JANUARY, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 3 
ie 
HIS extremely beautiful Orchid is not always to be found growing to 
perfection in amateur’s collections, and considering its remarkable 
* floriferousness and free-growing qualities, it seems a pity that its culture 
is not more extended. Those who frequent the fortnightly shows at the 
Royal Horticultural Hall, or who may glance at the superb plant of M. 
vexillaria var. Snowflake figured at vol. xx. page 209 of the Orchid Review, 
‘cannot fail to be greatly impressed by the wonderful decorative effect 
produced, and the following outline of its culture may be found useful. 
The coolest end of the Cattleya house or warm greenhouse must be set 
apart for the accommodation of the species, standing each plant on an 
inverted pot, and leaving much space between to allow of a free circulation 
of air. The following average temperatures should be maintained :— 
Spring: 60° to 70° Fahr. 
Summer: 60° to 80° Fahr., this latter only with sun heat. 
Autumn: 60° to 70° Fahr. 
Winter : 53° to 60° Fahr. 
It will be found best to detail the culture month by month :— 
JaNuary.—During this month the plants should be in active growth, 
and should receive much water; they should, however, be allowed to get 
fairly dry between each application. These beautiful Orchids are much 
subject to thrip, and on the first appearance of this pest, fumigation must 
MILTONIA VEXILLARIA. 
be resorted to. 
FEeBRUARY.—If the climatic conditions allow, more air and _ propor- 
tionately more water may now be afforded. Damping down daily is usually 
necessary. The plants should be growing at their best this month. 
Marcu.—If the young roots are ready to push from the new growths it 
will be advisable to repot, and better results are obtained where this 
operation is performed annually. Much care is needed, and all newly- 
potted plants should be kept drier and shaded. I find the following 
compost gives the best results, a mixture of polypodium and osmunda 
fibres with green sphagnum moss, and a sprinkling of half-decayed oak 
leaves rubbed through a sieve. 
ApRiIL.—More water can now be given, and damping between the pots 
must be done in the morning and again in the evening. Shading will now 
become necessary, and should be lowered when the sun is shining on the 
glass. 
May and JunE.—The flower-spikes will now be pushing, and a slightly 
drier atmosphere is necessary. More shade will be needed, and the plants 
-will usually be found to require a dose of water daily. Any flower-spikes 
