CHAPTER XV
ORCHIDS AS CUT FLOWERS
Orchids having flowers with persistent perianths, in which the segments do not drop as in many other flowers, are of the highest value for cut flowers, as some or other of them can be obtained in every month in the year. Large quantities of the large-flowered Cattleyas, especially C. labiata, of C. Harrisoniana and its near ally C. Loddigesii, Odontoglossum crispum, O. Pescatorei, Dendrobiums, and other showy Orchids are grown for cut flowers in nurseries where Orchids are not required for other than market purposes. In many private gardens, also, the same kinds of Orchids are grown for decorative purposes, even without a desire to grow a general collection. Those who arrange for a general collection of Orchids as their primary object often cut the flowers for their own use, or to give to their friends, and the following remarks may be useful to all classes of growers.
A large proportion of the flowers of Orchids used for decorative purposes are in a great degree wasted by being cut in an immature state soon after the buds have expanded. Such flowers last but a very short time, and, if used for decoration by night, are only presentable for one evening. Orchid flowers should not be cut until they are fully mature and their tissues hardened. They last longer even if they are cut after they are past their best, than they do if cut too soon after expanding. When mature, the flowers require less support from moisture passing up the stem than most flowers, but if cut in an undeveloped state sufficient moisture cannot be obtained through the stems, even if well supplied with water, to continue the development, and the petals droop and the flowers soon wither.
PLATE V
BRASSO-CATTLEYA DIGBYANO-MOSSIÆ
"Westonbirt Variety"
(Raised from a cross between Brassavola Digbyana and Cattleya Mossiæ.)
When Orchid flowers are to be used for decorative purposes, no matter in what stage of development they may be, it adds greatly to their durability if they are placed head downward, thoroughly immersed in clean water (rain-water for preference), and kept so immersed until an hour or so before they are set up, gently shaking the water from them, and placing them on a cloth or some dry, cool surface until wanted. Treated in this way, Orchid flowers will last for weeks instead of days. The method should be to take them out of the dining-room or other place where they have been used after the guests have departed each evening. Have ready a large earthenware pan filled with water, and in it immerse the Orchid flowers, leaving them immersed until shortly before they are required to be set up again next day, repeating the same treatment every night. Managed in this way, sprays of Odontoglossums and other Orchids often last for weeks, and look better than freshly cut immature flowers do even on the first day. Flowers received by post should always be treated to the bath for some hours, and, during immersion, any defects which are reparable will be made good and the duration of the flowers ensured, especially if the immersion be repeated as before recommended. In this way Masdevallia, Sobralia, and other fugacious flowers may be used for decorative purposes for two evenings at least, but in the absence of immersion they would wither in a very short time. It might also be said that the Maidenhair Fern, also Asparagus plumosus, and other foliage used with the cut Orchids are materially benefited by immersion, the Maidenhair Fern especially; it should always be kept immersed until required for use.