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THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[December, 1913. 



flower opened on January 5th, and they were 

 all in full bloom by February loth. 



The period of rest is short. As soon as the 

 spikes are removed the growth begins anew. 

 The large eye at the base of the bulb soon 

 begins to swell, and the new growth exceeds 

 the previous one considerably. By good culti- 

 vation it IS possible to produce bulbs of 

 enormous size, strong enough to carry four 

 spikes, such as I have observed on imported 

 plants. The new growth starts forth 111 a 

 certain direction, and all attempts to alter its 

 course, even by turning the plant to the light, 

 prove useless. Eventually one has to assist 

 the plant by adding extra basket room and 

 potting material. This disadvantage, however, 

 is compensated by the fact that this wonderful 

 plant resists low temperatures, as well as 

 occasional dryness or too much moisture. 



It is possible to have Eulophiella Hamelinii 

 in flower every eight or ten months. A 

 potting compost much liked b\- this plant is 

 sphagnum, polypodium, and decomposed 

 beech-leaves in equal parts. Messrs. Charles- 

 worth and Co., and Messrs. Th. Pauwels and 

 Co., have also had excellent results by this 

 method. 



It is deplorable that the importing of 

 Eulophiella Hamelinii in large quantities 

 presents such great difficulties, for after the 

 plants are once established they are 

 comparatively easy to maintain in good 

 condition, and are as easy to grow as 

 Lycaste Skinneri. The plant illustrated has 

 made rapid and strong growth during the 

 pa;st season, and, all being well, will produce 

 an abundance of flower about Christmas 

 time. 



CULTURE OF ONCIDIUM VARICOSUM. 



BEING only an amateur Orchid grower 

 of five years' standing, I have some 

 diffidence in airing my experiences. 

 Nevertheless, as my results have been very 

 favourably commented upon by at least two 

 friends who are somewhat of the character of 

 specialists, I am encouraged to publish some 

 cultural notes which seem particular to the 

 methods I have adopted after close observa- 

 tion of my plants' progress. Although my 

 remarks may not be strictly novel, yet I 

 believe they will bear repetition, and will, at 

 least, emphasise the treatment some plants 

 require to obtain a healthful life. 



I will begin at the beginning — the potting 

 process. When the plants are first received in 

 the dry state they must be plumped-up by 

 remaining on wet moss for three or four 

 weeks. If established plants are to be 

 repotted, then they must be thoroughly 

 cleaned — bulbs, leaves, and roots. This is 

 obvious, so I need not further comment on it. 



The clean pots ought to be crocked so that 

 perfect drainage and ample ventilation is 

 ensured. This is best done by selecting 

 sufficiently large pieces and standing them 

 vertically in the bottom of the pot, which is a 



better practice than merely throwing in a 

 small quantity of crocks that choke the 

 ventilation. The compost should contain a 

 good proportion of broken oak leaves, say 

 one-third, and the remainder made up of 

 cut-up fibre. This should be neatly packed 

 in with the roots well spread out, and will 

 make an excellent start for after results. If 

 the potting is finished off with a little chopped 

 moss all will be in good trim for a year's 

 growth. 



Oncidium varicosum is one of the few 

 epiphytic Orchids that benefits by the appli- 

 cation of manure. I find, after growth is 

 robust and promising, that weak cow manure, 

 twice a week until the flower-buds are 

 opening, is highly beneficial to the plants. 

 But at the flowering stage the manure 

 treatment should be discontinued. 



During spring and summer a decided rest 

 is necessary, and very little moisture, 

 compatible with non-shrinkage of the bulbs, 

 is required. A lower temperature is also 

 beneficial. This treatment also refers to 

 Oncidium Forbesii. When the spike has 

 attained a couple of inches growth, trans- 

 ference of the plants to a temperature of 



