TEMPERATURE 
The word “Intermediate” following a heading of the plant lists, 
means these plants do best in a house whose minimum temperature is 55° 
to 65° at night. A night heat of 55° as a minimum on extreme cold nights, 
and 60° in moderate weather will be better for the plants than a higher 
temperature, especially if they are in bloom. 60° or 75° by day, or a few 
degrees more with sun-heat and ventilation is good, and in summer, as low 
as outside conditions will permit. “Warm” means a minimum temperature 
of 65° to 75°. “Cool” means a minimum temperature of 45° to 55°. We 
have indicated in each ease the type of house each variety prefers, but this 
is not an absolutely hard and fast rule, for we have repeatedly seen gardeners 
successfully growing mixed types in one house by the careful utilization of 
the various parts of the house for individual plants that need the cooler end, 
or the warmer end, conditions that are soon discovered by the observant 
cultivator. 
AIR 
Air must be given at all times when possible. In summer, the house 
must have free air, day and night from May to September and at other times 
as much as outside conditions will permit. At no time should the air of the 
house be permitted to get stale or musty. Often times a small crack will 
prevent this. The more air used, the more water will be required, as the 
stagings and walks should be kept moist to maintain humidity. 
WATER 
Orchids want an even temperature and a fairly moist atmosphere, 
which means a humidity of 70° or more. This can easily be obtained by 
watering between the pots and damping the walks and under the benches, 
once or twice a day, according to weather conditions. A hygrometer, or 
simple and inexpensive device which records both temperature and mois¬ 
ture will greatly facilitate this, and is a safeguard against excessive changes 
in humidity, especially during fall and winter. 
In winter, water is best given to the plants in the morning, so that 
the surplus will dry off before night. It is impossible to lay down any hard 
and fast rules for watering. It is a very important operation, and skill is 
acquired by practical experience, connected with a knowledge of the general 
conditions surrounding the plants in their native homes. As a rule, most 
orchids need a liberal supply of water while growing, but the condition of 
the plant, the compost, and the manner in which it is potted, have something 
to do with this. Newly repotted plants should be watered sparingly for 
several weeks, ailing plants, or plants in old compost, which is more apt to 
hold water, should also be watched carefully. It is certain that when rain¬ 
water is saved for watering the plants, they show more vigor. 
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