The Culture of Greenhouse Orchids 



through the winter, without suffering ; and I admit 

 this low figure only as a solace for persons who find 

 themselves unable to keep the house warmer during 

 frost. At 40, in the dull season, Odontoglots will 

 take no harm, if great care be used in watering 

 them, and the air be kept dry. A little too much 

 moisture under such conditions discolours the leaves 

 and threatens the young growth, for they are grow- 

 ing in winter. But experience shows that cool 

 orchids do best when the house stands at 50 about 

 midnight, and from that point gradually drops till 

 morning, but not below 45. There are a few species 

 which seldom meet with such a high temperature at 

 home, dwelling far up the mountains. They have 

 to make the best of it, put in the coolest place that 

 can be found. 



Living on trees, at no great height from the 

 ground, and therefore well shaded, Odontoglots 

 will not bear hot sunshine. It is necessary to pro- 

 tect them, as a rule, from the beginning of March 

 to the end of September, but much depends on the 

 aspect of the house and on the season. If blinds 

 can be used, that is best, for permanent shading 

 excludes the light when there is no sun ; but to 

 run the risk of exposure is infinitely worse. In 

 effect, whitening the glass does very little harm, 

 and. saves much trouble. But a sort of Venetian 



