CATTLEYA SUPERBA SPLENDENS.
[[Plate 33].]
Native of Brazil in the region of the Rio Negro.
Epiphytal. Stems slender, subterete, furrowed, with distant nodes, nearly a foot in height. Leaves in pairs, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse, barely four inches in length, of a deep bluish green colour and stout coriaceous texture. Scape four to five-flowered, issuing from a terminal oblong obtuse compressed sheathing bract, of a pale brown colour, which is about two inches long and three-quarters of an inch broad. Flowers richly coloured, nearly six inches in breadth; sepals elliptic-lanceolate, plane, about two and a half inches long, of a deep rich purplish rose colour; petals of the same colour somewhat broader and longer, rhomboid, more or less undulated at the margin in the upper half; lip about two inches long, three-lobed, the basal lobes elongately connivent into a tube acute in front, of a rich magenta-crimson, white at the base, middle lobe transversely rounded, broader than long, emarginate, narrowed into a claw, the front portion of the same rich crimson colour, the disk and interior of the tube yellow, the former traversed by five elevated golden yellow lines. Column enclosed.
Cattleya superba splendens, Lemaire, Illustration Horticole xvi., t. 605; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 4 ed., 127; 5 ed., 132.
The plant we are now about to describe is one of the most magnificent members of its genus, so far as regards the brilliant colouring of its flowers. This may be seen by a reference to the accompanying illustration, which was taken from a fine plant that flowered at the Victoria Nursery, and was subsequently purchased by William Lee, Esq. of Downside, Leatherhead. The plant was seen to great advantage when suspended in a basket from the roof of the Orchid-house, and in this position was greatly admired, by connoisseurs on account of its rich and brilliant colours. The plants of Cattleya superba vary considerably in the colour of their flowers, those of the original or type form being well represented in the first series of Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants (t. 24), where a most beautiful spike with six of its really superb flowers is shown.
The variety which we now introduce to the notice of our readers—Cattleya superba splendens—is one of distinct character, and of unparalleled beauty. It comes from a different country, viz., the Rio Negro region of Para instead of Guiana. The plant is of compact growth like C. superba, and generally flowers during July and August; the stems (pseudobulbs) are ten to twelve inches in height; the leaves are produced in pairs, and are longer and more pointed, and its splendidly coloured flowers are produced four or five together in the spike from the top of the stem when it is making its growth. The individual blossoms are as much as five inches across, and are well expanded, the sepals and petals being of a bright but delicate rose colour, and the lip white at the base, the front and side lobes rich magenta-crimson, the disk and interior of the tube being of a bright golden yellow. The plant continues in blossom for three or four weeks if the flowers are kept from damp; indeed, all Cattleya blooms retain their freshness for a longer period if kept dry, especially the large light-flowered forms of C. Mossiæ, C. Trianæ, C. Mendelii, &c., which soon become spotted if the atmosphere surrounding them is much charged with moisture.
Cattleya superba is not in general well cultivated, but we have seen some specimens which were grown with extraordinary skill and success in the select collection of O. Schneider, Esq., of Cromwell Grange, Fallowfield, near Manchester. These specimens, as many as nine in number, were suspended in baskets from the roof of the warm house. They were grown from imported plants, and we have noticed them in the same position growing and blooming freely for the past three years, and, as they succeed so well, we should certainly recommend their being retained in the same situation. It is a golden rule for cultivators that when a particular kind of plant is found to thrive in a certain position, it should be kept there, so long at least as the conditions are suitable. In the instance just referred to the plants were suspended close to the glass, where they enjoyed a great abundance of light, and this was possibly the secret of their success. Other important considerations are that the plants do not like to be disturbed and will not bear cutting up.
It is necessary at all times to keep sweet healthy material about the roots by removing the old effete soil and replacing it by that which is fresh and sound. We find rough fibrous peat and charcoal to suit it, but this must be accompanied by good drainage. We have seen them thrive well on blocks of wood, but when grown in this way they require more water. If cultivated in baskets they also need a good supply during the season of growth. In winter less will suffice, merely enough being given to keep the bulbs in a plump condition. As soon as they show signs of growth, more water should be given, but it is necessary to avoid wetting the young growths, as this often causes them to damp off, and when this is the case the succeeding growth will be weakly and unable to develop blossoms.
The plants should be kept free from insects; sometimes thrips will attack the young growths, but it should be speedily removed, as, if allowed to remain, it will soon make great havoc.
PL. 34. PAPHINIA CRISTATA.