The Culture of Greenhouse Orchids 



of a careful gardener, who thoroughly grasps the 

 conditions of this system, it works admirably. 

 And it spreads fast. But several amateurs of my 

 acquaintance have abandoned it in haste after trial. 

 A slight excess of water, which would have no 

 result where crocks are used, causes fungus among 

 the bracken roots — and that is deadly. On this 

 account, while recognizing the great merit of the 

 innovation skilfully applied, I do not recommend 

 it to those for whom I write. 



It will be found convenient to iix a stake of 

 bamboo in the middle when potting species which 

 have large pseudo-bulbs, such as Odont. Edivarcli, 

 One. aurosutn, etc., before beginning to lay in 

 crocks. It should be jammed firmly among them. 

 If wanted to hold the plant steady, it is there ; if 

 not, it can be withdrawn. 



Over the potsherds spread a layer of moss half 

 an inch thick ; it keeps the drainage open and the 

 roots moist. Upon this set your orchid, holding it 

 in the left hand while filling in the compost. Thus 

 one retains it at the height desired, with the " eye " 

 above the surface ; if buried, it is apt to rot. 



Gardeners generally are not particular about the 

 compost they use for Odontoglossums, because, I 

 think, orchid-peat is dear, and these plants will put 

 up with the refuse. An amateur, who was uncertain 



44 



