ORCHID TREATMENT DURING REST. 21 



ORCHID TREATMENT DURING REST. 



A S the time of starting into growth varies considerably with different 

 •^ kinds, so also, as a matter of course, will the season of rest, although 

 with but few exceptions it comes on during the autumn months. Rest, 

 it has been elsewhere stated, is of great importance to Orchids, as well 

 as to other things, indeed no plant will continue long in good health 

 without it. Our practice is to give them a long season of rest, generally 

 from November to the middle of February. During this time the 

 temperature of the East Indian house should be regulated so as to keep 

 it as nearly as possible at 60° by night and 65° by day, though by sun- 

 heat the temperature may rise a few degrees higher, but air must then 

 be given so as to keep it about 65°; a few degrees of solar warmth 

 above this point will, however, do no harm. A little air should be given 

 on every iine day, in order to dry up the moisture ; but the air must be 

 admitted so as to pass over and between the hot-water pipes, so that it 

 may become warmed on entering the house. In the case of those plants, 

 that come from the hotter parts of India, the temperature should not be- 

 allowed to go below 60°. The Brazilian house, which may also include- 

 all the species from the warmer parts of Mexico, should range from 50°" 

 to 55° by night, and from 55° to 60° by day ; this should not be allowed 

 to go below 50^ at night. The New Grenadan, or cool-house, should not 

 be allowed to get below about 45° at night. 



Rest is induced by lowering the temperature, and withholding 

 water. During this period the plants should only receive sufficient 

 water to keep them from shrivelling. There are, however, some that 

 will grow during the winter months, amongst which may be enumerated 

 many species of Aerides, Vanda, Saccolabium, Phalaenopsis, Zygopetalum, 

 Laelia, Cattleya, and similar genera. These will require water at the 

 roots to keep them increasing, but care should be taken not to wet the 

 young shoots, for if they get wet they are very apt to rot. Those that are 

 growing should be placed at the warmest end of the respective houses, 

 giving all the light possible. 



Some Orchids are deciduous, losing their leaves after they have 

 finished their growth. To this class belong Cyrtopodium, CoMsetum, 

 Barheria, Cycnoches, Thunia, Chysis, some of the species of Dendrobivm, 

 Calanthe, Pleione, Galeandra, and many others. These should be always 



