48 THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



and eject their pollen. The stigma of Catasetum, too, is 

 also different, as apparently it is not always viscid nor 

 in a condition to receive the pollen. 



On account of their mode of flowering, and the way 

 the roots push themselves out into the air, shallow teak 

 wood baskets suit Catasetums best, using as a compost 

 peat and sphagnum moss in equal proportions, a moderate 

 quantity of small crocks being mixed with the soil. 

 The plants should be rebasketed annually, as the roots 

 delight in fresh compost, the best time for the operation 

 being just when the new growths appear, which is 

 generally about April ; a good deal of care in affording 

 water is necessary till the plants have become re- 

 established, and when in full growth water should be 

 copiously supplied to them, providing the materials get 

 quickly dry. The wires of the baskets should be about 

 twelve inches in length, so as to bring the plants well 

 up to the roof glass, for the maximum of light is 

 essential to their future health. During the season of 

 growth, Catasetums prefer the hottest house. They 

 delight in plenty of atmospheric moisture, but object 

 to overhead syringing, as the growths are extremely 

 liable to damp off, especially in their earlier stages. 

 When the plants have made their new growth, they 

 should be placed where they may obtain uninterrupted 

 sunshine, and where the atmosphere is drier and less 

 close than that of the house in which they have been 

 grown. While the leaves remain fresh they should be well 

 supplied with water at the root. So soon as the leaves 

 turn yellow the growth will be matured. The water 

 supply must then be considerably reduced in quantity, 

 and, when the leaves drop, be discontinued entirely. If 

 the plants have been properly ripened, and the pseudo 

 bulbs keep plump, no more water will be required until 

 the plants again show signs of activity. Badly ripened 

 growths, and those that mature during winter, generally 



