aErides. 



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if the plants are not required for exhibition, we should advise some of 

 the smaller kinds to be grown in baskets, in which they have a fine 

 appearance, especially if there is room for suspending them, allowing 

 the roots to grow out of the basket. All the kinds will succeed well in 

 this way. 



In pot culture fill the pots about three-parts full of potsherds, placing 

 large pieces at the bottom, but finishing off at the top with smaller 

 ones ; above this fresh living sphagnum moss should be used, and when 

 this begins to decay fresh moss should be given to keep all healthy. 

 They all do well on blocks of wood, but to grow them in perfection in 

 this way they require greater care as regards moisture. Sphagnum moss 

 and broken potsherds have proved the best materials for filling baskets. 

 They require frequent watering at the roots during the growing season ; 

 indeed, they should never be allowed to become thoroughly dry, not 

 even during their season of rest, as if so they are liable to shrivel and 

 lose their lower leaves. 



The species of Aericles require but little repose, and the moss should 

 always be kept damp, but during the dull months of winter no water 

 should be allowed to lodge on the leaves or in the heart of the plant, as 

 it would be very apt to rot them. The plants, if not in pots, should be 

 suspended from the roof, but not very near the glass, lest they should be 

 affected by cold. 



The Aerides should be kept perfectly free from insects, especially the 

 different kinds of scale. There is a small kind in particular which is 

 apt to infest them, and which, if allowed to increase, will speedily make 

 the plants look yellow and unhealthy. It may be kept under by wash- 

 ing with warm water and soft soap, applied with a sponge, and left on 

 the leaves for some twenty-four hours, when all remains of the soap 

 should be removed with clean water. They are also subject to the 

 attacks of the red Thrips, especially on the young leaves ; this can be 

 kept down by frequent applications of tobacco powder or steaming ; 

 if allowed to remain these red Thrips considerably damage the young 

 growth, turning it red and brown. The black Thrips sometimes attacks 

 the older leaves and disfigures them very much ; they should be eradicated 

 by frequent steaming and sponging. 



These plants are propagated by cutting them into pieces, with roots 

 attached to each piece. Some kinds, however, are shy in throwing up 



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