AIR 
Air must be given at all times when possible. 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 moisture, 
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. 
On cold cheerless days when the temperature is below normal, very 
little watering or damping is needed, and unless it is some particular species 
which cannot endure drying, it is safest to withhold water; otherwise, the 
plants will be surcharged and those with weak constitutions or immature 
growths will be liable to damp off or rot. A close, stagnant atmosphere is 
always to be avoided. In the summer, the air is very drying and the plants 
benefit greatly from frequent, light overhead spraying two or three times 
a day. 
The most common error for beginners, is overwatering the 
epiphytes, and especially the Cattleyas. They want spraying overhead each 
day, even two or three times in warm dry weather, but do not apply too 
much water to the compost. Give them a good drink about twice a week. 
Do not rest your plants in saucers, and if they are on a bench be sure there 
is a crack beneath them so that the surplus water will drain off. 
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