July, 192 c.] 
THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
By H. G. Alexander, Orchid Grower to Lt-Col. Sir George Holford, 
K.C.V.O., Westonbirt. 
D URING the summer months considerable attention is necessary in the- 
management of all warm-growing, sun-loving Orchids that enjoy the 
warm air and bright sunshine. Without plenty of these important agents, 
Cattleyas, Laelias, Dendrobiums, etc., cannot be kept in a healthy and free- 
flowering state. If grown in houses affording less light than the plants 
require, the growth is deceptive, and while for a time many may show 
increased development of the pseudo-bulbs and leaves, especially young 
seedlings nearing the flowering stage, the time usually comes when such 
exuberant growth exhausts itself, and sooner or later the plants gradually 
become debilitated. I do not suggest that these plants will bear full 
exposure to sunshine, but the aim should be to allow them all the light 
possible without risk of injury. When the leaves feel hot to the touch, then 
it is advisable to lower the blinds, and not before. Fresh air is as essential a a 
light to the satisfactory cultivation of these plants, in fact, it is absolutely 
necessary where plenty of light is admitted, to prevent the foliage from 
becoming unduly hot; without it the plants cannot possibly acquire that 
solidity of tissue which is so essential to healthy specimens. Secondary 
growth and growths made out cf season are often due to insufficient light 
and air. These plants delight in a high temperature by day, by sun heat, 
so long as moisture and air are abundant, but they dislike being shut up, 
especially at night, in a high temperature and stuffy atmosphere. It is far 
better for the house to be comfortably warm, with the air in active 
circulation, and not too heavily charged with moisture. The aim should 
be, at all times, a condition of atmosphere that is conducive to health and 
vigour. 
Watering. —There is no more important operation with Orchid culture 
than applying moisture to the plants; even the most experienced grower 
needs to be very careful when carrying out this work. With a clear air and 
bright sunshine, care must be taken that the moisture applied to the roots 
is adequate to the needs of the plants. During the summer months the 
terrestrial Orchids require proportionately more water at the roots than the 
epiphytal kinds. It is only by attaining the habit of close observation that 
a correct knowledge can be acquired of what quantity of water is needed by 
any Orchid, and especially during its season of growth. The plants may 
not appear to suffer from careless watering, but a time of reckoning will 
come, and this probably when it is too late to arrest the backward 
tendency. All Orchids that are not actively growing must not be allowed 
