JANUARY, 1917.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 15 
rule is to keep the plants rather on the dry side until growth or root action 
commences, trusting principally to the humidity in the atmosphere to bring 
them safely through the winter months. 
OpoNTOGLOssUMS will be in all stages ; some in fall growth, others just 
starting, whilst some will be pushing up their flower spikes. The latter 
should be carefully and neatly staked as they attain sufficient length. 
They are best placed by themselves, so that they can be examined from 
time to time for slugs, which devour the spikes and do irreparable harm. 
Small or weakly plants should have their spikes removed as soon as they 
are observed, as these plants should not be allowed to bloom until they get 
fairly strong. Until then one or two flowers are sufficient to show their 
merits. I do not advocate potting during the present month, but should 
any that require it reach the desired stage, namely, the pushing of new 
roots, there is no reason why it should not be done, using a clean fibrous 
compost and sphagnum moss in equal parts. Newly potted plants at this 
season must be watered with extreme care. 
Decipuous CALANTHES.—As these useful Orchids pass out of flower 
they should be placed in a light position to rest. Immediately the spikes 
are cut water should be entirely withheld from the roots, so that the 
ps2udobulbs may thoroughly mature. Resting is of the greatest import- 
ance, as their future welfare depends entirely upon it. The late-flowering 
section must be treated in precisely the same manner as C. vestita was 
before opening its flowers. 
CATTLEYAS AND ALLIES.—In a representative collection there is always 
something in bloom, either species or hybrid, but the present month is the 
quietest in the whole year for these beautiful plants. Examples of 
Cattleya Percivaliana and C. Trianz, with some of their hybrids, will 
develop their flowers, and will be most acceptable. Some of the hybrids of 
Brassavola Digbyana are nearly always with us, and if only one or two are 
in bloom they are always welcome. 
L2LIA ANCEPS and its varieties are now flowering freely, and make a 
most attractive display. They are useful for any decorative work, and are 
most acceptable at this season. After flowering, the plants should be kept 
moderately dry until new roots are observed to be pushing from the 
rhizome, when any necessary repotting may be undertaken. 
Mitronias of the vexillaria section will now be growing strongly, and 
may have water whenever they require it, taking care that the compost 
becomes dry between each operation. Watch carefully for thrip, which is 
very partial to these plants, especially if grown too warm, and should it 
once get a foothold it is most difficult to eradicate. Fumigating at 
intervals as a preventive is the safest and surest means to adopt. The 
species and hybrids of the Brazilian section which include such well-known 
