238 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [AUGUST, 1907 
Sobralias have a fine appearance in the houses, and the short life of the 
individual flower is well counterbalanced by the head producing flowers for 
a considerable period. One of the greatest mistakes made in the cultiva- 
tion of these plants is that of growing them in a too hot and stuffy atmo- 
sphere. 
SoPHRONITIS GRANDIFLORA.—New growths are now coming away freely 
on this charming pygmy species, and any potting or surfacing necessary may 
now be done. I do not like disturbing these more than is absolutely neces- 
sary, but from time to time it is essential to give them a thorough over- 
hauling. When aspecimen begins to show signs of deteriorating in the 
centre it is quite right to take it to pieces carefully, cutting away all dead 
parts and rebuilding it, using a compost made up of equal parts of good fibrous 
peat and sphagnum, with some sand and small crocks. Ordinary pots with 
holes for suspending are very good receptacles, or pans that have not side 
perforations may be used. Give a very liberal drainage, as being more or 
less surface-rooting plants they do not require a great depth of soil. Pot 
firmly, and they will go for several seasons with only having the surface 
material renovated from time to time. Place these where they can enjoy a 
fair amount of light in the Cool intermediate house. I have had much 
better results since we grew them in this house than we had when they were 
grown in the Cool or Odontoglossum house. Newly-potted plants will 
require very careful watering for some time, but those that are growing 
away freely and have not been disturbed will be benefited by being givena 
liberal supply from now till the short and dull days are with us, when water 
should be given only as they become well dry. 
CocHLiopA N@Tz.iana.—The flowering season being now over, new 
‘growths are coming away freely, especially on those that have not produced 
flowers this season. When they are about one inch high is the best time 
ito carry out any potting or surfacing, using the same compost as given 
above for Sophronitis. They are best suited when grown suspended in the 
‘Odontoglossum house. During active growth they require a fair amount of 
water, but do not at any season water them quite so freely as as one would 
an Odontoglossum. This beautiful species is going to prove itself, or per- 
haps I should say has proved itself, the best parent we have to give us new 
‘colour in the Odontoglossums. It is difficult to imagine what the influence 
of this species may not have done in say ten years from now, as by then 
we shall have no doubt seedlings of the third and perhaps fourth genera- 
tions, creating no doubt many disappointments, which will make the good 
ones all the more precious. I believe this species is going to be the one 
that will be to the Odontoglossums what Lelia cinnabarina has been to 
Cattleyas and the! allied genera, and apart from hybridising it should be. 
4ound a place in every collection of Cool Orchids. 
