154 ORCHIDS FOR EVERYONE 



them for gorgeous colouring. They come from the islands of the 

 East Indies, from the Malayan Archipelago, and some from India, 

 and, with about one exception, need the highest temperature our 

 glass-houses afford, with a continually moist atmosphere. There 

 is not the slightest doubt that the best way to grow them is to 

 devote a house to them, but where this cannot be done, then the 

 shadiest part of the hottest house should be set apart for their 

 culture. Teak baskets or cylinders, or broad shallow pans, are the 

 best receptacles, the former for preference, as Phalcenopsis appear 

 to like a circulation of moist air about their roots. Plenty of clean 

 crocks must be provided for drainage, and over this only sphagnum, 

 with a few pieces of crocks added as the moss is worked carefully 

 in among the roots, will be necessary. A large amount of material 

 is not at all desirable. 



Potting is not often necessary, and, indeed, should be only 

 done when absolutely essential, as, for instance, when the plant 

 has quite outgrown its receptacle, or the baskets begin to decay. 

 But a renewal of the sphagnum is desirable each Spring. The 

 roots of Phalsenopsis are fleshy, and adhere closely to the 

 baskets or pans, and delight in coming out from the sphagnum 

 and clinging to the outside of the receptacle ; consequently re- 

 potting or re-basketing is no light undertaking, as no matter how 

 careful the operator is, some roots will be broken in the process, 

 and the least carelessness will result in very great damage. If the 

 roots and receptacle (not the leaves) are soaked for an hour or two 

 in tepid water before potting, the roots may be then more easily 

 detached ; but when pots or pans are used, these should be broken, 

 and the pieces to which roots are firmly attached be allowed to 

 remain. Spring is the best time to re-pot or renovate the rooting 

 material. After potting, extra shade must be afforded for some 

 time, and the direct supply of water to the roots must be small. 



