46 THE ORCHID REVIEW. | FEBRUARY, 1907. 
CypErorcuis elegans and C. Mastersii will be ready for potting towards 
the end of the month, and the same compost is suitable, but I prefer 
keeping these in small pots. They are much more effective when grown in 
pots about six inches in diameter. Where a house is not devoted to 
-Cymbidiums, no better position can be given them than one in the Odonto- ~ 
.glossum house, choosing the coolest end. 
The beautiful Cymbidium grandiflorum is now in flower with us. With ‘ 
many it is notorious for dropping its buds, but so far we have never had 
any trouble in developing the spike, when grown with the other varieties — 
where the temperature of the cool house is maintained. I rather fancy 
the difficulty in developing spikes ‘is caused by the want of light. We have — 
at Gatton a strong light, yet we always place our plants after the spikes — 
have begun to run out in such a position that they get full advantage of © 
all light obtainable. I have noticed when we have had a plant in flower — 
in January the pollen is seldom developed, yet the pollen always develops — 
on those that come later. I think that goes to prove that it is the lack of — 
light which causes the flower buds to turn yellow and drop, oftentimes — 
when they are nearly ready to burst. This variety may be potted as soon 
as the young growths have made a fair start. We use the same compost — 
as given for the other forms. 
- Cymbidium eburneum and C. Lowianum are now developing their 
‘spikes, and likewise the beautiful hybrid eburneo-Lowianum and the reverse — 
cross. Plants in vigorous health and carrying many spikes will need much — 
water. At this season it is well to be on the look-out for red spider, as it 
is often found now, especially after a sharp period when a good deal of fire — 
heat has been used, and no syringing has been possible. Disfigurement — 
of the foliage is soon caused, which will stare one in the face for a long 
while. A mixture of soft soap and flowers of sulphur is the best prevent- 
ative or cure I have ever heard of for this pest. To make this, half fill a 
jam jar with the sulphur, and fill it up with soapy water, stirring it from 
time to time till it is in paste form. 
soap to a gallon of water will prove effective in eradicating red spider. 
ZYGOPETALUM.—The varieties intermedium, crinitum, and Mackay! — 
will by now be ready for. potting, using the same compost as given for 
Cymbidiums. For these the pots should be half filled with crocks, it being 
most desirable that they dry very quickly after water is afforded during the 
winter months ; in fact at no time do they like to lie for any length of time 
in a wet state. After potting, afford water only when the compost has 
become well dry. When a plant is being potted, unless it is a vigorous 
young plant, see that all the useless old bulbs are removed. I like to take 
away all that have no leaves, f 
It thus mixes for sponging purposes — 
much better. A tablespoonful of the sulphur paste and about r1oz. of soft — 
geese NR) eee es i eels el tg 
SI ON Pe Re ES Tt ee er 
A position in the Intermediate house is very — 
