What Is The Characteristic Feature Of Cypripediums Or Ladyslippers?
Years ago I the good fortune and pleasure of being able to bring back plants of Cattleya dowiana from Costa Rica when we were there hunting and studying orchids as they grew in their natural habitat. My own have blossomed beautifully and I shall show you a picture of them in the future and tell you something of our orchid hunt.
Then too as I am writing this – Zygopetalum mackayi is in bloom and the moment I enter the greenhouse its delicious odor greets me. This was mentioned in a previous article and I trust some of you have obtained it and are enjoying it too.
Cypripediums or Ladyslippers are now in bloom and I wish you might see about a dozen plants which a friend has in bloom. There are sixty of the bright yellow slippers all out at the same time and they will be fresh for a month. If you knew how easily this friend grows them and how reasonable they are in price, I am sure you would not be able to resist the temptation to grow some yourself.
Cypripediums insigne and Harefleld are in bloom too, and you would enjoy them for a month or more. Cattleya trianae is now making its debut and will continue to produce its very pretty flowers of varying orchid shades from one plant after another until nearly spring and if you were to order an orchid from your florist any time until spring he would be able to supply trianae, if you desired it, for it is largely grown for winter bloom.
Then too I must not forget to mention the Oncidiums. Oncidium varicosum rogersi has blossomed in October and November and had you seen them, your exclamation would have been “Oh see the yellow butterflies” for that is just what they seemed to be perched upon a stem a yard tall and set into motion by slight currents of air. Mrs. Yarian insists that they resemble little “ballet girls” and I sometimes think she is right. This orchid is inexpensive and of easy culture.
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