EOT IN ORCHIDS. 55 



EOT IN ORCHIDS. 



RCHIDS are subject to disease in theii* leaves, stems, 

 and pseudobulbs, especially during the damp months 

 of winter. The rot, which is apt to assail the thick 

 fleshy bulbs, is caused by too much moisture in the house. 

 When the heat is low, sometimes the drip from the glass will 

 fall on the crowns of the pseudobulbs, and this soon causes 

 them to rot. Steam is also very injurious in a house during 

 the winter ; it is particularly inimical to such plants as 

 Cattleyas, Pei'isterias, Odontoglossums, and any other Orchids 

 that have fleshy bulbs. When the rot attacks the bulbs it 

 should be seen to at once, and may be easily stopped by 

 cutting the diseased part entirely away with a sharp knife, no 

 portion of the diseased or decayed bulb being left, and the 

 wound should then be filled up with sulphur, to keep it dry. 

 When the leaves begin to rot, the diseased part should also be 

 cut clean away, and a little sulphur rubbed on the part that is 

 cut, but not in such a manner as to let the sulphur get to the 

 roots of the plants. 



When any part of the fleshy pseudobulbs of the above- 

 named plants, or of those with similarly-formed bulbs, 

 becomes discoloured, and the dark or discoloured part appears 

 moist or wet, especially if any fluid exudes from it on pressure, 

 the wet or discoloured part should be immediately cut out, or 

 there is danger that the bulb will be destroyed, as the rot is 

 often much more extensive within the bulb than the discoloured 

 appearances on the outside would seem to indicate. The 

 plant should also be removed to a drier and cooler place, and 

 water should be given with the utmost care. 



