56 



THE FLOWER GROWERS GUIDE. 



When finished to the proper height, trim off all ragged ends of peat, or moss, with a 

 pair of strong scissors or shears, and with a small dibber bed a few green points of 

 sphagnum in around the rim of the pot or the rods of the basket. Never take orchids to 



a cold or draughty shed for potting, and return 

 the plants as soon as possible to the growing 

 quarters. 



By an examination of Fig. 26, a good idea 

 as to the amount of compost and drainage 

 material required can be gathered. Wherever 

 peat is used, as in the case of the coelogyne 

 (Fig. 27), a thin film of rough moss is placed 

 over the drainage material to prevent the fine 

 particles of sand and earth being filtered down- 

 wards by constant watering. This, though 

 apparently a trifling matter, is not so really, for 

 the essence of good orchid culture is to provide 

 a make-up through which air and water can 

 filter readily. A plant should have the compost 

 so arranged, that when the water is poured 

 on the top it rushes through quickly, and in its passage draws plenty of fresh air with 

 it to the roots. The cut in which the aerides (Fig. 26) is shown differs from th« 

 coelogyne (Fig. 27) only in this detail, as of course no moss is needed as a film when no 

 peat, loam, or other earthy substance is used in the compost. 



Eespecting the time of carrying out these details of potting and basketing, only 

 general rules can be given. In a large number of instances growth precedes root action, 

 notably in the case of the deciduous dendrobiums, and the aim of the grower must be 

 to just anticipate this flush of roots. Instances to the contrary — that is, of root 

 action preceding growth — may be found in plenty among vandas, saccolabiums, and 

 angrsecums. Here the cultivator must watch for the first signs of root action, and give 

 the plants immediate attention. Odontoglossums and other cool orchids are usually 

 re-potted in autumn for the same reason — viz., that at this time root action is vigorous ; 

 but even among these there will be instances to the contrary, such as the beautiful 

 0. grande, which requires attention early in the new year. 



Some kinds of orchids need re-potting oftener than others, as will be noted in the 



Fig. 26. Potting Distichous Okchid (Aeeides) 



References :—a, crocks for drainage ; 6, moss ; 

 charcoal ; e, roots passing through drainage. 



