CHAPTER VIL

ORCHID CULTURE.

As the requirements for the successful growing of orchids become better understood, the extent to which they are grown will rapidly increase; even now, they form a part of all large collections, and have quite an extensive sale as cut flowers.

The orchids may be divided into two classes, the terrestrial and the epiphytal. To the first section belong such species as live upon, and draw their nourishment from, the ground. Others grow upon the trunks and branches of trees, or upon rocks. They thrive under varied conditions, some being on the branches of trees overhanging streams or pools of water, where the atmosphere is quite damp, while others cling to rocks on the mountain side. Many kinds are found only in the tops of lofty trees, and some are generally on the trunks near the ground. Orchids have also been found at altitudes as high as 14,000 feet, but the jungle seems preferred by them, although many forms grow at an altitude of 2000 to 8000 feet. They are widely distributed through the tropics, being found in great quantities upon both hemispheres, and many handsome forms are found in the temperate zones.

The tropical orchids abound in Venezuela, New Grenada, Peru, Central America and as far north as Mexico. In the Eastern Hemisphere, they are found in the East Indies, Australia, Ceylon and India, and they are grouped according to habitat into East Indian forms, which flourish in a night temperature of seventy

to seventy-five degrees in summer, and sixty to sixty-five degrees in winter, with about ten degrees higher during the day; Brazilian and Mexican forms, with a night temperature of sixty-five to seventy degrees in summer, and sixty in winter, and the Peruvian orchids, that do not need over fifty-five to sixty degrees at night in summer, and forty-five to fifty degrees in winter; in each case they may be ten degrees warmer during sunny days.

In our treatment of orchids, we should endeavor to provide them with surroundings similar to those that they are accustomed to, in a wild state. Many of the East Indian orchids are supplied with an abundance of moisture for a part of the year, during which they make their growth, and rest during the dry season. As they grow upon tree tops and on the sides of mountains, they are fully exposed to all movements of the air, and from this their need of an abundance of fresh air can be readily seen. The Peruvian orchids, on the other hand, are found at high altitudes, where the climate is cool and moist, and the supply of water throughout the year is abundant. For such species, it will be seen, it would be improper to provide any extended period of drouth. While some of these plants grow in the full sunlight, others are found in the dense jungles, and will not stand the full sunshine, even of our climate. The conditions under glass are, moreover, quite different from those in the open air just above, and for most plants, it is desirable to pro vide some way of shading them, during the summer months. For this purpose, permanent shading, using some wash for the glass, rolling blinds, canvas or netting, may be used.

Orchids are collected and shipped to this country and Europe in large quantities, and can be purchased, while yet dormant, at comparatively low prices. Most of the importers are large growers of orchids, and, if desired, can furnish established plants, at prices rang

FIG. 41. PHALENOPIS AMABILIS. CELOGYNE CRISTATA. CATTLEYA TRIANE. DENDROBIUM.

ing from less than one dollar for small plants of common varieties, to hundreds of dollars for rare ones.

If dormant plants are obtained, the dead and decaying portions should be cut off, and the healthy growths sponged with some insecticidal solution, to destroy the scale and other insects that may be upon them. They may then either be placed upon sphagnum in a shaded portion of the house, where they should be kept comparatively dry until signs of growth appear, or in pots or baskets nearly filled with broken crocks, charcoal and other drainage. By the latter method, they can be watered more freely, and stronger growths can be obtained. As soon as the roots appear, the drainage should be covered with a mixture of fibrous peat, sphagnum, and finely broken crocks and charcoal.

With many orchids, the plan of hanging them in the house with the roots up, for two or three weeks, is an excellent one, particularly with Phalaenopsis. Vanda, Aerides and similar genera, as it lessens the chance from decay, on account of water collecting between the leaves. Nearly all orchids should be kept in the shade until they have become established.

ORCHIDS FOR BEGINNERS.

In making a selection of orchids, care should be taken to choose species that are easy of culture, that are quite sure to flower, and that are ornamental. If kinds can be selected that are low priced, all the better. The appended list contains sorts that fulfill these requirements.

STOVE ORCHIDS

Night, summer 75°, winter 65°. Day, summer 85°,winter 75°.
Calanthe Veitchii.
Cypripedium villosum.
Dendrobium nobile.

Cypripedium Boxallii.

FIG. 42.