ORCHID CULTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 8 (Supplement)

ORCHID CULTURE

RAISING HARDIER KINDS There are very few people for whom orchids do not have a fascination. Considering tho ease of culture of many of the species, it is surprising that a few specimens of some of tho hardier kinds do not find a place in tho average greenhouse. Cypripediums have many points to recommend them, as in the first place their requirements are simple. Flowering, as they do, during the dull months of the year, the blooms are most welcome. One point in which they will find especial favour is that, unlike many members of the genus, cypripediums can be grown with a collection of other greenhouse plants. All that is requiied is a structure where a minimum temperature of 45 degrees can be maintained. Even should it fall a little below that level many of the species will take no harm, although low readings of tho thermometer should be guarded against. / Useful Kinds Cypripedium and its varieties are most accommodating in overy respect, and the hybrids are now numbered not in dozens but in hundreds. Among them jtre some to suit every taste. Tho cypripediums are terrestrial, or ground orchids, in contradistinction to the epiphytal or air-rooting orchids. This is an important point, giving, as it does, a clue to their successful culture. The air-rooting kinds are provided with pseudo-bulbs, which carry a store of moisture and nutriment, on which the plants may draw as required. The majority of terrestrial orchids, on the other hand, have no pseudo bulbs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with -moisture throughout the year. In other words, the reduction of the water supply during the resting

period must only be sufficient to conform with the atmospheric conditions. All the stronger-growing kinds appreciate a fairly retentive rooting medium, and it is a great mistake to attempt to grow them on- the starvation diet, which suits the majority of the epiphytal species. The bulk of the compost for them should consist of good fibrous loam from which all the fine particles have been sifted. It may bo pulled to pieces and mixed with one half its bulk of fibrous peat and the same proportion of chopped sphagnum moss, crushed crocks and silver sand in equal parts. As a general rule tho plants are grown in pots, and since over-potting is to bo avoided, five or six-inch receptacles are amply largo enough except in the case of largo specimen plants. Planting on Benches Quite good results aro obtained in the Auckland district by growers of quantities for cut bloom, by planting on benches, which are covered to a depth of some three or four inches with tho prepared compost. Good and clean drainage is the first consideration, whichever method is adopted of growing the plants, but it is by no means essential to repot the plants every year. A good top-dressing is vory often sufficient to meet tho requirements of tho plant. If a shift is necessary, this should be done immediately the flowering is over, and then only into tho next size of pot. The selenipediums aro an allied family which is commonly classed under the heading of cypripedium. These are remarkable for the long ribbon-like side petals, which in some cases may reach 30 inches in length With good culture they may be developed into very large specimens which aro a neverfailing source of attraction. It must, of course, bo understood that in addition to what are termed cool house cypripediums, there aro intermediate and stove sections, demanding higher temperatures and greater cultural skill.