61 ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 



a day as may be requisite; and during mild weather a few degrees 

 may be added to the temperature, but avoiding any approach to a 

 stuffy, close atmosphere. 



When in smoky towns fogs are common, during the time they 

 prevail the atmosphere should be kept rather more moist and warm 

 than usual; and the evergreen Orchids, especially those which should 

 be kept comparatively dry, such as Cattleyas and Lselias, should then 

 not be too dry at the roots, or the foliage would probably suffer and 

 prematurely drop, greatly weakening the plant. Immediately after 

 a dense fog it is most advisable to look over the plants and sponge 

 the leaves with clear rain water, in order to remove the sediment 

 deposited thereon. 



THE WARM, OR EAST INDIA HOUSE. Winter Temperature. 



This heat should be maintained if possible, with a little bottom air 

 if the weather permits, and moisture applied, by damping down the 

 paths, &c., about twice a day, according to the amount of fire heat 

 employed. Cypripediums may be repotted ; .Calanthes which have 

 done blooming should be placed on a shelf close to the glass and kept 

 dry. Use tobacco powder on all plants when thrip is found, and keep 

 a sharp look out for red spider on the young foliage of Dendrobiums, 

 and any Dendrobiums in bud or in flower may be kept a little moist 

 at the roots. Bring in a few of the Dendrobiums resting in a 

 cooler house. 



FEBRUARY. 



COOL HOUSE. Winter Temperature. 



With increased sun heat the day temperature of this house may 

 rise three degrees ; continue the same care in ventilating, damping, 

 watering, and the detection of insects, and always have a sufficient 

 amount of fire heat and no more. The repotting of any Odontoglossum 

 crispum and its allies, as they go out of bloom and begin making new 

 growth, may be proceeded with, and pick over the surface moss of 

 others in the same stage of growth which are in good condition, and 

 top dress with fresh sphagnum and peat. (See note under the heading 

 of Odontoglossum crispum.) 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Winter Temperature. 

 As the potting season will now be coming on, have a supply of 

 good fresh sphagnum moss ready for use, also some good fibrous peat 

 at hand when wanted, and mix as I have already explained. Have tie- 

 up sticks ready of various lengths, and paint them green ; and procure 

 some clean leaves of trees ready for placing above the hot- water pipes 

 as previously recommended (see page 57). Get plants cleaned, and 

 look well to the Cattleyas for the ravages of scale, &c., alluded to on 



