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and it has been found that orchids have sturdier growth and grow faster if 
they receive regular feedings of weak solutions, It is recommended that seed~ 
lings and adult Cymbidiums, Cypripediums and Phalaenopsis be fed once a week 
and adult plants of other species once a month, 
Te Insects and Diseases 
For the most part orchids will be found to be resistant to both insects 
and diseases, Freshly imported unestablished plants will have been treated by 
the Buréau of Plant Quarantine for both insects and diseases before entry is 
allowed, and thus should be free of both difficulties, 
Snails and slugs are attracted occasionally by the moist conditions neces 
sary for growth of orchids and may be dealt with by use of accepted remrdies 
such as "Kilslug" or poisoned bran, 
Sow bugs are best eliminated by using a trap consisting of a potato cut in 
half and laid near the plants, A slight channel, leading to a hollowed out 
place, should be cut into the potato, and this channel should be laid downward 
on the bench or slat. Any sow bugs thus trapped can easily be killed. 
Heavy infestations of insects are usually best treated by an immersion of 
the plant in a solution of nicotine and soap for several hours, A spray of 
this solution is useful to discourage initial attacks of insects, The materi- 
als should be diluted in water to about the same proportions as are used to 
spray roses, or a little less, Commercial preparations of DDT, nicotine and 
rotenone are commonly used, To keep the plants from becoming infested in the 
greenhouse it is a good idea to spray about every month, whether needed or note 
Plants grown in a wardian case seldom become infested, but if they should, 
it is an easy matter to control insects on plants that are grown in 4 small 
caség In the greenhouse the floor should be covered with pea gravel, cinders 
or a Similar materials derbis should never be allowed to accumulate under the 
benches, In all instances the greenhouse should be kept as clean as possible, 
Rot, a highly infectious disease, brought on by cold and overwatering, is 
sometimes found, If it develops, drastic treatment is necessary, by cutting 
off affected portion of plant and treating cut portion with powdered sulfur. 
Then the plant should be placed where it will receive a free circulation of 
air, and water should be withheld for several dayse 
GROWING ORCHIDS WITHOUT A GREENHOUSE 
In growing orchids it is not necessary to have a greenhouse or a lot of special 
equipment, Certain species such as Cymbidiums, Laelias, Cattleys and Cypripediums 
can be grown in a heated sun porch or a kitchen window, Species such as Laelias, 
Cattleyas and Cypripediums will do better if grown over a pan of water, to provide 
them with humidity, Pans may be made from galvanized sheet iron by turning up 
about two inches on the sides and soldering the corners, The pan is filled with 
water and slats are laid across the top to’set the plants on, One thing to remember 
is that the pots should be above the water, not setting in it; otherwise the fiber 
or soil's being constantly wet will cause the plants to rot. 
For keeping a more even humidity a wardian case or orchid cabinet can be con= 
structed, Wardian cases are commonly made by taking 5 old windows or sashes, pre» 
