70 ORCHIDS : HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Summer Temperature. 

 If thrip should get a firm hold of the plants, now that they are 

 making growth, the foliage is soon disfigured, but its presence may be 

 detected by the appearance of brown marks on the young foliage in 

 course of formation, and when once the insects get down into the centre 

 and under the skin which shield the young bulbs it is impossible to 

 dislodge them by fumigation alone. Tobacco powder should then be 

 used, sprinkling a pinch down the axils, but it is wisest to look out for 

 thfip in its earliest stage, and be on the watch for any sign of the 

 Cattle ya fly, which will attack such species as C. Mossiae, C. Mendelii, 

 and C. Trianae in particular. Damp down at least three times a day, 

 and take care that no burning occurs from insufficient shading. Very 

 little repotting will now remain to be done, and any Orchid that has 

 finished its growth may receive more air, but let the same amount of 

 water be given for a time. 



WARM HOUSE. Summer Temperature. 



As the new growth of Dendrobiums increase in size, and form 

 fresh roots, a little weak liquid manure may be given (see page 60). 

 Dryness at the roots, or a dry atmosphere are most undesirable just 

 now, as the plants are in active growth and should have no check either 

 from this or any other cause. A gentle spraying overhead may now be 

 beneficial in the afternoon or during very dry weather. 



AUGUST. 



COOL HOUSE. Summer Temperature. 



Continue to maintain a free circulation of air, keeping the 

 atmosphere as cool, yet as moist as possible, bearing in mind that these 

 plants grow chiefly at a great elevation where the atmosphere, although 

 heavily charged with moisture, is still buoyant, conditions which a 

 cultivator should endeavour to imitate. When it has been necessary to 

 use a permanent shading through the summer months, it should now 

 be reduced in density by having a good portion wiped off. Plants in 

 which the pseudobulbs have completed their growth must now have 

 water supplied to them in lesser quantities. Keeping the plants free 

 from insect pests requires considerable time and perseverance at this hot 

 season. Slugs are also on the alert in damp houses and should be 

 trapped. 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Summer Temperature. 



During this month many of the pseudobulbs reach maturity, such 

 as Cattleya Trianae, C. Warscewiczii, and C. Dowiana aurea. Let the 

 plants be placed near the light at the coolest part of the house, close to a 

 ventilator, and reduce the quantity of water, or they will commence a 

 second growth, and this should be avoided if possible, as second growths 

 rarely come to maturity until very late in the autumn. The two 



