TOTTING EPIPHYTAL ORCHIDS. 31 



In preparing the pots for large plants a small pot should be turned 

 upside down in the bottom of the larger one, filling in around it with 

 potsherds or charcoal broken up into pieces about two inches square for 

 large plants, and using smaller pieces for smaller plants ; then introduce 

 potsherds till within three or four inches of the rim, and afterwards put 

 on a layer of moss to prevent the peat from settling down and impeding 

 the drainage, and preventing the water from passing off quickly. This 

 is of great importance, for if not attended to, the water will become 

 stagnant, and the soil sodden, which is fatal to the health of the plant. 

 The grand point to be observed in the successful culture of Orchids, as 

 well as most other plants, is good drainage ; without that it is hopeless 

 to try to keep the roots long in a healthy condition, and if these fail the 

 plant goes with them. 



The best material to be used in potting the different kinds of epiphytal 

 Orchids, when grown in pots, is a mixture of good rough fibrous peat and 

 live sphagnum moss ; during the last few years, however, we have seen 

 surprising results from the use of the roots of the common Polypody 

 (Poll/podium vulgare), and having frequently used it to- plants in our own 

 collection with equally good effect, we would recommend its use to the 

 attention of our readers who are desirous of bringing their plants to the 

 greatest perfection, especially Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, and Laelias ; the 

 Polypodium roots should be cut up small and mixed with about half the 

 quantity of sphagnum moss. The drainage material must be covered 

 with some living sphagnum moss, in order to preveiit the soil perco- 

 lating into the cracks and checking the drainage. After the layer of 

 moss is applied, fill up the pot to the top with this mixed compost, and 

 bear in mind not to press the soil too closely, for we believe too firm 

 potting to be very injurious. The peat should be broken into lumps 

 about the size of a hen's egg ; and we always use broken potsherds or 

 charcoal mixed with the peat. The plant should be set so as to be two 

 or three inches above the rim of the pot, taking care to have the base of 

 all the pseudobulbs above the soil ; then put some peat and moss on the 

 top of the roots so as to cover them, inserting a few small pegs in the 

 soil to keep it firmly on the pot. After the plants are potted fix a 

 stick in the centre of each, to keep it firm. In shifting, carefully shake 

 away all the old soil without injuring the roots. After potting, which 

 should be done in the same way as recommended below for basketing. 



