i6o 



THE ORCHID WORT.D. 



section in its proper season. We can iai'Siy 

 surmise that we are now through the worst 

 part of the season, and we can see the result 

 of our practice in the way our plants have 

 passed through the winter. If any have not 

 passed through the ordeal as we would wish, 

 the cause must be found, so that in the future 

 we may have better results. 



Cypripediums, as they pass out of flower, 

 should have immediate attention by being 

 thoroughly overhauled. Those that require 

 re-potting should be done, using the compost 

 as advised in a previous number. Varieties 

 which it is desirable to mcrease the stock 

 of may be divided, but to my muid one good 

 plant is worth half a dozen little ones. When 

 all have been done, the plants should be 

 thoroughly cleaned and put in their summer 

 quarters to make their growths, allowing 

 them room to develop. 



Coelogyne cristata, and its varieties, tliat 

 have done flowering and are commencing to 

 grow, may have attention as regards re- 

 potting, should they require it. These 

 plants grow and thrive for a very considerable 

 time without being re-potted, and where a 

 large quantity is grown a certain portion 

 should be potted annually ; in this way no 

 great loss of flowers is experienced. The 

 plants should be turned out of the receptacles 

 in which they have been growing and be 

 carefully di\'ided, each sepai ate growth having 

 four to five pseudo-bulbs and as many roots 

 as can be saved. .Select receptacles accord- 

 ing to the uses the plants are intended for, 

 and well drain them, placing over this a good 

 layer of sphagnum moss. The compost 

 should consist of equal parts of peat, poly- 

 podium, osmunda fibre, and a good turfy 

 loam, removing all the earthy particles 

 possible, and sphagnum moss. The plants 

 should be potted moderately firm, and the 

 bulbs should be so placed that the leading 

 growths go entirely round the plant. The 

 plants, when finished, may have one good 

 watering to settle the compost about the 

 roots, allowing them to become dry before 

 they receive another application. 



Dendrobiums. The numerous species and 

 hybrids of this genus have for some 



considerable time past provided a pleasing 

 display of flowers in the warm houses. Those 

 plants which bloomed early wall require 

 attention as regards re-potting, an operation 

 which is best done when the young growths 

 are but a few inches high. At this stage the 

 plants produce new roots, and these delight in 

 a sweet, fresh compost. The plants may be 

 grown suspended from the roof, or placed 

 upon the stages, according to the amount of 

 room at the disposal of the cultivator. When 

 re-potting, very great care must be taken to 

 prevent the roots being injured, and over- 

 potting is detrimental to healthy growth. 

 They will succeed in a compost of peat, 

 A I fibre, polypodium, osmunda fibre, and 

 sphagnum moss, the pots or pans to be well 

 drained, and no water to be given them until 

 the roots are seen to be travelling through 

 the compost. A slight spraying over head 

 will be beneficial on fine days, until they get 

 established, when they may be syringed twice 

 a day with advantage. Seedlings of this 

 genus may also be re-potted at this season. 

 A house of this beautiful class of plants, when 

 well-grown and m full flower, makes a 

 delightful picture. 



Oncidium varicosum, O. Forbesii, and other 

 late summer and autumn flowering species are 

 starting new growths again after resting since 

 their last flov.'ering season. Young roots 

 soon push forth from the base of the new 

 growths, and when these are observed, fresh 

 rooting material should be afforded to any 

 plants that require it. The dwarf growing 

 kinds are best cultivated in shallow pans ; pots 

 will answer the requirements of the others- 

 A similar compost to that given foi Odonto- 

 glossums is suitable also^ for this genus, and 

 during the early stages of their growth water 

 must be applied with caution ; when the roots 

 are ramifying freely through the new compost 

 they must have a liberal supply of moisture. 

 The plants delight in a humid position, in a 

 cool intermediate house, where they can 

 receive plenty of fresh air. 



Cattleyas, La?lias, and Lielio-Cattleyas, as 

 they pass out of flower, and are seen to be 

 pushing roots, may be potted in the compost 

 previously recommended for I^a^lia anceps. 



