time of flowering of some plants. In the successful growing of Cattleyas in 
greenhouses, shading should not be increased any more during the brighter 
summer months than to have it possible to discern contoured objects such 
as trees, chimneys, etc., from the interior. 
In latitudes corresponding to Orchidhaven in northern New Jersey, clear 
glass may be used and all shade removed from greenhouses running north 
and south during the period between November lst to February 15th (or 
March 15th, depending on conditions). You can set up the proper conditions 
to keep clear glass until March 15th if you are careful to regulate the air 
exchange and to damp down overhead at frequent intervals. These steps 
will keep the temperature sufficiently low while you expose the plant to 
maximum intensity and duration of light in this season; the result, as we 
have found at Orchidhaven, is beneficial to growth of the plant. 
WATERING. The best plan to follow, with regard to watering in the 
containers, is to wait until the potting medium becomes quite crisp to the 
touch. But, if you are in doubt about this degree of crispness, it would be 
better to wait a day or two longer. More harm is done by over-watering 
than under-watering. Over-watering tends to rot and eradicate roots. Keep- 
ing a plant somewhat dry has the effect of promoting root action. However, 
it must be remembered that during the growing season, every orchid plant 
requires considerably more water in order to maintain its growth. 
POTTING. Plants in all sizes should be potted very firmly. Pots should 
contain about 1% crock. Our experience at Orchidhaven is that the 34, size 
pots, or Azalea pots from 5 inches and up, are best because they have a 
larger bearing surface on the bench—providing greater stability, especially 
when the plant is tall. It is generally unwise to divide plants down lower 
than four-leaf bulbs. As a matter of sound practice, a fair amount of the 
old compost should be left on the plant so that it has sufficient substance 
until new roots are made. Rooting is fostered by keeping a plant on the 
dry side because roots grow from plants that are seeking moisture. After 
the roots are well set, watering can be gradually increased in order to fatten 
the bulbs and leaves as a means for obtaining a fine crop of flowers. 
When buds are starting up the sheath, caution should be taken in water- 
ing and temperature control. Over-watering or chilling the plant at this 
stage may blast the buds. 
The plant should always be kept well to the rear of the pot in order to 
leave plenty of growing space in the pot. It is important for the Cattleya 
grower to keep in mind the danger of over-potting. If there is a question 
about the size of the pot, be sure to choose the smaller one; it is always 
better to pot an extra time than to over-pot—besides, the watering of the 
plant becomes a more simple operation. Pots which are not too hard burned 
should be selected for orchid growing. A more porous pot helps the water 
and air to filter through the sides more readily than a hard burned pot. 
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