72 ORCHIDS I HOW TO GROW THEM SUCCESSFULLY. 



growth at the coolest, where a goodly amount of air can be given. The 

 cool night air of September, properly admitted, braces and strengthens 

 all species of Orchids growing in Intermediate houses, their slender 

 pseudobulbs increasing in sturdiness and plenty of new ones are formed, 

 and the foliage assumes a bronzed appearance or an intense green 

 colour. It is as well to defer the use of fire heat until the last moment, 

 60 to 65 degrees being a good night temperature. Below 60 degrees a 

 little fire heat is necessary. Air may be admitted this month rather 

 more freely, but damping at least two or three times a day. 



WARM HOUSE. Temperature this should now be reduced in accordance 

 ivith the shorter days and colder weather, but give fire beat at 

 night day with sun, 75 to 85; day without sun, 70 to 75; 

 night, 70 ; morning, 65 to 70. 



Calanthes will now be throwing up flower spikes, and a little 

 liquid manure will be beneficial to them, but they should neither be too 

 wet at the root nor too dry. Remove any permanent shading on the 

 glass, and use the roller blind only when necessary; but in giving 

 more light in this way do it gradually, so that no plant suffers by 

 exposure. Such Orchids as Phalsenopsis, Saccolabiums, Aerides, &c., 

 will be best in a shady position, as these plants are often most seriously 

 injured by subjecting them to the treatment given to others. Many 

 more Dendrobiums may now go into cooler quarters, but be careful not 

 to take those requiring a warm winter temperature. Damp down two 

 or three times a day. 



OCTOBER. 



COOL HOUSE. Autumn Temperature. 



Fire heat will again be necessary if the nights get too cold, it 

 being best to have gentle warmth in the pipes, and ventilation on, than 

 to have the house shut up without the warmth, as such treatment often 

 produces fungus or mildew in the form of spots on the under surface of 

 the foliage of Odontoglossums, and, if not wiped off instantly, a 

 permanent mark in the form of a rusty spot is left ; the flowers also 

 often become spotted by the damp. With this warmth, refuse tobacco, 

 as before recommended, may be used in the troughs on the hot-water 

 pipes. Roller blinds should now only be lowered for a few hours when 

 the sun is strong. Oncidium crispum may be potted during the 

 autumn months. 



INTERMEDIATE HOUSE. Autumn Temperature. 

 The time has now arrived when water should be given with great 

 care, not keeping them very dry at present, for I have at times seen 

 plants so shrivelled from drought as to be beyond recovery, while 

 others frequently come under my notice that are suffering from the 

 effects of too much water (see remarks on Resting, page 51). The roller 



