. The best position for them is a sunny situation in the intermediate house.
Scuticaria.—The Scuticarias are handsome, bulbless species, with long, terete, pendulous leaves, and showy, yellowish flowers, blotched with purple. They should be grown on rafts, or in baskets suspended in the intermediate house.
Selenipedium. See Cypripedium.
Sobralia.—The species of Sobralia are strong-growing, terrestrial Orchids with reed-like stems, requiring abundance of water during the period of growth. Intermediate house. S. macrantha and its white variety are best known.
Sophronitis.—A dwarf genus, best known by S. grandiflora, which has scarlet flowers, and has been used for crossing with Lælias and Cattleyas. All the species are cool-house plants, needing cultivation in pans or baskets suspended from the roof. The hybrids succeed best in the intermediate house.
Spathoglottis.—Terrestrial Orchids of similar growth to Bletia, requiring a pronounced resting period. Intermediate house. Rest dry.
Stanhopea.—A fine genus, with large, pendulous, wax-like flowers of aromatic odour. They should be grown in baskets in the intermediate house. Rest rather dry in a cool house or vinery.
Stauropsis.—Stauropsis should be grown with Aërides and Vandas. The genus is best known in gardens by S. lissochiloides (Vanda Batemanii) and S. gigantea.
Stelis.—The plants in this genus possess similar growth to the dwarf Pleurothallis, and require the same treatment.
Stenoglottis.—S. fimbriata and S. longifolia are South African terrestrial Orchids, needing similar conditions to Disa.
Tetramicra (Leptotes).—Dwarf species with white flowers, having rose labellums. Intermediate house.
Thunia.—A section of Phaius with erect, terete stems and deciduous leaves. Grow them in a warm and moist house, but keep them cool and dry during the resting period.
Trichocentrum.—Dwarf, evergreen South American Orchids. Grow in pans suspended in a shady part of the intermediate house.
Trichopilia.—An ornamental, epiphytal genus, including Pilumna, the white, fragrant T. fragrans, and its variety nobilis, representing that section. T. suavis is one of the showiest species. All are worthy of a place in collections. Intermediate house.
Trichosma.—Trichosma suavis is a pretty, cool-house species, with white, fragrant flowers.
Trigonidium.—There are several curious species of Trigonidium, with the sepals usually developed and arranged differently to Orchids generally. Intermediate house.
Vanda.—The genus is one of the largest and most interesting, and, like the other large genera, it may be divided into several sections. The largest-growing and best-known species are V. tricolor and V. suavis, which have white or yellowish flowers, spotted with purple, and without any distinguishing botanical feature between them. V. cœrulea is one of the finest blue Orchids; V. Sanderiana one of the handsomest; V. insignis, V. lamellata, V. Denisoniana, V. limbata, and V. Bensonii are all desirable kinds. V. Kimballiana, V. Amesiana, and V. Watsonii form a distinct section, with fleshy leaves and erect spikes of pretty, white flowers, marked with rose in the two first, and requiring to be grown, where possible, in baskets suspended in the intermediate house. V. teres, V. Hookeriana, and their hybrid V. Miss Joaquim, have erect stems, bearing terete leaves, and fine, rose-coloured flowers. V. alpina, V. cristata, and V. pumila are pretty, dwarf species. All are generally grown together in the warm or East Indian house, but it is an open question whether the keeping of these plants and the Aërides and Saccolabiums continuously in the same house is not the cause of the unsatisfactory condition of many of them in gardens. Each section should be watched, and, when growth is completed, a change should be given to a cool, intermediate house for a couple of months. Aërides, Vandas, and Saccolabiums suffer most from being kept too hot and close in winter. After spring opens the amount of heat and moisture should be gradually increased. Directly they have flowered, the tall plants which have lost their bottom leaves should be lowered in the pots or baskets by being cut off at the base. Dwarf-growing species should be brought well up to the light. V. cœrulea grows well under the most dissimilar conditions, and with it, as with many other Orchids, there is more in finding a suitable place than in growing the plant. All require to be potted or basketed in Sphagnum-moss. Some growers add a sprinkling of leaves. The V. teres section may be planted in Sphagnum-moss in a warm corner of the house, or against the end of the house. If grown in pots, three or four should be potted together and trained to a stout stick or teak rod.
Zygopetalum.—Under Zygopetalum, several distinct sub-genera are included. The largest-growing and showiest species include Z. Mackayi, Z. crinitum, and other related species. These should be potted in peat, Sphagnum-moss, and loam fibre in equal proportions, with a sprinkling of leaves, and fine broken crocks added. During the growing season occasional waterings with weak, liquid manure should be given; and, after flowering, a rest with restricted water supply. Those that need repotting should be attended to before growth begins, but they will remain satisfactory for years in the same pots if carefully treated.
There are many hybrids, especially of Z. maxillare, which should be treated like the species. Z. rostratum requires a warm, moist house. The Promenæas include P. stapelioides, P. Rollissoni, and P. xanthina. These should be grown in shallow pans, either for suspending or placing on a shelf near the glass of the roof.
Bollea, Huntleya, Pescatorea, Batemannia, and Warscewiczella.—These are sectional names for a leafy class, with rudimentary pseudo-bulbs. They are frequently mismanaged. The plants should be grown in the potting materials recommended for epiphytal Orchids, and surfaced with Sphagnum-moss. Being evergreen, and with no superabundant vitality, they should be kept moist all the year, but liberally watered when growing. A moist corner of the intermediate house, or warm house, should be selected for them, each plant being raised on an inverted pan or pot. When grown in the warm house, a rest should be given in a cooler house after growth is completed, but the plants must not be dried off. They may be propagated by division. All require shade. Botanically they are placed under Zygopetalum.