NOVEMBER, 1903.| THE ORCHID REVIEW. 333 
Cattleya Bowringiana, and although its individual flowers are smaller than 
the majority of Cattleyas, yet a plant with several spikes, each producing 
numerous flowers, is a most attractive sight. This species has usually 
proved to be of easy culture, no other treatment being necessary than that 
given to Cattleyas generally. 
Those who have plants of the beautiful and now somewhat rare: 
Cattleya Lawrenceana should pay special attention to them at this time of 
the year, as they are generally late in starting into growth, and the bulbs are 
only half formed when the dull days commence. The plants will be greatly 
benefited by being placed at the warmest end of the house, and raised, so: 
that they may be brought nearer the light, where, if properly attended to, 
the bulbs quickly finish up, and soon become thoroughly ripened. This. 
Cattleya will take plenty of water during growth, provided the material 
used for the roots to grow in is of a very open nature, through which the 
water may pass freely. Care must also be taken that no water either from. 
drip or syringe be allowed to remain in the young growths, or rot and decay 
will sooner or later appear, and cause, perhaps, the total loss of the plant.. 
When growth is completed very little water is required to keep the bulbs 
plump, but immediately the flowers commence to push up through the 
sheath more may be given. At no time should the plant be allowed 
to shrivel for want ot moisture, neither should it be kept too wet, especially 
after flowering, or it will start into new growth instead of having a long rest. 
Pleiones are amongst the few Orchids that have to be attended to this- 
month. Most of these pretty species are natives of India, and grow chiefly 
on rocks in mountainous regions, and are commonly known as ‘“ Indian 
crocuses.” Their flowering season extends from the end of September to- 
the middle of November, and one species, P. humilis, blooms in the spring, 
consequently with the following species the flowering season is extended to: 
a considerable length. P. lagenaria, P. maculata, and P. praecox are now 
in bloom with us here, and when care is taken that no water is allowed to 
settle on them they will last long in perfection, but if not kept free from 
moisture the blooms quickly damp off. Within a short time after flowering’ 
numerous young roots will be found to have started away from the base of 
the new growths, and it is at this particular time that the plants should be: 
turned out of their receptacles, and after the greater part of the old soil has. 
been removed from the roots they should be repotted in a compost con- 
sisting of equal proportions of good fibrous loam and peat, with a little: 
chopped moss, a small quantity of powdered cow dung, and sufficient. 
coarse sand or fine crocks to keep the whole porous when mixed together.. 
It is quite immaterial whether shallow pans or pots be used, but for those 
who prefer to grow them hanging up close to the roof, pans are the most. 
convenient. Whichever be selected they should be well drained, for being. 
