processed quick lime and adding this to water to the desired consistency. When 
this type of lime is added to water, heat is generated, so it is advisable to use 
caution in mixing. This can then be sprayed on the glass. Cheesecloth stretched 
over the glass on the inside of the house is a good protection against burning in 
the event that rains should wash off the shading in any large area. Quite a few 
growers use lath shading with very good results. The spacing of the lath will have 
to vary according to the locality. Roller shading and louvered shading are also 
very desirable. Another good type of shading for the small grower who must be 
away from his plants during the day is a very light coating of white lead and 
linseed oil on the outside of the glass. This must be put on very thin. Over this 
can be put a less permanent supplemental shading as is needed. 
In as much as orchid growing consists of repeating a great many simple pro- 
cedures, there are a number of questions we are asked repeatedly each year. With 
the belief that listing some of these questions and their answers will be of benefit 
the following is submitted. 
Q. Where can I grow Cattleyas?P 
A. Theoretically any place where approximate temperature range of from 60° F. 
to around 80° or 90° F. can be maintained and with a relative humidity of 
from 60 to 80. A sunshiny window, sun porch, solarium or wardian case is 
serra though we do recommend a conventional glass house for maximum 
results. 
Q. What are the best ways to get good stock? 
A. There are two ways, the first is by purchasing divisions off proven stock or by 
getting plants in bloom; this understandably is the most expensive. The second 
is through purchasing seedlings of good breeding. This is the best way if 
orchid funds are limited. If the purchaser is careful to select plants only from 
reputable growers and avoids bargain counter stock, the average value of 
seedlings on flowering will prove a satisfactory investment. 
. How often shall I water? 
rO 
A. This is determined by a number of things. On the average a mature plant will 
take water about once a week during the active growing season. This frequency 
will vary according to the weather. A plant in a 7” pot may only need water 
about once a month during the winter or during a cloudy period. 
Q. How can I tell if a plant has lost its roots?P 
A. There are several conditions to look for. The first is an excessive shriveling of 
the bulbs and leaves with accompanying yellowing of the foliage. The leaves of 
plants that have lost their roots have a shriveled corrugated appearance. Do 
not bend them at this time for unlike healthy leaves large brown areas will 
develop where they are bent. Another sign of lost roots is progressively smaller 
or aborted growths or flowers far below normal quality. 
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