SHADING 
From early February to late October, shading- must be provided. 
Outside roller blinds are far superior to any other method, for they may be 
left up on cloudy or dark days, or raised in the afternoon when the sun is 
low, and thus the plants benefit greatly from the increased light. They are 
also a protection against hail. However, satisfactory results can be obtained 
by shading with white lead and gasoline, which should be applied very 
lightly, just enough to exclude the direct rays of the sun. Cheesecloth 
stretched a few inches from the glass will provide a heavier degree of 
shading for those species which require it, such as Cypripediums. 
It must be understood that a house running north and south will 
not get as much heat from the sun’s rays as one built east and west. In a 
house having full exposure to the sun in winter, orchids will need shading 
to some extent, while in one running north and south it can be dispensed 
with. Even in a very small greenhouse there exists plenty of opportunity 
for variations in shading, enough to suit individual plants by placing upon 
shelves or near the glass those which require much light, and putting those 
which require more shade on the less exposed side of the house. The 
observant cultivator will find even a slight change of position in the house 
will often bring about marked improvement in growing conditions for a 
plant. 
POTTING 
Species bloom at stated seasons, but the hybrids are of irregular 
habit, due perhaps to their mixed origin, which makes them blossom and 
need repotting throughout the year. This makes it difficult to make a rule 
for potting separate plants, but the best time is after flowering or when they 
are starting to make their new roots. However, many of the Orchids do not 
like having root action disturbed and do not want repotting each year, and 
three rules generally cover this: (1) when the compost decays or becomes 
sour, (2) if the plant is not thriving due to faulty drainage, (3) or when 
they have outgrown their pots. 
New pots should be thoroughly soaked prior to using, and old ones 
thoroughly cleaned. Using a five-inch pot as an example, increase the 
drainage hole to about one inch in diameter with the head of a hammer. 
Place a large piece of crock over this hole and fill the pot with potsherds to 
about two inches. This is recommended proportionately for all pots. All 
orchids should be potted very firmly. Use a sharp-pointed hard wood pot¬ 
ting stick and work the compost towards the center, packing it in as hard as 
you can. When finished off, compost should be about three-quarters of an 
inch from the top of the pot, then neatly trim with the shears all protruding 
pieces of fiber. 
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