i62 FOURTH XATIOXAL FLOWER SHOW 
ORCHIDS FOR AMATEURS 
BY JOHX E. LAGER. 
Fortunately the days are over when orchids could only be acquired or 
growTL by very few. The price of these plants in late years has reached a point 
where they are within the reach of all. 
This is, to a great extent, the result of more sound knowledge of how to 
treat these plants, for while the slogan went around that orchids were super- 
latively difficult to grow, ^-ery few persons ventured to buy or grow them, hence 
limited numbers only could lind sales. Since the nature of orchids has been 
better understood — in reality it is not different from other plants — the demand 
has increased greatly, larger quantities are imported yearly from the tropics, 
and the prices are low, so low indeed that anyone with a little greenhouse or 
conservatory can afford to grow some. 
The variety of orchids is so great that selections may be made for any pur- 
pose. The amateur who possesses only a very small greenhouse or conservatory, 
a space of a hundred square feet or less, say, can grow a few orchids just as well 
as anything else, as the fundamental principles are the same as with other 
plants — a certain amount of heat, light, water and fresh air, and also a moderate 
shading. 
A frequent and erroneous idea is that orchids require a high temperature, 
and continuous saturation with water. True, there are species requiring a high 
temperature, but they are comparatively few; and as to water, a good rule 
to go by is to treat them like other plants, that is, let the plants drs^ out before 
giving them more water. The time for the maximum amount of water to be 
administered is while the plants are in growth, or while the plants are making 
their new shoots, which time is easily recognized by anyone. After the new 
shoots have completed their growth and the pseudobulbs are finished, the plants 
require less water. 
Fresh air should be admitted on all favorable occasions, A^ithout lowering 
the proper temperature. 
The glass should be moderately shaded throughout the year, except during 
November, December and January, when it may be left clear. In a greenhouse 
where the temperature is maintained at 60 degrees at night and 65 to 70 degrees 
in the daytime, a surprisingly large number of species of orchids may be grown; 
practically all the Cattleyas and a larger number of the Laelias, Oncidiums, 
Dendrobiums, Vandas and other things may be successfully cultivated here. 
If C^-pripediums are added, they should be placed by themselves on a bench, 
for they require more water than most orchids, inasmuch as they are never 
at rest but grow continuously. 
