A FEW HINTS ON ORCHIDS. 



27 



The method of growing plants on blocks is very simple. It is only to 

 fasten the plant firmly on the top, side or under part of the branch, accord- 

 ing to its nature, suspending it by a copper nail driven into the end, to 

 which should be fastened a loop of copper wire ; or, drive a nail in each 

 end, make two loops, and suspend the plant by a wire connected with each. 

 Let the block be so suspended that the water will readily run off. A branch 

 of cork is said to be the best for growing plants of Phalaenopsis and 

 Renanthera. 



Orchids require a season of rest. In their native countries there ife a 

 period when they can receive no water — the dry season. At this time the 

 bulbs become perfected, and the plants are fitted for the production of 

 flowers ; therefore, to ensure a fine display of flowers, perfect rest must be 

 given for a season. At this time water must be almost entirely withheld, 

 only enough being given to prevent the pseudo bulbs from shrivelling, and 

 the heat must be reduced lest the plants be started into growth. 



If the same heat is always maintained, and constant moisture afforded, 

 the plants will continue growing, or will produce weak second growths and 

 fail to flower, or else produce weak and few blossoms. 



A most ready way of securing this rest is to remove the East Indian 

 orchids to the cooler or Mexican house, during their resting season, that is, 

 after they have perfected their growth, and again to remove the Mexican 

 orchids to the greenhouse during their resting season. 



As soon as they show signs of growth, or when it may be desirable, 

 remove them again to their respective houses, where they will soon show 

 signs of growth and flower. 



There are some East Indian orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, brides, &c., 

 which grow perpetually ; these should always be kept in the hottest house, 

 but the heat should be reduced so they may not be forced into too active 

 growth ; for these plants often kill themselves by too much flowering. 



Now as to the heat of the house ; of course it must vary with the different 

 houses, and at different seasons of the year. We cannot do better than to 

 give the degrees of heat required, according to a table given by an English 

 writer, which we copy entire. 



