D('C(>mbcr, 1915-] 



THK ORCHID WORLD. 



67 



SEASONABLE NOTES. 



FROM early December until almost the 

 end of winter L^plia anceps makes a 

 fine show with its tall and graceful 

 flower-spikes. Occasionally the flower-buds 

 are spoilt by an accumulation of _<4ummy 

 matter, and it is as well to remedy this by 

 sponging" with clean water or weak insecti- 

 cide. In their native home it may be that 

 these Laelias are subject to rain and heavy 

 dew, which removes much of this gum, so 

 amateurs need not hesitate to carry out what, 

 in their opinion, ma\- be an unnatural 

 procedure. 



Dendrobium buds are now fast becoming 

 visible on the stronger and well-ripened 

 stems. In order to extend the flowering 

 season a few of the most forward plants 

 should be placed in a slightly higher tempera- 

 ture, say of 60 — 65°, with an increased supply 

 of moisture, taking care that these changes 

 are brought about gradually. The majority 

 of Dendrobiums will require periodical 

 examination in order to ascertain the 

 condition of the bulbs; any that are shrivelled 

 for the want of water are best dipped in a 

 pail of rain-water for a few moments, which 

 will be found a more efficient method of 

 uniformly damping the whole of the 

 compost, for when water is poured on a very 

 dry surface much of it will run off. Some 

 bulbs are shrivelled not because the compost 

 is dry, but on account of the roots being dead 

 and unable to convey moisture. When this 

 is the case no flowers should be allowed to 

 develop, and the plant will require very 

 careful cultivation for some time to come. In 

 large specimens some of the bulbs may need 

 re-arranging so that the flowers may be 

 effectively distributed and have ample room 

 to develop. Although D. Wardianum is 

 exhibited at the Shows with the bulbs tied in 

 an upright position, this is by no means 

 necessary, and quite a prett\- effect is 

 produced by allowing the bulbs to bend over 

 the pot or basket ; when so grown the plants 

 must be elevated on a stand or suspended 

 from the roof. 



In the Cattleya house many excellent 



h\brids arc- in flower and [)crhaps a larger 

 miiiiber m bud. All such plants require a 

 light position and every means employed to 

 favour their development. Most houses have 

 a suitable place for suspending a few plants, 

 by means of wire holders, well up to the light, 

 where they are less liable to be damaged by 

 being knocked over or attacked by slugs, but 

 always take care that they are not suspended 

 just under a place where condensed moisture 

 will fall whenever the nights are cold. Cattleya 

 Percivaliana will soon be in flower, followed 

 by C. Trianas. All plants not in flower or 

 active growth will require very little water at 

 this time of the year, and in many cases a 

 daily damping down and syringing between 

 the pots is all that is necessary to produce a 

 suitable atmosphere. 



Odontoglossums are making slow progress, 

 nevertheless they must on no account be 

 neglected. Ventilation must be provided 

 whenever the outside conditions are not 

 unduly severe. No plants dislike more than 

 these a stuffy atmosphere. Always keep a 

 look-out for the flower-spikes and keep them 

 clean in their early stage of development. 

 Many a time an amateur is disappointed on 

 finding that the spike stops short after 

 growing about 6 inches, and has a rusty- 

 brown appearance, which is entirely due to 

 thrip. When once a plant or even a spike has 

 received a decided check it is well nig-h 

 hopeless to resuscitate it into a vigorous 

 condition. 



Cypripediums are still making a good show 

 m many collections, and apart from 

 re-arranging them as some go off flower and 

 others commence, there is little work to be 

 done. C. insigne is usually one of the first to 

 finish flowering, and where plants require a 

 shift into larger pots a start may now be 

 made. In the case of plants which require 

 dividing into several pieces, necessitating 

 considerable root disturbance, it is advisable 

 to defer this operation until early in the 

 new year, when more favourable growing 

 conditions exist. Any spare time may now be 

 i:)rofitably occupied in preparing the compost 

 and selecting the requisite pots and pans. 



Calanthes are particularly useful for 



