POTTING EPIPHYTAL ORCHIDS. 39 



pots are those in ordinary use. Some employ slate pots, but 

 they are not so good for Orchids as those made of clay. 



In preparing the pots for large plants a small pot should be 

 turned upside down in the bottom of the larger one, filling in 

 around it with potsherds or charcoal broken up into pieces 

 about two inches square for large plants, and using smaller 

 pieces for smaller plants ; then introduce potsherds till within 

 three or four inches of the rim, and afterwards put on a layer 

 of moss to prevent the peat from settling down and impeding 

 the drainage, and preventing the water from passing off 

 quickly. This is of great importance, for if not attended to, 

 the water will become stagnant, and the soil sodden, which 

 is fatal to the health of the plant. The grand point to be 

 observed in the successful culture of Orchids, as well as most 

 other plants, is good drainage ; without that it is hopeless to 

 try to keep the roots long in a healthy condition, and if these 

 fail the plant goes with them. 



The best material to be used in potting the different kinds 

 of epiphytal Orchids, when grown in pots, is a mixture of 

 good rough fibrous peat and live sphagnum moss. After the 

 layer of moss is applied, fill up the pot to the top with this 

 mixed peat and live sphagnum moss, and bear in mind not to 

 press the soil too closely, for we believe too firm potting to be 

 very injurious. The peat should be broken into lumps about 

 the size of a hen's egg ; and we always use broken potsherds 

 or charcoal mixed with the peat. The plant should be set so 

 as to be two or three inches above the rim of the pot, taking 

 care to have the base of all the pseudobulbs above the soil ; 

 then put some peat and moss on the top of the roots so as to 

 cover them, inserting a few small pegs in the soil to keep it 

 firmly on the pot. After the plants are potted fix a stick in 

 the centre of each, to keep it firm. In shifting, carefully 

 shake away all the old soil without injuring the roots. After 



