_ Sept.-Oct., 1919.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 159 
Orchids are more subject to the ravages of spot disease than those grown 
under the conditions here prescribed. Many collections throughout the 
couutry are suffering from this disease, owing to fuel restrictions in the past, 
and every means at hand should be taken to eradicate it. 
TEMPERATURES should now be gradually reduced a few degrees, so that 
in November we may reach the lowest or winter temperatures in eacin 
department. : 
WaATERING.—At this season few plants take up as much water as when: 
in full growth, and evaporation is much less than during warm weather, 
hence the necessity of paying attention to the requirements of each plant in 
giving or witholding water. The operator must be guided by the state of 
each plant; whether in active growth, or at rest, and whether approaching 
the flowering stage or not. It is safe at this season to allow plants to dry 
out before giving more water, care being taken that none suffer for want 
of it. Speaking generally, it can safely be said, that during the winter 
months Orchids usually receive too much water at the roots, and too little 
during the summer. 
CLEANLINESS is one of the greatest aids to good cultivation, and both 
houses, and plants should be kept scrupulously clean. During the winter 
months a thorough overhauling is beneficial, as during the busy potting 
season time is so pressing that this work is apt to be neglected. Even in 
the most favoured districts there is always an accumulation of dirt and 
other matter on the roofs, obstructing the light, or if on the leaves, 
preventing them from breathing freely. This operation also gives one the 
opportunity of re-arranging the plants in such a manner that each receives 
the maximum amount of light, and any that are not making satisfactory 
progress can receive special attention. Those that are making secondary 
growth should be placed at the warmest end of the house, so that it may be 
finished as soon as possible. Some growers object to this, but I am sure no 
harm accrues, and it often helps the plants to make an additional lead, even 
if the autumnal growth is small. The Cattleya family is more addicted to 
this habit than any other. 
FLOWERING PLANTS.—Plants that are coming into bloom should have” 
every attention, by being placed in the lightest position possible; their 
spikes should also be neatly staked up, and every inducement given to the 
flowers to open satisfactorily. To realise the value of light on the cultivation 
of Orchids, it is only necessary to observe the difference in colour between 
flowers opened in light and in shady positions. 
CALANTHES of the vestita section will soon finish their growth, and begin 
to push up their flower spikes. A light position should be selected for them, 
and the temperature kept as near as possible to 65°; still they should not be 
unduly hurried, as the flowers are most valuable at the Christmas season. 
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