orchids: how to grow them successfully. lo 



August. 



C(njL House. — '/'cm/xrature, m/nc tia J tint. 

 Continue to maintain a free circulation of air, keeping the 

 atmosphere as cool, yet as moist as x^ossible, bearing in mind that 

 thes(! plants grow chiefly at a great elevation where the atmosphere, 

 although hea\'ily charged with moisture, is breezy and buoyant, 

 conditions whicli a cultivator should endeavour to imitate. When 

 it has been necessary to use a permanent shading through the 

 summer months, it should now be reduced in density by having a 

 good portion wiped ofl". Plants in which the pseudo bulbs have 

 (joiupleted their growth must now have water supphod to them in 

 lesser quantities. 



Intermediate House. — Temperature, same as for June. 

 During this month mtiny of the new pseudo bulbs reach 

 maturity, such as Cattleya Trianoe, C. gigas, and C. aurea. The 

 roots shoidd now be watered less frequently, and the plants be 

 I)laced near the light at the coolest part of the house, close to 

 a ventilator, or they will commence a second growth, and this 

 should be avoided if possible, as second growths rarely come to 

 maturity until very late in the autumn. The two last named 

 Cattleyas having flowered, the old flower sheaths should be 

 entirely removed, as they are liable to decay in dull wet weather, 

 and unless this is done in time the base of the leaf may be affected 

 and droop before it is observed, the rotting or decay passing down- 

 wards and soon affecting the newly made bulbs. If the old sheath 

 is cleanly removed by a sHght pull sideways, it will slip easily 

 away from the pseudo bulb and render decay improbable. 



Warm House. — Temperaiure, same as for May. 

 Fire heat, on all occasions, both day and night, may be safely 

 dispensed ^\ath during this month. Dendrobiums should be looked 

 over now, and all that have finished up their pseudo bulbs removed to 

 more cool, aiiy, dry, and suimy quarters, to prevent second growth, 

 always taking care that the change is gradual so as not to give an 

 unnecessary check, and after they are by degrees fully exposed to 

 both air and sun. Many kinds, such as Dendrobium Wardianum, 

 D. nobile, and D. crassinode delight in a long rest, in a house 

 having a cool, free ventilation, and full sunlight. Such treatment 

 greatly assists the plants of such kinds as I have named in 

 acquiring a strong constitution and they flower more freely; but' 



