24 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
ae 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR JANUARY. 
By W. H. WHITE, Burford, Dorking. i 
43 
HAVING undertaken to write the Calendar of Operations for the ORcHID- 
REviIEWw, I will endeavour to state the methods which I have found by 
experience to lead to success in the cultivation of this beautiful and. 
interesting class of plants. It must be remembered that I write chiefly for 
beginners and amateurs, though it is hoped that more experienced culti- : 
vators may be able to pick up useful hints in a subject in which so much yet 
remains to be learnt. Our knowledge of Orchid cultivation has improved 
considerably during the last ten or fifteen years; yet in large and varied 
collections there are always some plants which do not grow satisfactorily, 
and not always from want of care or perseverance on the part of 4 
cultivator. The only way to success is by careful observation and intellige 
efforts to discover the cause of failure. 
It is not absolutely necessary to have a separate division for each section 
of Orchids. The only structures really necessary are the East Indian, of 
hottest house ; Cattleya, or intermediate house; the Mexican house; and 
the cool, or Odontoglossum house. Their respective temperatures by night for 
this and the next three months should be as follows :—East Indian, 60°—65% 
Cattleya, 55°—60°; Mexican, about 55°; cool house, 45°—50°, though when 
the weather is severe a few degrees less will he beneficial. By day, with 
sun heat, it matters little how much the rise of temperature may be, pro: 
vided there is sufficient air and moisture to balance it. At the same time, 
the hot-water pipes should not be allowed to become too warm. Imme 
diately the sun makes its appearance, if it is likely to continue to shine, the ‘ 
furnace-doors should be opened wide, and the dampers shut close, which | 
not only saves fuel, but will prevent the plants from being baked. If the 
temperatures be low the first thing in the morning, no watering or damp- 
ing-down should be done until the thermometer indicates the required 
temperature. At night, when extra firing is required, it should be the rule 
to sprinkle the paths in the hottest houses, the cooler divisions being com 
paratively dry. 
As regards watering, it is not necessary to examine all plants every day, 
but only those that are on blocks or in very shallow pans. Here the plants 
are looked over at least once a week in winter, twice in summer, and, te 
those that require it, a thorough soaking is given. Of course there are 
exceptions to this rule. Ifa plant is found in the interval to require wate 
it ought to be supplied at once. It is very essential that all Orchid house* 
should be well ventilated, both at top and bottom, as no doubt the majority 
of Orchids delight in fresh air when admitted with discretion. : 
The best material for potting is good bracken root fibre and cleat 
ae 
sphagnum moss, though some few terrestrial Orchids require fibrous loa 
