ORCHIDS—CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
Orchids were never more popular than they are at present, due to the fact that they are, without 
question, the handsomest, the strangest, and the most lasting flowers in all the vegetable kingdom. 
Most private collections have some representative of this queenly class of plants, while the flo¬ 
rists are well convinced of the fact that, to keep pace with the times, they must grow Orchids the de¬ 
mand for which is daily increasing. 
Orchids are the most easily grown plants ot any, it a few common-sense points are observed. The 
cardinal points are : First, plenty of air at all times ; during the Summer months have the ventilators 
open night and day. Second, an abundance of light without being exposed to the full sun, which is too 
strong, but have the glass lightly shaded. Third, an abundant supply of water when watering, per¬ 
mitting the plants to dry out well occasionally so as not to get them sour. Fourth, place the plants 
from 18 inches to 4 feet at the most from the glass. 
A night temperature of 55-60° and corresponding^ higher during the dav will suit the greatest 
number of Orchids. 
A great many Epiphytal Orchids need a season of growth and rest. The growing season com¬ 
mences when the plants begin to grow, when they should receive the maximum amount of moisture. 
As soon as the growth is completed the plant should receive lpss water, so as to ripen the pseudo¬ 
bulb and thus insure good flowering. Under no circumstances, however, should water be withheld so 
as to cause the plant to shrivel. When the buds appeaf, give plenty of water, so as to develop the 
flower to perfection. After the flowering season is over the plant generally begins to show signs of 
growth, when it should receive potting or rebasketing if needed; if not, then only a top dressing of 
sphagnum moss, and the plant may be started into growth again. It may be well to mention in connec¬ 
tion with the foregoing that there are exceptions to this treatment, our climate being much more favor¬ 
able for Orchids than that of Europe as a whole, notably for Orchids 
found on this hemisphere or such species as are found in Central and 
South America. In particular, the Colombian Cattleyas have scarce¬ 
ly any resting season in their own country, (with the exception per¬ 
haps of C. Schroederse,) on account of the short rain} T and dry sea¬ 
sons, both of which are never extreme; and we find here that 
such Cattleyas as C. Trianas, C. Mendelii, C. Chocoensis and C. 
Percivaliana will finish their growth and start another, 
sometimes two, all of which will be fully developed and 
ready for the flowering season. European growers 
would look indignant at such culture, but here 
we find it both necessary and profitable. 
The best potting material is good fi¬ 
brous peat and sphagnum moss, with lumps 
of charcoal and potsherd intermixed. 
Firm potting is absolutely neces¬ 
sary as no Orchid will grow well if it is 
loosely potted. In repotting care 
should be taken not to disturb the 
roots, rather break the pots ; while the 
baskets may be taken apart carefully 
or set into a larger one and material 
worked around. Avoid overpotting 
and do not disturb the plants unless 
necessary. 
With these general cultural di¬ 
rections any beginner will be able to 
grow Orchids and reap a rich har¬ 
vest of their exquisite flowers. 
For further and more detailed 
information we respectfully advise 
the procuring of some book on 
Orchids. A list of such books will be 
found on page 47 of this Catalogue. 
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