THE ORCHID ‘REVIEW. [DECEMBER, I915. 
By W. H. WHITE, for many years Orchid Grower to the 
late Sir ‘'revor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O. 
362 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. i 
ALANTHES.—Among plants now in bloom are the early-flowering 
C varieties of the Calanthe vestita section. When about two- 
thirds of the blooms have opened, the plants may be removed from their 
warm growing quarters to the Cattleya house, as the flowers will fade 
less quickly in a lower temperature. The plants will now need but very 
little water, as both foliage and roots are fast giving out. As these 
Calanthes require a period of thorough rest, they should, immediately on 
the spikes being cut, be placed on a dry shelf close to the roof of the 
warmest house ; or if this be inconvenient, they may be placed in a similar 
position in the Cattleya house, where, in either case, the light will help to 
mature the growths. Before removing them to their resting quarters, 
closely examine every pseudobulb for white and brown scale, which 
commonly infest them. If a rather strong solution of soft soapy warm 
water be used, with a stiff brush and sponge, these insects may easily be 
eradicated. Water must be entirely withheld during their season of rest. 
The later-flowering varieties of the Calanthe Regnieri section are pushing 
up their spikes, and must still be watered with care. The inflorescences of 
these late varieties come in very useful during the early spring months for 
furnishing cut bloom for decorative purposes, and the plants themselves 
are well adapted for ground work in large halls, or the conservatory, 
producing a very pretty effect when arranged with Ferns, Asparagus, 
small Palms, &c. The deciduous Eulophias require similar treatment. 
DENDROBIUMS.—Many lovely forms of Dendrobium Phalznopsis are 
also in bloom and are very effective, the colours of the flowers ranging from 
pure white to rich crimson purple. Their long arching spikes last 
fora very long time, either on the plants or when cut. While in 
bloom the plants may be placed with the Calanthes, the drier atmosphere 
afforded favouring the lasting of the flowers. After the spikes are cut, 
place the plants in the lightest part of a house where the winter 
temperature does not fall below 60°. Plants that were well exposed to the 
sun’s rays when completing their growth, and were well matured, will need 
very little water during their long season of rest, but when excessive 
shrivelling of the pseudobulbs is feared a little water should be afforded. 
It is now advisable to look over the deciduous Dendrobiums, especially 
D. Wardianum, D. crassinode, nobile, Ainsworthii, and other species and 
hybrids too numerous to mention, for many are showing their flower 
buds, and they may be brought from their resting positions into a house 
where the night temperature does not fall below 55°: The Cattleya house 
