﻿May, 1904.] 



THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



and fleshy, and they therefore prefer a moderate amount of space in which 

 to ramble. This should be borne in mind, when they require re-potting, 

 and pots of a reasonable size should be selected, so that they may go on 

 for some time without root disturbance being again necessary. It is best 

 to drain the pots only one-third, thus allowing more room for the compost 

 and roots. After potting keep the plants moderately well shaded and 

 moist, but avoid getting the new (-(impost too wet for a time until the 

 roots make a fresh start. 



Cattleyas which were previously re-potted are now making new roots 

 freely and seem to greatly relish the fresh live sphagnum and new peat. 

 &c. These may now have water supplied more freely w ithout fear of the 

 old roots rotting off. Look over the remainder regularly, also the Laelias, so 

 that the best time for attention does not pass by. Catch them just as they 

 start into a new growth, and before the new roots have got too far 

 advanced. After re-potting give them a little extra shade lor a time and 

 use the syringe about them rather freely, which will prevent shrivelling, 

 and an unnecessary loss of foliage, and promote renewed root action. 



Odontoglossum grande will be one of the principal intermediate 

 Orchids requiring attention this month. Hitherto they have had a 

 good rest, being kept on the dry side since their bulbs matured. New 

 growth has already started, and root action will soon follow. Any 

 potting required should be done just as the roots show at the base. I 

 find the best compost for these plants is leaf soil, surfaced over with 

 fresh chopped sphagnum moss. Growth and root action is wonderfully 

 vigorous, and one is also assured of good strong flower spikes. I need 

 not say that in this mixture very little water is required, a slight moisten- 

 ing of the surface moss being quite sufficient. 



Odontoglossum citrosmum is one of the most pleasing and delightfully 

 scented Orchids now in flower. They are grown here in shallow pans, 

 so that they may be suspended, the flowers are thus shown to more 

 advantage. As soon as the spikes are off topdressing or repotting should 

 begin, using peat and moss in equal proportions. They should not be 

 kept long in a saturated condition, but allow them to get moderately 

 dry before giving a fresh supply of water. Give them a fair amount of 

 sunshine and air. Whilst in flower it is best to keep the atmosphere 

 much drier, so that the flowers will last longer in good condition with- 

 out spotting. 



Insect Pests.— A sharp look-out should be kept for insects, which 

 increase rapidly at this season, and will soon cause a lot of mischief if not 

 kept down. As soon as traces of the pests are observed, the usual remedies 

 should be promptly applied, as a little neglect may result in much injury 

 being done. Cleanliness is an important adjunct to good culture. 



