May, 1923] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 145 
is a mistake to leave the blooms on the plants too long, especially on weak 
specimens, as the small pseudobulbs are not of sufficient strength to with- 
stand the strain. If repotting is necessary, it is best done as the plants pass 
out of flower. Sophronites are best grown in shallow pans and suspended 
from the roof rafters, they should be afforded ample drainage and rather a 
thin layer of rooting material should be employed, this may be composed of 
Osmunda fibre and clean sphagnum-moss cut up into rather small portions. 
When the plants are rooted into the new compost they should be kept 
sufficiently moist at all times to maintain the sphagnum-moss green and 
healthy, and carefully shaded from bright sunshine, but be given ail the 
light possible during the winter months. When growing care should be 
taken that water does not lodge in the centre of the young growths, as this 
may cause them to decay. 
PuHaius.—Both species and hybrids of this genus, such as P. Sander- 
ianus, P. Bernaysii, P. grandifolius, P. tuberculosus, and the hybrids P. 
Norman, P. Cooksonii and P. Phoebe are all worthy of cultivation. These 
plants bloom at different periods of the year, so that all will not need 
repotting at the same time. It is best done soon after the flower-spikes 
have been removed and new roots begin to develope from the base of the 
young growths. The pots should be well drained, as it is essential that 
water should pass freely through the compost, and liberal supplies are 
necessary during their period of activity; but when the season’s growth is 
completed only enough water will be needed to keep the soil moist. Phaius 
are strong-rooted plants and need rather a retentive compost. Good fibrous 
loam, with the dusty particles shaken away, should form the principal 
ingredient, with a little Osmunda fibre and spagnum-moss in a lumpy con- 
dition, add sufficient crushed crocks to keep the whole porous and well 
mixed together. The plants are best grown in intermediate temperature, 
afforded a position where they may receive plenty of air without being 
subjected to draughts. The species P. tuberculosus and P. simulans are 
benefited by a slightly warmer temperature. 
Phalznopsis amabilis, P. Schilleriana, and P. Stuartiana, having passed 
out of Hower, are commencing to make new leaves and roots. These plants 
should be afforded fresh rooting materials each year, those growing in teak- 
wood baskets that have become decayed should be provided with new 
receptacles. First immerse the baskets in tepid water for a short time, this 
will cause the roots to be more easily detached from the wood. The wire 
that holds the basket together should be cut and the bars of wood removed 
singly, at the same time carefully detach the roots with the blade of a thin 
knife. If the baskets are in a sound condition carefully remove the old 
materials from between the roots, and afterwards wash the inside of the 
basket and roots by syringing with clean tepid water. Then fill the spaces 
