POTTING ORCHIDS. 



55 



post freely, the plant is much more easily fixed when the material is brought well up 

 than when the lead is an inch or two above the compost line. An orchid so insecurely 

 planted that its own weight causes it to rock about, can never be satisfactory. 



There is another section of pseudo-bulbous kind, of which deciduous calanthes, 

 thunias, and pleiones, are well-known examples. Their roots die annually, and 

 re-potting takes place just as they are about to grow. They are better potted in the 

 ordinary way, and instead of being elevated above the rims, should have a space of 

 about an inch below them left for water. The roots being dead may all be cut off, 



Fig. 24. Potting Oncidium (correct). Fi S- 25 - Potting Oncidium 



' (incorrect). 

 Basal roots within the compost. Basal roots above the compost . 



with the exception of a small tuft to each pseudo-bulb to help to keep it in position until 

 the new roots are formed. Cypripediums, too, are best kept low in the pots, but these 

 must have every root carefully preserved, and spread out, working the compost down 

 between them with the small dibber. 



All species having persistent roots must be carefully handled, and, while cutting 

 out every decayed root and removing all sour compost, disturb the healthy ones as little as 

 possible. Wrap a little compost round the roots, if the plants are small ; if large, 

 place them in the proper position and fill up with the compost previously prepared. 



