40 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [FEBRUARY, 1923. 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
By J. COLLIER, Gardener to SIR JEREMIAH COLMAN, Bart., Gatton Park, Surrey. 
ITH the advance of the present month the daily amount of sunshine 
will be appreciably increased, and most of the plants will begin to 
show renewed activity. But nothing will be gained through unduly 
exciting them into growth by increasing the temperature and moisture, for, 
generally speaking, it is advisable to keep everything at rest as far as 
possible. For all matters relative to temperatures, watering and 
atmospheric Conditions generally, the last month’s remarks are still 
applicable. The weather forecasts cannot yet be relied upon, a spell of 
mild spring-like weather may quickly be followed by a sharp snap of winter. 
Considerable attention must be given to the ventilation of the houses, for it 
is essential that a constant supply of fresh air be admitted without causing 
excessive fluctuations of temperatures. 
REPOTTING.—The general repotting of Orchids should commence about 
this time of the year, although in large collections there is always some 
such work to be done. The best time for this operation is when new root 
action is commencing from the base of the young growth or the previous 
year’s pseudobulb. It is always necessary to use clean receptacles. These 
should be drained in such a manner that it is impossible for the plant to 
become waterlogged, and whatever material is used as a potting medium 
the question of watering needs great consideration and foresight, for the 
very best compost becomes sodden and sour if kept constantly wet. 
Mexican House.—Many of the Mexican Lelia species, such as L. 
albida, L. autumnalis, L. furfuracea, L. Gouldiana, and many of the darker 
varieties of L. anceps, are passing out of flower, and will be pushing new 
roots from the base of the Jast year’s pseudobulb. Immediately this is 
observed, supply fresh rooting materials to such plants, as may be 
necessary. Plants that are in receptacles sufticiently large for another 
season’s growth need not be disturbed. But if the old compost is decayed 
it should be carefully removed with a pointed stick: the dusty particles 
may be washed out so that the drainage will be cleaned and made perfect, 
and fresh materials added. Coarse osmunda fibre from which the earthy 
matter has been shaken away makes a suitable compost. This should be 
pressed firmly around the base of the rhizomes of the plants. Specimens 
that have overgrown their receptacles, if there are numerous pseudobulbs 
behind the leading growth, may be broken up and made into shapely 
plants; retain two or three pseudobulbs behind each lead, and, in 
repotting, keep the rhizome of the plant just on a level with the rim of the 
receptacle. A few pieces ofcrock inserted here and there in the compost 
will assist the free passage of water, which is always advisable for this class 
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