PL. 79. ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE.
ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE.
[[Plate 79].]
Native of Guatemala.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs ovate-oblong, compressed, ancipitous, about three inches high, diphyllous, sheathed with large membranaceous brown scales at the base. Leaves broadly lanceolate, striated, wavy, dark green above, dotted beneath with numerous minute dark brown dots. Scape radical, two to five flowered, furnished at intervals and beneath each flower with a lanceolate membranaceous bract. Flowers very large and very handsome, seven inches across and nearly eight inches in depth, yellow, with bright chestnut spots; sepals oblong-lanceolate acute, wavy, four inches long, and about one inch wide, the lateral ones falcate, bright yellow, transversely blotched nearly to the tip with irregular mostly transverse blotches of glossy chestnut red; petals oblong, acute, three and a half inches long, by about an inch and a half broad, slightly undulated, the upper two-thirds clear yellow, the base marked with an obcordate spot of shining chestnut red, an inch and a half deep, and which appears to be pectinately toothed at the sides; lip smaller, creamy white, roundish emarginate, unguiculate, auricled at the base, with a row of small pale red irregularly-shaped blotches round the margin, and a few concentric bands of the same colour in front of the disk; the claw of the lip is yellow marked with red blotches, and having a large lobed tubercle in front. Column semi-cylindrical, downy, with two blunt wings.
Odontoglossum grande, Lindley, Botanical Register, 1840, misc., 94; Bateman, Orchidacæ of Mexico and Guatemala, t. 24; Id. Monograph of Odontoglossum, t. 8; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 3955; Van Houtte, Flore des Serres, t. 21; Paxton, Magazine of Botany, viii, 49; Jennings, Orchids, t. 13; Morren, Annales de Gand, 1845, t. 37; Regel, Gartenflora, viii, t. 270; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 234.
We here present a picture of one of our oldest cultivated Orchids, and one which, we believe, is a universal favourite, for no person who is fortunate enough to see this grand old plant in flower, can fail to admire its beauty. The flowers make their appearance, too, when Orchid blossoms are scarce, and at our autumn exhibitions it becomes invaluable on this account. There are but few varieties of this species, but all are worth growing; and they can be easily grown by everyone who has a cool greenhouse. The specimens that were exhibited at the Edinburgh Show in September last made a grand display. Our drawing was prepared from a truly noble example, grown in the fine collection of C. Walker, Esq., Brettargh Holt, Milnthorpe, who has also many other rare and remarkable specimens of the different classes of Orchids, which Mr. McGregor, the gardener, has been very successful in cultivating. This interesting collection was removed a few years ago from Lanark, N.B., to its present location at Brettargh Holt.
Odontoglossum grande is an evergreen plant, with compressed ovate pseudobulbs, about three inches in height. The foliage is of a light green, and the plants produce their flower scapes from the side of the bulbs when the growth is nearly completed. The flowers are of large size, and several together in a short erect or spreading spike. The sepals and petals are of a lemon yellow, barred and spotted with rich chestnut brown. The plant blooms during August, September, October, and November, and continues for several weeks in beauty, if the flowers are kept free from damp.
This species is of easy cultivation. It seems to thrive well in rough fibrous peat, with good drainage, and elevated above the pot rim. A moderate supply of water should be given in the growing season, which is during spring and summer, but in the resting season only just enough should be given to keep the bulbs in a plump state. The warmest end of the Odontoglossum house will suit it admirably, and there it should be placed as near the glass as possible, giving just enough shade to keep the burning sun from injuring its foliage.
Orchids for the Drawing Room.—We often hear objections made to the growing of Orchids on account of the great heat which, it is alleged, is kept up in the houses required for their cultivation, many ladies and gentlemen not caring to go into these heated structures. There are, however, many ways in which Orchids may be seen and enjoyed without entering the houses wherein they are cultivated, one of which we witnessed a few weeks ago when calling at Bury to see the collection of O. O. Wrigley, Esq. This gentleman has built a warm conservatory adjoining his drawing room, and he was kind enough to show us how he makes use of this to ensure an accessible display when his plants are in bloom, namely, through a window looking into the conservatory, by which means the beautiful flowers are brought fully into view. The plants are plunged in a bed of bright green Selaginella, and mixed with choice ferns, and altogether have a beautiful effect. Sometimes the display is produced by some one kind of flower, such as the Gloxinia; sometimes by another, as Odontoglossum Alexandræ, or O. Pescatorei, and other kinds, their graceful spikes overhanging the ferns and green mossy bed of Selaginella, and thus producing a charming picture. The flowers can always be removed as soon as they show signs of decadence, and be replaced by others which are fresh and fair. There are many cool Orchids that can be treated in this way, and the change increases the interest of the group, by securing freshness and variety. We think Mr. Wrigley’s idea of introducing his grand blooming Orchids to the notice of his family and friends without obliging them to go through the heated houses in order to see them, a very excellent one, especially during winter, when ladies are often prevented by the damp and foggy atmosphere from venturing out of doors. The window consists of a large sheet of plate glass, which effectually prevents any damp from entering the room; and through this one gets a fine view of the flowery scene. It is to be regretted that this, or some similar arrangement, is not more frequently adopted in similar cases, as it may generally be carried out with very little trouble and expense.—B. S. W.