IMPORTED PLANTS 



growths to distend, and to make a new break, from 

 which sooner or later proceed roots. As soon as the 

 young growths and roots are fairly started, the plants 

 may be potted in the ordinary manner. 



Laelias of the anceps type should have similar treat- 

 ment, but it is advisable to avoid wetting the rhizomes as 

 they are liable to rot from this cause. Lalia autumnalis, 

 L. albida, L. furfur acea, L. majalis and Cattleya citrina 

 should be suspended in the Odontoglossum house or 

 cool greenhouse, these requiring less heat than the 

 majority of the others. Imported Cattleyas and Laelias 

 will make a large quantity of root on bare blocks of 

 wood, but I have never seen them make growths in 

 proportion. 



All newly imported Dendrobiums, if they arrive in 

 good condition, are easy to manage, and will usually 

 very soon commence to grow. Roots will immediately 

 follow, when the plants may be potted. The dwarf and 

 pendulous varieties succeed best if placed in small 

 shallow hanging pans, with perforations round their 

 sides, through which the air circulates and helps to keep 

 the roots in a healthy condition. These pans are pre- 

 ferable to the ordinary teak basket, as the plants are 

 more easily managed when they require more root room. 

 Baskets are very liable to decay, thereby injuring the 

 roots, and when larger baskets are required, it is ex- 

 ceedingly difficult to remove the plants without doing 

 serious harm to the living roots, owing to the tenacity 

 with which they cling to the wood. Over-potting must 

 be carefully guarded against ; for, if the roots get into a 

 mass of sodden compost, they speedily decay and the 

 young growths are prematurely stopped, soon to start 

 again into weak, sickly growth. 



The remaining section of imported Orchids to be 

 mentioned is that of the Odontoglossums. This is 

 the most popular family among the cool house Orchids. 



