AERIDES. 63 



large pieces at the bottom, but finish off at the top with small ; 

 above this fresh living sphagnum moss should be used, and 

 when the moss begins to decay fresh should be given to keep 

 all healthy. They all do well on blocks of wood, but to gi'ow 

 them in perfection they require care as regards moisture. 

 Sphagnum moss and broken potsherds have proved the best 

 materials for filling baskets. They require frequent watering 

 at the roots during the growing season ; indeed, they should 

 never be allowed to become thoroughly dry, not even during 

 their season of rest, as they are liable to shrivel and lose their 

 bottom leaves. Aerides require but little repose, and the moss 

 should always be kept damp ; but during the dull months of 

 winter no water should be allowed to lodge on the leaves or in 

 the heart of the plant, as it would be very apt to rot them. 

 The plants, if not in pots, should be suspended from the roof, 

 but not very near the glass, lest they should be affected by 

 cold ; and they should be kept perfectly free from insects, espe- 

 cially the different kinds of scale. There is a small kind in 

 particular which is apt to infest them, and which, if allowed 

 to increase, will speedily make the plants look yellow and 

 unhealthy. It may be kept under by washing with warm 

 water and soft-soap, applied with a sponge and left on the 

 leaves for some twenty-four hours, when all remains of the 

 soap should be removed with clean water. 



These plants are propagated by cutting them into pieces, 

 with roots attached to each piece. Some kinds, however, are 

 shy in throwing up young shoots, and this makes these sorts 

 very scarce. The A. odoratum division is the most easy to 

 increase, and A. crispum sends out roots more freely than some 

 others. If the plants ever get into an unhealthy condition, the 

 best way is to cut off the bottom of the plant, and give fresh 

 moss, with plenty of water at the roots. 



A, affi7ie. — ^A handsome free-flowering species from India, 



