1 88 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



Other species such as C. villosum and 0. Boxallii require a liberal 

 supply of moisture throughout the year, hut during the months from 

 March to October an abundance of moisture also at the roots. They 

 may in each case be kept a little drier at the roots for a few weeks 

 after the flowers have been removed. The repotting of the cool 

 section should be done in early spring. 



Propagation. The best way to increase the stock is by division. 

 If three or more growths, with foliage, are formed successively on the 

 rhizome, the two front ones may be parted by carefully cutting through 

 the rhizome between the second and third; carefully remove these 

 with as much root as possible, leaving the old growth untouched. 

 These back growths generally break freely, and in a short time make 

 good plants. The part removed may be potted up in the usual way. 

 The best period at which to divide Cypripediums is when the new roots 

 are being emitted from the base of the young or last-made growth. 

 When divisions are made of plants in this condition, with due en- 

 couragement, they quickly re-establish themselves in their new quar- 

 ters. Freshly potted plants, especially where divisions have been 

 made, should be carefully shaded from the direct rays of the sun. 



Dendrobium. Some of the species of the deciduous section, such 

 as D. nobile and its allied species and varieties, will thrive at the warm 

 end of the intermediate-house; but the majority are happier in a hot-house. 

 They are not recommended for cool treatment. D. infundibulum and 

 its allied form D. jamesianum succeed grown with the Odontoglossums 

 in the cool-house. D. japonicum may also be grown here during the 

 summer months, but the temperature of the cool intermediate- house is 

 more suitable. The pots should be well drained and the potting com- 

 post consist of chopped sphagnum moss and a little fibrous peat. Water 

 freely during the growing season, very little indeed being required after 

 the growths have reached maturity. 



Disa grandiflora. This is one of the finest of cool-house Orchids. 

 It is a native of the Table Mountain of the Cape, and during the grow- 

 ing season requires a free circulation of air at all times. It should be 

 frequently syringed whenever the outside conditions are favourable. 

 The potting compost will also require to be kept moist, especially after 

 the flower spikes commence to develop. They will require a continua- 

 tion of liberal treatment until the flowers have been removed, after 

 which period only sufficient moisture will be required to keep the tubers 

 plump. Repotting should be carried out in the early spring, using 

 ample drainage and a compost of equal portions of peat and chopped 

 sphagnum, adding a liberal sprinkling of rough sand and pressing the 

 compost moderately firm. They do well in a cold frame, where they 

 must be kept shaded during the summer months and be protected from 

 frost in winter. This is by far the finest species of the South African 

 Orchids. Several hybrids have been obtained by using D. grandiflora 

 as one of the parents. These form charming additions and generally 

 possess better constitutions than the parent species, and are worthy of 

 every consideration. Watsoni and Kewensis are very free both in 

 growth and bloom. 



