s. an 
4 The Orebid ‘Review 
VoL. XXIV. SEPTEMBER, 1916. No. 285. Se) 
Fe 
ROM time to time we receive enquiries as to the proper cultural treat- 
ment of some intractable subject, and on the present occasion it is 
that of the beautiful Oncidium Lanceanum, O. splendidum, and the allied 
species with very thick succulent leaves. The culture of this particular 
group has always been attended with difficulties, though on a few occasions. 
we have seen vigorous specimens producing strong spikes of their handsome 
flowers. It is not always possible to say how far some of this is due to 
native vigour in the plants, for so much depends upon the time they have 
been imported, but at all events they have the reputation of deteriorating 
under cultivation, which, again, is a sure index of unsuitable treatment. 
The question is, what are the essential points to be observed. In the case 
of Oncidium splendidum our correspondent remarks that in one of our 
Orchid Manuals it is said to like plenty of water, yet in one of the Nurseries 
he is told that it is not watered at all, as the moisture of its surroundings 
and a certain amount of syringing supplies all the water it requires. He 
adopted the latter treatment, but the flower spikes thrown up did not 
mature, though under a continuation of the dry treatment it is now pro- 
ducing strong growths, and he would like to know what is the proper course 
to pursue. 
Sm OUR NOTE BOOK. 
Mr. Barker, to whom the question has been submitted, states that years 
ago he grew some of the finest specimens of Oncidium Lanceanum and 
luridum that he has ever seen. They were suspended over the paths in a 
small hot-house in which Crotons were grown, and he found that the 
succulent leaves enjoy the sun if not allowed to scorch. He recommends 
that the plants should be grown in shallow pans, in a clean open fibrous 
compost, and suspended in a very light position in the warmest house, 
being removed to a dry position in a slightly cooler house to rest as soon as 
growth is completed. O. splendidum is one of the species grown in 
quantity in leaf mould by M. Delange Vervane, Brussels, where we saw 
them—strong, sturdy plants, with clean, healthy leaves, in some cases over 
ten inches long, and the compost apparently very dry (O.R., xxi. p. 277). 
209 
