42 
THE ORCHID WORLD. 
[Xovember, igi2. 
Laelia anceps and its varieties. Owing to 
the absence of sun these plants, m many 
cases, will not produce flower spikes in such 
profusion as they did last year. This class 
of plant delights in an abundance of light at 
all times, a free circulation of air, and when 
in growth an abundance of moisture. At this 
season water should be carefully applied until 
the flower buds appear, when it should be 
gradually reduced. Care should be taken 
that the tips of the spikes do not touch the 
glass, and where the head room is limited 
they should be tied down so that they do not 
reach the roof. Before the flower buds com- 
mence to expand it is advisable to thoroughly 
clean every plant, and tie the spikes neatly to 
stakes m such manner that they receive the 
maximum amount of light. The periodical 
cleansing of plants is, in my opinion, the only 
means of effectually fighting the various pes1s 
with which we have to contend. 
Laelia harpophylla should now be removed 
to a light position in the Cattleya house, und 
afforded water at the roots until the flowers 
expand, when the plants should be kept on 
the dry side and in a cool intermediate house. 
The bright orange-red flowers are very attrac- 
tive and much appreciated at this season of 
the year. Laelias, such as albida, autumnalis, 
and others, that are developing their flower 
spikes, should be treated as advised for 
L. anceps. 
Odontoglossums, such as grande and 
Schlieperianum, that have passed out of 
flower should be placed in a dry position in a 
cool intermediate house, where they will rest. 
Plants of O. Insleayi that are producing their 
flower spikes must have liberal treatment until 
these are developed, when they may be 
treated in a similar way to the previously 
mentioned species. This class of Odonto- 
glossum thrives much better when treated in 
this manner than when grown in a lower 
temperature during the winter months. Slugs 
and woodlice are very fond of these species ; 
they should be diligently searched for or 
trapped in the usual way. 
Plants of Odontoglossum crispum — also the 
innumerable hybrids of which this species is a 
parent — that are not lu a fit condition to be 
repotted, will be better if left until the early 
spring ; it is not advisable to disturb them 
during the dull days of winter. The warrfi. 
growing O citrosmum should have every 
encouragement given to complete its growth, 
and if at all backward or late it will be 
advisable to remove it to a place where more 
heat is obtainable. 
Deciduous Calanthes that are pushing up 
their flower spikes, and, at the same time, 
losing their foliage, will require some care in 
the matter of affording moisture at the roots. 
If water is given in excess much harm will 
accrue, and if given m insufficient quantity 
the bulbs will unduly shrivel. No hard and 
fast lines can be laid down regarding the root 
moisture a plant can take up. 
Cattleyas and Laelias. Many members of 
this most beautiful family are now in flower, 
and as soon as they finish miay be repotted, 
providing that new roots are pushing forth. 
The gTeat mistake generally made in the cul- 
tivation of these plants is the application of 
water to newly potted plants before the roots 
have penetrated the new compost. 
Cypripediums. The heat loving Cypri- 
pediums, such as Stonei, philippinense, Lowii, 
Rothschildianum, and the hybrids Morganias, 
I'Ansonii, Shillianum, and others of this class 
are now growing freely and must have an 
ample supply of water both at the roots and 
in the atmosphere. .Spraying and syringing 
during the winter months are not recom- 
mended, for there is always the danger of 
water falling in the centre of the growth and 
causing decay. An excess of water v>-ill also 
cause the loss of roots. 
Winter flowering Cypripediums. These 
most useful plants are fast pushing up their 
flower spikes, and will enliven the house in 
which they are grown far into the new year. 
To the lover of these fascinating plants there 
is plenty to admire, and perhaps in no class of 
plants has the hybridist made greater strides. 
A few seasons ago some of the later acquisi- 
tions would have have been thought impos- 
sible to produce. Before the plants come into 
bloom the}-, like all others, should be 
thoroughly cleaned, the flower spikes neatly 
staked so that each receives a fair share of 
