16 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JANUARY, 1922. 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
By J. MACKAY, ORCHID GROWER TO JAMES J. Joicrky, EsQ., THE HILL, 
WITLEY, SURREY. 
HE year 1921 will be remembered for the prolonged period of tropical 
heat and drought. That Orchids generally have benefited by these con- 
ditions is fairly obvious, and those that may be specially mentioned are 
Vandas, Dendrobiums, Calanthes, and the various Cattleya groups. Some of 
these have-made quite exceptional growth and have flowered with great vigour 
and effect during the late autumn; others that flower later promise equally 
well. Odontoglossums and allied cooler varieties did not find these tropical 
conditions quite so beneficial, and the grower’s efforts were sorely tried in 
‘keeping conditions at all suitable, yet we find after a few months of cooler 
‘weather that the plants have regained their old vigour and give promise of 
abundant flower at a later period. 
SEASONABLE WorK.—The principal work. in the Orchid houses will 
-consist in maintaining the required temperatures and suitable atmospheric 
conditions. Also, if not already done, cleaning the houses and plants. 
The following temperatures will serve as a guide for the next few weeks :— 
Cool House, day 55 degs., rising with sun to 60 degs., night 50 degs. 
Intermediate House, day 60-65 degs., rising to 68 degs., night 58 degs. 
Warm House, day 68-70 degs., rising to 75 degs., night 65 degs. 
The weather conditions at this time of the year are so apt to change 
-quickly that it is better during spells of severe cold to record a slightly lower 
temperature than resort to excessive fire heat, while the use of lath blinds 
and other covering material at night will greatly economise the heat during 
frosty or windy weather, removing them early in the morning as conditions 
permit. Endeavour to maintain the temperature,as even as possible at this 
period, so that plants which are inactive may,not be unduly started into 
‘premature growth. Admit air when conditions are favourable, and 
-although this cannot be done as freely as hitherto, sufficient should be given 
-on the leeward side to keep a sweet and buoyant atmosphere for the plants. 
Damping down will be necessary at least once a day, and should be done 
‘when the temperature is rising. When watering the plants, choose if 
possible a bright day for this important operation. Plants need all the 
light possible at this time of the year, especially in the vicinity of large 
towns where fogs are apt to be prevalant. The sooty deposit on the glass 
should be washed off as often as necessary. IPfnot already done, advantage 
should be taken this month to thoroughly clean the inside of the houses, 
(temoving the plants where possible to a vacant house. Before returning 
them they may be sponged with diluted nicotine insecticide, and when scale 
insects are detected these can be destroyed by the application of methylated 
Spirit. 
