﻿October, 1904.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 



The beautiful weather of the past month has been" all that could be 

 desired for the maturing and plumping up of a great many Orchids, 

 but with October here, we must be prepared for every kind of weather, 

 other than that we require ; fog, frost and cold winds, all against the 

 successful management of our glass-house inmates. These will, therefore, 

 now require careful attention, to fit them for the artificial conditions 

 which prevail in these structures during the winter months. One im- 

 portant matter with regard to the management of Orchids during October 

 is the proper regulation of the atmosphere in the houses, especially at 

 night, as sharp frosts frequently make their appearance at this season. 

 The grower must be continually on the alert to prevent, as far as possible, 

 any great fluctuations in the temperature, so that any evil effects on the 

 plants from this cause may be avoided. 



We cannot expect the fine weather to last much longer. At the time of 

 writing there is little difficulty in regulating the day temperatures, but, in 

 order that sufficient air may be given, the hot -water pipes are kept a trifle 

 warmer than was necessary a month ago. This only applies to the 

 warmest divisions ; as regards the Cool houses, owing to the majority of the 

 inmates having been recently potted, a little closer atmosphere will be 

 maintained until the plants have re-established themseives, and unless the 

 weather becomes cold little artificial heat will be necessary. The following 

 figures will be a guide to the temperatures most suitable during the next 

 month :- 



East Indian house, day, 70 ; night, 65 . 



Cattleya house, day, 65 ; night, 6o°. 



Intermediate house, day, 6o°; night, 58 . 



Cool houses, day, 55 ; night, 50 . 

 The day temperature will vary somewhat, according to the outside con- 

 ditions, whether they be bright and warm, or dull and cold, but the night 

 temperatures should be kept as even as possible with the aid of artificial 

 heat. 



Where permanent shading has been used it should now be cleared off, 

 and everything done to secure for the plants the maximum amount of light. 

 Plants should be raised well up to the light, by using inverted pots or 

 other means, which also allows the air to circulate round them freely. 

 Strong plants are by this means maintained in health, and weakly ones 

 have a chance to recover. With the exception of the Cool house, the 

 blinds should be taken down, when dry, and stored away; unless they are 

 required as a protection against cold in winter. On the Cool house 



