The brilliant little plant here figured—a representation in the tribe Vandeæ, of the great genus Oncidium—belongs to the group of Oncids which Lindley named Tetrapetala micropetala, in which two of the sepals are united so that the petaloid organs, as distinguished from the lip, are reduced to four in number (tetrapetala), and at the same time the petals, which are about equal in size to the sepals, are comparatively small by comparison with the remaining organ.
This species, although not new, was until recently extremely rare, and was, indeed, seldom met with in collections; now, however, the little gem is very plentiful, thanks to the indefatigable zeal of our collectors, so that growers who do not possess it may obtain it at a very small cost. The species is one of the most compact-growing and beautiful of the Oncidiums, producing, as it does, from the base of the new bulbs, many-flowered drooping spikes of rich yellow blossoms. It is an excellent subject for planting in a pan or basket to be suspended from the roof of the house, where the brightly-coloured flowers produce a charming effect; indeed, we do not know of any Orchid which has a better appearance when grown in this way.
Oncidium concolor succeeds best in a compost of peat with a little sphagnum moss added, and with plenty of good drainage. We have grown it most successfully in small pans, but it can be cultivated either in a basket or on a block. It would succeed equally well in a pot, but the drooping character of the flower-spikes renders it a most fitting subject for growing in either of the above-named receptacles, and for suspension from the roof. As to temperature, we find it succeeds best in the Odontoglossum-house during the summer months. After it has flowered, and while it is making its growth, a copious supply of water should be given to it, always keeping the soil moist until the growth of the bulbs is completed. When it has finished its growth, it should be removed to the Cattleya-house, where it should be kept moderately dry until it produces its spikes about March or April.
For exhibition purposes this is a most valuable little plant, being easy of cultivation, distinct in colour, and flowering during the principal exhibition months, May and June; its long lasting quality is also a great point in its favour. In order to preserve the flowers for a considerable time, they should be kept free from damp, for if allowed to get wet they soon become spotted, and fade, but when kept in this way, they will last at least six or seven weeks. The plant is altogether a most valuable Orchid, and as it takes up but little room, we recommend growers to procure a good stock of it, as its effect when suspended among other flowering Orchids is charming.
Orchids in Belgium.—When in Ghent a few days ago, I had the good fortune to receive an invitation to view the celebrated collection of Dr. Boddaert of that city. The collection is a very extensive one, and the plants are exceedingly well grown and healthy. There was a good show of flowering Orchids, among which may be mentioned:—Trichopilia crispa marginata with forty-two expanded flowers, a marvel of cultivation; Odontoglossum Phalænopsis with twenty-six flowers, a fine well-grown plant; Cypripedium Argus with six flower spikes; the new Trichopilia suavis alba, of which we hope to give a plate later on; Anguloa Ruckerii sanguinea with several flowers; also the rare Nanodes Medusæ, with Odontoglossums, Vandas, Masdevallias, &c., in great variety.
H. Williams.
PL. 2. LÆLIA SCHRÖDERII.