92 



THE ORCHID WORLD. 



[January, igifi. 



Dendrobium Rubens {Ainsworlhii X r.obile), a specimen in the Weskr.birt collection. 



and moisture. Plants that are grown in a 

 summer temperature of about 75° with a 

 reasonable amount of ventilation are far more 

 likely to withstand the severe winter conditions 

 that those cultivated in greater heat ; some 

 growers have considered a summer-day 

 temperature of 95^^ to be almost a necessity, 

 while others have even suggested a still 

 higher figure. Fortunately, we are now 

 better acquainted with the real requirements 

 of the majority of Orchids, and the excellent 

 results obtained by growing Dendrobiums in 

 a moderate temperature, say a maximum of 

 75, prove how unnecessary was the great heat 

 utilised by old-time growers ; while the 

 imcomfortable atmosphere was never inviting 

 to the owner or his friends, 



Then the question of resting the plants 

 during their period of inactivit\- must also 

 receive consideration. Experience proves 

 that the severe drying to which the plants 

 were formerly subjected is more likely to be 

 harmful than beneficial. All that is required 

 is to ensure the plants remaining inactive until 

 the return of favourable growing weather. 

 Plants that have been cultivated correctly 

 always possess an extensive root system, 

 consequently they are able to secure far more 

 moisture than those in ill-health and poorly 

 supplied with roots. This point should always 

 be borne in mind when applying water, for 

 too moist a compost in the case of a well- 

 rooted plant may enable it to gather so large 

 a supply of water that new growth commences 



