4 
Lager & Hurrell 
Orchids 
Summit, N. J. 
Orchids.— Cultural Directions 
IT isa well acknowledged fact that Orchids produce the handsomest, strangest 
* and most lasting flowers of all in the vegetable kingdom. 
Most private collections have some representative of this queenly class of 
plants, while the florists are well convinced of the fact that they must grow 
Orchids to keep pace with the times, the demand for which is daily increasing. 
The demand at present is much greater than the supply. 
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 abun¬ 
dance 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 occasional^ 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-G0° and correspondingly higher during the day will 
suit the greatest number of Orchids. 
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, 
however, should water be withheld so as to cause the plant to shrivel. When the 
buds appear, 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 atop 
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 areexceptions 
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 
CattleA r as have scarce^ any resting season in their own country, with the 
exception perhaps of C. Sehrocderay on account of tlie short rainy and drv seasons, 
both of which are never extreme; and ve find here that such Cattleyas as C. 
Trianas, C. Mendelii, C. Chocoensis and C. Pereivaliana 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. 
I lie best potting material isgood fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, with lumps 
of charcoal and potsherd intermixed. 
During the past two years we have also used leafsoil for potting our Orchids 
and with marked success, taking care always to use a lump of peat in the bottom 
of the pot, and also mix the leafsoil with some peat to keep the compost open. 
Firm potting is absolutely necessary, 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 directions any beginner will be able to grow 
Orchids and reap a rich harvest of their exquisite flowers. 
