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now as formerly, but there are some plants, like Cattleya citrina for 

 instance, which from the nature of their growth are much better on 

 blocks than in pots or baskets ; but there are comparatively few strong- 

 growing species which cannot be more satisfactorily grown in baskets. 

 One reason for this is probably due to the .fact that in baskets they 

 do not suffer quite so quickly in hot weather, whereas blocks need 

 very frequent attention in watering during the summer, or the plants 

 may be injured beyond recovery. When an Orchid is to be grown 

 on a block a little moss may be placed round the base of the plant, 

 and the latter firmly fixed by a few pieces of copper wire passed 

 across and nailed to the side or back of the block. In some cases 

 the moss is not requisite, but it is safer for beginners to employ a 

 little at first. 



The time at which these operations require to be performed varies, 

 for in their native countries Orchids commence their growth at very 

 different periods ; but it may be taken as a general rule that as soon 

 as root or leaf growth is commencing potting or basketing can be 

 safely done. In many species the commencement of activity is 

 readily seen in the protrusion of young roots at the base of the stem 

 or pseudo-bulb, and in others new growths will be seen pushing from 

 the lower portion of the plant. The adoption of lower winter tem- 

 peratures necessitates resting most Orchids which need that treatment 

 in the duller months of the year, consequently growth generally 

 commences in February and March, when the majority can be safely 

 potted. But the rule previously given can be followed as regards 

 those that start at other times ; but for such as are growing to some 

 extent all the year, like Odontoglossums, the potting season may be 

 regulated according to convenience, and Orchids of the Vanda and 

 Aerides type may be so treated whenever they are not in active 

 growth, but preferably just before they start, and the early spring will 

 be found the most satisfactory time for the majority. Some Orchids 

 require repotting or basketing much more frequently than others, the 

 strong, quick- growing species needing attention every year; the slower, 

 more delicate sorts often thrive well enough for several seasons with 

 only an occasional renewal of the surfacing. The latter should, 

 however, be looked to every year, as it improves the appearance of 

 the plants very much, and is beneficial to the young roots, which 

 dislike old decayed materials about them. 



WATERING, SYRINGING, RESTING. Few plants that are not aquatics 

 require so much water as Orchids both about their roots and in the 

 atmosphere, and therefore the supply of moisture is an important 

 operation. Healthy Orchids when growing freely can scarcely have 

 too much water, and during the summer they will need attention 

 twice a day independent of damping the paths and stages, or 

 syringing. In the winter and during the resting period of Orchids, 

 whether terrestrial or epiphytal, the supply must be greatly reduced 



