K ha THE ORCHID. REVIEW. [OcroBER, 1923. 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
By J. COLLIER, Gardener to Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate. 
HE month of October usually varies a great deal as regards climatic 
conditions, consequently it is important that every precaution should 
be taken against sudden falls in the temperature of the external air, as 
frequently sharp morning frosts make an appearance without the slightest 
warning. This might cause the temperatures of the houses to fall below 
the normal, on such occasions no watering or damping down should be 
proceeded with until the right temperatures are reached, as a cold moist 
atmosphere is invariably the cause of spot and disease appearing in many 
kinds of Orchids. It is safer to err a trifle on the warm side at night rather 
than to run the risk of a low temperature in the morning; a little extra 
fire-heat may be accompanied by more ventilation. Careful watering is an 
important factor in Orchid culture, especially at this season. Plants that 
are developing flower spikes should not be allowed to suffer from drought, 
neither should those that are growing freely, but plants that are completing 
their season’s growth should be afforded just sufficient to keep their pseudo- 
bulbs plump. Every precaution should be exercised to prevent the plants 
from re-starting into growth, but in cases where it cannot be prevented, 
and plants have failed to rest, they should be given every encouragement to 
make up these new growths as quickly as possible by moving them into the 
warmest part of their respective houses. The Cattleya family are usually 
the worst offenders in this respect. 
BRAZILIAN MILTONIAs, such as M. Regnelii, M. Binotii, M. spectabilis, 
and its variety Moreliana, should be kept rather dry at the roots after 
passing the flowering stage, just sufficient water should be afforded to 
prevent any shrivelling of the leaves or pseudo-bulbs. M.Clowesii and M. 
candida are developing their flower spikes, and as they pass the flowering 
period should receive similar treatment. These plants are very subject to 
attacks of red-spider, especially at the present season; as a precaution 
against this pest, the leaves should be occasionally sponged with a solution 
of soft soap and tepid water. Plants of Miltonia vexillaria and its hybrids 
which have been cultivated in the cool house during the summer should 
now be removed to an intermediate temperature, and placed in a light airy 
position. During damp, dull weather, the immediate surroundings of the 
plants should not be kept too moist, as the foliage is then liable to decay. 
M. Roezlii is now starting new growth and fresh roots are pushing from the 
base ; any necessary re-potting may be done at this period. Water at the 
roots should be applied sparingly all through the winter months. 
_ LycasTe SKINNER! in its many varieties, together with such as Ly 
cruenta, L. leucanthe, L. Deppei, and a few others, will soon be finishing 
