1 6 THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



tightly with living finely chopped sphagnum moss, to 

 ensure a light humidity, and to facilitate the emission 

 of roots. 



A word as to watering, which is an important point in 

 this new method of Orchid culture. Habituated as we 

 are to the system of saturating our Orchids during the 

 growing season, it is somewhat difficult to reconcile 

 ourselves to the new method. After repotting, it is a 

 good plan to syringe the surface of the pots very lightly 

 several times a day during dry, hot weather, so as to 

 keep the sphagnum moderately wet, as this accelerates 

 root growth. When the young roots begin to bury 

 themselves in the soil, more water may be afforded, 

 using a fine-rosed watering can for the purpose, at first 

 very moderately, increasing the amount in proportion as 

 the roots develop. "Even then very careful watering is 

 necessary. Instead of saturating the whole of the 

 compost, it is sufficient to keep the upper part wet, for 

 the moisture will in time descend around the sides of 

 the pot, where, under good culture, a profusion of 

 roots is found. Until growth is well advanced, and the 

 roots are in full activity, the plants should be kept well 

 shaded from strong sunshine. It is necessary to observe 

 the time of rest, for the plants will at that period require 

 less water at the root, and more air and sunshine, so that 

 the newly formed growths may become properly matured, 

 for these (particularly Cattleyes and Laelias), acquire in 

 this soil a greater fleshiness than in peat and moss. 



In Belgium and many other places on the Continent, 

 leaf soil is largely used. It is used also by many of our 

 leading nurserymen and amateurs with every success, its 

 cheapness and labour-saving properties being special 

 recommendations. Here at Burford, a large number 

 of Orchids of various species and hybrids have been 

 grown in this compost during the past twelve months. 

 Those plants, which have become established in it, have 



