ORCHIDS-CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
Orchids were never more popular than they are at present, due to the fact that they are, without ques¬ 
tion, the handsomest, the strangest, and the most lasting flowers in all the floral kingdom. 
Most private collections have some representative of this queenly class of plants, while the florists are 
well convinced of the fact that, to keep pace with the times, they must grow Orchids, the demand for which 
is daily increasing. Below we are simply repeating what we have said these last 15 years regarding the 
culture in general of Orchids in this country and we see no reason to change at present. The fact that 
some of our competitors have flattered us by copying these directions shows that they are well adapted to 
our conditions. 
Orchids arc the most easily grown plants of any, if 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, permitting 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 58-60° and correspondingly higher during the day 
will suit the greatest number of Orchids, where only one small greenhouse is available. 
A great many Epiphytal Orchids need a season of growth and rest. The growing season commences 
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 less water, so as to ripen the pseudo-bulb 
and thus insure good flowering. Under no circumstances should water be withheld so as to cause the plant 
to shrivel. When the buds appear, give light syringings of water, so as to develop the flower to perfec¬ 
tion. 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 connection with the foregoing 
that there are exceptions to this treatment, our climate being much 
more favorable 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 Cat- 
tleyas have scarcely any resting season in their own country (with 
the exception, perhaps, of C. Schrcederte), on account of the short 
rainy and dry seasons, both of which are never extreme; and we 
find here that such Cattleyas as C. Trianac, 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 resent such culture; 
here it is sometimess necessary and profitable. 
The best potting material is good fibrous 
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 loosefy 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 cul¬ 
tural directions any beginner will be 
able to grow Orchids and reap a rich 
harvest 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 52 of this Catalogue. 
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