58 ORCHIDS FOR EVERYONE 



ventilation for a few weeks. But as the spring advances and new 

 roots are made and new growths appear, ventilation must be given 

 when the temperature reaches 70 degrees, gradually increasing it 

 as the sun heat increases. From the middle of June to the end of 

 August there is practically no need for artificial heat, provided the 

 house is in an open position and has some shelter from strong 

 prevailing winds. When growth ceases for the year, i.e. when 

 the plants cease to produce new growths and leaves, more light and 

 air should be admitted so that the leafage may become firmer in 

 texture and be thus able to carry the plants safely through the 

 flow^ering period and the dull days of Winter. 



As to the potting material. If half a dozen experts are asked 

 for a formula probably each will give one differing from the rest, 

 and yet each grower may be a splendid cultivator of Cypripediums. 

 This sort of thing puzzles a novice, but the truth of the matter is 

 that Cypripediums are not nearly so particular over their rooting 

 material as are many other Orchids. The writer has received 

 plants potted in the usual " general mixture " of peat and chopped 

 sphagnum ; others in similar material but with fibrous loam added ; 

 others in yellow loam only ; and others in fibrous loam, broken 

 leaves and sand ; and in every case the plants seemed to be perfectly 

 healthy. 



Nearly all growers are agreed that Cypripediums, especially 

 those that succeed under the cool treatment, make finer growth 

 and flower better if placed in a more substantial compost than was 

 formerly deemed advisable. Moreover, out in the country, where 

 there is purer light than in suburban districts, the heavier compost 

 is most suitable, while a lighter compost should be used in or near 

 towns. A potting compost made up of two parts peat and one 

 part each of sphagnum and fibrous loam is a good one to start 

 with, and as the cultivator gains experience he may increase the 



