i8 ORCHIDS FOR EVERYONE 



The requirements of seedling Orchids may well be met by 

 the provision of two structures. The first, a warm house, in which 

 the Cattleyas, Cypripediums, Epidendrums, Lcclias, and other 

 warmth-loving kinds, may be accommodated, should be so fitted 

 with hot-water pipes that a temperature of 70 degrees can be 

 easily maintained during the winter months, without excessive 

 firing. If the structure is a low-roofed one the plants will do 

 very well on a raised staging placed over a lower stage or bench 

 on which ashes or other moisture holding material is liberally laid. 

 The upper staging, on which the plants rest, should be made 

 of durable open woodwork. If the structure has a high root the 

 stage must be raised considerably, or shelves used for the plants, 

 as it is desirable here, as in the case of other plants, that growth 

 should be sturdy, and not attenuated as it would be if the plants 

 were kept a long way from the roof glass and light. 



As rain water is most desirable, indeed almost a necessity, for 

 seedlings, ample provision must be made for collecting it. Another 

 item of great importance is shading, and the need for runners 

 placed on the roof so that when the blind is let down it is held 

 nine inches above the glass, cannot be too strongly emphasised ; 

 this arrangement allows a current of air to pass over the glass 

 surface, and prevents the latter from becoming as hot as it would 

 if the blinds were laid directly upon it. The blinds may be of the 

 usual canvas, or better still, made of narrow wood lathes. Ventilation 

 is another important matter, and abundant provision must be made 

 for it both in the roof and along the sides of the house. Excessive 

 top ventilation is bad for seedling Orchids, especially when coupled 

 with free bottom ventilation, because circulation of air thus created 

 dries up the atmosphere quickly and produces conditions not 

 favourable to growth. Nevertheless, means for ventilation ought 

 to be plentiful, so that when the occasion arises the many 



