AvcusT, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 235 
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM AND ALLIES.—Towards the end of the month 
a start should be made to repot any Odontoglossums that require it. As 
many as possible should be repotted at this season, then the plants have a 
chance of re-establishing themselves before the winter months. Large pots 
should not be used, a point that ought to be borne in mind when dealing 
with most Orchids. A variety of soils have been recommended at different 
periods, but as a general rule that suggested for Masdevallias and Miltonias 
will suit the Colombian Odontoglossums and their hybrids. I have heard 
that in some collections osmunda fibre is not so satisfactory as a mixture of 
peat and sphagnum, and it would be interesting to hear readers’ views on this 
important subject. The newly-potted plants should be staged at one end of 
the house, then their individual requirements can be studied, especially in 
regard to watering and shading. Although these Odontoglossums are 
usually well grown, there are instances where they do not thrive and 
produce that fine healthy appearance so dear to the heart of every 
Orchidist. In many cases the cause is too much water at the root, and 
keeping the atmosphere always in a saturated condition. Nothing is more 
conducive to healthy growth than allowing the atmosphere to become 
comparatively dry for a couple of hours each day. 
Disas.—We rarely find these distinct and handsome Orchids in a 
thriving condition, no doubt partly owing to the time when they are 
repotted, and to a close, stuffy atmosphere. The repotting should be done 
a week or so after the flower spikes are removed, and about every second 
year. The first to need attention is D. Luna and some of the other hybrids, 
while the brilliant D. grandiflora can wait a few weeks later. A suitable 
rooting medium is made up of the best fibrous loam, sphagnum moss, and 
a little peat, with a fair sprinkling of silver sand or crushed crocks. For 
well-rooted examples pots at least two sizes larger will be necessary, and 
very little disturbance will be needed. With the last layer of soil a few 
living heads of sphagnum can be incorporated, which will help to keep the 
roots in a moist condition. At no time must Disas suffer from drought, 
because they are practically perpetual growers, and have no decided resting 
season. The coolest end of the Odontoglossum house should be chosen, 
and immediately below a ventilator, for fresh air is a most important factor 
in Disa culture. This should be open more or less throughout the year, 
both day and night. Where large specimens exist and the growths have 
become small it will be advisable to divide them into several pieces, taking 
care that each portion has a tuber attached. If potted in rather small 
receptacles they will soon become established, when a larger pot may be 
Siven. The pots should be plunged in moss or any moisture holding 
Material, and when the house is vaporised the Disas ought to be removed 
to another structure until the fumes have escaped, or the leaves will be 
