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 grower. 
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. 
Oftentimes a small crack of air 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 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 hygro- 
meter or simple and inexpensive device which records both temper- 
ture 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 be watched carefully. It 
is certain that when rainwater is saved for watering the plants 
they show more vigor. 
On cold, clearless 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. 
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