108 orchids: how to grow them successfully. 



MiLTONiA VEXILLARIUM. From Antioqua. 

 {Si/n. Odontoglossum vexillarium.) 



This, when well grown, is one of the most showy and beautiful 

 of Orchids, and if cultivated under proper conditions makes rapid 

 growth, but with unsuitable treatment it presents a very unsatis- 

 factory appearance. In the Intermediate house, however, it grows 

 without difficulty, and it should be repotted after flowering, 

 generally about the end of May, and once in two years is often 

 enough for doing so. After repotting, water very carefully, keeping 

 the compost just moist and the plants a little more shaded for five 

 or six weeks, after which water may be apphed with greater 

 freedom ; although, as in the case of Lycaste Skinnerii, it is always 

 best to have the plant kept in too dry a condition rather than too 

 wet, especially duiing winter, and should there be any doubt as to 

 the plant wanting water, wait a day or so until quite sure on this 

 point. The points of the leaves of this species have a peculiar habit 

 of decaying, especially under wrong treatment, either from being 

 too wet at the roots or from too cold a temperature, and this 

 indication commences at the apex by the formation of a watery 

 spot, which should be pierced with the point of a knife, or cut clean 

 away, otherwise it extends in a downward dii-ection. The yellow 

 thrip is a natural enemy to this plant, and if allowed to ravage 

 unimpeded soon work great destruction, but they are easily 

 exterminated by dusting tobacco powder down the axils of the new 

 growth. It thrives best when grown in pots, which should be 

 jjlaced on the stage at the warm end of the Intermediate house 

 and well up to the Ught, or it may also be suspended in a light and 

 airy position, but not in a direct draught from the ventilator, but 

 v/here there is a free circulation of pure air, with treatment as before 

 recommended, then free growth is generally assured to this 

 beautiful Orchid. 



The best potting material is sphagnum moss and fibrous peat, 

 in equal proportions, with a small quantity of small broken knobs 

 of charcoal mixed in. A variety named " rubellum " has small 

 flowers and blooms at a later date, but is by no means so pretty as 

 the original species, M. vexillarium, which also varies in form and 

 colour in different plants ; the almost white, as well as the darkest 

 and richest coloured being the most valued. A little weak manure 

 water is beneficial during the growing season. This plant is best 



