120 THE ORCHID REV-IEW. [APRIL, 1922. 
CULTURAL «NOTES. 
By J. MACKAY, ORCHID GROWER TO JAMES J. JoICEY, EsQ., THE HILL, 
WITLEY, SURREY. 
E are now entering the busiest time, for with the gradually lengthen- 
ing days and increased spells of sunshine root action and growth will 
commence in earnest. Conditions in the various houses can be given 
which will promote free and rapid growth; as the conditions outside 
become favourable the temperature can be raised five or ten degrees all 
round. Give air whenever possible in the various houses, if only for a short 
time, so that the atmosphere may be changed to prevent stagnancy with 
the extra moisture which will be required. Maintain a free growing 
atmosphere by damping down several times daily, especially during bright 
spells, and watch the shading of plants carefully, as the foliage will soon 
get scalded during the early spring months. Repotting should be done 
where necessary, and as Orchids cannot be potted so quickly as other plants 
it is essential that they should be done carefully and well. 
Many plants of Odontoglossum, Cattleya, and Leliocattleya hybrids 
will be pushing flower spikes, and these should be carefully watched and 
protected from the ravages of slugs, and in other cases by thrip. The latter 
pest may be kept in check by fumigation at intervals of a fortnight. Spikes 
of Odontoglossum may be protected by cotton wool and secured to neat 
sticks, so that they may have all the light possible. 
In the warm house a good many plants will need attention in the way 
of fresh rooting material, and where plants of Phalznopsis are grown these 
should now have attention, without disturbing the roots, if possible. They 
grow well in pans suspended, or on the stage, in Polypodium fibre surfaced 
with fresh sphagnum moss. A good position for them is one natually 
inclined to be shady and moist ; the stage beneath them should have some 
retentive material so that the surroundings may be kept moist during the 
Stowing season. Give the plants water whenever the moss shows signs of 
dryness. P lants of the Cypripedium bellatulum, niveum, and Godefroy 
section will be finishing growth, and soon throwing flower spikes. When 
erates well they are delightful plants. Small pots or pans are best to grow 
them in as they resent too much material about the roots. A small quantity 
of good fibrous loam intermixed with broken limestone suits them well. 
These plants will thrive and grow neatly on atmospheric moisture, and 
should be watered sparingly; this should be done by dipping the plants to 
the pot rim, guarding against any water lodging in the young growths and 
axils of the leaves, or they will almost certainly damp off. 
DenpRoBIUMS.—Plants of D. thyrsiflorum, and Farmeri, which have 
been rested quietly in the intermediate house are showing signs of flowering 
