AiYD THEIR MANAGEHIENT. 497 



Vanda. 



the growing season, which lasts from March to October 

 an abundance of moisture, both at the root and in the 

 atmosphere, is indispensable ; care should also be taken 

 that a regular supplj- of fresh air is ensured. When at 

 rest the plants require much less water, but it is important 

 that they should not be allowed to get dry at any time. 

 As soon as they begin to grow again, which is usually 

 about ^larch, the old sphagnum and loose potsherds 

 should be removed without disturbing the roots, and 

 replaced with clean, new material. 



The geographical distribution of Vandas is so wide, 

 and the conditions of temperature and atmosphere are so 

 var\-ing, that it is impossible to treat of the cultivation 

 of the whole as one. V. cixnika, for instance, grows on 

 the tops of trees on the Khasia Hills, where hoar-frosts 

 are not infrequent ; whilst ]'. teres is subjected at some 

 seasons of the year to se\-ere drought. The treatment 

 which has proved most successful is given under each of 

 these species. 



V. sitavis and ['. tricolor are frequently subjected to 

 a much higher temperature than is good for them. The 

 idea that they require stove treatment throughout the whole 

 year is an erroneous one, and, if carried out, usually results 

 in ''leggy" plants and comparatively flaccid foliage, together 

 with a deterioration in the quality and quantit}^ of the 

 blooms. We have found that the above-named species 

 succeed best in a moist position in the stove or East 

 Indian-house, say from March, when they commence to 

 grow, until the green tips of the roots become sealed over 

 with the outer film, which occurs late in the autumn. The 

 plants should then be subjected to cooler conditions, with 

 only sufficient moisture to keep the foliage in a normal, 

 plump state. When the plants lose their lower leaves 

 through either age or improper treatment, it is the usual 

 practice to cut off the bottom part of the stem and lower 

 them. If the plant has developed roots above the pot, this 

 may be done with safety, provided reasonable care Idc after- 

 wards taken in shading and watering. When this is not 

 the case, such treatment is much to be condemned ; it is 

 better, by careful shading, and otherwise treating the 

 plants as recommended above, to encourage the growth 

 of young shoots from the base. 



2 K 



