82 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [May-JUNE, 1919, 
should the compost show signs of exhaustion, fresh material should be 
given. When the plants have been repotted, it is advisable to afford 
slightly more shade until the new roots begin to push in the new material, 
and water must be given with extreme care. These remarks also apply to 
many hybrid Cattleyas, Lzliocattleyas, Brassocattleyas, and others which 
have produced their flowers during the late winterand early spring months, 
and are at the present time about to push new roots and commence their 
season’s growth. At the present time there is a great scarcity of material 
suitable for compost, and under present conditions I would recommend Ar 
fibre, to which a few leaves and some sphagnum moss may be added. As 
the plants become re-established, increase the amount of water to the roots, 
taking care that the material becomes moderately dry between each opera- 
tion. As the growths extend, and the days become brighter and hotter, 
afford more atmospheric moisture. Young beginners should carefully study 
the plants, and learn to avoid overwatering all this section, especially so 
when they are not in active growth. Afford the plants ample ventilation 
whenever practicable, but cold draughts or strong currents of dry air from 
different openings must be avoided at all times. These plants make quite 
an interesting study, and there is no reason why everyone should not enjoy 
their beautiful flowers, as no Orchid will repay the cultivator better for the 
pains bestowed on their culture. Scale and other pests which infest them 
must be continually searched for and destroyed, as cleanliness is the 
greatest aid to good cultivation. 
SOPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA and its hybrids may likewise have attention 
as'regards new rooting material should they require it. Whilst Sophronitis 
does best suspended in the Cool house, many of the hybrids derived from it 
require much warmer quarters to grow them well, hence the necessity of 
finding suitable quarters for the individual varieties. 
CYMBIDIUMS.—As these plants pass out of flower, those that require 
repotting should have attention. At the present time there are so many 
beautiful varieties of these easily-grown plants that no collection can be 
considered complete without a few of them. Their flowers adapt them- 
selves to any kind of decoration, and besides, last a considerable time when 
cut, hence their utility. Being plants which resent root disturbance, they 
should not be disturbed unless it is necessary owing to the compost becoming 
sour or exhausted. The plants bloom more freely and produce finer flowers 
when the pots are filled with roots. As they remain in the compost for a 
considerable time, it is essential that when repotting is done, it should be 
thoroughly. They require plenty of drainage, with a compost in which 
good yellow loam fibre predominates, with sufficient finely broken crocks 
added to keep the whole open and porous. Should the loam be inclined to 
run together, as some does, peat fibre may be added to prevent this taking 
a” 
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