03 ORCHIDS: HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Spring Temperature. 

 The season of active growth is at hand, and, with more warmth, 

 the plants will soon begin to push out roots, and as soon as this is seen 

 the plants should be repotted, supposing they are out of flower; a 

 slight increase of water may be given to the roots, seeing that the water 

 does not lodge in the young breaks. Get roller blinds fixed in readiness 

 for use and for protection from sun, and when there are cold cutting 

 winds keep the house closed. Watch for the Cattleya fly alluded to on 

 page 46. Laelia anceps and the other Mexican Lselias should be 

 repotted this month where necessary and thoroughly cleaned ; towards 

 the end of this month watch for the spikes of Odontoglossum citrosmum, 

 and give the plants more water. Repot Anguloas if necessary. Damp 

 down two or three times a day. 



WARM HOUSE. Spring Temperature. 



Shading should now be in position and ready for use. Be careful 

 that Dendrobiums are not over watered, and protect Orchids from drip 

 from the roofs (see page 60). At this season the condensed moisture 

 sometimes gets frozen underneath the glass, and in thawing drips on to 

 the foliage, causing the young growth to damp off. Thunias and 

 Calanthes may be repotted (see Cultural Directions, page 36). Look out 

 for red spider, and sponge the leaves with insecticide. Much care is 

 necessary in ventilating, so as to ensure circulation without the 

 atmosphere becoming cold. Arrange near the glass all plants requiring 

 light, and those wanting shade farther away. 



APRIL. 



COOL HOUSE. Spring Temperature. 



We often have changeable trying weather in this month demanding 

 constant watchfulness, and it is better to use the shading freely than to 

 admit cold air through the ventilators ; keep a regular supply of 

 moisture on the paths, stages, and other surfaces. Very little heat will 

 now be wanted from the hot-water pipes in this house, but as the 

 nights are often cold, a little heat should be given. Be always on the 

 look out for thrip, for if it gains a strong foothold this month it will 

 probably remain all the summer, in larger or smaller quantities. The 

 repotting of Odontoglossum crispum and others of similar growth 

 should still continue throughout the summer when they arrive at the 

 proper stage, always expecting them to shrivel a little afterwards. 

 The repotting of all other Cool Orchids may be pushed on with as they 

 are ready ; but little heat will now be required from the hot- water 

 pipes unless the nights are very cold, as is sometimes the case, then a 

 little more heat must be used, also ventilating at the same time. 



