orchids: how to grow thkm successfully. 2f) 



can pass throuf^h most fioc^ly and escape through the ht^lc at the 

 bottom of the pot. A thin layer of sphagnum should be laid over 

 the crocks and charcoal, then place the plant in position, holding 

 it there with one hand, and with the other distributing the roots 

 in the pot, afterwards filling in \\'ith the comi)Ost, and whilst still 

 liolding the plant firndy with one hand, the peat, sphagnum, &c., 

 should be carefully packed in, neither too finnly or too loosely, but 

 well into the centre between the roots, so that no hollow spaces 

 are left. A little practice and careful use of the fingers will soon 

 enable beginneis to pot their plants properly. The plant will then 

 be self-supporting, with the exception perhaps of a few neat sticks 

 tlirust into the compost gently, so as not to injure any roots but 

 yet support the plant securely, and prevent injury to the pseudo 

 bulbs and young growth. As soon as the plant is made secure by 

 the suppoi-t of sticks, then carefully finish off the potting, by filling 

 up any holes or loose places, leaving an even regular surface, with 

 tlu! centre of the plant a little raised and tapering off to the rim of 

 the jjot, bearing in mind that the compost should go well up to the 

 base of the pseudo bulbs, especially the leading ones, newly forming 

 roots will then push out direct into the fresh compost; and 

 1 laving gi'own safely into the moss they are out of the way of their 

 enemies, the slugs and other pests, which are veiy partial to the 

 young and tender points. In repotting, the opportunity should be 

 embraced of forming a neat and well shaped plant; and if ill 

 shaped, it should be cut in two and rearranged into a better 

 form, with the gi'owths pointing towards the centre. 



Fig. 11 (see- page oH) represents a newly potted plant of 

 Cattlnya, showing i)Osition of drainage and compost. 



ODONTOGLOSSUMS AXD OXCIDIUMS. 



The mode of potting these is very similar to that already 

 described for Cattleyas, as to drainage, compost, and other items, 

 although Odontoglossums and Oncidiums are not quite so sensitive 

 as to the fibrous natme of peat ; therefore the best, and that which 

 is of the most fibrous texture, shoidd be selected for the Cattleyas. 

 Neither should over large pots be used for Odontoglossums, as they 

 become re-established nmch quicker, and are moie readily managed, 

 in comparatively small pots. I do not, of course, recommend 

 cramming th(^ plants in so that they are in a cramped state to 



