The Orchid Album, Volume 3: Comprising Coloured Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, and Beautiful Orchidaceous PlantsMoore, Thomas
Science
The Orchid Album, Volume 3: Comprising Coloured Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, and Beautiful Orchidaceous Plants
Moore, Thomas
Orchids; Orchids -- Pictorial works
The present is a free-growing species if the plant is in good health. It
begins to grow when the flowering is over, and this is the best time for
repotting if the plant requires it; but care must be taken not to over
pot it, as this is dangerous in some cases, especially if the soil
should get into a bad state, for then the roots go rotten, and the plant
becomes sickly. If this should happen, shake away all the soil from the
roots and wash them well, afterwards repotting the plant in as small a
pot as the roots will allow; the fresh roots will then begin to work
about the new soil. Good drainage must always be given; and the plant
must be well elevated above the rim of the pot. The most suitable
potting material is good rough fibrous peat mixed with lumps of
charcoal, which will keep the soil open, and allow the water to pass off
freely. Over watering is dangerous, but the plants require to be kept
moderately moist at the roots during the growing season. To avoid risk
from excess of water, the pots should be three parts full of drainage
material. When the growth is completed, give sufficient water to keep
the stems plump until they show signs of flowering; then give a little
once or twice a week, the quantity and frequency of the application
depending mainly on the nature of the potting material; if it be rough
and porous, the plant will require it, and a slight syringing over the
soil and among the roots during a warm day, will also be beneficial.
We grow our plants at the cool end of the East Indian house, giving them
plenty of light, and no more shade than is necessary to keep the foliage
from burning. Light is the grand agent in ripening the stems; and it is
thorough ripeness which induces them to make vigorous growth, and to
develope their flowers freely.
Propagation is effected by dividing the stems just as they begin to
start into growth, leaving two or three old bulbs at the back of the new
one. It is the better plan to cut them a short time before they are
parted; and this should be done with great care. After dividing, place
them each in a small pot, with good drainage, and similar potting
material to that previously recommended. They thrive well in sphagnum
moss, but we prefer the peat.
[Illustration: Pl. 142.
ZYGOPETALUM BURKEI.]
ZYGOPETALUM BURKEI.
[Plate 142.]
Native of Demerara.
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