The charming subject we now have the pleasure to bring under the notice of our readers is a grand variety of the old Cattleya crispa, and one of the most beautiful and richly-coloured flowers that have ever come under our notice. There are several varieties of Cattleya crispa, but that which is now before us is the finest we know of, and moreover produces its flowers in great profusion. We exhibited a specimen of this variety at the International Show in Edinburgh, where it was greatly admired by the lovers of Orchids, the plant being finely in flower. Blooming at a time when there are comparatively few Orchids in the flowering state, C. crispa and its varieties come in extremely useful at the many exhibitions held during the month of September, and help to make a good display. There is some difference of opinion amongst the Orchid authorities as to the proper generic name of this plant, some referring it to Cattleya and some to Lælia; we follow the original describer of the species, the late Dr. Lindley, by retaining it in Cattleya; in truth there is but a very slight technical difference between them, though in any case Cattleya has precedence of Lælia.
Our drawing was taken from the specimen above alluded to before it was exhibited in Edinburgh. That plant is now in the possession of J. Buchanan, Esq., Oswald Road, Edinburgh, in whose honour it has been named. Mr. Buchanan is a great admirer of good Orchids, and is forming a nice collection, in which are already included some rare species.
Cattleya crispa Buchananiana is of the same habit of growth as the type, and has dark evergreen foliage and large flowers, which stand out boldly from each other. The sepals and broader petals are of a blush white; the lip large, of the richest crimson, and more crisped at the edge than in most of the species. It produces from four to seven flowers on the spike during the months of August and September, and continues for two or three weeks in full beauty.
Our present subject is a free-growing plant, and thrives under the same treatment as Lælia purpurata, being very much like it in its habit of growth. The requisite material in which to cultivate it is good fibrous peat, accompanied by ample drainage, as it requires a moderate amount of moisture, when in vigorous growth, which is during the winter season; of course at that time of year the soil does not dry so rapidly, and therefore water given twice in the week will usually supply all the wants of the plants, but should the weather be very bright, more might be required. This plant makes its growth in autumn and winter, and therefore must be kept as near the light as possible, which will induce greater vigour, and the flowers will be produced more freely. The burning rays of the sun must be kept from the foliage by means of moderate shading.
This, like other Cattleyas, is subject to the attacks of insects, which must be well sought after, so as to be dislodged before they get too strongly entrenched upon the plant. White scale quickly disfigures the leaves if allowed to remain. Moreover, the thrips will sometimes attack the young growth, and should be destroyed by syringing.
This species is easily propagated by dividing the bulbs, leaving several to each piece. This should be done when the plants are starting into growth. After this they must be kept shaded until they make fresh roots in the new soil. A plant should never be divided unless it is in vigorous health, for otherwise the experiment will probably fail.
Phajus tuberculosus.—This great rarity has at last flowered again with Baron Schröder, The Dell, Staines. We believe it was first bloomed in this country by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., when it was exhibited by him at South Kensington. It is a great beauty. The flowers are produced in an erect spike; the sepals and petals are pure white, the basal lobes of the lip are yellow, spotted with purplish crimson, producing a bronzy effect, the surface being studded with hairs, and the apical portion white, spotted with rose, and very finely and densely frilled, while the crests on the disk are orange-yellow. This splendid novelty is considered very difficult to cultivate, but Mr. Ballantyne seems to have hit upon the plan of successfully managing it.—H. W.
PL. 82. ODONTOGLOSSUM LONDESBOROUGHIANUM.