Increase the moisture and temperature gradually as the days lengthen.
Start old and young plants of Clerodendrons, Dipladenias, and
Stephanotis, in a sweet bottom heat. Rondeletias to be cut in, and
started in the same manner.
Shift all Orchids that are starting into growth. As a high temperature
causes a premature and unhealthy growth it is advisable to keep up a
healthy atmosphere of from 55 deg. to 65 deg., with an increase of a few
degrees in sunshiny weather, when a little air, if only for a very short
time, should be admitted; but be careful to avoid draughts at this early
period of the year. All growing plants to be watered at the roots only,
being careful not to allow any water to lodge in the axils of the leaves
to cause decay. To preserve the roots of some Orchids in a healthy state
it is necessary to grow them on blocks of wood; the blocks to be made
proportionate to the specimens they are intended to bear; and the heel
of the plant to be placed close to the end of the log, to give as much
space as possible for the plant to grow upon. The following thrive well
on blocks without moss:--_Barkeria spectabilis_, _Leptotes bicolor_,
_Phalaenopsis amabilis_, and _Sophronitis cernua_, the Brassavolas, the
Cattleyas, nearly all the dwarf Epidendrums, all the Laelias, and nearly
all the dwarf Maxillarias and Oncidiums, and all the Schombergias.