The four-season oral instructions for growing orchids come from Xu Qilou's "Lan Hui Tong Xin Lu" (A Mutual Record of Orchids and Huilan Orchids).

First month: It is the month of spring breezes, the month of Yin. In the warm room, be doubly watchful. Open the south-facing window often and close it diligently at night, so the cold does not reach them by dawn.

Second month: Apricot blossoms and spring rain stir upon the branches, and joyfully one sees the hidden fragrance put forth buds day by day. Under the eaves, avoid frost and guard against freezing; cherishing the flowers, one often worries over the cold of night.

Third month: At Qingming, the rain falls like threads, soaking the moss as the buds grow long. Guard against stuffiness and move them to a bright, airy place; by the eaves, still forbid the north wind to blow.

Fourth month: Huilan orchidshave finished blooming, and clear warmth returns; gradually one feels the sun's harshness and what to do about the scorching. Arrange flower-guarding screens and stands; half shade is surely better than a nest in the bamboo grove.

Fifth month: The moldy rain continues day after day, and the green stems grow long; on the old clumps, new shoots appear again. In this shifting weather, cherish and protect them well; do not let the fierce sun leak through the bamboo shed.

Sixth month: The heat soaks the central courtyard and the warmth does not fade; shade them with layered curtains in the morning and lift them only at night. Try to nurture next year's flower buds, and with care one should water with grass juice.

Seventh month: Cool winds begin to stir, yet the heat still smolders; as the soil dries, take care to water and irrigate diligently. Once they have gained vitality, the buds should emerge from the soil first; there is no need to fix the timing exactly at the Autumn Equinox.

Eighth month: After the osmanthus steaming, the fierce autumn sun comes; when things dry up, guard against damage to the roots. Remember that when the water chestnut season brings dryness, a single pot of clear water is like fine jade.

Ninth month: The leaves are battered and frost secretly flies; let them take the night dew and slight wind. Only when the frost on the tiles is seen to thicken should they be placed under the south eaves to receive the dawn light.

Tenth month: The ridge plums suddenly bloom as the little spring returns, yet one also fears warm weather will bring frost and snow. Move them to the thatched hall to welcome the crisp air; set the earthen pots high and open the small window.

Eleventh month: The cold moon of the vast chill marks midwinter; heaven and earth are merciless, and how can the freezing be endured? Open the window at noon and close it again by the hour of Shen; all around, protect and cherish them, and also weave thatch.

Twelfth month: During the nine-nines cold period, always guard against the freeze not opening; with the window sealed, fear even more that snow will fly in. If it comes to the point where dripping water turns to ice, the stove fire can call spring back.