38 THE ORCHID REVIEW. (FEBRUARY, 19 
as a rule, but in dealing with these plants when repotting there is ie 4 
many of their thick, fleshy roots being broken when turning them out of” 
their receptacles, hence the necessity of resurfacing. . In the case of a 
rooted healthy specimens it is desirable to renew the compost on ‘ e 
surface after the long resting season. Care should be taken that the drain- 
age is perfect. Plants that become leggy through the loss of their “~_ | 
leaves should be reduced by cutting away a portion of the stem. This — 
shortening must be governed by the condition of the roots, for it is not 
desirable to remove them all. The growths should be securely fastened ; : 
stout stakes. A suitable compost consists of clean crocks, broken fine, a 4 
live sphagnum moss, pressed moderately firm. The majority of these plants | 
do best grown in the warmest house, standing on a damp bottom. Vanda 
: ; ne : sia ; dor 
tricolor, V. suavis, Aérides crispum, A. crassifolium, and A. Warner 
better in a warm intermediate temperature. 
MILTonias of the vexillaria section will have filled their pans with . 
roots, and are making rapid growth. They will now take up on ee 
of water, and should not be allowed to suffer for want of it, either at t e 
root or in the atmosphere. The autumn-flowering varieties, such as M. 
Leopoldii, superba, and others may now be repotted. A mixture of equ 
. ] 5 
portions of peat, Ar fibre, sphagnum moss, and some broken leaves " | 
answer their requirements. They should be continually watched at this_ 
season for attacks of thrip, and other insect pests, as it is not always 
possible to keep the atmosphere at this season to their liking, and these 
attacks often occur after a spell of cold weather, when an unusual amount of 
fireheat is necessary to maintain the temperatures. Dipping the plants in 
a solution of Quassia extract is a safe and sure remedy. 
i ¢ he : : a 
ONcIDIvuMs thrive in a similar compost to Miltonias, and as they resent 
sour compost, any that are in need of 
The smaller kinds are best 
whilst the 
stages. 
but such species as O. Pa 
many of these plants becoming rare in our collect 
now imported. 
MASDEVALLIAS.—At this season 
these interesting plants startin 
as regards repotting. 
plants, but Iam afraid 
able to follow that ou 
section may also have attention, but these in eve 
baskets, as their flowers are produced in 3 down 
new material may have attention. | 
grown in shallow pans, suspended from the roof, 
larger strong growers are more easily accommodated on the 
Most Oncidiums enjoy the temperature of the Intermediate house, 
pilio, Kramerianum, Lanceanum, guttatum, and 
Cavendishianum do best in the Warm house. There is a likelihood of 
ions, owing to none being ~ 
there are many species and hybrids of @ 
g into growth, and they may have attention 
I am a firm believer in the annual repotting of most ’ 
that Owing to circumstances many of us will not be ‘ 
t at the present time. The curious M. Chimera 
ry case must be grown 11 — 
ward direction. The whole ; 
a ee 
ara habeas 
a i a al 
