THE MOST USEFUL ORCHIDS 131 



level of the rim. Then, keeping the plant in the centre, proceed 

 to fill in the compost around it, beginning at one side and working 

 round, making the compost firm with the fingers, or by means of 

 a short stick, as the work proceeds. The stick must not be used 

 as a rammer, but simply to press the compost firmly and sideways. 

 An experienced grower would be able to pot an Odontoglossum 

 with this compost pretty much as others would pot a Pelargonium, 

 without making the material too hard and compact, but the usual 

 practice is to proceed on the lines suggested. When potted, the 

 plant should stand firmly in the centre of the pot, and, as suggested, 

 a little raised above the rim level. But at the margin the compost 

 should be a little below the rim of the pot, so that when water is 

 given it passes through the compost and does not run off it. A pair 

 of scissors or small shears will enable the operator to trim away 

 loose pieces of sphagnum or peat fibre, and give a finished appear- 

 ance to the work. A few heads of fresh, green sphagnum may be 

 dibbled in, but this is a matter of appearance rather than of 

 necessity. Watering with soft tepid water through a very fine 

 rose will complete the business. 



When established plants are in need of more root room, their 

 needs should be supplied. The work of re-potting is but a modifi- 

 cation of the potting process already described. The retention or 

 rejection of the old pseudo-bulbs is a subject for consideration, 

 because after a few years these may become so numerous as to 

 occupy a large amount of room in the pot. All pseudo-bulbs still 

 carrying leaves should be retained, but behind these not more than 

 one, or at most two, need be allowed to remain. Sever the 

 rhizome or underground stem with a sharp knife, between the 

 portions to be retained and rejected. A clean pot and clean, fresh 

 drainage must be provided for the plant that is to be re-potted, 

 and before it is put in the new material, all the old potting compost 



