SHADING AND WATERING. 69 



we must discriminate between those at rest, those coming 

 into growth, those in full growth, and those of which the 

 pseudo-bulbs are nearly formed ; and some plants should 

 never have the foliage wet. Those at rest should have 

 little or no water, at the most only sufficient to keep the 

 roots from shriveling and the earth or moss from being 

 parched. 



In the case of plants just starting into growth, only 

 enough water should be given to keep the earth in which 

 the plants grow, moist ; for, if watered too profusely, the 

 young shoots are apt to be affected by the moisture of the 

 house and are liable to damp off. 



As the young bulbs grow, the supply of water should be 

 increased; and when the pseudo-bulbs are about half 

 grown they may have a liberal supply. 



When the plants begin to show bloom water should still 

 be given liberally, but care must be taken not to allow it 

 to rest upon the stalk or buds, for fear it may rot them. 

 When plants are in bloom, no water should be given over- 

 head, as every drop falling on the blossom will leave a 

 spot, and cause it to wither. 



Plants of the tribe Epidendrea need but little water at 

 the roots ; the atmosphere should be moist enough for all 

 their wants. On the other hand such plants as Sobralia 

 and Cyrtopodium need a wet soil, water should therefore be 

 generally given in the pot and but slightly on the foliage. 



Watering should generally be regulated by the external 

 temperature and the weather. In a cold, cloudy day it 

 may be entirely dispensed with ; in hot, dry, sunny days 

 water should be plentifully administered at night and 

 morning. 



It sometimes happens, during a long spell of rainy or 

 cloudy weather, that the house becomes too wet and cold ; 



