Sunset ORCHIDS BY JOHN R. DUNMIRE AND THE EDITORS OF SUNSET BOOKS SUNSET Books * MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIACONTENTS UNDERSTANDING ORCHIDS 5 What ts an Onchid? « Where They Grow + A Brief History + Understanding Orchid Names « American Orebid Sociely Awards GROWING HEALTHY ORCHIDS 17 Temperature and Humidity + Light and dir + Waler + Fertilizer « Hydroponics » Troubleshooting Problems ADDING TO YOUR COLLECTION 29 Growing Your Own + Dividling Orchids « Raising Seedlings jrom Flasks « Potting Techniques + Minialere Orchids + Shopping for Orchids GREENHOUSE AND OUTDOORCARE 43 Orchids Under Glass + Orchid Beauty Outdoors « Orchids for Near Tropical Regions * Orchids for Temperate ‘Regions + Hardly Orcbids +A Note on Conservation A GALAXY OF STAR PERFORMERS 53 How Orchids Ave Classified « Tbe Catileva Alliance + Cymbiditums « The Vanda Aliance » The Dendrobium Alliance + The Oncidizam Alliance « The Sliper Orchids + The Botanicals GLOSSARY 109 INDEX 112Orchids have been called the aristocrats of flowers, but per aps it would be better to liken them to queens. Afier all, queens outrank mere aristocrats—and we may truly say of the orchid, as UNDERSTANDING Shakespeare did of Queen Cleopatra, R Ee HL D § ee canes wither her, nor custom stale ber infinite variety.” Once admired mainly in prom or opening- night corsages and as exotic displays in conservatories or botanical gardens, the orchid bas now descended from her throne and is to be found in florist shops, nurseries, and even on the racks of discount stores and supermarkets. Orchid soct- eties hold shows and sales in shopping malls, county fair. grounds, and many otber venues, where it is possible to find @ blooming plant for no more than you would pay for an an lea. Familiarity in this case, however, breeds not contempt but attempt, as new converts discover how surprisingly easy it is to grow orchids The most familiar orchids are phalaenopsis, cattleyas, cymbidiums, and papbiopedilums (lady's slipper orchids), but other kinds—notably dendrobiums, miltonias, and masdevallias—are gaining in popularity. In addition, there are countless others to lend variety to a collection. The orchidsping down the wall of his cone ny ston f te thou repre onl ne of members the onchid flyWHAT IS AN ORCHID? The thousands of species of orchids make up an exevedingly varied family: Many orchids sre so df ferent in appearance that is hard to believe they are related. Exen given their amazing variety of sizes, shapes, and proportion of parts, orchids do hhave a number of mutual characteristics that distin guish them from other plants Botanically speaking, orchids are perennial Aneto led a sla pata 3 ene on Lala ‘Otto HOCAOS plants with zygomorpbic, or irregular, lovers sof multhued orchids shoul eclearand el defined ‘tis, they cane divided int two equal halves in only one plane—unike, say, a rose or eamelin flower, which can be divided in any of many planes). owers typically consist of three ‘outer sepments (sepals) and three inner segments (petais), one of which is gready ‘modified inform and called the Zabellum, o ip. The reproductive parts of the flower are concentrated in an organ known as the column (see the ilustration below, felt). The purpose of the many highly complex sinuctures involving the lip and column is to ensure that the pollenizing agenss (hees, flies, beetles, birds) vill transfer poll from one flower to another ofthe same species, preventing either self pollination or cross-species pollination ‘Many modiications of the Power structure occur: the lip may be enormously enlarged or reduced, the petals may be so reduced as to become nearly invisible, and E— Cray Pollnia The column containe-the stigma eich An orchids fowerhas many pars: the petals, the sepals the labellum crip, the that, receives the pollen, and he amhercen,whion and th colurn, which is sometimes hide by the fos af Hp. The over, or sex-heaing holds it. Orchid pollens clustered incompact. organ, is justhelow the flower and reserblas 2 flower silk masses called palin, 6 Understanding OrchidsActes Tokai etl yd ley ows he olan aad sp ‘one or tore of the floral parts may he fused or drawn out into Tong tll, These irregularities and the complex structure of the ‘orchid flower give it strange beauty—and, not surprising! ‘other strangely beautiful flowers are often mistaken for orchids Orchid flowers come in all colors excupt true black (and Coelogyne pandurata has markings that approach true black), but the predominant colors are pink, lavender, red, yellow, and ‘white, Toe blue is rare and much esteemed; brown and green ‘ace quite common, and many species have flowers marked with two or more contrasting colors. The highly fragrant yg0- Petalums commonly have green-and-brown sepals ancl petals, witha white ip marked in purple Howers vary in size from nearly foot across to mere pin- heads, Many have fragrances ranging from fresh and fruity to sultry and exotie. (A fe, it must be admited, smell ike carrion; these are not commonly grown!) Orchids’ growth habits are nearly as varied 2s their overs Many grow on trees (epiphytes) ot rocks (thapbytes), suri ing on rain and the nutrients brought them by decaying leaves and other organic detritus. None isa parasite; orchids may Live on a tree, but they take no nourishment from it Others (terrestriaks) lve in the soil and may have fibrous roots, rhizomes, oF tubers. & few (ough aot in cultivation) have no chlorophyll and live as saprophytes on decaying plant te in the Sol, Some familiar orchids are opportunist, some- times living in pockets of leaf mold on rocks or in the crotches of trees, sometimes flourishing on the ground in rich, highly onganie soil Orchid flowers very preety. Above, a cattloya (1c), mesdvalia eH, ‘and paphiopedium (arrow) dsoay thee ferences. What ts rm Orcid?-TWO TYPES OF GROWTH “Orchid plants Increase their size in one of two ways. Those with monopodial growth (see the ilustraion below, lft} become taller each year as a consequence of new grouth forming onfy at the tp ofthe stem, Leaves are set in wo rows on opposite sides ofthe sem, each one alternating with its partner. Flower spikes snd aerial roots orig nate in a leaf joint or opposte a lal. The stems may become tall, as in many species of ned, or may be so short as to be practically invisible, as in species of Phalaenopsis. ‘Note that if these orchids’ top grovith becomes damaged, they may sill produce new growth from dormant buts lower on the stem. ‘The second growth tpe, by far the more prevalent, is sympodial (see the illustra- tion below, right). Here the upward growth of the plant stops, in most cases, afer one season; the next year’s growth arises from the hase of the prior year's, extending the plant laterally (or vertically ifthe plant is growing on a vertical surface). Sympodial ‘orchids may bloom from the tips ofthe most recent growth, fom ils base, or from buds on older growths Many sympodial orchids develop thickened stems called pseulobuilbs; these store ‘water and food, enabling the plant to sursive periods of drought. Pseudobulbs may be round and fat, flatened, or elongated into cylindrical stems usally called canes. They ‘ay from microscopic to many feet in length. Leaves may grow either along the pseudobuls or from their tps. \nmonopodial growth, the cental stem lengthens froma single point at Sympedial growth is typical of he majority of orchids, New growth arises the topo rice growth; aerial rots and flower stalks al arginate from tom the basa cf the prior year's arth it matures in one season, prosuc- ‘hat same canta stam, Vanda and phalaenopss are good examples of ing fst flowers and then more naw growth, Catleyas and dendrebiums rmoropodial growth 8 Emderstanding Orchids sxamplify senpodial growth,WHERE THEY GROW A fw terrestrial orchids grow north of the Arctic Circle, bur many more grove inthe temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. 4 large number of terestrials grow where the climate is ‘Medliter- ranean” —South Africa, the Mediterranean basin, Chile, and parts of Australia, Most of these tend to grow and bloom in winwer and spring, resting dur- ing the dry months as tubers. In cold-winter regions terestrials overwinter as dormant tubers or rhizomes, and then grow, bloom, and’set seed in spring and summer. Tn such areas of North America they are considered difficult to gros» and are rarely cen as garden plants. However, a few species are available from mail-order sourees, and lac use is key to grow slowly as more is learned about thei cultural needs Epiphytic orchids ate found chiefly in subtropi- cal and tropical regions (although one, siden. drum conopseum, grows as far north as North Carolina, and several Asiatic species range north ‘ward to Japan). Although often thought of as jungle plants, they are seldom found in dark, dank under- ‘srowth, Most live on trees high above ground where light is pleriful, or on rocky ledges in clearings and al forests edge. Many live where rainfall is seasoral, 0 have evolved mechanisms to conserve moisture Arca and Australia have large numbers of epiphytes, but the tropical Americas, southeastern Asa, and th islands of Indonesia have many more. In all of these regions orchids grov from sea level to the timberlne, from steaming coastal forests and season- ally dry scrub woodtands to perpetually moist inist forests atthe higher altitudes, Proba- bly the highest concentrations dourish in the mountains of New Guinea and in the misty ‘mountains of Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecusdor, and Peru, Obviously, one set of growing conditions will not suit al species. "Bpiphytes and thophytes have had to adapt to receiving irregular supplies of food snd drink. Many of these are orchids with pseudobulbs (see page 8), Most also have thick and leshy Leaves, whose waxy surfaces evolved to retard the transpiration of water ‘Some drop ther eaves during rest periods and await rains to resume growth ‘The roots of epiphytic orchids are also well adapted for gathering and preserving moistre, being thick, isle branched, and covered by a vehety or spongy layer known 8s the velamen, This layer is made up of many cells that when dry ae fled with ale, but tha readily take up moisture from rain or atmospheric humidity and retin it for a long time. In addition to extracting water and nutrients, the roots of epiphytic orchids can sachor the plans on their perches, These roots have the zbiliyto fasten onto any avail- able suppor, insinuating themsebes into the crevices of tree bark or clinging tightly to Porous ceramic pots. ‘ore plans, cea junlelite canopy stand arcangsnt of pron a hora sla oti opiphytsfil hs coud gen tue mink-enn fit Jcaranda tess spy suport x provide the sce ogo far mete plans than & Were Tey Grow 9rosea pletion for oid calc. The Coma The orket on thedome gins an tea cfitsscale i int Paul, Sires, hee evi sng touches to isan, os ult in 1913. A BRIEF HISTORY The earliest known orchids, terrestrial in the Mediter- ranean region, were named Orchis—an earthy fefer- ence fo the Greek word for testicle, because of theit twin oval tubers, These and other orchids from time to time have been considered useful in medicine, but the only orchid of true economic value (excepting those grown for Mowers) is Vanla planifofa, the source of vanilla favoring. It was used by the Aztoes and thus became known to Europe shorlly after the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Epiphytic orchids from the West Indes and China were brought to Great Britain beginning in the 1700 by the end ofthat century 15 species were growing at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Suocess was indi ferent, however, because the plants were grown in hot, damp greenhouses with litle or no air ciulation, As growing techniques improved, shortly before the middle of the 19th century, orchid growing became a crade among the wealthy and ted. Collee- tors canvased the tropics for new or choice orchids, sending back plants by the ton. So ‘indefatigable were they that in many areas desirable orchids became rare or even ‘extinct, Many plants perished in transi, sill more at the unskilled hands of buyers Prized specimens sold for enormous prices, ging rise 6 the perception of the orchid asa “rich man’s plant.” Such reckless exp ion as finally halted by a treaty know. as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna). Under its terms, international trade in endangered plants and animals has heen strictly controlled An even greater danger, however, has been habitat destruction. The clearing of forests to harvest himber or to create agricultural or pasture lands has seriously dimin- ished the world’s orchid population, Fires purposely set to clear land can reduce large areas 10 a semidesert condition; for example, they may well have obliterated. many Indonesian orchid species. Fortunately, one comparatively recent development has ben: efited hoth the economies of orchid-rich but eash-poor countries and the preservation of their native spec In many countries, native orchids are now being grown in nurs- es for export, for local sale, and o restock tural habitats Another contribution to the increased availabilty of orchids has been the crossing ‘of naive species, Hybridization began in the 1850s, when i became evident that orchids that rarely crossed in the wild could he induced to do so by the Horticulturist Indeed, many crosses between genert were made; the current fst of hybrids far surpasses 100,000 and continues to grow with each year Difficulties in propagating, nonetheless, Kept orchids s wree and expensive for sone time, Propagation by seed wns slow and chancg, so civsion was the only means of ensuring the increase of choic plants. Orchids remained 2 plaything of the wealthy unt the discovery of seed germination in a sterile nutrient medium made raising seedlings practical on a mass scale. Later, tissue culture in similar media made possible the repli cation of selected choice specimens (see page 30) 10 Understanding OrcsGETTING STARTED WITH ORCHIDS Orchid saisng is a hobby that you can pursue as far as your means and time will allow, With more than 25,000 species and 100,000 hybrids, the orchid family is one of the largest in the plant kingdom, so you are not likely to run out of subjects, Sil, you can be contented with a few plants on a windowsill, happy with: an artificial light setup in the basement, and happier yet with & sheltered lanai, Florida room, or greenhouse to host a ‘wider selection Chances are that your first orchid will bea plant you puc- chase at a florist’ shop, an orchid show and sale, or an orchid rowers establishment, Another strong possibly i hat you wil he offered a plan by an orchid-Foving fiend who wishes to pros- elytize you, You may even be secuced by an orchid in a super- ‘market or nursery; these are ineressingly important outs Once you sat growing orchids, your next move might be to jin the American Orchid Society. This group publishes Orchids, ‘a handsomely illustrated! monthly magazine with a wealth of art les on orchids and their culture, ts advertisements are good sourees for obtaining plans and supplies, and its bulletin box lst slows, sales, and other special events, Each year the maga- ‘ne issues an almmanae with the names and addresses of local affliated groups, liss of orchid judges, meeting schedules, orchid sites on the World Wide Web, and a growers’ directory of ‘more than 300 nurseries and mail-order resources, Ihe society's address 1s 6000 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405-4199. UNDERSTANDING ORCHID NAMES Regardless of the origin of your first orchid, be sure to discover is name and supply twit a label ft lacks one, Your supplier (if an orchid specialist) should be able to identify your plan. If ‘you buy your fist ventare ina supermarket or a general auesery, ivwill probably be a moth orehid (Phalaenopsis) or a lady's slip- per orchid (Papbiopeditum): both are good choices, because they are tolerant of the low light found in most residential rooms, They are also the only two orchids commonly called by English ‘ames, From here ou in your orchid adventures, it's all Latin! As your collection grows youl find that your recallecion diminishes. You'll appreciate it later if you deselop an early habit of marking your acquisitions. Labels should be writen with ‘walerproo, sumproof ink or a common lead pencil on white plastic, impressed on soft metal strips, or punched out on tape by an embossing labeler. (If your purchase has no-name, you may be able to determine it later from an expert at an orchid slow ar sale) Continued on page i= pod choiefor «helo this This gngeus and aerating ond wtb asi lips Paphipediam eenastan, andsane ation o any allo, eliocathee jungbeana est CCW, Getting Sarto wth Orcs tLDECIPHERING YOUR ORCHID’S HERITAGE Orchid names can be confusing to a new convert, but @ look at this chart, in conjunction with the explanations here and on page 14, will help you understand just why your orchid is called by a specific name—and will also encourage you to discover and record the heritage of otber orchids you may acquire. Keep in mind that only a small portion of the orchid | family is shown in the chart on the facing pages at the sgenus and species levels, only afew examples are given tohelp you envision how the system works, Nonetheless, the Levels and loge ae the same fr all other orchid very orchid belongs, ultimately, tothe immense Orchidaceae family. which is divided into subfamilies, ‘The subiuniies in turn are divided into stibes, or alliances, whieh may also contain subicbes. Finals ‘within each tribe or subtibe, youl discover the Eaniiar gems, which isthe “firstname of your orchid Bach gens contalas numerous naturally occurring species, but things become really interesting. yhen corchids are crossbred between species, to produce Inbrids such as Gatifeya x Enid, And jst ad to the ‘mix, ofchids can also be crossed beiween genera, resulting in tntorgenoric hybrids such as x Zael1ocalt- deja Mes, J Leeman, ei Lath ave sear os Calin’ HOCGS. such Cale Galen Sans label Sas Ladi ache Ruse Royal’ HOGINOS Finally, exceptionally beautiful or unusuel hybrids ave given variety or eulivar name exelosed in single quotation marks, and any avards that orchid. as ‘ecelved are included as pant of t's name. 1k sounds comples, and it is—but once you've attended an orchid show or pecused mail-order cata. og, you'll find that an orderly logic, agreed on and adhered io by all growers, does indeed reign in the ‘world of orchid nomieacltute, 12. Understanding OvebidsORCHIDACEAE (amily) APOSTASIOIDEAE ORCHIDIOIDEAE CYPRIPEDIOIDEAE ‘sublamily) ‘subéamily) (subfiaily) EPIDENDRIAE (tribe or alliance) LAELIINAE (subiribe) CATTLEYA LAELIA Genus) (genus) Cattleya labtata Cattleya warscewiczii Cattleya’ mossiae Laelia purpurata Laelia anceps (Species) (species) (species) (species) (species) | Cattleya labiata Cattleya Catileya x Laeliocattleya alba warscewicxti x Enid Mrs, J. Leeman (aie) ‘Finmin lambeaw’ (hybrid) (hybrid) (ati or cultiear) Gaitleya x Enid Cattleya * Enid ‘United Nations" “Orchid Haven” FCC/AOS {eamed selection) Deciphering Yoru Orchids Heritage 13‘Names se important becanse they are keys to plant rela- tionships as well 2s to plant quality Knowing the name is also the key to finding out your plant's needs, The chart on page 13 wi help demtiy the intricacies ofthe name game. Only one of sev- cral classifications that have been devised, the scheme on which that simplified chart is based will no doubt undergo further rev- sion at the tribe and subtrbe level. In the words of Gerad’s Herbal (1597), "Bul ve will leave controversies to the farther ‘consideration of such a love o dance in quegmites In the scheme shown in our chart the subfamily at lef, Apostasioidese, i of litle importance; some botanists even exclude it rom the orchid family The Cypripedioideae subfamily contains the slipper orchids, many of which are widely grown. ‘The subfamily at the center, Orchidioidexe, contains the vast majority of cultivated orchids ‘The subfamilies are divided into tribes and subuibes, which in turn are divided into genera. Fach separate genus contains from one to many species tat show a close relationship to each other, The genera Zetia and Cattleya, for instance, share traits that place them in the same tribe, Similarly, Laelia anceps and 1. purpurata, though distinct species, are enough alike to be included in the same gens ‘Stepping down to de nest level onthe family tree, aote that although the terms cariety and exdtiear are sometimes used inerchangeably, there isa subile difference. When you see the ‘word gariely (or, more commonly, the abbreviation tar) in an orehid name it means you have a naturally occur- ring odball—a variation within & species. Find Cattleya labiata alba in the chast for a good example; this name refers to any of a number of nat- rally occuring white-lovering plants within the ordinarily purple-lowering species. A cular, on the other hhand, is in essence a sin le plamt (or all the offspring from that plant) that has been replicated by division or tissue cul ture into. many identical plants. (Plants grown by the Jatter technique are also known as merilones, see page 30.) Cult- vars are readily dentiiable by the aaa anc 14. Cinderstancling Orebids single quotation marks around a name; any such plant that you pnrchase is guaranteed to he identical to its named or awarded original When vo orchid species are crossed and the offspring made to bloom, the hybridier gives that cross a/name that all seedings are entitled (and obliged) to bear, regardless of who else might make that cross or how many yeas later it might be made, For example, all hybrids of Cattleya massiae and ¢. marscewiczti ase called Cattleya x Enid, The symbol x indi- ‘ates that the plant so named is hybrid. (Doa't expect to see this symbol in orchid catalogs; it is a botanists, nota grower’, term.) Yon will also encounter the term grea: this word, taken from the Latin for flock, denotes all the offspring of a cross Detween wo species. Keep in mind that, because plans from the same parents (or even individual pants within a species) wil all differ from each other to some extent, the hybrid name is not a ‘guarantee of quality, as with cultivars, but only of ancestry Really fine hybrid orchids or select individuals within a species can be farther designated in two ways. The bybrid name may be followed by a selection or cultivar name enclosed in single quotation marks (for example, Cattleya x Enid “United Nations’ or G. warsceticet‘Fmin Lambeau). 1 an especially fine plant has received an award, the award initials following the name may also designate this superior plant, as in Cattleya > nid ‘Orchid Haven’ FOCAAOS, (awards are discussed on the facing page) The award designation becomes a past of that orchids name. Bur wait there's more! Members of differen! orchid genera, too, can be crossed freely. Plants of these intergenerie hybrids ‘bear names that indicate their parentage: x Laeocatileya, for example, denotes 2 cross betwee a lela species and a catleya species. Sometimes three ot more genera are involved. Ia such instances the name may reflect the parent genera (X Brassalae- ocatileya, feom Brass x Laelia x Cattleya), ot it may be coined name established to indicate hybrid origin. These coined ‘or code names end in -ara and are usually preceded by the name of the hybridizer. x Potinara, for instance, includes hybrids involving Rbyncbolaelia (Brassavola), Cattleya, Laelia, sand Sopbronitis. Other examples are x Maclellanara and x Bealleara. Notice that scientific, or Latin, names are displayed in tal {ess this convention i aways followed in scientifi works, but not necessarily in magazines or catalogs. These distinctions may not mean much fo you nov, when you're eager to turn the page and learn the basies of orchid care—but 28 your collection grows, youl want to refer back t0 this section {0 see just how your beauties are related,# Han ie neas American re ie ceteris | ss 0 in a iae an 2 - cucmione crane Raetrta:! ces, regional on an this book are the Cat regional eee poole dient vite eS a Pitwetca ae tirr: thes ae lain a | “Ifyou eis that AOS judges tse fo 7 emrcn fh Wiad! nd the | evaluate orchids, appreciate ae orchids you Phra cli? ompage93, | ft ou already uve, This ead rep rou hte are page 104, and we ae jorantba Voodoo P ‘Priestess’ on. page 107. | : oring beeveen 76 and 79 points ing india lowers of new varieties, te (HE): hiss he comm evaluate frm ri, color, sae, and dub : tana epee aren. ules of eins ae fl ess or wise) Around flowers __ the x laeiocatteya Ontario page 6 the Sopbronitis | ver ae 00 ia nile coccinea Yermilion Fire! on page 63, e Odonegos. | ula flowers). Soi su Castle de Ux “Blackbery’ on | ge 8 the Resor tae and ¢ define. ‘Mutihued « slossum grave ‘cust Clown) ‘on page 86, and the ori ena weld aes |X Burageara ing FiteRastic Red on page 87. gh pattems ne ou and ee : nig. e al Mesit (CCM), which i a L _ lative of god sin in prime condi sub- umusualy large sumer af quality ower, _Beca SotetT =] very eset hte osetig ne pbk or wet 1 Sees ea even a besinning eee isawanl Some | orchid deeme perfect in every 5 respect cod -evauples are the x Zaetiocat lee Caan ae rece a score of 100 on the ud ges point scale, though © Gaming on pee. ‘he Dondroblum spec vr courted for ay imperfections, oins are . _ on page 78, andthe outdo ay OF ape 7] orchid recing 0p puis or ore rau = ~ Albouh te imme purpose of judging is re: . | Certlieae (CC), the top honor aarded by ognize thse "excel orci th bid 3 orchid pitured ore Dollgoli Oso Geanck American Orebi Society dnwards 15Despite their delicate and exotic appearance and reputation, most orchids are tough, durable plants with a strong will to survive. This means that even relatively unskilled gar- deners can keep GROWING HEALTHY an orchid ative. To go further— R (@ H I D S fo make your orchid thrive and bloom—simply requires adherence to a few general rules and the exercise of Jour own common sense. The most important factor in orchid culture is close allention to the plants; their appearance and bebavior will indicate whether they are thriving. If they are not, it is up to you to recognize warning signals from your plants and rem- edly any deficiency. Some general rules regarding tempera- ture, humidity, light, air circulation, and water apply to all orchids. To learn more about the needs of individual orchids, see the descriptions given in the encyclopedia listings begin- ning on page 53. Advanced amateurs are likely to pursue their bobby in @ greenhouse, but many orchid fanciers from every state in the Union and in every province in Canada are bappily growing orchids indoors, either at a window or wander avtifi- cial light rch thrive when ee ase sae met—a suprisingly eased 0 you pay tention an zen each spaces’ Tes dts ‘These tania oe exaple, peer cl tempos,Lightehiougha gncroes window ena a going eosrnment Here, sotheisem exp sues proved just ig, and Keaving the windons slight sjrallos od irirulaan and poset rebesting 18. Growing Hatt Orcids ‘TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY Broadly speaking, orchids enjay the same temperatures that we do—70° to 80°F (21° v0 27°C) during the day, with « drop of 10° 10 15°F (5° to 9°C) at night. As you study ‘alulogs and tat growers you will encounter the terms warnn growing, cool-grotite, and intermediate. These all refer to a species’ minimum winter nighttime tempera: tures — tha i, the coldest conditions it will tolerate Cool-growing orchids, for instance, thrive in nighttime temperatures of 50° to 55°F (10* to 13°C), sising to 60° to 75°F (6° 0 24°C) during the daytime. This group incluces eymbidinms, odontoglossums, masdevalliss, and many paphiopedilums. Some ‘cool growers tolerate night remperatures into the low 308 (1° to 2°C); predictably, these plants can be dificult to grow where summer temperanares are consistently high. Sill, even inthis group some individual species tolerate higher temperatures. Intermediate temperatures—35° to 60°F (13° to 16°C) at night, 65° o 80°F (18° 0 27°C) during the day—are satisfactory for catleyas, dendrobiunss, many oncidiums, iopedilums, and a large nner ofthe so-called botanical or species orchids (see page 94). Warm growers such as yandas, phalaenopsis, and some tropical paphio: pedilums appreciate nighttime temperatures of 60° to 65°F (16° to 18°C) and daytime temperatures of 70° 10 85°F (21° t0 27°C) temperatures ae too high for more than a brief period, orchid plants wil sulle If bright sunlight accompanies high heat, leaves will show sunburn —leached areas that ‘urn brown or black. Depending on the amount of damage, the leaves may fall af or (in extreme cases) the plant may die. High heat and strong light also encourage plants to transpire, or lose moisture through their leaves, to their detriment. Even if they donot Jook sunburned or otherwise stressed, plant will not thivein excessive temperatures — they willassume a yellowish int an fail to grow or bloom. Higher summer temperatures will not harm most orchids, however, if they are sheltered from hot sun and given increased hurtidtyas temperatures rise, Daytime tem peratures to 90°F (32°C) are actually beneficial, especially for the warm growers, Many hobbyists move their orchids outdoors for the summer, where dappled shade and mox- ing air can teproduce the conditions they enjoy in their native forests.Atmospheric humidty—the amount of moisture in the air—is as important as Cenmperature 1 orchid health. Although most orchids grow naturally in humid envicon- ‘mens, indoors they can make do with a hnmidty level of 30 t0 40 percent-—which for- tunately is comfortable for most people as well. Laver humidity levels, lke strong light and high heat, will increase their transpiration rate, To measure your aimo- spheric humidity, ask in hardware stores for a hygrometer Ire humidity level is inadequate you can raise it with a portable elec- tric humidifier by adding « humidifier unit your central-heatng foreed-air furnace, or by Keeping a ketle gently teaming on the stove. As temperatures rise indoors, the humidity level should he increased in compensation. AS temperatures drop in the evening so should the humdi level, in order to thivart the disease organisms that thrive in the combination of low temper tures and high humidity. “Many people maintain adequate humidity for their orchids by placing their pors on trays filled with gravel and water. Evaporation from the wet _aravel Keeps the air around the plans fresh and moist, Be careful not to let ‘water in the tray rise 10 pot level, however; stagnant water around orchid "oot wil cause them ro ro. Growing a. number of plants close together also helps maintain humidity, because each plant's transpired moisture is shared with its neighbor IEthe indoor environment i dy; spraying your orchid plans with a fine amis of water is another way to supplement atmospheric humidity. Spray bot les of the type used for cleaning windous are easy to come by. The mist shouldbe fine enough vo leave a thin, quickly eeaporating film on the leaves; 4 coarser spray can cause problems by drenching plant, pot, and planting ‘mix. Spray early enough inthe day so that the lea surfaces and plant crowns can dry out before evening, This is especially important when humidifing phaluenopsis (moth orchids). LIGHT AND AIR Light is another exiical factor in growing and inducing orchid plants to bloom. tn fact, lack of adequate light isthe chief reason for an orchid’ fil ure to bloom, On the other hand, too much of a good thing is problem, as \well—for instance, when it resalts in sunburn, And although some species, require full sunlight, others need restricted light to perform well. Keep in rind that io nature, orchids seldom grow either in extremes of light or where air is stagnant, Fortuately, you ean supply your indoor plants with appropriate light and ventilation, by both natural and artificial means, to Keep them healthy an induce them to bloom. NATURAL LIGHT. In your home, the amount of light a plan receives can Phakaenis ye HOCAOS (ve) sa arn emer whesersdngaa clouas (xa) pres colempeatres be controlled by its placement in a winder: Large east or south windows are preferred, but west-ucing windows will do very well if strong afiemnoon light is softened with thin curtains. Bay windows can be excellent locations, and siglights and solariums greatly expand the indoor area that is well It enough for growing orchids. Experiment: some times moving a plant just an inch or two—into more or less sun than it had been ving —can mean the dference between thriving and simply existing Vigph ond dir 1HOW TO MEASURE LIGHT INTENSITY Light intensity is measured by @ unit known as the foot- eel oe er of ge atm eae a sarace Low lights considered toe 1081180 fot- candles _ chi oquiaentto Zour ffltord sunlight x ey Intow light conditions, han asso verte plan wil notcasta shadow Intormetiat light between 1340 and 4000 fot is equivalentto broken sunlight; your hand will cast a soft shadow on the plant High ight is considered tobe 0040500 foo- candles te equivalent of rough hal he strength of oonday Se a cae en eal eet te lt he for Rie eet eeeet a aie eeereae ‘natural-light conditions by adjusting the number of hours per day of ight ou provid andthe tance you plac the pans rom the Ria SPs sidreteqivlontto 14 hous fight dally within a dctane of iches from the tubes, medium light to 16 hours within 6 inches, and igh ght to 1 hous within inches. More thon 1 bous per saya Sareea a rs ere sing thera light scares, you will eed aj thse fra ear se ole Segal concentra cil eeeteetoe i yutave the oquipmont thor‘ simple waytocaleutato ee eel np fee terete ae Paco a sect of plain white paper or eardbarat ang Sat yep aa ee el eae ek held photographic light meter. A yactiat reed sees ver eset ool corks and thaugh-the- fons mooring wil work St wy the Suet of paper then se th camera i sped at AA 25 andthe exposure at V6 secon, Without tha ape ac ered cee cna by adjusting the f-stop until the needle is centered. Then con- vortthatranbor ta to-cantes using th following gu nr “footcandles 70 150 280 50) a 20. Growing Healy Oris On very cold winter days, move plants away from the glass somewhat. At the slightest hint of sunburn interpose a thin cur- tain, or move the plant hack from the window oF to another cation where the light i not so strong, Plans that develop dark srven foliage and fil to bloom may need to be moved to a brighter window. Modern windowsills are seldom wide enough to hold any but the very smallese plans; however, wider ledges can be added to the sills or narrow tables drawn up under windows to provide “foot room” for the plants, Orchids shonld not be so tall as t0 ‘ook out of scale with the window, 30 inches is sometimes cited as the maximum height for a window plant, You will ave no d= ficulty finding many this size or smaller. Infact, many so-called miniatures (See page 37) are less than a foot tall two oF three shehes suspended in a window may hold 2 dozen or more Greenhouse windows available as add-on structures to the house are a tempting way to gain additional space for plants, but ‘keep in mind tht the light in such windows is stronger than in conventional ones, Exirs-careful attention to shading and ventila- tion wil be need for your orchids to prosper there ARTIFICIAL LIGHT, Many indoor gardeners rely on aifiial lighting to replicate the conditions that their orchids need to grow and bloom. Shade-loving species, especially, often prosper under lights, and some commercial sources grow all of their plants that ay ‘The challenges inherent in setting up an artilicial system are teproducing the full spectrum of color found in sunlight and avoiding excessive heat. luorescent lights were long favored for their relative coolness, which allows them to he placed quite close to plants, On the other hand, no fluorescent light supplies the entre color range necessary for both photosynihesis and bloom, 4 typical arrangement therefore has combined cool- ‘white fluorescent lamps, which furnish the blue-green end and some of the orange-red end ofthe spectrum, with ineandescents or warm-white Muorescents, which provide farted light, (Newer, ‘wide-spectrum fluorescent lamps can furnish 95 percent ofthe daylight spectrum ) Some home growers build their ov setups in a basement, attic, or other lite-used space. An overhead rack might contain just fluorescent buihs or a combination of fluorescent and incandescent bulbs. (Those fess mechanically inclined can purchase nicks fully equipped with shelves, fberplass trays, amp fixtures, lamps, and even iteels for mobility) Orehids that like high light may be grown as close as 3 inches below the lamps. Others needing less light, such as paphiopedilums, pha- Tenopsis, and masdevallias, may be placed 8 to 12 inches beneath themMAKING YouR OWN CORSAGES You needn't be a florist to produce attrac- tive professionat-looking orchid corsages. With minimal supplies and as few as a dozen of your own orchid plants, selected for consecutive seasons of bloom, you can turn out corsages almost pear-round, Because of their longdasting qualities. orchids make supertor corsage flowers. The flowers are so lovely thet cutting them fro the plant will take courage at fist, but 8 your collection grows the temptation tp use your own lowers for special occssions and gttswill win out. So thatthe lower wil have developed is full color, cut i€only after it has been open on the plat for a fev ays. Using a sterile razor, sever the fiver stem from the stalk, Then. 1 to 1 inches down from the fover base, recut the stem at an angle 10 enable it to tke up water snore ready Inger florists wire (sold in most exalts shops) cross- vise trough the stem, close to the lowers base. Bend the ‘sire down along each side ofthe stem and nvist a second ‘wire atouad both stem and wire, in-a spiral. Using green florists’ tape, securely wrap the siem and the first few finches of wire that extend beyond st hend this extension Upward, For & multifower corsage, you can tape together several wired flowers in a pleasing arrangement, When attaching the corsage, try o pin through the tape rather ‘than pleneing the stems. In corsages of single Aowers the orchid should be ‘worn lip side dovon—that is, the way it naturally grays, In mulllower corsiges, at least one orchid — preferably the dominant one—shonlé fhe in its natural position Ribbon bows can be efecive complements to orchid bloonis but use them sparinaly to void detracting from the flowers. When pinning a heribboned corsage to clothing, secure the pin through the ribbon, not durough te sem. ‘To Keep an orchid iresh for a prolonged period of ‘wearing, the sem ca be inserted in a val of water. Thy lass ils for this purpose (available from florist suppliers) havea rubber cap with «hole dhrough whieh you insert the ‘unwrapped stem Jor its entre length. Ifyou cannot loeate the vials, vou ean encase the stem in moist eoton before -vrappingitin plastic and disguising t with orsts tape. Un she corsage is worn, keep iL in a refrigerator where the temperaturewll notbe lower than 45° (790) — for esample, in the vegetable compartment (Stems can be Jel in the glass vial or moistened cotton.) Placed on a bed: of shtedded wax paper in a closed plastic bag, orchid lowers will temain fresh for many days, ‘Scares as sit suis and delight family and fens, Making Your urs Corsages 21thse wth mote ees aur) prefer warmer cations 22 Growing ileatthy Orebids Pphlopedions with ll ren kes (1 erate coal peas Southwest rule out summe Jn other arrangements, the Wonderlte, an incandescent 160-wattfloodlight, pro- vides wie-spectram light and can be positioned 3 to 6 feet above the plants, HID (high: intensity discharge) lights rated at 400 watts can he effective up to 5 feet above the plants, These are of two types: HPS (high-pressure socium) has higher levels of the yellow, orange, and red light that boosts flow ing, and is use in the greenhouse. MET (acta ale) sheds fall spectrum, natural-looking light; itis the better choice forthe home. Most orchids thrive on 14 hours of artificial light per day throughout the year, though some need more, some less: exper ment and observation are your best guides, Artificial Lighting for plant growth isa complex subject; check with your local bookstores ‘or the American Orchid Society Book Shop (See page 11) for fll treatments ofthis topic, VENTILATION, Free air circulation is another requirement of healthy orchids, in part because stagnant air tends to trap heat around their lea sucfaces. Home ventilation is generally satisfactory ducing the summer, because some windows are almost alays open, In climates that require Sumner air-conditioning, or that prohibit keeping a window ajar in the winter, ou'll need a small osillating fan to keep ait moving and help in modifying your growing cond- tions. Do not direct the fan atthe plants, as they will not folerate crafts; instead, position i so that the Noy of air is directed ahove or blow your orchids. If forced-air heating or alt-concitioning duct is located beneath window where plants are growing, cover it with a dellector to direct air ino the coom and away fom the plants. In most climates yout orchids will benefit by spending the sum- mer out-of-doors, under light shade, The fresh, moving air and humidity are to their liking, 2s are the occasional cleansing rains. However, low night temperatures in the high mountains and. high daytime temperatures combined with low humidity in the desert acations” in locations such a these WATER There is no single rule to tell you how often to water your orchids, most will need it ‘onee or twice a week, hut that need depends on many interacting factors. A knowledge of those factors will allow you to determine the partentar requirements of your plants and to make adjustments as conditions change. Container size and ype will determine the relative frequency of waterings needed, regardless of other conditions. Orchids in large pots (from § to 12 inches) dry out slowly; plants dry out more rapidly as the container size decreases, All potting media dey cut faster in clay pots than plastic pos. Baskets and rafts or slabs require water more ‘lien than do containers with sot sides, "The pe of poting medium also affects your plants’ water requirements for exaim- ple, coarse fir hark dries more rapidly than does finer osmunda fiber. Howeer, note that even when a coarse mediums surface is dry, the root area may remain moist. An easy way to defermine whether a plant needs water is to poke your finger an inch intothe mix; if t feels coo! or mots, don’t water, Afier you have become more familiar with oor plans, you will earn to judge their moisture needs by ther weight light plants dy and needs water; 2 easy one can wait, ‘The level of artificial heat indoors, too, influences your orchids’ demands for ‘water: the higher and more constant your ea, the more water they will need. Even the ‘weather outdoors exerts ea influence. On clondy days plants eannot use up mich water, Decause their transpiration rate is low. Conversely, on hot, sunny days they wll need albundant water to replenish moisture lost through transpiration Here's a convenient rule of thumb: when in doubt, don't water, Remember that most orchids have their own water reservoirs in their thickened roots and leaves, so a fee days without moisture will not be harmful. When watering your plant, always use tepid water-—about 50° to 70°F (10° to 21°C). Cold water can actully be harmful to Phalaenopsis, Other guidelines to remember are that plants in stages of active growth need more water than do resting plants, and those summering out-of doors will need ‘alditional water to compensate for te quicker evaporation caused by breezes. ‘The quality ofthe water you give your orchids is important as wel. In nature, ep pistes and lthophytes receive all theit moisture in the form of rain, so most will eventue ally suller or de if thei irrigation water is heavily aden with mineral salts, Water passed through sodium-exchange water softeners (the kind that use sat) is especially damag- ing and should never be used on orchids: the process substitutes sodium for ealetum, and sodium can quickly destroy orchids ane! other plants, for that matter), The calcium inloard wate, oa the other hand, can cause lime deposits on leaves and pots, so It, 00, an stunt or Kill plants except for paphiopedilums, which actually benefit from i). If your collection is small, bowled water isan option: read the label or ask your supplier for a chemical analysis. ‘The ideal water is rainwater, and where ruin is predictable many growers go to ‘reat lengths to save it, Where public water is poor, orchid enthusiasts who don't save "ainwater may remove harmful minerals from their water supply by using fon exchang 18 oF reverse-osmosis water purifiers. (Most large water distiets can furnish a chem cal analssis of your water) Where water quality is good and chlorination isthe only ‘problem, fil your watering can an let it st overnight; the chlorine will evaporate. FERTILIZER Inthe wild, epiphytic orchids take their nourishment from whatever comes theit way in ‘he form of falling leaves trapped around their roots, bird droppings, or mutriemts dis- Solved in rainwater Under these conditions their growth s slow kn cultivation they grow {aster and bloom sooner if fed with fertilizers containing three basic elements —nitro- gen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) —along with trace elements such as iron, Because the coarse mixes used for most orchids drain quickly and retin lithe water or fertilizer, feeding must be frequent, Most orchid growers use soluble fertilizers, Which are designed to be diluted with water and applied tothe planting mix. Never use Ary lawn or garden fertilizer; its strong concentration could destroy your plant's roots. One common planting medium, bar, requires more nitrogen; ferilizers formulated for bark therefore follow a 3-1-1 ratio, in which the proportion of nitrogen is three times that of phosphorus and potash, Examples would be 30-10-10 or 186-6 formulas. The high-nitrogen formula noc onl furnishes enough nourishment fr the plant but also satis- HYDROPONIC ORCHID GROWING Hydroponiesis the science of growing plants in a nutient solution. Long used ‘or vegotable production, the technique has recently been adopted for raising orchids es well. One arrangement an orna- ‘mental double-walled pot, Water and ‘nutrients bathe the roots inthe inner pot, ‘The potis relatively expensive, butthe ‘manufacturer points outthatthe plant eds no misting no humidity tray, and ‘a replacement of the growing medium, Amore elaborate device isa waterprool planter containing a tank of nutrient solution. A purap automatically empties the tank into the orchid pots, and then recovers he sol possible drawback ofthis technique is ‘hata single diseased plant can infect all ‘others sharing the nutrient solution, Perilizerfies the needs of the microorganisms that might otherwise con- sume much ofthe nitrogen as they slowly break doin the bark, ‘1-41 formula contains equal parts of the basic clements and is used for orchids growing in media other than bark, or on rafts and slabs. Many orchid fanciers use a single 11-1 forma with success forall heir orchid plats A third ype, often referred to asa high-bloom formula, has ‘tio, The high phosphorus content stimulates flowering, so these fertilizers are used when growh is complete and flower bud production is anticipated The rule when applying liquid fertilizers to orchids is to do so lighily and frequently (A mantea suggested by one expert is “weekly, weakly) Follow the directions ‘on orchid fertilizer containers 10 tell hhow much and how often. If directions are tacking or incomplete, try applying the solution in place of a watering once a vweek while the plant is growing and once exery other weck while itis resting, Ifthe planting medium is very dry, water firs; then followup withthe fertilizer sottion. If you're using a more all-purpose fertilizer, it is uswaly wise to dilute it to half the recommended strength but apply it twice as offen as advised, Plants wil, ofcourse, need less feeding ‘when their growth is slow, in dull winter weather, but more when they are actively growing Terrestrial orchids, notably crmbidiums, can be given coated slow-release fertilizer granules that will feed for many ‘months, These come formulated to either speed growth or induce bud formation, WHEN PLANTS NEED HELP ‘Any plant grown in poor conditions can fall victim to insects or disease, and orchids are no exception, However, when their basic needs are met orchids are unusually tough and trouble free Your greatest asset in handling plant problems will be a sharp eye for anything that seems abnormal, Ifyou do discover a problem with an orchid, your first step should be to check the ‘growing conditions to be sure the plant is getting what it needs to thrive, also, ensure thatthe plant's leaves are kept clean and that the growing area itself is clean and free of debris, ‘Typical danger signs, along with their probable causes and ‘remedies, are identified in the chart on page 27. AS the same ‘poor growing conditions are often the precursor and undertying cause of troubles involving pests and diseases, itis doubly wise Proper posing conion rscltin hey plans suc asthe plaenpss, to avoid them in the first place 24 Growing Healy OrchidsPEST PROBLEMS In general, orchids are remarkably fr 1 problem, take care of it early to mit plants in your collection, Pests that piek on orchids can be identified by the damage they do. Chewed leaves may reflect the activities of wens, snails, or slugs, Motled or disfigured foliage usually indicates the presence of a sucking or rasping pest: scale, aphids, meal bugs, spider mites, or thrips. angus gnats are primarily an an noyance, but they can also cause root rot. They thrive in overly vet and shady conditions. light infestations of many insects can be removed by hand ‘with a cotton swah dipped in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, 4 Solution of water and soap, water and horticultural (not dor: man) oll, oF insecticidal soap can be nsed for the same pur- pose. Keep in mind dhat insecticidal soap Is most effective when applied to leaves that are already thoroughly wet; Keep it away from tender buds and lowers. I these methods prove ineffective, oF sf the infestation is heavy, you may need to use a pesticide, Botanical pesticides such a8 pyrethrin, rotenone, and neem are effective against most orchid pests. If these methods ful, you may try other, more extreme, choices, including diazinon and malathion. When using any pesticide, follow the libel directions carefully and use only the amount you need Snails and slugs are primarily a problem in greenhouses or on plants grown out-of-doors, fist try andpicking them or pro- tecting the plaat with copper stips. For severe infestations, you can use a bait containing metaldehyd, but be sure to keep it -avay from children and pes. of pests, Ifyou do notice ine its spread to other FUNGAL AND BACTERIAL DISEASES Diseases caused by fungl or bacteria. usually mate the plants ks sue collapse, which frequently discolors the affected area or ives it a watersoalced appearance. Depending on the disease, the part ofthe plant attcked may be the leaves, stems, pseudo: bulbs, or roots ‘Some of the more commonly encountered diseases, espe- cially on phalaenopsis, include black rot fngus (Phytophthora ‘ot Pythium) ancl bacterial brown spot (Pseudomonas). Both kinds will quickly kill plants, so waich for the symptoms: soft, rotted, and darkened spors on fotige. IF the plaa’s petals or sepals have light-colored, eieular spots, it fs experiencing petal blight (Botts). This common ‘ptoblem can be controlled fairly easily by destroying the dam aged lovers, lowering the humidity level, and avoiding splashing while watering. Sunbum causes of ada spt on eans-spos that ewe tar rom, hea black Plan talen fom shad aes a placa! ns wins aromas quick set ‘oq un: Meahbogs cluster on eaves and stes iy ach an infeation ‘when ssl igh, oid infin ‘er pla, ‘a Soft scale insects ee svimegular cst oa the undasdes of ees and tthe fuetion of eat andsten, tar Aphis sacks fomsems and leaves esting foliage that soe ted or dolore When Plants Need Help 25spe ‘when plans EAU srwvant sof, or ‘Brown othepns as ih row spot on the ea and quik spreads throu the lank avril ea pot pressure hrow spots, as nbs aly as. Or Kindo et spt jeer asso bn, or rldish pts steals. irs can nec many ees, poducing diferent mies in etc Hee, eymbidhum messes proces ight ison ently ea The same ras ‘uss light and dark seals on bids. 26, Ging Healthy Orbis ‘These common orchid diseases are alike in requiring high ‘humidity to theve, Some appear when humidity is high but em- peratures low, others are not activated until temperatures are relatively high ‘To discourage disease organisms, water your orchids as carly in the day as possible. By the time the temperatare has reached its peak the plants will be dry, remaining so as the tem perature falls forthe night. Keep leaf erowns and cresices fre of water and ty 10 avoid splashing the plant. Improving air circulation and avoiding plant overcrowding will also help prevent diseases, Should any plant become diseased despite rou- tine precautions, immediately isolate it from your ‘other, healthy orchids. Cut ont all ofthe disease! pars of the plant, sterilizing the tool after each cut to avoid transfer= ring the infection to other parts or to other healthy plants. To sterilize the tool, pass the blade through aflame or dip iin rub- bing alcohol or chlorine bleach. A propane torch is a readily available (and portable) sterilant. The best form of sanitation, of course, isto use a fresh blade for each cut; graphies supply stores stock various single-edged razor tools that ae suitable. ‘Treat the cut surface witha fungicide that is formulated for use with orchids. One choice is a Bordeaux mixture (copper sullate and lime). Other choices include topical quaternary ammonium salts, powdered sulfur, and copper preparations Decrease both water anel humidity levels while the plant is recoy- ering, VIRAL INFECTIONS Viel infections in orchids tae innumerable forms, but they may generally he recognized by an abnormal patterning inthe leaves ‘This patterning —often in yellow or shades of brown, and some times in watery streaks —may also be expressed inthe flowers, Blooms may be streaked, malformed, or exhibit colors broken into patches rather than smoothly blended: they lst on! tion oftheir normal life Viral symptoms may be obvious, or they may be subtle, Have any suspect plant analyzed by your nearest Agricultural Experi- ‘ment Station or Cooperative Extension office Check the govera- ment listings in your phone book forthe office nearest you. Unfortunately, there is no cure for vial infections; affected plants must be destroyed. Worse yet, insects and cutting tools can spread the virus to other healthy plants in a collection, Be sare to sterilize any tools that were used om the plant, as well as its containerPLANT PRoBLems a BB eden) oe — ee eel — _Hisese Be ee SUR rs ee Tepe. gtestirercss foe on vat ed a ee plot ight ats " epee ae (ee eeun pee mei sci ih doerbeshatr se S a Seer a nai aoeraP ne | ee _ Hossiatnoaeaw hin se a Teas ne fe ane i De ve a — eee 7 ss a eaten cues zt 7 a. iSite mi STR oo: When Plans Nec Help 274 belAfr you have succeeded with a few orchids, you will find that you want more; it is simply impossible to resist their beauty and variety. But before purchasing additional plants, you would be wise to ADDING TO YOuR plan your acqui- sitions. By doing LECTION vee z the greatest possi- i ble satigiaction for the money spent and keep disappointments to a minimum, Of the two “rules” that you should consider when oblain- ing new orchids, the first és to buy only those plants that will thrive in the conditions you can offer them. Ifyou have a warm growing area, you might concentrate on vandas and phal- aenopsis. If your environment is cool, you could select milto- nias, odontoglossums, and cymbidiums, Read the descriptions of these and other orchids on pages 53-108 to determine the plants’ temperature tolerances: ‘The second rule is to buy the best plants you can possi- bly afford, This means avoiding unbealiby “bargain” plants as well as any that bear inferior flowers for their Iype. Look ‘for plants with bealthy green growth and fresb, white-tpped roots; these will be in prime shape to adjust to a new environ ment in your bome. Healthy, mature planis will give you the ‘most enjoyment in the least amount of time. (mmbidinzns ll pation atthe Santa Barbara Intemational Ord Show, isunde of palaenp ils nun ‘metal seis ae gd sours for ruse spine ds van be separa by least tvee pseucobubs 30 Aung to Your Collection GROWING YOUR OWN Ifyou want to add totaly diferent, fll-grown plant to your colletion, check for orchie specialists in your area or see the list of nurseries specializing in orchids on pages 40-4, Most growers are happy to offer achice in order to make you a susfed cus- tomer. They wll beable to tell you, for instance, ifthe orchid you wants fresh from the jmgle and nat yet lar, purchase. Ion the other hand, you want more of what yen already have, or enjoy lished in such a case they would probably suggest another simi- the process of watching “babies” grow up, several methods of home propagation are available to you, They all share the advantages of costing less and teaching, ou more about orchid care, Propagating plants by division, through offshoots, or by raising seedings is easily within the realm of most home growers, The method you choose depends on the type of orchid and on how much time you ‘want to devote io the process. DIVIDING ORCHIDS ‘The easiest method of creating new orchids is by division, When you divide ‘uplant, you'll end up with one or more new plants identical tothe parent. ‘The techniques for civiing differ, depending onthe ype of orchid SYMPODIAL DIVISION. Most orchiels with a sympodial growth habit ng twoughtharhie (See page 8) canbe divided as you might divide an ns, to produce more sacheedivsion plants of dhe sime kind, Use 2 sharp, sere knife to cut through the rhzome at a point that leaves three to five psendobulbs or stems per division, Then carefilly pull apart the mass of roots and repot each division (see page 38). Strong divisions such as these will esablish themselves so rapidly that blossoms may be borne ‘om the next year's growth, Don’ throw avay orchid stems or old “hack bulbs” (those pscudobulbs, taken from the rear of the plant, that no longer bear leaves); many times they can be induced to grow new shoots simply by placing them in empty pots. When growth ‘appears, you can plant them, Plants produced inthis way gener- ally requite 3105 years to mature. Clumps of paphiopedilums are easity dived into more specimens. Rather than cut the rhizome, use your fingers to ‘rea it witha twist Leave three growths to a division, Old stems of dendtobiums can be cut into small sections and placed on ‘moist sphagnum moss to encourage plantlets 10. develop Planets produced naturally on the plant can be separate from the stem and ported as soon as roots form. MONOPODIAL DIVISION. Monopodial orchids (see page 8) can also be propagated by amateurs. The side shoots that develop on many monopodial orchids can be removed anc repotted once they have stared thelr ovat roos, Tall growing ‘monopodials that make many aerial roots may be increased by decapitation: simply cutoff the upper portion of the plant and plant it, with some ofits trailing 2erial roots, in planting mix. The lower portion will usully develop anew growing point. Sometimes planes called Ketlis form on flower especially on phalaenopsls and the canes of epidendrums. Once ‘heir aerial roo are Ito 2 inches long, cu or break off and pot ‘ese stripings; then enclose them, pot and al, in a plastic bag ‘ntl you see evidence of vigorous growth MERISTEM CULTURE Another method of division is worth mentioning, even though it ‘s nol one for the home grower. Sooner or later, you will hear or read the term meristent culture, which describes a special- ‘zed method of rapidly increasing the number of choice plants—especially those of a scarce new cultivar, From the plants growing tip, the meristem (the dssues at the end of 4 shoot containing embryonic, or undiferentisted, cells) is ‘emoved and cultured in a nutrient solution. There it reproduces ‘self into masses of undifferentiated tissue, Later this material is divided into small clamps; these are set in flasks of growing ‘media, within which they develop into seedling size plant ide cal to the parent plant, Hybrids reproduced in this manner may be termed meriefones. Bock bubs may produce replant fom dor- rant buds. Plant them ‘hen nav growth appears Divide a tal-groming ‘monopodil orchid by cating off the upper portion of he pla just below the tating aerial foots, ang planting it ‘Rooted es van or babies) car be cut just oe the il ons poe. Grating Your Onn 31as = cama ott Toran: rorro This ask fille wa sens sng askenay conan up an tiy plans var oul hae the bet uc wa your seings you purchase a Mask whet ‘he planets reat ast 1103 aces ih 132 Adelng to Your Collection RAISING SEEDLINGS FROM FLASKS Growing orchids from seed is time-consuming process bes left to experienced specialists, However, you can buy flasks of small seeding plants allready tobe transferred to “community pots." ‘This way you get the pleasure of seeing your own unique seedlings produce theit fist lowers, but without going through the laboratory procedures necessary for germinating the seeds Many orchid suppliers offer seedlings grown in flasks eon taining as many as 200 (but more commonly, 25 t0 40) ny plants. These plantlets are considered ready to come out of the flask when they are about ‘ inch high; usually they ane this size ‘when you buy a flask Better results can be obtained if the plantlets are bigger, however—at least 10 3 inches tal. ‘Other commercial orchid growers offer a “custom seeding service” for orchid enthusiasts who want 10 ralse seedlings from their own parent plants but who lack the facilities to germinate the seeds. For an established fee, the grower will germinate seeds from a seed capsule that you supply you get the seedings back when they are large enough to be transferred irom flasks to 4 community pot. Spring is the best time of year to do this, because it gives them the longest time to grow before any dor: ‘ant perio in fall or winter, STARTING A COMMUNITY POT. A community pot is simply a more advanced “nursery” than the flask for baby seedlings: at this point they are so small—and mumerons—as to make pot ting them individually impractical, Before removing seedlings from their flask for potting, you should assemble all ofthe maze- rials you will need for the operation, A. number of 3- to 5-inch pots (well scrubbed and dipped in boiling water or a 5-percentbleach solution, if they have been used before) should be soaked {in water for several hours so that they will not extract any water from the poting mix. When the pots are ready for use, adda pot- ting mixture of seedling grade fi bark combined with materkal you have screened out of a coarser grade. Pack the mix tightly ‘to the pot and water it ‘To remove the seedlings from the flask, pour ¥2 cup of room-temperature water into it. Swirl the flask; then pour out the loosened seedlings into a shallow bowl. Repeat this process Until al seedings are out Planting the seedlings isthe easiest part of the operation, Punch holes in the poting mixture with a pencil and set several ‘ofthe plans in place in their new home in the pot. Seedlings in their fist community pot require a humid loca tion and a relatively constant temperature, in the 70° to 80 21° to 27°C) range, A greenhouse satisfies their needs easily Lacking this, you can buy or easily make a small glass case 10 house the pois. Even a packing box with a glass pane over the top may be suitable. Whatever you use, the seedings should be placed in bright but not sunny spot. Never allow the potting mixture to dry out, but remember that soggy conditions are just as unsatisfactory. You will probably hhave to water daily—and early enough so that the foliage will be dry by twilight, in order to thwart diseases. On sunny days the seedlings wil also benefit from a fine misting during the day— ‘again, early enough forthe leaves to dry out before dusk, Open the seedings’ enclosure for an hour or two each day to allow ait to circulate around the plans TIME TO TRANSPLANT. It will take about a year (depending on the species grown) before your seedlings are ready for trans planting (see page 38). Ifyou started with Y4-inch seedlings, put three to six plant into a clean 3-inch pot in the same type of por ting mix. Give them more light and some weak fertilizer once a month, Ifyou began with larger seedlings, the plants are ready for individual pots whenever they start to crowd one another. Trans- plant them into small-grade fir bark in 2- or 3-inch containers, A final ransplanting is necessary fier about one more year, at which time they should go into individual 5-inch pots in medium: srade fr bark Most plants will flower while in these pots. IF this whole procedure seems too lengthy to you, you can buy orchids in the 2- or 3-inch-pot stage, These sturdy young, sters will have passed the most vulnerable time of their lives and will he about 3 years old (that ts, stating from seed); they should be about ready for theit third transplanting. Depending on the vigor of the plants, a fourth poting may be needed to bring chem up to blooming size. ror Comet! nurseries can fil ass with slings, eosin lrge numbers of plants for later purchase orto: Fes tarsi seslings oe community pt (et) ane afer months growth (a), Growing Your Own 33,A PRIMER OF POTTING Liven if you eschew propagation in favor of purchasing full-size orchid plans, you'll eventually he faced with the need to repot some of your collection, Following the blooming season, and before new growth breaks, there is usually a period of 2 to 6 ‘weeks that is optimal for repotting orchids, The plants are then in their most dormant stage, when the necessary root distur- bance wil be felt the least. Iti also possible to transplant suc- cessfully somewhat later, when new growth is 1 to 3 inches long Orchids growing in 5- to S-inch containers usually need repotting when the plants have hegun to outgrow their contain- ers and the planting medium has started to “break down” and lose its open texture, Larger plans (in arger containers) should not be disturbed for several years or until the potting material starts to lose texture, The new container you choose should be large enough to allow for 2 years’ grow, but no more; this usu- ally means a pot approximately 2 inches wider in diameter. Keep in mind that orchids do best when they are slightly crowded. 34 Adding to Your Collection Ptng media, lots from top-ten fiber ok woo, sud, pagum mes, nd 0 ‘ypesof trek Fi ar, shown in the ce, nay be Ue mast comman otng diam, POTTING MEDIA Most epiphytic orchids are poted in fir bark, which is inexpen: sive, comes in a variety of sizes, and breaks down slowly. The plants take nutrients from the bark as it slowly breaks down, somewhat as atime-release fertilizer capsule releases its nutri cents overtime, The finer the bark particles, the faster the nutr- ‘ents are released, s those particles decay they also tend to pack together, reducing air spaces and thereby slowing drainage. Fine grades are used for seedings or small plants with fine rot are also combined with other ingredients to make up mixes for terrestrial orchids such as cymbidiums. Larger grades are used for mature plants. The large air spaces between hark fragments censure excellent drainage; however, bark’s slow rate of decay ‘means thatthe medium furnishes litte nourishment, so frequent feeding is necessary. Chunks of coconut ber are somewhat similar to fir hark, but they retain water longer. This medium is far less common than fir bars, but itis plentfl in tropical areas and obtainableby mail in others. (Shredded cocomur fiber is heing used in some seas in place of sphagnum peat moss, an increasingly scarce and ecologically threatened commodity) Lava rock aad gravel do not break down at al, and they Promote excellent aeretion around roots—but their rapid drainage rate means you most atend faithfully to your watering. Lava rock and synthetic rock nodules retain water better than szavel does, These materials have no food value, so plants grown in them will need more frequent feeding. On the plus side, theit weight makes containers more stable and less likely to fall or blow over, and these media may be sterilized and used again Osnnnda—the tangled, matted roots of several species of {femns—was once the favored medium for epiphytic orchids, but itis now scarce and expensive. It breaks down slowly, retains some moisture while allowing free access to it, and has some food value, Although many experts sil favor its use, beginners ‘may indi harder to manage. Lerlite, or sponge rock, is seldom used alone but is a fre- quent element in blended mixes. I is lightweight and offers excellent retention of ait as well as water. Fermicudii is simi- larly water cetenti¥e—too much so to be used alone, but useful in some mixtures for moisture-loving species. (Always use hort culmral-grade yermicubte; other kinds, such as insulation grades, are too alkaline for use with plans.) Charcoal chunks ave usetul for absorbing excess fertilizer ‘or contaminants and for improving aeration, but they, too, are seldom used alone. Added to ther materials ina 10-10 or 210- 10 proportion, they can help maintain healthy medium. Sphagnum moss, live oF dead i especially useful in main- taining surface mofsture for delicate roots, For that reason, itis ofien used to wrap the roots of orchids mounted on trees or bark slabs. Live (green) sphagnum seems to have some anti tie and fertilizing value: New Zealand and Chilean sphagnum are the fayored kinds, Bu beware: hard or chlorinated water wil Kil live sphagnum; use rainwater or deionized water with i ‘Tree fern fiber—the dark, spongy porous material used as “totem poles” to support philodendrons and similar house plants—is a well-aerated, moisture-retentive growing medium. Ii may be sliced into slabs for packing around roots, or plans say be attached 0 large pieces, whic their roois will cling to or penetrate, Where tree fems are common, whole sections of tcunk are often hollowed out and used as pos, Tess common media include rock wool, styrofoam peanuts,” cork nuggets, walout shells, and rice hulls. Rock ‘wool isa good! sterile medium, butt should be mixed with other ‘materials to keep i from packing oo tight, Th ‘beris an popular coice. at of perches for epiphytic orchids is almost unlimited, tee fem A Primer of Poting 35,36, Adding 1 Your Collection CONTAINERS Most orchid enthusists grow their plans in pots, usually of clay or plastic: each type has its advantages. Plastic is lighter in ‘weight and loses no moisture through i sides, thereby lengthen- ing the period between waterings. (Glazed ceramic pots, t00, restrict evaporation and require less frequent watering.) One advantage of clay pots is that their porous walls improve aeration around plant roots and—by means of evaporation from their sualaces—keep the roots cool. Their greater weight, too, helps keep top-heavy plants from fling over Some pots have a single hole at the bowom others have slotted or pierced sides for faster drainage (ee the examples pictured on this page). The most important criterion for any container is that it provide quick and complete drainage. Water must penetrate quickly, and ait must follow the water —other- the roots may deteriorate Those who find ordinary pots unattractive may purchase handsomely formed and glazed pots that have been designed especially for orchids. But homely pots can avays be hidden inside of omamental pots or baskets for display on the coffee table, with «thin layer of sphagnum moss on top for added dis, ise, Be sure, in such arrangements, not to allow the inner pots to stand in water that has drained into the decorative shell Wooden baskets provide extrafast drainage for those orchids that need i; these may be suspended horizontally or — for orchids with traling or hanging growth—vertcaly. Slate bottomed baskets or rafts are essential for orchids like Stanbo- ‘pea that send their inflorescences downward rather than upward. Orchids may also be mounted on slabs of cork bark, sepmens of smal re fimbs, or “tote poles” of tee fern stem. wis rid onan xn be rade f sea, plist or ceramic what he al havin ‘ean sua drainage.oe MINIATURE. ‘ORCHIDS Uf you lack space in which to grow your orchids, sou might investigate the miniatures. Thi somewhat arb includes plants like the miniature cymbidiums, which may be 2 feet tall and miniature only in comparison with their standard-size relatives, as well as others that are truly tiny: 13 inc) ven less : = a ‘Noe tha smal sedges not nexsiy ean pele fow- cfu needs tye none puter an asia oftre fem large for their or cork bark. If shelf space is at a premium, suspend overlie ‘Some lowes ure sho _ slabs in a window, taking them (o the sik for watering ‘as ypical orchid se, insu vitveot and feeding Or group your sini in ens under thelr compleiy and strangeness, Some revel their char- lights. der magniing sis oe eo wae een ~ To further save space and consene your realing descriptions a8 well he sovingreimens of each _laelia iucasiana fourniert Laelia purniler : ella sincorana -_Lemboglossuan cerventesit Tudista discotor — Masdevallia Maxilaria tenusfolla — Oncidium cheiropborum Oncidinn euiancnse 2 “Oneidtam ornitborbynchum Paphiopeditim bela Plelone ‘Pleurothallis: | x< dsccenda 5h Stat Beaty Mayne’ ANAS 2A Galaty oar Pores Aeris odors % ASCOCENDA ‘These are hybrids herween Ascocentraun and Farida. Depending onthe parent species used in dhe crosses, plants may be small or large. All are erect, with sf spikes of flowers that range in color from yellow and green to pink, orange, and red, sometimes ‘marked with contrasting colors. Yip Sum Wah (orange) and ‘Meda Arnold (pink to red) are well-known grexes. ASCOCENTRUM ‘These natives of India anc southeast Asia resemble miniature 15 ranks of strap-shaped leaves and dense spikes of bright lowers that stand above the foliage mass, They thrive in catleya conditions, Ascocentrum curvifolinm. Plots o 10 inches tll pro- duce spikes that vary in color from purple to orange and red. ‘This species was once known as Saccolabiun curvfflinm. Spring bloom. A. garayi, Fourinch plants produce spikes of bright orange red, inch-wide flowers at almost any tite of the yea: It is often sold as A. miniatum, a similar but rarely grovn plan. Bloom may occur at any timeEUANTHE SANDERIANA (VANDA SANDERIANA) This Vanda relative (known as waling-waling in its native Philipines) is striking in its own right and valuable as a parent of many hybrids. The plans are large, with long, leaves (1o 16 inches) and erect spikes carrying as many as ten 4-inch flowers. These are broad and rounded; the upper part of the flower varies from white to rose and is marked by red dots; the lower portion is yellowish green heavily barred and spotted with brown, thas contributed its size, shape, and markings toa number of hybrids with Vanda and Ascocentrum. Fall blooming, NEOFINETIA FALCATA This tiny orchid from Japan and Korea grows 2 to 6 inches tall and branches from the base. Is leaves are ranked in opposing pairs, Aerides-fashion, and extend up to 4 inches. White hal-inch lowers with long, thin spurs sre borne as many as seven on a spike in spring and summer. They are fragrant inthe afternoon and at night RHYNCHOSTYLIS Like Aerides, these bear dense clusters of fragrant flowers and are sometimes called foxtail orchid Rbynebostylis coelestis. Fightinch plants display erect clus- ters of white flowers tipped with blue, in summer and fll R. gigantea. Similar to R. coslests, but with lager leaves ancl drooping, 15-inch clusters of white flowers tipped and spotted a deep purplish red. Blooms, AR. retusa, Pants are up to 2 feet tall and have 2-foot drooping clusters densely packed with white, purple spotted flowers, Spring and summer bloom, and winter. SARCOCHILUS This genus of small Vanda relatives is largely native to Australia, where for years its somal size and attractiveness have made it a.favorte with orchid hobbyists. Sarcochilus plants are becoming popular in North America, especially in climates such as that of coastal Southern California, where they can grow outdoors, Stems branch from the base forming tuts or clumps. The flowers are small, fleshy, and have a short spur attached to the lip. All are cool growers. Sarcochilus cecttiae. Grows 10 5 inches, with six to a dozen Ya ers on spike jus taller than the leaves. Autumn to winter bloom, §. faleatus. Caled the orange blossom orchid, this forms dense 4-inch clumps of le-shaped leaves with arching clusters of ileen Linch-wide white, highly fragrant flowers in late spring §, fitzgeraldit, In Australia, this species is Known as the ravine orchid. It isa rel- atively robust plant, growing to 2 feet. It produces multiple spikes hearing as many as fifteen -inchwide white lowers with red markings atthe base. Spring bloom. Hh pink flow- hymen later" AWAOS The Vande Aliance 73S. hartmannii, This isa stigotly smaller plant than S. itzyerali, with clusters of six to twenty-five Linch white Noiers marked with red. It s-@ heavy bloomer, and is ‘one parent ofthe superior hybeid Fihart. Both are spring bloomers VANDA Yanda are generally large plans with opposing ranks of at sirap-shaped leaves and aun ungainly abundance of aerial roots, Some of the species have terete (pencilshaped) leaves: these have heen assigned to the genus Papitionanthe, A though they will be listed here under dhe more familiar name Most of the vandas are topical, demanding fl sun, warm temperatures, and high humidity Outside of the humid tropics they need eda csr some shade, Plan carefully if you Sant (0 add vandas to your orchid collection; most are to0 large to use as house plans, and some would even strain the capacity ofa smal greenhouse Vanda coertea, This much-dlesired plant grows 1/2 (0 3 fect tal, stfly upright ona thick ste. Closely set leathery leaves are 3 10 10 inches long. The upright or leaning inflorsce 8 inches to 2 feet long and holds ten to twenty 4-inch Bat, round lowers that range from pale to deep blue. Long-lasting flowers ‘come at any time from fall to spring. Grow this vanda with cool {growing orchids or in a cool comer of the eatleya greenhouse This plant crossed with Ztantbe sanderiana produced one of the ‘more famous hybrids in orchid history, Venda {property Var danthe) Rothschildiana, wise large blue fowers are checkered, ina deeper blu. ¥. (Papilionanthe) hookertana. 4 vigorous, spravling plant over 6 feet tal, it has terete leaves and flower clusters up to Lfoat long, These hear upto two dozen 24-inch white and purple flowers with a large lip. Fall blooming. Both this and teres are tough, handy outdoor plants, bu not beyond the tropics. V. Papitionanthe) teres. This sprang teret-lealed plant is a constant producer of 2- to 4-ineh white or crea: ‘colored flowers blending to tose or ted, witha red- sported yellow Venda color lip. A hybrid becween this vanda and ¥ bookeriana is V. Miss Joaquiza, widely grown in Hawai asa cut lower and for es ¥: tetcolor. Three-foot plans display clusters of fragram, 3-nch white or pale ye low flowers spotted with reddish brown. The lip is purple and white with reddish brown streaks. Vanda t. suavis (¥. suenis) is similar, but its spots are fewer and are reddish purple in color 14 A Gly of Str PerformersTHE DENDROBIUM ALLIANCE The dendrobitems vary sidely in appearance and cultural needs, but when well grown they are among the showiest of orchids. succeed with them, iny to learn about thoir requirements before you buy them, if you do not, you may wait a long time for yours to bloom, The dendrobium wibe includes only four genera, three of which are not widely grown, The fourth, Dendrobium, more than com- Pensates with its enormous number of species; estimates range from 00 to 1400 or even more. Natives grow from India, China, and Japan through Indonesia to Australia, New Zealand, and the istands of the Pacific These orchids are highly variable in size and appearance; the largest are 10 feet or mote in height, whereas the smallest require a ‘magnifying glass to detect the flowers. The flower colors include whit, cream, yellow, orange, pink, red, lavender, purple, and blue—plus almost aay conceivable combination of these. Dendrobium habitats {include mountainous monsoon-region foress, tropical highlands, steaming jungles, and Pine forests, Practically all dendrobiums are epiphytes, though a few are lthophytic, iv Ing in pockets of moss and leaf mold on rocks and elif Although some spectes possess fa pseudobuls, most have thin, erect or peadent stems called canes. These emerge from rhizome, but are usually dghty: clumped together: Lnlocescences bearing from 1 to 100 or more flowers arise from the upper portions of the cane. Pants thrive in sina pots, so need infrequent repoting. Their basic requitements are plenty of light and free air circulation. Ifyou grow them in the house, give them an exst window or a west or south window covered with thin curtains, Keep the hunny up with misting or by positioning plants above trays of wet pravel Given their wide nama range and highly varied structuse, i follows that not ail dendrobiums will thrive under the same conditions. The species mentioned here fall nto one of two classes, The fist, the cool-growing species, are generally deciduous, ‘Water and feed these during gro; then allow plants a decided winter rest, with ether "no water or just enough to keep the canes from shriveing, During their rst, they appre- Ciate cool nights of about 40° to 50°F (4° to 10°C). The warm-growing species are gen- vally evergreen and require water throughout the year, though they will need somewhat less in winter. ‘The following spectes are merely a selection of the 100 or more dendrobiums cur- rently offered by growers. Many schemes exst for classifing the dendrabiums and cesublishing cultural requirements for the classes: our division into warm and cool growers has the advantage of simplicity Dendbobiuon cheval ‘The Denrdvobiuem alliance 15Dendrobium amethystoglossum. Cook-growing, Yard-all_ canes produce drooping, dense clusters of white flowers svth purple lips. D. antosmum, Cool growing. Aching. or drooping 2- 0 <-foot canes produce pairs of 3- to +inch rich purple, fragrant flowers in spring along the leafless canes, D. antennatum. Wasi growing This is one of the sor called antelope hom orchids, characterized. by narrow, upstand- ing, often twisted sepals that re semble homs. Canes reach 4 feet and bear csiers of up to 15 fragrant white and green flow ers with purple lips. Bloom is usually in winter or spring, but ‘may come a any tie. D. aphytium (D. plerardii). Coot-growing, Drooping, leafy stems are 3to 5 feet long. When leaves drop, short clusters of white or purplish pink 2-inch flowers with yellow, purple- lined lips appeat Spring or early summer bloom. D. atroviolaceum, Warsa-growing, Foottall slender ppscudobulbs bear few leathery evergreen leaves at the top. Flower clusters beat 8 t0 12 or more very long-lasting, fragrant, inch, cream-colored flowers spotted with purple, with a lip heavily veined in purple D. bellatulum. Waroxgrowing, The ‘Linch pseucdobulbs bear wo 10 four leathery, gry green leaves. Creamy white 2-inch flowers with yellow and scarlet fips are fragrant and Tong last- ing. Late winter o¢ early spring bloom. D. bigibbum. Warmegroving, This species from Australia and. New Guinea is quite yarisble, Dendrobium 1. bigtbburn tas smal (2 inches wide) light purple flowers, often with a white pach on the lip, Dendrobtum b. com- ‘pactum bears canes that reach on 10 inches, whereas D. b. phalaenopsis (D. pibalaenopsts) tas inch deep purple flowers on canes that can be a yard tall, The lamer is the most widely grown of the three, Is arching spikes grow to 10 nelnes or mote in length ancl cean carry as many as 20 flowers. With 16 A Galaxy of Star Performers dbl cuthbert ‘Pugin Pie’ G2H/205 Dendrobium donor their broad, rounded form, these look like the flowers of Pbalaenopsis, the moth orchid, This plant, its white and bicol cored variants, and a host of bybrids are among the most commonly grown orchids, Sprays of fw ers ranging from shite through pink and lavender to the deepest reddish purple are staples of the florist’s trade. The species blooms in fal: the hybrids can bloom nearly any time. D. canaticntatum. Warm. growing Pseudobutbs to 6 inches tall are tapered at each end and catty several leaes toward the tip. The 4- to 16-inch-tall flower clusters bear 2inch “antelope horn” flowers with greenish while, somewhat twisted segments an a lip marked with purple, Spring bloom, D. chrysanthum., Cool growin, Trailing canes can be an astonishing 6 to 8 feet long; they may be supported beneath the greenhouse roof with des every 2 feet Leaves drop gradually {rom base to tip. Clusters of one to three fragrant, woken yellows flowers [inches wide arise toward the cane tips. The Lowers lips have two large, chestnut brown eye spots, D. ebrysotoxum. Cool-growing. Canes reach 20 inches and produce drooping spikes of fae ‘grant, 2inch golden yellow flowers in spring, The lip is fringed and has a deep orange center, Both old and new pseudobulbs bloom. D. cuthbertsonit (D. sopbro- nites). Cool-grovsing. Native 10 the high mountains of New Guinea, this species is a challenge even for the expert to grow The 2-inch-tll plants have thick, dark green, inch-fong leaves, covered with tiny, wartike projections The long-lasting (40 6 months) overs are 110 1% inches wide and bright red, orange, or yelloy. This plant is unuswal in needing constantly co}, moist, mov- ing air year-round to succeed, Some ‘experts have nonetheless grovn it suc- cessfully along with cattleyas, D. dearei. Warm-srowing, Frect, leafy canes 1 (0 3 feet tall bear clusters«£6 more than 12 pure white 2-nch flowers with greenish throas. lowers somershat resemble those of D. bigibbuom in form. D. densiflorum. Cool-gcowing, The 15-inch plans have three to five inch leath- ery eaves near the top. Drooping 10-inch inflorescences may have fity to one hundred inch bright yellow flowers with hairy orange yellow lips in spring or summer. D. dracontis, Cool growing, The canes are 12 to 18 inches tall, with short, black thats their joins, The leaves are 4 inches long, and the 2- to 3ineh fragrant lowers are ivory white with orange or red markings. Early spring bloom, D. fatcorostrum, BEVCH ORCHID, Cool growing, Native to Australia its 4-0 20- Inch pseuabulbs bear two to ive 6-inch leathery Teaves at thelr ops. The 4- to Ginch Inflorescences bear up to ewentyI-inch, white, strongly fragrant flowers. ‘D. farmert, Cool-growing. This species resembles D. cbrysotaxnm, but its flow. ers are white or past iac with yellow lips, D. finisterrae, Warm growing, Canes 2% feet long bear two leaves at the top. Clusters contain eight to fen 2-inch flowers, which do not open fall They are yellow ‘ish white spond with dark red, Bloom may occur in any season, D. formosum. Warm-growing, The canclike pseudobulbs are 18 inches tall, with 5-inch leathery leaves in the upper portion. Clusters of three to five long-lasting pure ite flowers with yellow ips arch outward from the upper stems D. gouldii. Warm-growing, Canelike pseudobuibs grow to 4 feet or more. These evergreen plants produce many erect 2-foot sprays of slender white or yellow “antelope horn” flowers with purple-veined lips in fate spring and summer. D, beterocarpumn. Warin-growing, Yellowish canes range from 6 inches to 5 Feet in Jeng and are clad with many 4 to 5-inch leaves that usually drop off tthe end of the growih season, Short spikes bearing two to six flowers may appear at any time of year, The flowers are up 9 3 inches across and white to ello, with a yellowish brown lip marked by red or brown veins. D. infundibulum. Cool-growing, Slender stems grow L to 3 feet in height, with 3 (0 inch leaves that form all along the stems; all except the topmost leaves drop in autumn. Inflorescences appear at the top ofthe previous year’s growth, lower down on ‘older growihs. Each spike hears three to five lowers; these are 310 4 inches wide and pure white, with « lage, golden yellow blotch on the lip. Spring bloom. D. jobnsontae, Warn-growing, Slender, eateike psendobulbs grow 5 10 12 inches tall and have two to five leaves 3 to 6 inches long, Hower spikes 3 to 8 inches tall arise from near the tops of leafy or leafless stems. White flowers 2% to 5 inches across have wavy edges, and the white lip has a pattern of purpe lines in its throat, Fal and winter bloom, D. kingianum., Cool-srowing, A highly variable species, this Aus- ‘tralian has tightly clustered stems that may extend 2 inches or 20, thickened al the hase andl tapering tothe leafy top. The flower clusters bear from afew to as many as 20 fragrant, inch-wide (or less) pink flowers. White, red, and bicolored flowers are seen, and many named forms exist Late wioter to early spring bloom. This species thrives out of-doors where frosts are rare and summer temperatures mild D. loddigestt. Cool-growing, Slender stems 4 (0 6 inches long sprawl or droop. ‘The fleshy leaves are 1 to 2¥2 inches long, Single flowers appearing at the joints of eaf- less stems are 2 inches wide and purple, with a purple-edged orange lip. Spring and summer bloom. Dende hinge ‘he Dendrabium AttenceDenuiobhuoe nobie Dendbvbhim sacasum 18 A Galaxy of Star Performers D. monitiforme. Cool-erowing, Slender canes to 16 inches tll proshice fragrant flowers singly of in pairs from leafless stems formed the presious year: How- ers are 110 2 inches seross, white tinged ‘wih pink toward the center, with aye lovish green, brown-spoted lip. This Japanese species is hardy outdoors in frosi-ftee regions. A Japanese tradition asserts that the possessor of this plant will enjoy 2 long ite D. mobile, Cook-growing, Erect canes grow 12 to 20 inches tall, with two rans ‘of leaves 2 to 34 inches long, The leaves last for 2 years, Short inflorescences from both leafy and leafless canes hold two to four fragrant long-lasting 2¥4-ineh flowers. These may be white to purplish pink, with a yellow or white zone surrounding a ange ‘maroon or purple blotch on the lip, Many named varieties and hybrids extend the color ‘eauge to pure white, pink, purple, red, orange, and yellow. Winter or spcing bloom. D. pherardii, Sce DENDROBIUM APBYLLUAC, page 76 D. speciosum. ROCK ORCHID. Cool-growing, Native to eastern Australia, where it forms large masses on rocks or trees. The pseudobulbs mange in length from 4 co 36 ‘inches, with leathery leaves from 142 to 10 inches Tong atthe top. Inflorese 244 feet long resemble bushy foxes’ tails; they are crowded with I- to 2-inch feathery ite, cream, or yellow flovers with narrow segments, The pleasantly seented flow appear in winter and spring. This species thrives out-of-doors, on trees or in pot, in California's frost-free coastal belt and similar climates D. spectabile. Warm-groving, Pseudobulbs swollen atthe base grow as much as 1G nches in Leng, with fleshy 8 to 9-inch leaves ator neat the top. An inflorescence 8 to 16 inches long hears several ody rvisted and curled flowers of cream or yellow speckled heauity with maroon. S210 D. thyrsiftorum. Cool-growing, This resembles D. densiflorum, but has white or cream-colored flowers ‘with golden yellow tips. D. trigonopu plants have a few 4-inch leaves at the top. ‘The inflores cences carry one or two 2-inch golden yellow flowers with agreen-centered lip. Spring bloom. D. unionm. Cook-growing, Thin canes. grow 6 inches tall with one to five 22-inch leaves atthe top. The lower clusters are short and cary one to four bright red to orange flawers in antumn and eaely summer. The flow crsare 1 to 2¥e inches wide, D. sietoriae. Cool-groving, The psetdobulbs are 10 inches to 2 feet long and drooping, with Teaves 1% to 34 inches fong at the ends of the stems. When these Warm-growsing, Ten-inch evergreen leaves fall, old stems produce short clusters of small, star shaped, blue and white flowers. leafless canes produce cows flowers for many years. Nearly everblooming,THE ONCIDIUM ALLIANCE Dancing dolls, spiders, puanstes, tigers —éhese orchids’ common narnes suggest the wide variety of flower forms to be Sound in this alliance of 60 or so genera. The “or so” is used advisedly: many of the older genera have been split, creating new names for the orchid lover to master. Moreover, members of the clan ave incredibly promiscuous, and the hybrid genera, some of which neumbser as many as sk otber genera in their ancestry, have become promainent in caicdlogs and on sales tables. Descriptions of the best-known natural genera ave given bere first, with the inter- generic hybrids following, BRASSIA. The aplly named spider orchids have long, narrow petals and sepals. Native to tropical America, they can be grown under the same conditions as catleyas, and! appreciate lots of light, The flowers dispose themselves neatly along arching or drooping clusters, Grow them for their forms the colors are cuted and the fra ‘prance odd, if perceptible at all, They have contributed. something of theie rasa long-legged look to a number of inter- generic hybrids, Brassia arcuigera (B. tongissima). The inflorescence can reach 2s feet, ‘wath «half dozen or more yellow or greenish yellow flowers heavily banded with brown. Fach flower segment can reach 10 inches in length. B. candata, This species resembles B, arcuigera, but the flowers are somewhat smaller—to 7 of 8 inches in spread. B. gireoudtana, The flowers are 10 to 12 inches aexoss with extremely narrow, stiff segments, B. verrucosa, The spidery lowers are yellowish to lime green with dark red spots and green warts, Thee fragrance is mushy, COCHLIODA These attractive orchids are similar to Odontggiossum in habit and require the same ooo! growing conditions. They have proved extremely important in bringing bright color into a number of hybrids with Odontoglossum and alton Gochlioda noeatiana, The 16-0 18-inch inflorescence carries a dozen or more 2ineh, bright seddish orange flowers with a yellow spot onthe ip, Summer bloom, G rosea, This species resembles 6, noeztiana, but is slightly larger flowers vary from deep rose pink to dark re, Blooms in spring and summer. “cei Shaey BayCui pela 8) A Galaxy of Star Performers CUITLAUZINA PENDULA Formerly known as Cdontaglossisn pendulum (0. citrosmum), this eool grower has ‘inch pseudobulhs and 12-inch leaves. The arching then drooping inflorescence is 1% to 3 feet long and is crowded with 3-inch pure white or pink-lipped flowers. These appear from late spring to autumn and have a sweat lemony scent. Grow this orchid in a hanging basket or pot to accommodate the tailing inilores- cence, Keep it dry in winter, misting or watering just enough to Keep the pseudobuls from sheiveling, It is hardy, possibly 0 20°F (770), LEMBOGLOSSUM Many of the Mexican and Central American members of Odowtoglossiem have been. reassigned to this genus, (Its a reminder ofthe evanescence of botanical standing that they may eventually be called Ripnchostele.) Like members of Odontoglosstm, they are cool growers, though more warmth tolerant Lemboglossum bictoniense (Odontogtossum bictontense), Foliage lumps to 16 inches produce sifly erect Nowering semis with a host of 2-inch yellow and brovin. lowers with white or pink lips, Fall blooming, E. cervantestt, The 6-inch-all plant produces drooping ‘lusters of two to six 2 to 3.inch white or pale pink flowers, ‘The bases of the petals and sepals are marked by brownish lines that form series of concentric hall-cicles. This cool grower has overwintered in the Pacifie Coast fog belt with minimal protection, I. rossi (Odontoglossum rossit). ‘The 8inch inflorescence hears three to five 2-10 3:inch white, yellow, or pale pink flowers with dark brawn spots and stripes. Winter bloom. I. uro-skinneri (Odontogtossum uro- skinneri), Inflorescences to 2 fect bear up to twenty Linch-wide, green and brown flowers with Lembo errant pink, white-spotted lips, MILTONIA, MILTONTOPSIS ‘These to genera illustrate one of ce dificulties that beset orchid nomenclature. Origi- nally they were considered to be one genus, Miltonia, with representatives in Colombia and Brazil, The cool-growing Colombian species (native from Casts Rica to Colombia and Feuador) were extensively grown, hybridized, and improved as “pansy” orchids. Theie popularity continues (0 this day. The Brarfian mitonias, intermediate growers ‘with oncidiumlike flowers, have never been as widely grown, Nevertheless they ar, by botanical standard, the true miltonias. The pansy orchid, widely known as miltonas (and called Sitonia here), mus take botanical second-class stams as Miltontopsis. ‘The pansy orchids produce arching sprays of faced, rounded ine owes in colors ranging from white to deepest red ustall with contrasting markings. Two com ‘mon markings are the mask (a solid patch o two large “eyes” of contrasting color) and the waterfall (lines radiating outward and downward from the center ofthe flower and trailing off into a series of dos).Pansy orchids like the same moderate fight as do paphiopedilums (see pages 88-89), anc also grow well with phalaenopsis, They require cool nights 1 flowers night tempera- tures berween 35° and 60°F (13° and 16°C) are ideal, Dastime temperatures are best kept at 80°F (27°C) or les, although brief rises to 90°F (32°C) are tolerated if shading is adequate and humidity high, Keep plants moist throughout their growing period: withhold water onfy during dull, grav Aitona ear winter days. Plants bloom best when pot-bound. ‘When repotting becomes necessary, use fine barks with or without perlite, Petlize monthly, bat withhold fertilizer in winter. Miltontopsts phalaenopsis, Colombian, Clumps of 8- to 9-inch gray green leaves produce sprays of three ta five flowers 2¥ to 3 inches wide; these are pure white With purplish red or purple markings on the lip, This i an important parent of the pansy orchids. ate summer and fll bloom, Miltonia regnellit. Bruilan, The 16-ieh tlower stalk bears three to five 3-inch lowers of creamy shite and pink, with purplish tmaricings, Late summer and fll Bloom. Miltoniopsis roeztit. Colorian. Pale green foliage masses produce tvo to four 4-inch white flowers with a deep purple blotch, An dmporiant parent ofthe pansy orchid, Winter and spring bloom, Miltonia spectabilis, Braalian. The flowers are bore singly on 10-inch stalks they are white, tinged rose toward the base, and have a purplish red lip. The varity Af, morelianc bas larger flow- ers of dark purple, Autumn bloom, Miltoniopsts vexéllarta. Colombian, Pale green foliage clumps have leaves to 10 inches long. Sprays hold four to six 4-inch lowers of bright rose, marked at the center with white, yellow, and re, Each new growth may produce several sprays, Ths is principal Parent of many pansy orchids, Spring and summer bloom. ODONTOGLOSSUM. This once-large genus has heen reduced by atition, all of its Central American and ‘Mexican species having been spirited off info olher genera. (Indeed, some botanists think tha there is no true distinction between this genus and Onin.) To avoid con fusion those refugees are listed here, but with a cross-reference to their new names. Most of the remaining “true” odontoglossums are cocl-growing plants from the high: oo], misty mountains of South America. Many of the iybrids with other genera are ‘more tolerant of intermediate temperatures, Odoutoglossum bictoniense. See LEMBOGLOSSUM BICTONIENSE, aye 80. 0. convatlariotdes, See OSMOGIOSSUM CONVALLARIOIDES, page 84. 0. créspnms, Considered by many o be the most beautiful orchid of al, itis also ‘one of the most ifficalt to grow —unless you live in a cool marine climate. The California Sioa Memories The Onc ABiance SLOdontol cripu “cols nox a: Rosogosnen granale ‘tan AW/AOS 82 4 Gala of Sr Performersfog belt docs well with it, as does the Pacific Northwest Elsewhere, high daytime tem- peratures will enfeeble and destroy it, unless ait-condtioning is available, The 2Y-to 3+ inch flowers are white or pale cose with fringed and crimped edges and a scattering of reddish brown dots. The 20-inck-long, drooping inflorescences carry 6 t> 24 flowers; they usualy appear in spring and summer, but may appear at anytime, 0. grande. See ROSSIOGLOSSUM GRANDE, page 8. 0. harryanum, Ve erect inllorescence is 20 to 36 inches tall and bears as many 8 12 flowers. These are 3 inches wide, with wavy segments of rich reddish brown ‘marked with yellow. The large lip is reddish brown and white. Summer bloom. 0. tnteopurpureum. Like 0, barryanum, tls species varies up to a dozen to inch flowers of chestnut brown marked with yellow. The lip is yellowish white marked with brown. Spring bloom. 0. pendulum. Soe CUITLAUIZINA PENDULA, page 80 0. pulebellum. See OSMOGLOSSUM PULCHELLUM, page 84 0. rossit, See LEMBOGLOSSUM ROSSII, page 80. O.1r0-skinnert See LEMNOGLOSSLM URO-SKINNERI, pages0, ONCIDIUM ‘The number of species in Onc ranges in estimate from 300 to as many a5 600. The grow from Mesico and the Caribbean islands to the southern borders of Bra few stragalers have been found in southem Florida, Some growin the sweltering lowlands; others favor the high, cool, misty mountains Most will thrive in intermediate temperatures given bright light, ample water ducing growth and bloom, no complete drying-out, and good air circulation, ‘Grow oneidiums in pots or haskets filled with bark or perlite andl bark Some ofthe smaller ones are structive mounted on pieces of wood, bark, or tree fern, Those with drooping sprays should be grown in banging baskets Some have tll, branching inflorescences that wil require staking, In most species slender, branching sprays of flowers come in shades of yellow and red or redelsh brown, but afew are white or pink. The flowers of most have fling petals, often expanded toward the tps, and a fall, rufled lip: to some they sugges cancing dolls or ballerina. (An eathier imagination might liken them to excitable, fullskirted cheerleaders weving pompoms.) ‘The flowers fas well, both on the plant and when cut. Florists call them spray “orchids, Only a representative few can be mentioned here. Oucidium ampliatum. Hat, ridged, tule shaped psendobulbs prodace leaves 4o 16 inches long. The branching flower clusters can reach 3 feet and hold hundeds of ‘nch-wvide yellow flowers spotted with reddish brown. Spring bloom. 0. carthagenense. 4 ule ear’ oncidivum, in vhich the Meshy leaves serve the fimetion of pseudobulbs. These nearly erect leaves are up t0 20 inches long, and the branching 5-o 6-foot flower stem produces « host of round, culled white lowers hea sly marked with porpish brown, Summer bloom. ©, cheirophorum, inch-wide psendobuls carry two 4- to W-inca leaves, The 8 inch flower stem holds many fragrant, frm-textuned, bright yellow flowers Y inch wide. The plant’ smal size makes it natural for growing under artifical ight. Blooms to ot thee times a year, This is fine ore for heginners. Onc oraboricum ‘The Oncideum Attonce 8%0. crispum. Moderaie-size plans with $-inch leaves produce flower stems 1¥4 to 3 feet tall with forty to eighty 3- fo 4-inch lowers. These are brovin, with ruled yellow ‘edges and spots of yellow. The large lip has a yellow center: Long-lasting bloom begins in the fall 0. guianense (0. desertorum). This s one ofthe equitant oncidiums —those that lack pseudobulbs and display their leaves in fans, somewhat like a miniature i “The leaf fan is just 1¥2 inches tall, and the G-inch flower stem hears several Linch, bright yellow flowers, This isa good plant © mount on 2 branch or on a pieve of bark. all blooming. 0. kramerianum. See PSYCHOPSIS KRAMERIANA, age SS. 0. lanceansim. snotber “mule ear,” this sriking plant bas sf, erect, brown- motte leaves 20 inches long and 4 inches wide, The foot-ll flower stem produces a fev to several 2- to 2¥2-inch yellow flowers with heavy reddish brown spotting and a pnrpish rose lip. Summer blooming 0. ornithorhynchum, MAIDENIAIR ORCHID. ‘This. small species ts foot-Long leaves and an 18- to 20-inch arching inflorescence crovided with fragrant pink to rosy Hae iach wide flowers, t appreciates somewhat cool conditions. Sum- ‘mer bloom. 0. papiio. See PSYCHONS|S PAPIUO, pages. 0, pusitium. See PSYGMORCHIS PUSILLA, age 8. 6, Shacry Baby. This summer and fall-blooming Iybrid produces tall, branching spikes with dozens of ‘inch pinkis or reclish flowers exuding a powerful scent of chocolate (according to some) or vanilla, Sweet Fragrance’ isa choice selection, 0, sphacelatum. Large gsendobulbs produce narrow leaves up to 3 feet long, Branched inflorescences are 3 to 5 feet fal, erect, and hear scares of inch-vide yellow flowers spoted ‘vith reddish brown Winter to spring bloom. 0. varicosum. Leaves 10 inches long rive above S-inch pseudo bulbs, The arching then drooping inflorescence cacties 100 or more 2 inch “dancing dol” flowers in yellow, sparingly marked with red. Winter 10 spring bloom. OSMOGLOSSUM Once incinded in Odontogiossum, these plants difer in having somal, white, very fragrant flowers. Less dependent on coolness than Odontoglossum, thes tive at intermediate temperatures. Osmoglossum concallarioides (Odontoglossum convatlariodes). A medium-size plant with an inflorescence up to 16 inches long, carrying a few L-inch white lowers, Spring blooming 0. putcheltum (OdontoyTossum putebeltum). lN-O9-THE-VALLEY ORCHID. The 20-inch erect or nodding inflorescence bears three to fen creamy lowers Oncian lacuna 11t0 2 inches across, Their fragrance recalls that of liy-ofthe-alley. Spring blooming. BA A Galea of Sar PerformersPsYCHopsis ‘The butterfly orchids were formerly included in the ‘Onetdwn genus; tes fer from itin producing a succes- sion of single flowers from the top of the inflorescence down, ‘The flowers are large and oddly formed: the dorsal sepal and petals (the upper half of the flower) are extremely narrow, resem: biing antennae. The lower sepals an lp, in contrast, are brow and strongly marked. Grow them on a raft or in a pot filed with coarse bark. ‘They prefer intermediate temperatures. Do not remave the flower stalk after the flower fades; it may continue to produce flowers for several Bloom is sporadic throughout the year. Psychopsis krameriana (Oncidium kramerianum). The flowering stem is 2 t 3 feet tall and carries one single 4- to S-inch flower at a time. The Hower is reddish brown strongly marked with yellow; its lip is yellow with a reddish brown border. B. papilio (Onctdum papitio). This species strongly resembles P rameriana, but its colors are strongly banded instead of being marked at random, Pychpsis pepo PSYGMORCHIS PUSILLA This ny orchid has no psewdobulbs; instead, its leaves grow in at fan like a ‘miniature iris, The entre plants jus 3 inches tall. Rach Dowering stem pro- duces one to six Linclwvide flowers in suceession. These are yellow, with faint brown markings, Grow this one om a bark raft ora piece of tree fern, It needs a hunsid almosphere, but the roots should dey ont between watering. RODRIGUEZIA These smal, easily grown plants come from the forests of Central America ‘and northera South America, Grow them like cattleyas, except that they need ‘no rest period. They flourish either on rats or potted in fine bark. Give them ample water thoughout the year: Bloom may aceur at any ine of year Rodriguezta Batemannit, The Winch inflorescence, erect or «drooping, caries as many as fen fragrant 2¥2-inch flowers, white marked with yellow or il R, lanceolata (R. secunda). Vie 4- to \6-inch inflorescence bears ‘many ineh-wide rose red flowers with a white mark at the base ofthe lip. , nonutsta, White, strongly fragrant flowers 2 inches wide are bore on a 4-10 inch arching inflorescence, ROSSIOGLOSSUM GRANDE TIGER ORCHID. This large, very showy orchid thrives in cool to intermediate conditions. The 6- to 12-inch inflorescence carries two to eight 6-lnch, glossy, heavy-textured flow- crs of yellow arred in a deep reddish brown. The growing medium should be fine bark. Prvgmiorche pase he Oncielum stance $5containing some leaf mold. Water the plants heavily ‘when in growth; then withhold water, giving them only enough to prevent the shriveting of the pseudobulbs. Repot the plants and resume watering when new growth be-gis, Blooin occurs in winter, Rosdogasum aronde ‘usa Clown’ HECAOS TRICHOCENTRUM ‘These small growers have relatively large flowers. Their pseudobulbs are small or absent, their leaves fleshy or leathery, their horizontal inflorescences short with few flowers. Grow them on rafis or in pots, They thrive under cattleya conditions. Tricbocentrum albococcinenm. ‘the 3-inch inllores- ‘cence bears one to three 2-ineh flowers of yellow brown or yellow ‘green with a white and purple lip. Late summer fo autumn bloom, T. putebram. Similac wT albococeineanr, but with white flowers spotted in purplish red. TRICHOPILIA ‘These compact, intermediat-temperature orchids have selatively ‘ange catleya-shaped flowers on short, few-lowered stems, sex- ral of which may spring from a single pseudobulb, Give plants Oncidiu conditions: plenty of water during the growing season followed by'a 2- to 3-week rest period. Trichopilia swavis, ‘the short, arching or drooping inflorescence bears from one to four 4-inch flowers. The wavy sepals and petals are creamy white, sometimes spotted with red. ‘The large, wavy-edged lip is white, heaily spotted with rosy red. These flowers are strong fragrant. Spring bloom. T. tortilés. The narrow, wwisted petals and sepals are trownish purple or rosy lavender. The large, nearly round lip is white, spoted with red and brow. Spring o fll loom. INTERGENERIC HYBRIDS Iybridizers ave had fed day crossing the many genera in the Oncidium alliance. Most hybrids represent a distinct improve- ‘ment over their parents, in either appearance or ease of culture. The latter is the result of hybrid vigor (hefervsis): an increase in size or tolerance of varying conditions that results from the com- ‘ined genes of the two parents. ‘The number of these hybrids is so great that only a cursory mention of them is possible here, Odontoglossum, Oncidiun, 86 4 Gilexyof Mar Performers and Jtitionta tave been the principal genera involved, but Coeblioda and other genera have been used as well ‘The genus Oncidium contributes both vigor and a free- blooming habit to many of these crosses, along with a propensity to produce yellow and brown flowers with prominent lips, Mi- fonia and Odontoglossum contribute large flower size. (the broad petals and sepals of Odontogfasswm tend to compensate forthe small flower parts of Oncidiuam.) ‘The color range draws on Onotdium and Odontoglossumn for russet and yellow tones. From sltorsia comes a velvety finish and broad, rounded contours. Gocbliode, Rodriguezia, and Tricbocentrum contribute bright color and moderate plat sie Crosses imolbing Brassia show a marked inerease in the length of the sepals and petals. Following are a few of dhe many names you are likely to encounter X Aliceara, Crosses among Brassia, Miltonia, an Onciditem, these may be either pink or yellow and brown on long sprays X Burrageara, The ancestry of these hybrids includes AMiltonta, Cochlioda, Odontoglassum, ani Onctdtum. Plants produce tall, many-flowered spikes with nicely spaced flowers in ‘variety of colors. They prefer coo! to intermediate eoncitions. X Macleltanara, Vhese hybrids involve Brassia, Odon- Joglossum, anc Oncidium. The grex Pagan Lovesong, has erect spikes to 3 feet bearing, many large, star-shaped yellow flowers spotted with brown. The lip is white with brown markings. It prefers cool to intermediate temperatnres. X Odontioda, These crosses between Oclontoglassam and Gocblioda yield large, round flowers of Odontogdassim crispum form and bright red or brownish red markings pro- fusely scatered over a white or yellow ground, Though cool growers, they tolerate more warmth than does Odonitogfassum. X Odontoctittum. Grosses betwen Odontoglossunn and Oncidiutm, these have branched or unlnranched inflorescences with yellow; orange, red, or spotted flowers, They are cool to intermediate prowers. X Odoniontia, liybrids berseen Odontogtossum ancl Mi tonia, these ate generally cool growing, Howers on ta unbranched, stalks are white, yellow, or red, often heavily marked witha contrasting color X Vuylstekeara, The olspring of x Odontioda crossed ‘with siltonia, these have branched or unbranched inflores ‘ences carrying pink, red, or red and white flowers. x Wilsonara, These hybrids number Cacklioda, Odon- foglossum, and Oneidtum in their ancestry. Prily flowers heav ily marked in brilliant colors on tall spikes have an Oncialem form. These are cool fo intermediate growers, usuallysys The Onc Sanco 8Paphiopecitum tase Taree al! AAO Papen ls Sam is THE SLIPPER ORCHIDS ‘These most primitive of orchids stir different emotions in people. The suspicious tend to regard them as threatening, possibly even carnivorous. The orchid lover finds their high gloss and wonderfully subtle coloration endlessly fascinating. ‘The slipper orchids are not likely toe confused wih amy others; with the exception of a single species, all the members ofthe subfamily Gypripedioideae have the lip ot label- fum modified into a pouch, an inflated bay-shaped organ. TE you can imagine a dainty foot nestled inthis pouch, you'll comprehend these orchids charming familiar designs- tion as “lady's slippers. ‘The highly pragmatic purpose of the pouch, however, s fo lure an insect, entrap it, and foree it to ave the flower with a load of pollen, The uppermost sepa (the dorsal) is enlarged and conspicuous. The other two sepals are fused and are called 2 spnsepa- um; located atthe botom of the lover, the sjnsepalum is often hidden by the pouch, ‘Tw of the petals extend laterally andthe third isthe pouch The flowers are generally waxy and thick texted, lasting well both on the plant snd when cut, The leaves are strap shaped and elther plain green or motied (tesse- Jated). ‘They arise as fan-shaped growths from the rhizome and live for many years, though they flower only once. Old plants can fave many growths and produce many flowers. The flower stalks emerge from the center of the new growths; those: mast com- ‘monks grovn beara single flower; though some species bear more. Cypripedium, Paphtopeditam, Phragmtpedium, and Selenipeditum are the four genera in the subfamily. OF these, Selem)pedium is of litle horticultural interest; the plants are large and the flowers generally insignificant, Cold-winterclimate orchid fanciers and wildflower enthusiasts alike would like to grow eypripediums, but they are Aieult both to propagate and to grow. (See “Hardy Orchids,” pages 4751.) Papbiopediltm isa favorite of orchid fanciers. At one time all he slipper orchids ‘were called Gypripedinm, and a slowly diminishing group of fanciers continues fo eal the paphiopedilums Cypripedium, or eyps (pronounced sips) for short, The more up- to-date call them paphs. All ofthese are Old World otchids, native from the Himalayas to Taiwan and east ‘ward to New Guinea and the Solomion Islands, Most cultivated sinner orchids helong to this genus. The tropieal New World slipper orchids in Pbragmnipediaum are less widely {grown hut interest in that gemns is increasing, Most slipper orchid thrive given nighitime temperatures of 60° to 65°F (16? to 18°C), considered an intermediate range for paphiopedilums. The warm- growing Slipper orchids require nighnime temperatures of 65° 10 70° (18® (0 21°C); some cook growers prefer 55° to 60°F (13° to 16°C), Daytime temperatures should be around 20°F (11°C) warmer. If daytime temperatures exceed 90°F (52°C), provide shade as ‘well as increased humidityAll of these orchids are shade lovers, but they lifer in the degree of shade pre- ferred, Most tive given about 1,000 foot-candles of light (see page 20). These prefer- ences and their low stature male them favorites for growing indoors, ether at windows or under artical ight PAPHIOPEDILUM Paphiopediums grow ina range from sea level (sometimes even within reach of sat spray) to high, cool, moist mountains. Some make their home on trees, but most are ‘erresrial, growing in moss and leaf mold on rocks or on banks where seepage Keeps them supplied with moisture Because they lack pseudobulbs in which to store moisture, their roots must never go completely dry. ‘They also require air around their roots, so the plant ‘ng mix should be porous, Commercial mixes are availble, but fine- or mediua-grale fir bark ‘nixed with perlite and peat may be used, Hard ‘water containing caleium carbonate is not harmful, but water containing sodium and other salts can be fatal. (Your local water company can advise you on the mineral content of your water) ‘water standing in the fans as eee at night encourages decay These slipper orchids need repoting every 2 or 3 years, as the potting mix breaks down and becomes less porous. Repotting is best done after bloom. Remove the old mix an replace it wi moistened new mix, packing it carefully but firmly around the roots, The leaf fan should rest on the sur- face ofthe mix, Water only lighlyumil ney grow begins; then resume reg- ‘ular watering, If plants are very large, they may be divided at cepoting: cut or break them into divisions of at kas three fans each. Feed with «halfstrength solution of liquid fetlizer every week ding spring and summer, and every other week during the winter months, ‘The gemus Paphiopeditiem consists of roughly 70 species, and named selections have been made from many of these. Hundreds of primary crosses (crosses between two species) exist, and the number of complex crosses (those with three or more species in their ancestry) is legion, Keep in mine when buying a slipper orcid that plants are sold either as divisions or as seedings, Divisions of mature plants will exactly resemble the parent, whereas seedlings will resemble it more or less. (ven seedlings of species show variation.) The few species and hybrid types it is possible to describe here fvor intermediate temperatures and light, 1nlss otherwise noted, Papbiopedilum argus. The leaves are tessellated, and the 12- to 18-inch scape carties a single 5-inch flower. The white dorsal has green stripes and purple spots. ‘Wavj-edged petals are white blushed with pink, veined in green, and lavishly sprinkled ‘ith blackish purple spots. The pouch is green and brown, Itblooms midwinter 1o spring B armentacum. A rambling rhlzome produces wellspaced cinmps of boldly mottled 4-inch leaves. The 9- to 10-inch flower stalk bears single pale to bright yellow Papen elitedon Sura Bal ANAOS ‘he Sipper Oncbis $94-inch flower with a small dorsal sepal and a larye ip with fant red markings near the mouth, Ic grows best in intermediate to ‘warm conditions. Grow it in a basket of slats or wire mesh to ‘accommodate the running thizome, Spring or summer bloom P. barbatum. Clamps of tessllaed leaves produce 12-19 -MLinch stalks bearing one or two 4-inch lowers. The large dor- sal is white, vith green nd purple stripes. Slightly drooping ‘maroon petals have backish purple warts. The pouch fs purple. Blooms in early winter, sometimes reblooming in spring. P bellatulum, ‘his dvartish plant has sttongly motte leaves and flower stalk that holds the nearly round flower just Veto 3 inches above the foliage. The flower is white, finely sprin- bled eth spots andl blotches of ‘maroon is small pouch is the same color The dors sepal and petals are nearly round. This intermediate to warm rower likes both night temper- atures and brightness in the higher ranges and needs exoel- lent drainage. A midwinter res swith slightly less water andl at lightly lower tomperatnres, will Induce suramer to fall bloom. Papbiopedilum concolor P godefropae, and P. nivewm are all similar in appearance and requirements P. callosum. Resombles P barbatton, but vith more {intense pinkish tones in the petals and pouch, Blooms early spring throug autumn, B. charlesworthit, he ‘-inch flower rises above the green foliage clump on 2 Ginch sialk. The very large dorsal sepal is pink, with deeper pink veining and a narrow white rim, ‘The smaller petals and pouch ate broynish Mushed with pink uti bloom. B delenatii. Datk green 4-inch leaves are macked above ‘with paler green and helow with purple, The clamps are spaced ot along a rambling rhizome. The 9-inch flower stalk produces one and sometimes two 4-nch pale pink to white flowers with a pink pouch, This species blooms in spring, P. druryi. Long thizomes produce seattered clumps of 6- to 18-inch light green Leavus and 10-inch flower stalks bearing 3 single, neatly 4-inch, yellow to greenish flower with a hold pur- ple stripe on each petal and on the dorsal sepal. This intermed- ate grower blooms in fate winter and early spring and likes strong, indirect ight and warm days coupled with coo! nights. 90 Gale of ar Pfr Paphepedln cenuster: B. fairrleanum, ‘the leaves are green, sometimes faintly tessellaed, The 5- to 18-inch flower stalls bears a singe lower 4 inches tall and somewhat narrower, The tall dorsal sepal has felled edges and is white, heavily marked with green and purple stripes. The similarly colored petals droop for tee-thirds oftheir length, then rim sharply upward, giving the flower a somewhat whimsical aspect. Colors can vary from white and green to white sand deep purple, An intermediate (0 cool grower, it blooms in Jat fall and earty winter, P baynaldianum. Yellowish ereen, large leaves surround flower stems that can reach 20 inches and carry to to four 5- ‘inch loers. The dorsal sepal is narrow at the base and white ‘with purple stripes in the lower hall; it has a prinkling, of maroon spots, The narrow, ‘widely spreading petals are yol- lowish green heavy: marked with maroon spots near the base. The large pouch is green- ish tan with dark green veins. Bloom occurs in fate winter and spring P benryanum. The eaves are somewhat more than 6 inches long, plain green with some purple sulfusion under neath. The 6-inch flower stem ‘caries a single 3.inch flower having a yellow dorsal heavily marked in dark: purple with deep pink petals and lip. This species blooms in winter to early spring. B, insigne, This widely grown and variable species has plain green leaves and a inch stalk bearing a single S-inch flower. The dorsal sepal is yellowish green or pale green with a white edge and raised spots of purple or brown. The narrovs petals are yellowish green o yellowish browa. The flower has high gloss, Plants are hardy to almost 32°F ((°G) bur intolerant ‘of protracted warmth, Bloom period is fall an! early winter. B, favanicum. The leaves are sparingly tessellaed, and flower stalks 6 to 14 inches tall camry single 4-inch flower. Its dorsal sepal is narrow and greenish white, striped green and ‘wih a sharp while tp. Narrow; spreading petals are green with purple tps. Bloom season is irregular, but usually in summer BP. malipoense. Toe + to Sinch leaves are boldly mot: tled, The 104inch flower stall carties a single S-inch flower ‘hose dorsal sepal and petals are green marked with faint pur- ple lines, The large, bagey pouch is somewhat translucent and stained pink by profuse maroon dotting inside. A warm grower,it blooms in fall and winter: Grow tin a basket of sls or wire mesh to accommodate the munning chizome P micranthum. 3s in P armeniacum, the foliage clumps are spaced along a wandering rhizome. Te leaves are 2 0 6 inches ong and dark green motile in fighter sree, The 3 to S-inch lower stalk carries a single 3inchavide flower with a shor, nearly round dorsi and petals of greenish yellow marked with purplish pink lines. The very Large puff lip is 3 inches long and pink, This is an intermediate to warm grower P. spicerantm. Clusnps of green leaws produce 10-inch arching flower stalks {hat carry a single 3-inch flower, The large white dorsal sepal is narrow atthe base, then spreads upward and folds back to emulate a smal ella (Zantedeschia). A maroon ver- Ucal streak decorates the fromt, Petals are yellowish green suffused with brown, and the Indtyins near the Hower center are deeply crimped. This intermediate to cool grower blooms in autuana and early winter. P. sukbakelit, Chumps of tessellate lesves produce 10-inch stems bearing a sin- se 5-inch flower. The dorsal sepal is white with a fine striping of green. The horizontally spreading petals are green, heavily spotted with blackish purple. Bloom is in autumn, ‘sometimes also in spring, Ths species has been a parent to mans fine hybrids P. superbiens. The 6- to 10-inch leaves are strongly mottled. The 6-10 10-inch flower stalk curries single 5-ineh flower witha broad, sharply pointed dorsal of white flushed pink and heavily sireaked with groen and purple veins. Long, narrow, dawn- \wardly angled petals shade from green atthe base to purple toward the tips. The glossy lip is dark maroon and 2: inches long, This intermediate grower blooms in summer. B, venustum, leavilytesellsted leaf clumps give rise to 5- to 10-inch flower stalks carrying a single 5-inch flower. The low, brozdl sepa is white, heavily striped in clark green, The petals are greenish white with green veins their outer thid is coppery co purple, The ip is yellow or coppery with strong green veining, Bloons in winter MULTIFLOWERING PAPHIOPEDILUMS Several species of Papbiopeditum lave flower stalks that carry from 2 to (rarel)) 20 lowers. These ypically open sequentially —one facing and falling as the next opens— but some have several flowers open at atime, These are not the easest plums 0 grow, and beginaers are urge t gain experience before allempring them, Paphiopedilum glanduliferum (P. praestans). Dusk green leaves ate 1410 16 inches long, The 12 20-inch flower stalk carees from two tive lowers. The tll, narrow dorsalis 2 inches long and half as wide, yellow with pronounced purple stripes. ‘The lower sepals ae simlla. Nareow petals angle downward ata 45° angle: they ae ye low veined with maroon, and are fringe atthe edge, The lip is 2 inches long or moro, yellow marked with maroon. I looms in summer. P. glaucophyltum, The leases are 12 to 20 inches long and efther green or faintly mottled. The flower stalk can reach 2 feet and produce up to 20 flowers— usually one at atime, sarely wo, The flowers have a broad cream to green dorsal heavily spotted and striped with purple, Petals are 1s to 2 inches long and white, with many 4eep pink to maroon spois as well as tufts of short airs along the edges. ‘the lip or ‘pouch is 1% inches long and pink finely stippled with maroon, The yarley 2 g ‘moguettiqnuim is slightly larger, and the dorsalis speckled rather than veined. It blooms in summer or a aay time and is aware erower, Paphiopadilon sondeiowam ocd Ladd The Sipper Orchids 91P. phitippinense. Clunips of dark green 6- to 20-inch leaves produce flowering stems to 20 inches, each bearing two to five flowers. Both the dorsal sepal and the fused lower sepals are 2 inches long, white striped with maroon, Petals are narrow, yellow at the base fuding (© maroon. Th imesshat droop: ing twisted, nzevow, and upto 5 icles ong. This species blooms in ate winter or spring bloom. P. rothschildianum. This spectacular species is slow to reach blooming age aftr division and seems to resent transplanting Its dark green leaves can reach 2 feet im length, and the 18-inch flower stalk carvies from 0 to four flowers with petal span of up to 10 inches. The 2¥4-inch-long dorsal sepal cream, green, oF yellow. The long, narrow petals are yellow or cream striped with ‘maroon, the pouch tax’ or ylfosssh st fused with dark red. Bloom isin ate spring ‘or early summer: BP. sandertanum. ‘The dark geeen, straplike leaves are 12 to 18 inches long. The flower stalk is 18 inches tall and earres to to five flowers. The 2¥2-ineh dorsal sepal is yel- lox, striped in deep maroon, Narrow, existing, drooping petals ane 12 to 36 inches long, yellow at the hase with maroon spots and becoming deep maroon in their last three-quarters. This species is rare and expensive. P. stonel. The lewes can reach 28 inches in length, and the flower stem can reach 28 inches; t bears 60 to four lange flowers. The dorsal sepa is broadly oval, 2 inches tall and wide, and white wit a few darks purple vertical lines. The petals arch out and down and are yellow, dated znd flushed in maroon. The lip i ereamy ‘or white a the base, deep pink toward the front, It blooms in fate summer or carly autumn, B. victoria-mariae. Healy mot tle leaves are 10/10 12 inches long, The flowering spike can reach 3 10 4 feet in huejght and! must be staked, Ir elongates as lowering progresses, usually one bloom at a time, to tolal of 20 blooms or more. Fach flower has a Linch dorsal of cream or yellow with a green center striped with maroon, The 1¥:-iach petals are narron, twisted, and reddish purple; the 14-inch lip is purple with a ‘whitish or greenish rim, There is a long bloom season beginning in spring or summer, D2 A Gelaxy of tar Performers Paptiepediten Winston Chrstill Prim inier Paphicpechlan Maine HYBRID PAPHIOPEDILUMS You are more likely to encounter hybrids than you are the species paphs, Many are first-generation crosses between 100 species, but many, many more are complex hyhrits—hybrids of hybrids, sometimes invobing multiple remote ancestral species. The orchid plant you buy may be a seedling, in which ca bear a grex name (ee page 14), Greves guarantee only a Sex. greater or lesser resemblance to other seedlings from the same cross. On the other hand, i your plant is 4 division, it will be more expensive but identical i. For instance, you will come across any plants named Winston Churchill, a grex name, But if you see Winston Churchill “Indomitable’, it will be a division of an award-winning plant, ot just a relative. Jn many cases seedlings of a new cross or of a repeated cross are offered, The sales flor here is likely to be based om great expectations: “Bxpect tall stems carrying fall, rounded blooms in shades of pink: and green, Could he a winner!” These predictions are based on growers’ experiences with similar crosses in the past—or perhaps on their hopes Neve hybrids appear at a frantic pace. During 3 months in a recent year, 80 new laybrid paphs were registered, All tend 10 be sturdy plans with broad, rounded flowers hraving clearly defined colors and a high loss. Here are a few of the countless Inbrid grees. Paphiopedium — Wartisianum, This, the first hybrid paphiopeditum dates from 1866. Hlowiers tend to dark burgundy red, fuitly striped with white in the dorsal sepal P, Makai. These flowers have white dorsals striped in green and purple, pale petals spotted with maroon, and russet red pouches. P, Maudiae, These plants bear tes sellated leaves and sturdy stalks holding white flowers with green striping, Later crosses involving darker forms of the orignal species have yielded plants of similar vigor and striping, but in pink (coloratura) and dark red (vincolar) shades. P. Winston Churchill. Large, well-rounded flowers of heavy texture characterize this grex, Dorsals are big and broad, white, and heavily spotted or flared with deep redTROPICAL AMERICAN SLIPPERS Members of the Central and South American genus Phragmipedinm have not enjoyed the popularity of Papbiopedture, but interest in them and thee hybrids has been rising ‘rapidly since the introduction ofthe bright red Péragmipedium besseae. These plants superficially resemble those of the Asistic slippers, as do teis flowers, but there are si nificant cliferences. The flower stem is jointed, has conspicuous bracts, my be branched. and normally bears many lowers. Chromosomal differences between the two ‘make intergeneric crossing very dificult. Although both genera are alike culturally there is one significant diference: Phragmipediiem is strongly acid loving, so cannot tolerate lime or hard water Phragmipedim besseae. this orchid was discovered only in 1981—rather a marvel, considering its bright color. The dark green foliage chump sends up 2 bloom stalk that hears fom one to six flowers that open in succession, The flowers measure a Ditless than 24% inches wide and 2 inches high. All their segments, including the pouch, ‘are bright red, Recent seedlings and hybrids have sown color variations tending towasd ‘orange and yellow: P caudatum, leaves of this spectacular orchid are 2 to 3 feet long, The yard-tall flower stem displays tro to four flowers open atone time on individual G-inch stalks The dorsal sepal is cream colored, with a neting of maroon to brown o green veins. The long, tsstng petals open as much as 6 inches in length and elongate over several days (ox possible 36 inches. Petal growth stops ifthe tips encounter a sold surface, 0 the plant should be grown in a hanging fasket or supported on a pedestal. The petals ‘re intially colored like the dorsal seal, but toward the tips the color becomes deep rose or purplish red. P. klotzscheanum, These clashing consonants belong, to a slipper orchid with narrow, sedgelike leaves 12 10 15 inches long, The flowering stem is 2 feet tall and pro- dices as many as six lowers in succession. The dorsal sepal is 2 inches tall and pale greenish brown striped with maroon. The drooping 4-inch petals display the same color. The pouch i yellow, with a white interior and a speckling of purple P, Undteyanum. ‘he leaves are deep green and 1% to 2 fet long, The flower spike can be up toa yard tall and hear (one or two ata time) as many as 30 green and rose flowers with yellow or green lips, The overall lower size is somewhat under 3 inches. B. pearcei, The leaves are deep green an 10 to 18 inches long The wo to four 5- inch fowers are green znd white with a suffusion of pink. he ip i just overt inc Jong and is green, often with purple dots athe mouth, P. sargentianuan, The green leaves ae yellow elged and up to 14 eet in length, ‘The tall (possibly 4 feet or more) flower stem carries as many 2s five lowers, which ‘open in snecession and resemble those of 2 Finley, P. soblimi. The bright green leaves are up to 1 foot long, The branched 1-foot flower stalk produces from two to six flowers. Petals and sepals are broadly rounded and the lip is broad and pu; The flowers are pink or white, or a ‘combination of the 1W0, andl are 2 inches across. Many hybrid phragmipediuns have heen produced: 2 x Grande, a cross bemeen 2 caudatwm and 2 Zougifotium, is notable forthe length ofits tvsted petals, Other hybrids involving P besseae and 2 sebliit wend to display pink, white, red, or yellow colors sur Pepe x Gan he Wiel AMA sou: Pam eve “ue Svan Wel AACSTHE BOTANICALS “Affer mastering Catlleya, Paphiopedilum, and Phalaenopsis, he bucking orchid collector will wish fo conquer new worlds, As Publius Syrus observed, “No pleastere enclures unseasoned by variety,” The next step i to begin exp ing the botanicals, less well known orebicks that have not achieved broad commercial success but that nevertheless reward us with their becuty or their uniqueness. ‘They ar called botanicals because, belng of litle importance to commercial growers and florists, they were once considered interesting solely to botanists. (It fs worth noting that keen orchid enthusiasts usually hecome keen amaicut botanists sooner ‘or laier) Some of these botanicals are as strikingly handsome as members of the more familia genera, but many are growin for thei curious form and color or, ia some cases fr their grotesqueness. Many, but by wo means al, are small enough to fillin the spaces between larger plans in collection, asda fee "Blumen Isl He AERANGIS Sixty or so species of sinall to medium monopodial orchids related to Angraeewn range from Africa to Madagascar and the Itands ofthe Indian Ocean, Their short stemss bear to ranks of leathery leaves. Brect to arching or drooping inflorescences carry many white or ereamy flowers with long spurs. The flowers of many are Gragrant at night. (Grow these orchids in small pots filled with bark, or on ralis or Logs, The like warm temperanires and meditm to low Hight ‘Aérangis biloba. The &inch plants have four to ten opposing, G-inch, leathery, dark green leaves with black dots. The pendent spike is 4 to 16 inches long and beass ‘up to 20 fong:spurred white flowers, sometimes faintly tinged with pink, Spring bloom A. eltrata, This miniature plant is less than 4 inches tal, with 3¥%-inch leaves. Ts many drooping, 10-inch spikes are crowded with tiny white, lemon-scented flowers, Spring bloom. A, Iuteoalba rhodosticta. Shorttemmed plants carey to or three 6 inch dark green leaves. Arcing or drooping inflonescences to 1 foot long bear up to 24 unsceated white or cream lowers with red column, Spring an fill bloom. ANGRAECUM Like Aérangis a native o Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean, most in this genus fer in being large plants. Their flowers are str shaped, with spreading segments ancl along spur attached to the ip. The flower eoloe is white, cream, or greenish, Grows these in pots or baskets filled with a coarse mix; water andl foed them freely throughout the year, Keeping temperatures warm and giving them medium to high ight, The plants \ will develop many aerial roots, Mist frequent, but early enough in the day to keep Anaraacasm x eit ‘water from standing in the lea bases at ight Angraecum disticham. Unlike most of its genus, this is small plant with ‘drooping, branching, stems closely set with short, overlapping leaves in a raided effec. 94. A Galaxy of Stor PerformersThe stems can reach 10 inches in length. Small white flowers less than an inch wide appear between the leaves foward the branch ends, The fowers are fragrant sl night, May lower in any season. A. ebuermenm. Large, erect sems form large clumps of neo-ranked leaves that ae leathery, deep green, and 1210 16 finches long, The arching inflorescences are longer than the leaves and hold up to fifteen 2¥%-inch green flowers with a large white lip. The Nowers ave fragrant and the ip uppermost, ging the Rowers ‘an upside-down fook, Winter blooming. A. sesquipedale. The Latin species name means “foot and 2 half” and refers Aare suede to the fong spurs (actually only 10 to 12 inches long) on the spicy fragrant 5- to S4inch white flowers. These are borne in groups of one to four on an inflorescence somewhat shorter than the 10- to 16-inch Teaves, The plant can reach 4 fet in height ‘Winter blooming. A, x Veltehil. This hybrid between A. eburneum and, sesquipedale is similar to the later in size and cartes six to ten 3-inch flowers that open greenish or ivory before turning pure white, Winter bloom ANGULOA TUP ORCHID. The nlp orchids may be epiphytic, bu they are more commonly grown as terrestris, in « mix suitable for Cymbidium. The pseudobulbs are topped by three large (2¥%-foot by L-foot), thin, heavily ribbed leaves. The flowers spring from the hase ofthe psendobulbs, each om ts own short, stout stem. The sepals are larger than the petals and cupped around them, fending the flower its lip shape, Feed and water these cool growers heavily during the summer growth period: proside medium to low light, shading them against sunburn, Then keep them on the dy side, with maximum bright- ness, until signs of new growth appear. Summer bloom, Grossed with Zycaste, tulip orchids form hybrids called x Angulocaste, whose flowers are less cupped, more open and tri ular than the species Anguloa clowestt. The flowers are bright yellow and 3 (o 3¥2 inches wide; they have a fragrance reminisent of chocolate and min A. rickert, Flowers ace somewhat less cupped than those of A. clowestf and are olive or bronze on the out. side, heavily spoted with red inside. The flowers of some may be all red or ivory white, Agate "Ratt’ CEWAOSele fica 96 A Gallary of Star Performers ANSELLIA AFRICANA [LEOPARD ORCHLD. ‘These warm growers flourish in strong light, Tall (to 8 feet), cane- like psendobulbs carry up to fen leaves 6 10 20 inches long and produce branching inflorescences with many 2-inch Bowers, whose narrow yellow segments are heavily spotted with dark brown, Howering isin winter. The plants ate sometimes sold a8 4 gigantea or A. ntlotica; those so named may have broader, more brightly colored flow: ers than the species BIFRENARIA Resembling Anguoa and Zycaste in form aud flower, these orchids have firm, conical pseudobulbs, each topped by a single large, broad, heavily veined, leathery lea, Short stems from the base of the pseudobulbs cary from one to five firm, waxy flowers that resemble those of eymbidiums. These plants grow best in a coarse bark mixture ancl bloom best wien pot-bound., Give them intermediate to warm temperatures and bright light, Water and feed them freely until growth is completed; then give them cooler, drier conditions until new growth appears Bifrenaria barrisontae. the leaves measure 12 inches by 5 inches, and the inflorescence carries one or two 3-inch, ivory to greenish yellow lowers with a rose 10 red lip. Some plants have a tosy suffasion, and a rare form is pure white, The spring flowers are highly fragrant B, tetragona. ‘hese flowers are smaller than those of B. harrisontae and are ren, heavy suffused with brown, Summer loom. B, tyrianthina, The flowers are somewhat larger than those of B. Aavrisoniae and are pinkish purple in color, paler toward the center. The lip is pinkish purple Spring blooming BLETILLA See “Hardy Orchids.” pages BULBOPHYLLUM. (INCLUDING CIRRHOPETALUM) ‘This enormous gems contains over 1,000 species of highly diverse siz, appearance, and nativis: Examples are found ont every continent, but ‘most are Fast Asian or Indonesian. Their general preference is for inermediate co warm temperatures and bright, diffused light Some have tightly clustered pseudobulbs, others long, slender thizomes with widely seatered growths, Some have large and fra- grant ower, others tiny ones that smell Like dead animals Most ave lip that is hinged and movable. The flowers may be large and solitary or tiny and closely set on fleshy spikes. Some have narrow flowers that radiate outward from the top of the stalk ike the ray lovers on 2 day this last group is sometimes split from its parent genus and —— surat bot named Ctirbopetalium, Pei MasaneBulbophylium barbigerum, Tightly clustered, inch-thick, round pseudobulbs Produce 4-inch leaves and Sinch inflorescences with as many as a dozen inch-wide Purple, narrow-petaled flowers, Each has « projecting narrow lip tipped with a dense ‘lump of fine red to purple hairs, which flutter in the lightest breeze B. graseolens (Cérrbopetalum graveotens). Pseudobilbs 3 inches thick are Aippeel by 18-inch leaves anc a wheel-shaped inflorescence made up of long, narrow, yellowish green flowers with punplish red lip. B. imbricatum, Grow this one for its oddity, not its bea Sinch flower salt is closely covered with dark purplish, scalelike bracts, making it resemble a slen- der lizard. The minute, dark purple flowers peep out from under the bracts few ata time, Bloom is, fot striking, atleast near continuous B. lobbit, Clumps of 2-inch pseudobuilhs produce single 4inch flowers on a 6- inch stem, The flower is fragrant, long lasting, yellow stripe! swith brovsn, and ody shaped, with a tall dorsal sepal an! lateral sepals that sweep outward, downward, and then back toward the stalk, Spring and summer bloom, B. longiflorum (Girrbopetalum umbellatum). lumping pseudobulbs produce 3%-inch leaves and Sinch inflorescences topped by a half cirele of cream to yellow flowers ‘wth red spots and a dark red lip, The inflorescence ean measure inches across, Fall and winter bloom, B, macranthum. Toch-ong, pseudobuilbs produce lleshy -inch leaves, Soitay flowers are 2¥2 inches broad, with dark red pets speckled with deeper red and green or yellow sepals ‘The lip isting. B, medusae (Cirrhopetalum medusae). The iflotes- cence is a mophead of 5-inel-long, straw-colored sepals that (ral like the tentacles of jellyfish, Fall and winter bloom. 8. ornatissinum (Cirrbopetalam ornatissimum). Two-ineh pseudobulbs produce 6-inch leaves. The flower stalk is slightly longer than the leaves and! carries three 4-inch yellow Nlowers marked with purple, The lateral sepals give the flowers ‘eit Feng other flower parts are smal CALANTHE “These terresrial plants are of two diflerent origins and require correspondingly differ ent care. Most topical kinds are completely deciduous, blooming from the bare pseudobulbs; those native to Japan, on the other hand, are evergreen and have no visl- ‘ne psendobulbs. Both kinds have erect or arching inflorescences bearing many flowers ‘The tropical species have heen in culivation for many years and were popular house phan in Witorian England, but their sie and leaflessness while in bloom limit "heir usefulness in today’s smaller houses, The Japanese caaathes have been favorites in Japan for centuties, but they ae so far only promising novelties elsewhere. They may be ronn out-of-doors, with care, were temperatures rarely dip below freezing ‘The tropical, deciduous species need bright litt and warmth while their foliage and pseudobulbs are developing, Once the leaves yellow andl drop, cry out the plants thoroughly and repot them, discarding any withered pseudobulbs and dead roots, Set Gilentbe Dane The Botonicals 97the bases of the remaining buths in a rich, highly ongante mix ‘nd raise he heat and humity until winter Nowering ensues. eed and water heavily to produce Targe new growth Jn natare the Japanese species are woodland plants that 200 in rich soi with leaf mol; in cultivation they are grown in lava rock and fertilized frequently: Taey are tolerant of coal to ‘warm temperatures Galanthe discolor. Japanese, These plants have two 10 {bur 6- to 10-inch leaves; inllorescences 8 to 16 inches tll carry up to thirty 2-inch flowers. These may be dark brown wo reddish onange, purple, yellow, bright green, or white, with a white ot pink lip veined in red or yellow. The spring lowers are fragrant. . sieboldi, Japanese, Similar (© C. discolor, but with 2 foot inflorescences that eary 10 0 16 yellow or yellow green flow ers, There are many other Japanese specles, as well as number ‘of named fybrid that may someday reach North America . vestita, Tropical and deciduous, The pseudobuls ave 8 or 9 inches tl, the inflorescences (Wo 3 fee tall) erect then nodding, carrying a dozen or more long-lasting flowers i win- ter These are white with touches of yellow or red on the lp. Pleated leaves 2 feet tall follow. The variety ‘Baron Schroeder” has pink lowers, as does the hybrid C.%Veitc CATASETUM. ‘The species of Cafasetun are re- markable in two ways: Eirst, though ‘most orchids comain hoth male sand female parts (and are hence otanically “perfect”, catasetums may proiuce solely male or solely fe male flowers—and the sex of the flowers can change with plant stress. Second, male flowers shoot their pollen onto visiting insects by a triggerlike de- vice. A favorite jest of the seasoned orchid fancier is to persuade a novice to smell the flower; when nose touches trigger, it receives the pollen foreibly (but not painfully). Calasetums are native to the American tropics and are gen- cerally plants with large, fleshy pseudobulbs and large, pleated, deciduous leaves. They flourish in intermediate to warm temper- atures, but need protection from strong sunlight, ‘Water and feed them Uerally while they are actively grow ing; withhold water when leaves begin to fall, providing only ‘enough to keep the pseudlobulbs from siriveling, Resume vter- ‘ing when new growth appears in the spring. Bloom period Is fall and winter, Gata pla ‘Ge int AWA 98 4 Gala of Sar Performers Catasetum expansum. arching inflorescences display fragrant white 10 yellow or green flowers, 'Pireo’ is a selection ‘vith green flowers heavily spoted it red G fimbriatum. The drooping inflorescence s up 10 5 feet Jong, with many fragrant lowers, The male flowers are 2 inches wide, yellow to green with a pink 10 red sufusion and maroon siceaks. The femal flowers are yellowish green G. integerrimum, Srcking inllorescences to 16 inches carry up to ten hooded, fragrant, green to yellow green flowers ‘with afew brownish ree! markings €, macrocarpum. The foo'-long inflorescence is erect or arching and bears up to ten fragrant Howers, These are wasy and yellowish green marked with purplish red; the lip has white markings pileatum. d dcooping inflorescence to 16 inches long carves several flowers, The male flowers are 4 inches wide and ‘creamy white, sometimes tinged with green, the female flowers are wony with yellow ip. C. russellianum. See CLOVVESIA RUSSELLIANA. below. G. tenebrosum, ‘railing inllorescences produce many dark purplish red lowers wi large, bright yellow lps in spring and suramer, viridiflavam. ‘The gracclully arching foot-long,inlo- rescences produce 4-inch fragrant flowers of ivory to pale yel lov, with pale orange interior lip. €. warscewiczii. See CLOWESIA WARSCEWICZIL below CIRRHOPETALUM See BULBOPHYLLUM. page 96. CLOWESIA Members of Glowesta resemble Gataseruna, except that the flowers are (like those of most orchids) * perfec”: tha is, hot male and female Glomesia rosea, ‘he 5-inch tailing inflorescences hold several bel shaped, inch-wide flowers of pale to deep pink. The lip is heavily fringed. Crossing this species with some of the farge, fla“lowered catasetums has yielded sttraetive hybrids C. rasselliana (Catasetum russellanum). This is sinilar to C. rosea, but with green lowers and a whiteedged lp. . marsceutezit (Catasetum warscetttezit). The 12- Inch drooping inflorescence of this orchid displays green to ‘white flowersCOELOGYNE Species of Goelggrnte are found from the high, cool Himalayas to the steamy jungles of Borneo and eastward, Hower colors range from pure white through orange and brown to green and nearly black. All plants are epiphytic and possess pseudobuibs with eaves that emerge from the ‘op. Some have rambling rhizomes with widely spaced pseudo- bulbs; chese are hest grown on long rats. The inflorescences may he erect or drooping, one or many flowered. In genera, they thrive in cvol to intermediate temperatures and bright light; exceptions are uoted. Goelogyne cristata. From high elevations in the Himalaya, this orchid requires cool growing conditions. (In fat, i can withstand nearfrocring, temperatures.) Where hhouse or greenhouse summer temperatures are high, the plant may be suspended outside ita shady, breezy location, Fragrant flowers, three to fen per arching 6- to 12-inch inflorescence, are 3 1 4 inches wide and pure white, with yellow markings on the lip. Winter and spring bloom. -dayana, Traling inflorescences 2 to 3 feet long are set with 20 to 30 cream to pale yellow to pale brown lowers, whose brown lips are marked with white. This Bor ‘neo native prefers warm conditions and blooms in spring oF summer he lower stem is 6 t0 12 inches tall and caries a single 5 inch, greenish yellow to yellow lower. Is large red or white lip is inged with yellow and marked with brown protuberances, Give it intermediate temperatures and expect spring bloom. C massangeana, See C. TOMENTOSA, below: ©. nitide (C. ocbracea). The erect or nexkding 8-inch inflorescence carries fom three to six fragrant white Howers with white lips marked red and yellow, Flowers are 1¥+ inches in wid. Summer bloom, pandurata. Widely spaced pseudobulhs indicate that this plant should be srown on a long raft or in a asket, The (-to 12-inch inflorescence caries several 4- to 53-inch lime green flowers; their green lips are prominently marked with black, Summer bloom. Warm temperatures C. spectosa, This species is much like €: Jawrenceana, but with yellowish green to greenish tan flowers having brown ip. Fall loom, C. tomentosa (C. massangeana). \ drooping inflorescence to 18 inches long carries twenty to thiny 2-inch fragrant lowers of pale yellow, ory, or ight brown, Their lips are darks brown marked with yellow. Spring through fall bloom. Warm or enol temperatures C. lawrenceana. CYCNOCHES SAN ORGIIIDS. The 60 oF so species of swan orchids are native to tropical Amer- Ica, They are related to Gafasetun and, lke that genus, hear elther male or female lowers. The common naime springs from the long, arching columa of the rade Lower, which resembles a swan's neck. The male flower is ale to throw pollen onto pollenizing bees; the female flower asa shorter column with three Chet crit Gromebes cllrociton ‘Chern AA0S The Botanicals 99100 4 aly of Str Performers hhooks that stip the pollen from the bees. The flowers are fragrant. These plants like ample water and feeding while making new growth, followed by a brie rest period with reduced watering. Grow them in intermediate to warm temperatures, but protect them from steong sunlight, Gyenoches chlorocbilon (C. ventricosum ehlorochtton). The male inllo- rescence is 6 1012 inches long holding several $-inch flowers of gray or pale green with ‘white ips. Summer to fall bloom, G egertonianum. The male inflorescence is a drooping 16 to 36 inches in length, boasting up to 30 open flowers at one time. Fragrant and Jong fasting, each flower is 3 inches wide andl green or greenish brown with purple markings, Ieis autumn lowering, z G. loddigestt. \ deooping inflorescence 6 to 12 inches long carries a al dozen fragrant, 5-inch, pale green to greenish brown to yellow flowers motied with reddish brown, The lips are white to pale pink, all bloom. G. rentricosum. This species difers from C.cbloroebiton in being somewhat sinaller in flower and having petals znd sepals swept backward CYPRIPEDIUM See Hardly Orchids,” pages 4 5}, CYRTOPODIUM Lary size and muted flower color have kept these plants out of mainstream orchid cu ture, hut one species is noteworthy a the largest orchid native to the Cited Sates. rtopodium punctatum. BEESWARM ORCHID. South Toda i home this siant. Torpedo-shaped pseucobulbs can reach a yard in height. Leaves on the younger pseudobulbs are up 10 2 feet long they are shed during the winter, The inflorescence is stout, branching, and to 5 feet or more in height, The 12-inch flowers are greenish yel- Jow heavily spotted with brown, Bloom isin spring, Plants can be grown in large pots or ‘mounted ona tree, Tas like bright light, plenty of water during growth and bloom, and considerable drying-out while dormant, DACTYLORRHIZA See “Hardy Orchids,” pages 47- DENDROCHILUM ‘These small orchids are grown for their graceful cariage and deliglful perfume. Plants sre small, compact, and atratve, their many pseudobalbs topped by one or to Tees. Long arching and trailing spikes are closely set with tiny lowers in a chain or necktace fect. A small pot can contain many flowering growths, creating a. fountain of Hloom ‘They do wel in intermediate temperatures an bright ight. Dendrochitum cobblanum, ‘the leaves axe «foot tong, The arching then drooping spikes can reach 20 inches in length and conn dozens of 34 greenish white flowers with an orange yellow ip. I ean lower iD. filiforme. like D. cobbianum in size and tabi, this speces has very slender 8 displaying as many as 100 tiny yellow flowers, Summer and fll bloom. D. glumaceum. This species resembles D. cobbiantum,difecing in having large bracts among party closed fowers of white with orange yellow lips. Fall bloom, D. wacatumt, This is miniature D, filiforme, with 4-ineh leaves and a 4-inch ‘ira yellow inflorescence, Summer and fall bloom, D. wenzelti, This species’ leaves ate 8 inches long by Ys inch wide, The inflores- ‘cence is packed with flowers 4 inch across. though usually red, these may be yellow ‘range, or brown, The bloom season is winter, DISA UNIFLORA. Of the 100-plus species ofthe terrestrial African orchid genus Disa, only D. uniflora (D. grandifiora) is seen, and that but seldom, Native to stream banks near Cape Town, itis Sometimes known as the “pride of Table Mountain.” Plans are 6 inchs to 2 feet tall and bear one to three (rarely more) 4-inch flowers. These are triangular in form; the dorsal sepal is hooded and orange red, strongly veined with bright red. The lateral sepals are bright red, the petals and lip inconspicuous Difficult to grow, this orchid is exacting as to water, soil, and temperature. Tt needs cool temperatures and a freely draining, neutral to acid growing medium based on sand and peat, The water it receives must be free of mineral salts and neutral to acd in 1 lon. Some hohbyists have hadl success growing Diva in pure coarse sand using hydro onic techniques (see page 23). DRACULA As befits their name, these orchids often appear threatening —or atthe very least bizarre, The conspicuous part ofthe flower fs the triangle formed by the three sepals, ‘The points trail ut into long tals, the colors tend to be muted and motled, and the tex- {ure may be warty or shaggy, with hats, The ridiculous petals are tiny, looking somewhat like eyes peering out from the depth of the Hower, andthe inflated lip resembles the nose ofa sinster clown, ‘These were once included in the genus Masdevallia and grow under its general concltions. However, despite their better tolerance of heat, the draculas are fussier, needing coo! temperanares, shade, high humidity coupled with good a i constant moisture without sogginess, They have no pseudobulbs the stalked leaves arise irecly from the rhizome, Dracnlas should be grov in a loose, open medium in slatted ‘wood or wire baskets, so thatthe flowers can emerge from the sides or bottom, They are defintely not orchids for beginners o grow. Dracula chimacra (Masdevallia chimaera). he leathery leaves are 10 inches long and 2 inches wide, the inflorescence up to 20 inches long. Howers are roughly 6 inches wide, but each sepal ends in a 6-inch tal, bringing the overall mea- surement fo 12 to 15 inches. The flower is bull colored and heavily spotted in maroon, with maroon tails. The entire flower Is covered with hairs and warty growths. The flow ‘ering season is unpredictable. D. erythrochaete. Less hreatening in appearance than those of D. chimnaora, the flowers of this species are an inch wide, with 2-inch tails terminating cach sepal. The movement, a Dracila saonpiva ‘ela ns FOLAOS, ‘he Botanicalsflower is creamy white, deepening to gtayist or pinkish shades with maroon dots {ovvard the center. Its tails are reddish brown, Blooms several times year D. vampira. Drooping flower stalks carty flowers that may reach a foot across, colored yellowish white to yellowish green and striped along the length of the sepals in brownish black. And yes, Virginia, there isa selection named for Bela Lagos. EPIPACTIS See "Hardy Orchids,” pages GONGORA Drooping inflorescences bearing fantastically sbaped Nowers characterize these orchids from the American tropies. The heavily ribbed pyeudlobulbs produce thin-texture heavily veined leaves. Flowers are small, comples in structure, fragrant, and nealy and rather formally arranged on the hanging stems, ‘Grow them in intermediate to warm temperatures and ight sacle, in baskets or hanging pots filled with a Yoose, fast-raining medlum. They thrive in high humidity and ike fequent watering, When plants are in bud, rest them by wiholding water for a brief pesiod. Buger beware: the tames of the species are both confused and! confusing, Gongora armeniaca (G. cornuta). The 2inch Rowers are yellow t0 orange, sometimes spotted in red. Sunimer bloom. 6. galeata. The foot-long drooping inflorescence carries yellowish brown or rust-colored flowers with a hooked lip. 6. horichiana (6. armeniaca bicornuta). This plants flowers are bright red 6, quinguenervis. This variable species may include plants known as G. bufo- nia and 6, maculata. Us drooping spikes may be 3 feet long and its flowers yellow, red, white, or greenish, with or without spots and stripes Ganson GOODYERA Se “Thardy Orchids” pages 47—51 LOCKHARTIA ‘The plants are clumps of unbranched ereet or drooping stems sheathed by the broad bases ofthe short leaves. The general effect is that ofa braided watch lain, The flowers are borne in clusters on short spikes and resemble those of oncidiums. They prefer bright ight, « humid atmosphere, and intermediate temperatures. Grove these orchids in bark and water them freely, but withhold some water in winter. They flower over an extended period —sometimes al vat Lockbartia Innifera, The stems are one foot tall and erect. The lover spike usually forms atthe end of the stem and contains one or a few halEinch golden yellow flowers witha sprinkling of tiny purple dots 1. oerstedtit. ‘he erect stems are 1% feet tal. The flowers appear singly or in twos, Ali Tess than an inch wide, they are bright yellow with an elaborately shaped lip marked with brown swellings, 102 Galaxy of Sear PerformersLUDISIA DISCOLOR (HAEMARIA DISCOLOR) Grown for its foliage rather than its lowers, this is very likely the easiest orchid to grow. thrives under the same conditions as an African violet —a rich loose house plant pot ting mix, moderate light evel, cool to warm feraperatures, ample water with good drainage, and occasional light Feeding. The stems branch and creep, rising atthe ends to form rosettes of veley, bronzy brown, 3-inch, broadly oval leaves veined with red. A senile lower spike 6 inches tall holds many tiny white lowers with yellow lips. Easy to propagate, this isa good plant to share with friends: small pieces broken off root readily in moist poting mix. The plant is sometimes sold as Z. discolor daw- soniana or I. dw LYCASTE Iycaste plants are deciduous or semievergreen, dropping Teaves in dy winters, Their leaves are large, thin in texture, and pleated. The flowers appear from the base of the pseuddobulbs belore the leaves expand, or just as they begin to expan, Each short stem carries a single Hower, but the pseuxlobulhs may produce many of these flowering stems; ‘The flowers consist of three large sepals and oo smaller inner petals (usually ofa contrasting color) that form a hood above or axound the lip. Although the flowers are long lasting ‘on the plant, they are easily bruised once cu, Grow Iyeastes in light shade and cool t intermediate temperatures, using a eymbidim mi or a bark-based mix. The plants need litle water during winter, but heavy watering should begin when the flowers and leaves appear ancl con- tinue until new growth is completed. In addition 10 the species listed below, many other species and a number of hybrids and selections are occasionally available. Iycaste aromatica. Kach G-inch flower single 3-inch flower, but each pseudobulh may produce a dozen stems, The sepals are yellow with a greenish tinge, the petals bright yellow, Flowers are strongly cinnamon scented ‘inen they bloom, in late winter and spring. E. brevispatha, ‘Wo-inch tlowers on ‘incl stalks hhave pale green, pink-spoted sepals and white to rose petals ‘The lip is white Z. campbeltit, The flowers are small, with green sepals, yellow petals, and a deeper yellow lip. n curries a rca ene 1, eruenta, This species resembles 1. aromatica, but sont ead tenet aa Sn We’ AAS i ci flowers, 1, denningiana. What tlowers droop on long (20-inch) stems; they are lange 6 to 6 inches across), with pale green segments and a bright orange lip. Leaves remain ‘nthe plant from season to season. It appreciates cool, dry conditions. £, doppet. Snilae to 1. aromatica, but sepals of the 4-inch Lowers are green, ‘heavily spotted with red; the petals are white, the lip yellow Blooms in spring to fall The Boanicals 103Masel arobel JSC 10 A Gale of Sar Performers 1. macrobulbon. The 2¥-inch flowers have greenish yellow sepals and whitish yellow petals. The lip is yellow with some brown spotting The flowers bloom in spin, and sommer 1. macrophylla, The 3¥-inch flowers have green sepals with pinkish brown edges, white petals with pink spots, and a white lip with pink dots, Spring or summer bloom is usual, but this one may bloom at any time, L. skénneri (L. virginalis). The leaves can reach 30 inches in length, The 12- inch flower stems bear inch flowers, whose sepals are white 0 deep pink, thei petals deeper pink to red, and thee lips white to pale pink with deeper pink spots, There is & pce white varies Ls, ala, and a number of named selections. This i Une ntional flower of Gusiemala. These plants do not requite so decided a winter rest as other Iycastes. Bloom isin fll and winter. L. tréfoltata, Small plants produce small, apple green flowers with a heavily Fringed white lip. MASDEVALLIA Native to misty mountain forests, theSe small orchids need cool, humid eondl- tions along with good air movement. Because the plants take up hile room, enthusiasts in favored areas can amass large collections (one grower offers 40 species). They grows out-of Glos 109rex. From se Ltn for floc; name give ol dhe offpring | ofa cross hetween two species, No mater how offen the eros | is repeated, even with dllferent individual plants reptesentn | the species, the offspring are considered 10 be the sume grex ~The ame fs printed in roman type with an initial capital letter, in Phnagnuipedsim x Grande, Any selected plant from this rex that is propagated by division or meristem culture will | have its ame enclosed in single quotation marks; for example, _ Phnagmipedin x Grande "he Wisart. See also hybrid. “heterosis. lybrid vigor. o le increased strength and the ol | erance of varying conditions that are often found in dhe off spring of different species or g | hooded. Describes a flower part arched over oF partially enclosed by another flower part me. hybrid. a plant that is the offspring of two different species or feitera, See also arex. __hydroponies, Literally “water work”: a technique of grovtng plants in a sterile medium (or no medium at all) and flooding the coots periodically a nmtrent solution, internode, Thar portion of a sem, cate, or psewdobulb lo | cated between two nodes, or joints. kei. A plantlet that develops high up on a eane, pseudobulb, ~~ or flower stem. When it has developed a sufficient root system, it may be detached and grown separately. Jabellum. The lip, or third petal of the orchid flower, which has ‘bea modified in shape and color fo lure a pollenizing insect. Wo Galaxy of Ser Pefrrners - parewill alternate, = Tateral. Pertaining to the side; on orchids, the laters are helower pair of sepals, Compare with dorsal, ead: The growing pon oa smipodloreid (Such asa ca leya). is lover portion lengthens the rhizome and develops roots, The npper portion becomes 2 pseudobulb and eventa- ally produces leaves and flowers. 8 large plant may ave set eral leads clustered along one side, called the leading edge, lip. See labellum, oS lithophyte. A plant that grows on rocks; many ordhitds do so, taking nourishment from moses, liter rain, and their own dead tissue - mericlone. 4 plant propagated by tissue cultare from meri swemate tissue, See meristem and clone. meristem, Unciferentael tissue ta is capable of develop- "ing into specialized tissue such a5 root, leaf or ster, Also, ia ‘orchid talk a plant produced by cultiring meristematic tissue jonopodial. Describes a type of plant grovel in which new tissue is produced indefinitely from the tip ofthe plant. Branch- ing is absent or litle developed. Phalaenopsis and palms are 00d examples. Compare with sympodial. multiyeneric. Having more thin ovo genera in the ancestry : mycorrhiza. Fungi associated with, and beneficial to, the roots of a plant. In orchid propagation, mycorthiza were essential 10 the germination of seeds before sturile autuent arowth media wore devised. They may also be essential tothe surdvalofsomeserresiral orchids, node. \ joint, or point ona siem at which Toaves flowers, or ‘ler rgans arse oF have the potential fo arise ‘opposite Descries lesies disposed aloug & sem oF rane the same height but on opposing sides, There axe two leaves or inflorescences at each node oa the sem. Com petal. One of the inner whorl of ongais urzounding tho sex ual paris of the flower They are offen colorful and a ave to polleniing insects. Compare wih sepa. z ‘pleated. Folded leng pseudobulb. a thickened, bulbo at arises from the Thigonie and sere as 2 yaerand auton storage organ, infin te raft A structure formed of wooden sla, used lo suppor. arehids tha need espetlly ft dranaye and constant rot aeration: Basie verre “rhizome. A stem that produces roots and above round orgaas such as stems, pseudobulbs, and flowers. In epiphytic ord its usualy fotnd on the surge in terre ___ tial orchids it may be underground. The shizome may be long, _ ors short sto be unnoticeable, 2 sepa One ofthe ter whorl of organs surrounding the sex _ tal pats ofthe lover ta some orchids (notably Masala), the sepals jin together ro form a tbe contining the olser wer pars Compare wih petal. : sheath. 4 ubular structure surrounding some plant part In Orchids (notably in catleyas), a lellike structure containing, the developing inflorescence a the end ofthe pseudobulb. "species, group of plants sharing common aries and ~_dceurring in nature (as opposed to te hybrids bred by human ~ hands). Ako, in orchid ‘alk, one of the less ofen-grown orchids (compared with the mass-produced hybrids). In the _ Tater se itis also frequent eed a otaica, Spur. Amhnlar downyard and outward extension ofa flower that secretes nectar: sympodial. Describes a pe of plant ou in-which branch: ‘ng oocurs wen the terminal bud flowers or dies, subsequent ‘growih proceeds from side buds, Catlleyas and hearded itis are -good examples. Compare with monopodial. ‘synsepalum, An organ resulting from the fusion of the two. lower sepals of a slipper orchid. 11 is found below and behind the lip, or pouch. terete, Chlindrial, p shaped: used to describe a npe of -Teafor stem terrestrial. Growing inthe sol tessellated, Describes lenes marked vit small checker: board squares, giving them a mottled effect, tuber, A swollen, usually underground, plant organ (stem, branch, or rect) used for food storage. Many terrestrial oF chids grow from tubers. iifoliate. laving a single leaf per pseudobulb (used 10 describe one kind ofcatteya), Compare with bifoliate, | elamen. The corky outer ler of epiphytic orchid roots, whose function is to absorb atmospheric moisture, - whorl. Three o more leaves, lowers, or branches arranged ‘n-acrele at one point around the mia stem ‘piddrum pcudpliendram GhsserySEP 1 8 20? INDEX Pe nme bollice spe nee ain eres na scope thassin a pe nda pons breton acid oer sees 9 ‘sal 8,9 31,35 38 eke, 72.72 A 86 lane, 54109 eran Oi Sai (20) 1,15, 2 see, 34,95 9485 nai, 195,95 seam, 95 Ins ac, 96,96 op hora ch See Daan dared, $472 72 scion 372 das 1415 kal 3, 67,109 eds gong, 36, 38 eh rei Se Denese eeswarm ch Sr apa Bao 56109 foun 96 Bl sien So tte te Alta sian 8 48 ots, 53, 91-108, 19 Pras 5,38, 38, 560 Drain 79 79.111 teaser 38 62 Brasil, 2, 53,58, 58-99.05 Tron whi. pei Brogan ania, 6, 60 ‘ule 36 96-97 urateare, 86,87 Faery ors. fre sey Gatti, 98.98 (Gatto 7,812 26,38, 5, 5 36 57, 13 38,85-59, 110 atte atc 5, 55-05 ales $8 andar ears, 60 Greta Se ei ours 98 ot keer, Sw Bay ieee. 7,2, 99 ier ot, 851 Calon oh 6 715,65 sean eer, 48, St Canes, 36,38 Sind ‘908. akg nis 16,2718 18,2, a Crags 21.55.64 Gs eres tsi penal 65,80 Cala Creme 90, 9-100 Cymbluton 24,28 4,5, 68 64-68, 666.67 8 pit, 38, 39,5849, 51 Cp 10 112 dnd relia 49-5 Denahinm 582543 778 Dondbinm lines 75-75 imaweion, 1 10-108 ‘ari born, Sw Corton cont, sor, 10,10. ses 1, 25-26 27 45,46 Drie 20-1 Sa in i ess rtp, 11 tart peri 7 Samay 932.4 rw 101-102 Tes Se Conant Wee vain 6,868 ayo el, 54 Procin 546 60-61. 6 hha, 59 piven, 9, 31,94, 6, 61-62, pains 50-81, 5 pps 7,9, 45.62, ate andrea, 73,78 eer soieenens, 25-25, 27 se a dd speci, Hover puns 6 ol els Sh are hye ros pre re. eatin 32 Gongs #03 103 Gander $1 Greene. £01, 44 45, 6 46 ‘eligi 33 inom rns of 20 Ge 1, 58.9, 1. see al ois Gav abi 7 Geo ape ol Menara dcr Se ia dco arya 31 ey sei 248-15 Hh rage 845. ‘ints, Ii, 15, 55, vd 1,18, 1,54, §8-59,71, 6,02, 0 ropes, 2, yb 11, 58, 58-59, % mei growers 8 seis 31,7011 ali hp 6,7 8 0 Tad f he eh erase as sper oid Sor Crp Pappa: Sqr oes Saelia 12.14, 3747 3, €2, 62-63, 63 Laat, 18, 5853.59 Ieonosn, 80.80 sh easing. 20 Ua repens 1 19-22 4946, Se nil see, Livoftealey rei. oe ‘wasn ithe, 768,75, 10 sector, 2 heed rate, 20, Itai dlr 108 ese, 105, 103-104 sadn 96 ua oc See Dacor, Marci Ser Oneida Maianer seers 3) Hpsleaa 91, 104 v08-108 stare 105,108 Merle, 131,74, 10 loi, 80-81, 31, 109 Ides 15 80° Miia specs 20, 37,67,68 Woccsin eee Seppe Soaopai youl, 31, 386910 ti Ser Plas, Same sn fre 5 tre aha, 7 9. er iy inal Spates eof fens, 73 Nis ci eM an oe *fntody 2 6 notte, 86 Cems, 81-88, 82 ttn 86, 37 nei, 1279 88 83-84, 81 neti alas, 51, 70-$7 Drak ‘ofthe, 47, #851 ‘osc of 6 48, 5 fay, 54 ison 10 Ip 24, 26 22-98, 38 i it-tler 120 nse da, 2, 37,64, 67, Cry est ui 553 aes 79 Sa f 7| sinter 6 rcs 10,19 Ganesan 84-85 ‘kde rng 18,22, 46-51 Puy ms Sr stant ans Pappa, 111822, 3),51.98 19, 89-92, 50.91, 92 pion Se a 5,738) Phas eit See Ps ‘unleie Pious toners, 106, 106 519,124 34 31,46 mH Phage, 95.98 Mating nei 25~24,33, 805,38 So anid soi. ene, 106 108 Plots 16 106-107 Puli, 698,98, 99, Poin, $839 Fong, 9 tengo, 38-5 rabbi 2° reno 10, A035 eda, 930, 1 0 Pacis 8588 Penne pase, 5,85 as See Sas, ein Teese pi Se bd epost Repro, el, 6,98 a perio 9,25, 24, Sea sad jaca 5458.65 63 Rlyocbsts 7873 ack esl se Doi ore, 88 Poss gone 82 85-86, 85 Sas, ° Sent 75-7 Seedlings ase phim, 52-38 Shi gig 22.27 40.95, Sippr rcs, 3 Sah proving, $5, 36 38 Soba 0? sess $9 Sando 59 “espns $9 eplioits $9.68. 63 ‘Sra ris or Ot Sif 107, 107-108 Sm or Zips Sat 8 19.20.28 27,8 Sula cei 16 St oi ceva: Syopil arath,8.30- 3,810 Tomprstr aremens 18-1, 7 Seaton tes. "e741, evil 7, 24,1 “gro. san ed ‘ha ue 1.14 3h Mansa. 81,25 ‘Tramp 31, 35,59, 38 39. ee abo India species. Abe Se lane Tristano 86 Tepe, 8S Tipe Sw spn sat, 56 Vanda 851, 74.74 tice, 69-4 Vat onion. ee Ente ‘erin Vande Rasa 74 "larg Su awl pei a pst, 0,108 Vat 12. sidan, 9, inline 22,38, 15-16 Vi ins, 26 Patt 86 alvin Se nda Wen ging nei, 1, 22,29, 4 ues ean Inder 22-25 26,27 ingrenionsey 6 cee, 33 csp 38 pal Ser ay tel Se. x Witan W647 acon 7 108,108,A complete guide to growing and collecting orchids Take the mystery out of growing these exotic plants with detailed information an more than 250 varieties Care instructions for plants in or out of bloom Valuable tips on shopping for orchids, transplanting, and propagation : 8 / ~~ |miliiies Nene ere 85 2 Eatin 3 ' nf : ie : oll o88: ns