DECEMBER, 1912,] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 395 
growth, and the points of the roots are sealed over, which is one of their 
peculiarities as soon as they have finished their season’s growth. These 
Orchids require a long season of rest, and, owing to their terete leaves, are 
able to withstand drought. During their period of inactivity water should 
only be afforded in sufficient quantities to prevent much shrivelling of their 
peculiar foliage. The temperature of a warm Cattleya house will suit them 
admirably whilst at rest. V. Amesiana, V. Watsonii, and V. Kimballiana 
are very distinct and beautiful Vandas which are now in flower or pushing 
up their flower spikes, and, as winter-blooming subjects, are most useful and 
beautiful. After the flowers are over the plants should be rested for a brief 
period, when little water at the root is required. Shrivelling must be 
prevented, and this, in any Orchid, is very weakening and most harmful. 
ZYGOPETALUMS that are now growing freely may have water applied to 
them whenever they become dry, and the stronger growers, if the pots are 
full of roots, may have an occasional watering with weak liquid manure.. 
As the plants pass out of bloom they may be repotted, should it be 
necessary, using a similar compost to that for the green-leaved 
Cypripediums. The majority of these plants succeed under Intermediate 
house conditions, but Z. Roeblingianum succeeds best under the warm, 
moist conditions of the East Indian house, whilst those miniatures, 
Promenea citrina and P. stapelioides, thrive when suspended from the roof. 
of the Cool house. 
OncipiumMs.—Among the Oncidiums the dwarf yellow-flowered O. 
cheirophorum is now in bloom. Like all Oncidiums it must not be over-- 
burdened with compost about the roots, a very thin layer being all that is 
required. This charming plant succeeds when grown in the Intermediate 
house, but opens its flowers more freely if removed to a light position in the 
East Indian house. It resents much water at any season, and should never 
be watered overhead. The old sweet-scented O. tigrinum is also in bloom,. 
and, when well-grown, is one of the showiest of the whole family. This 
plant succeeds in the Cool Intermediate house, and after flowering must be’ 
induced to rest, when only sufficient water must be given to keep the 
pseudobulbs plump. 
GENERAL REMARKS.—The general cleaning of the houses and their 
contents comprises the principal work for the present month. No time: 
should be lost in this most essential matter, as, with the New Year, other 
work is soon pressing upon us, and unless taken in hand as soon as possible 
some of it does not get done with that thoroughness that it deserves. At 
this season pests of all description should be exterminated as nearly as- 
possible, and every effort must be made to prevent their subsequent increase. 
I am firmly convinced that more Orchids suffer from this cause than from. 
any other, and with this I will close my remarks for the year.. 
