Continue to keep the supply of heat and moisture at the lowest degree
compatible with the safety of the plants from frosts. In damp, foggy
weather, a gentle fire to be applied occasionally during the day
to expel moist, stagnant air. During severe winterly weather it is
advisable to be cautious in the application of heat, more especially at
night. From 45 deg. by night to 50 deg. by day will be sufficient
for the conservatory, and 40 deg. for the mixed greenhouse. To give a
pleasing variety to the appearance of these houses it is advisable
to rearrange the plants occasionally; those going out of flower to be
removed, and a fresh supply introduced from the forcing-pit. All plants
in these and other departments to be regularly looked over, removing
the dead leaves and tying in straggling branches. The surface soil to
be stirred a little, and some fresh added. As all compost-heaps are
benefited by exposure to frosts, it is advisable to turn over the caked
or frozen surface every morning, until the whole is turned over and
penetrated by the frost, by which grubs and all such kinds of vermin are
destroyed, and the soil considerably ameliorated.
Calceolarias (Herbaceous).--To be shifted into larger pots if they
require them, to be kept near the glass, to be watered moderately
through a fine rose, and on no account to be allowed to get thoroughly
dry. To be careful when removing decayed leaves, not to pull or to cut
them off too close to the stem, by which the flower-shoots would be very
likely to get injured.
Camellias.--Great care is necessary that they may not be exposed to
great alternations of temperature, which are sure to cause them to drop
their flower-buds. The great reason why flower-buds very often fall off
without properly coming into bloom, is the too sudden changes in the
temperature to which they are exposed. For instance: when the buds are
nearly ready to expand, a sudden heat causes them to push too rapidly;
and, on the contrary, a decrease of warmth at the time checks their
growth, and in other cases causes them to fall. The heat required to
expand the blossom-buds is about 60 deg. by day, and 50 deg. by night.
If this be attended to, the plants will continue in flower for a great
length of time, as the plants in that heat are not excited to grow.
A little weak manure water to be given occasionally to the blooming
plants.
Chrysanthemums.--When they begin to fade, to be removed to the north
side of a wall or fence, the pots to be plunged in old tan, leaves, or
sawdust, to protect them from the severity of winter.
Cytisuses.--Place them and other such early-flowering plants in the
coldest part of the house, where they may receive plenty of air at all
favourable opportunities.
Orange Trees.--These, or other such plants that have not been recently
potted, to be surfaced by removing a little of the top soil and
supplying its place with fresh. Attention to be paid to keeping the
leaves clean and healthy.