74 orchids: how to grow them successfully. 



beetle ; and it is advisable at this season to continue a supply of 

 tree leaves, or, failing these, some other material for giving 

 moistm-e, by placing them under the stages, and thereby materially 

 assisting the plants. 



July. 



Cool House. — Temperature same as for June. 

 Should the heating apparatus require repairing or altering, 

 this is the most suitable month to get it put right, letting the 

 work be completed as speedily as possible, certainly by the middle 

 or latter part of August. The repotting of all kinds of Cool 

 Orchids, with the exception of the Odontoglossuni Alexandrse 

 type, should by this time be finished ; and if the sphagnum moss 

 on the surface of the pots begins to cover the pseudo bulbs, it 

 should be pressed neatly down with the fingers whilst it is wet, but 

 it will ultimately become necessary to remove it and substitute a 

 fresh top dressing of sphagnum, which will probably also grow. 

 I have often heard it remarked that Orchids make no growth 

 unless the sphagnum is doing so. That Orchids generally do well 

 when the sphagnum grows freely I admit, but it is not absolutely 

 necessary for the welfare of the plants. 



INTERMEDIATE HouSE. — Temperature, same as for June. 

 If thrip should get a fii'm hold of the plants, now that they are 

 making gi'owth, the foHage is soon disfigured, but its presence may 

 be detected by the appearance of brown marks on the young f ohage 

 in course of formation, and when once the insects get down into 

 the centre and under the skin which shield the young bulbs it is 

 impossible to dislodge them by fumigation alone. Tobacco powder 

 should then be used, sprinkling a pinch down the axils, but it is 

 wisest to look out for thrip in its earhest stage, and be on the 

 watch for any sign of the Cattleya fly, which will attack such 

 species as C. Mossiae, C. Mendelli, and C. Trianoe in particular. 



Warm House. — Temperature, same as for June. 

 As the new growth of Dendrobiums increase in size, and form 

 fresh roots, a little weak hquid manure may be given {see page 62). 

 Dryness at the roots, or a dry atmosphere are most undesirable just 

 now, as the plants are in active growth and should have no check 

 either from this or any other cause. A gentle spraying overhead 

 may now be beneficial in the afternoon or during very dry weather. 



