134 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [May, Ig1I- 
may now be gradually increased, and the leaves syringed lightly every 
alternate day. 
ADA AURANTIACA will now have finished flowering, and may be repotted- 
Use a mixture of osmunda fibre and sphagnum moss, adding a handful of 
oak leaves. This is a free-growing Orchid, and should be given plenty of 
room, as frequent root disturbance causes the plant to deteriorate. From 
personal experience I find it best only to re-pot the plants every three years. 
CYMBIDIUMS.—Any plants of this beautiful genus which have now passed _ 
out of flower may be repotted, but this should only be done if necessary. 
These are strong and vigorous-growing Orchids, disliking any disturbance of 
the roots, and so when repotting, after having trimmed the plant, it should 
be placed in a fresh pot at least a size larger than the one it was previously 
occupying. For soil use two parts of loam to one part each of osmunda fibre 
and sphagnum moss. Pot these Orchids firmly, and place the base of the 
bulbs about two inches below the rim of the pot. 
PROPAGATION. 
The propagation of all Orchids, whether for the cool or Cattleya house, 
is often unnecessary, as good healthy plants of the usual species and hybrids 
can be procured at a low price ; but if a specially fine variety be possessed, 
it is then advisable to increase the stock, and the following are the various 
methods employed :— 
CATTLEYAS, &c.—When a plant has several back bulbs, cut through the 
rhizome with a sharp knife behind the last bulb but one from the lead. In 
a short time a break will be made, and when the plant is being repotted, 
the severed portion can be removed. This applies to all the genera of 
Orchids which have pseudobulbs—e.g., Lelia, Odontoglossum, Oncidium, 
Trichopilia, Lycaste, &c. Cattleyas, Lelias and their hybrids frequently 
have a dormant eye at the base of several back bulbs. If these be cut — 
through the rhizome, they will start into growth and thus increase the 
stock. 
CyPRIPEDIUMS.—The propagation of these Orchids is effected by dividing 
the plants when repotting. Any portion with a few roots will soon grow into 
a flowering-sized plant. 
DrENDROBIUMS.—These Orchids are increased by cutting’ off any of the 
growths which are frequently formed upon the old bulbs, and inserting these 
in small pots. If kept warm, damp, and well shaded, they soon become 
established, and flower in some cases more freely than the old plants. This 
is especially the case with such species as D. crassinode and Wardianum. 
Another method often employed is to cut off some of the old bulbs into 
pieces of a few inches in length, and laying these on moss in a warm and 
‘shady corner of the house. They will often pets small plants, which can 
then be treated as advised above. 
