orchids: how to grow tiiem successfully. 71 



and others of similar growth should now cease, and not be renewed 

 until early autumn, or they will be unable to re-establish them- 

 selves before hot weather sets in, and shrivelling will occur. Th(^ 

 repotting of all other cool Orchids may be pushed on with as they 

 are ready. 



Intermediate House. — Temperature generally the same as for 

 March, hat a few degrees higher does no harm if the weather is 

 warm, hut fire heat may he dispensed with in warm weather. 

 .Shading should now be in use for a few hours when the days are 

 bright with sunsliine, but inure the i>lants gradually to the influence 

 of the sun after the dull winter ; and with bright sunshine by day 

 und frost at night it is advisable to maintain a sufficient amount of 

 moisture, as tlu^ plants, if in too dry a state, may suffer at such 

 times — even the Mexican Orchids which will stand a gi-eat deal of 

 «un become scorched when too early exposed after so much sunless 

 weather. Where the roots of Cattleyas and any Orchids may be 

 pushing into growth the plants should be at once taken in hand and 

 repotted, or top dressed as may be best, for if the new roots are 

 allowed to get too long before doing so they get injured. Damp 

 down the floors, &c., twice a day at least. 



Warm House.— rem/»era^«re, day with sun, 80"; day without 

 Sim, 73°; night, 70\- morning, 65°. 

 Shading should now be in position ready for use. This month 

 is generally a busy one, and the sooner the plants are attended to 

 after flowering and got into theii- growing quarters the better. 

 It is necessary to be very careful in watering Dendrobiums just 

 starting into growth, especially D. Bensonii and D. superbum. A 

 uniformly moist atmosphere should at this season be constantly 

 maintained, allowing it to become somewhat dry at mid-day, and 

 keeping a watchful eye for red spider and thrip. 



May. 



Cool House. — Temperature, day with sun, 65° to 70°, or as low as it 



can be kept in fine weather; in the day ivithout sun, 65° to 68*'; 



night, 53° to 60° ; morning, 55°. 



Well damp down at least three times a day in hot weather at 



this season, and spraying the plants slightly overhead will do no 



harm if done in the afternoon of a drying day, but I do not 



