82 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [ FEBRUARY, 1912. 
seen tobe pushing from the base of the bulb. The compost I recommend 
for thém: is as follows: Two parts osmunda and peat fibre, one part Ar fibre 
hand sphagnum moss, all well mixed together. In potting large plants of this 
'family it is desirable to turn the leading growths towards the centre of the 
“pot or pan. Make the compost moderately firm, and secure the plant by 
.the aid of stakes to prevent rocking, as a rocking plant can never take root- 
hold properly. 
MASDEVALLIA tovarensis will commence to grow as soon as the flowers 
are over, and this isa good time to repot. I prefer growing the smaller 
Masdevallias in shallow pans, and for want of room I always suspend them. 
The compost I use is an equal part of peat, polypodium fibre, osmunda fibre, 
and-clean sphagnum moss, with a fair sprinkling of half-decayed leaves, 
rubbed through a half-inch sieve. The compost should not be placed too 
tightly around them, but pressed in just sufficient to make the plants firm, 
and hold them in position. Species of the Chimera section, which com- 
-prise M. bella, Chimera, Chestertonii, and many others, may also have 
attention if they are in need of it. These plants must be placed in shallow 
teak-wood baskets, as their flowers are produced from spikes which often 
come from the bottom of the plant. Any of the stronger-growing kinds, 
such as M. Harryana, Veitchiana, and ignea, that were left over in the 
autumn, and now require a shift, may be done at this season using the above 
compost; riwith the addition of a little fibrous loam. Great care should be 
taken that the plants after being repotted neither suffer for the want of water 
nor through excess of it. 
OncipiuMs of the winter-flowering varieties may be repotted as they 
commence to grow and make roots from the new bulbs. The compost 
recommended for Miltonias last month will answer their requirements, 
except that a larger proportion of leaves may be used. Oncidiums of the 
macranthum section should have their spikes carefully trained round stakes, 
or in some other way, where they can be carefully watched for slugs, which 
are very partial to them, and indeed to the plants generally. These plants 
delight in an abundance of water until their flowers are fully developed. 
. PHAL&@Nopsis.—These _ lovely winter-blooming Orchids are now 
practically over for the season, and will enjoy a short rest of about a 
month or six weeks’ duration before commencing to grow again. They 
should therefore receive only sufficient water to support the large, fleshy 
leaves, which should remain. perfectly pliant and healthy for the longest 
time possible, as they are the main strength of the plant. Many growers 
use various receptacles. to place them in , some favouring teakwood baskets, 
others cylinders, but I am of opinion that as good results can be got when 
they are grown in shallow pans or even in pots. I am not a believer in 
growing these plants suspended... one ai 
ee ke ea a ee 
