CUT-FLOWER CROPS 275 



know it better and are demanding it. A few years ago 

 it was rather unusual to see an orchid worn as a corsage 

 decoration, but at the present time these flowers are 

 frequently seen on the street and at public functions. 

 They are also used extensively for table and hall decora- 

 tions. The larger part of the tropical orchids grow on 

 trees. 



361. Preparation of orchids for shipping. It is neces- 

 sary to dry out, before shipping, the large amount of water 

 stored in the pseudobulb. The plants are gathered and 

 spread in the air for a period, that the excess of moisture 

 may be drawn out of them. They are then packed and 

 shipped to this country. 



362. Treatment of freshly imported plants. As soon 

 as received, they should be spread in a moist atmosphere 

 to absorb gradually the moisture which they lost before 

 shipment. In this way, the growth resumes its normal 

 activity. Most orchids are native in a country where there 

 is a dry season and a rainy season. During the dry 

 season the orchids are in a state of partial rest, and this is 

 the best time for shipment. 



363. Potting. After they have absorbed sufficient 

 moisture so that growth commences, they should be 

 potted. The medium for use in potting varies with dif- 

 ferent species, but for most of the epiphytal orchids, it 

 consists largely of osmundine (osmunda fiber). This fiber 

 is the roots of ferns, and is almost entirely lacking in or- 

 ganic matter. It, however, holds moisture and allows 

 air to enter freely about the roots, so that a healthy growth 

 is insured. The orchids are potted very firmly in this 

 material, and some sphagnum moss is put over the top 

 to increase the moisture capacity of the medium in which 

 the roots are to grow. 



