INFORMATION AND CULTURAL NOTES ON THE 
GROWING OF ORCHIDS 
Orchids comprise a vast family of which over 15,000 species are 
now known, while the hybrids which have been raised in the last ten to 
twenty years are almost innumerable. Many of them produce exquisitely 
beautiful flowers of great lasting quality, and are of easy culture. If 
treated in a commonsense manner, they are by far easier to grow than a 
great many other plants, provided some attention is paid to their require¬ 
ments. 
EPIPHYTES 
Orchids are horticulturally divided into two large sections, epiphy¬ 
tal and terrestrial. The former are those that usually attach themselves to 
rocks and trees, and derive the greater portion of their nourishment from 
the air and accidental deposit of humus. The appellation of parasites, 
which is sometimes given to these forms, is erroneous. True parasites are 
not known among the orchids. 
Cattleyas, Laelias, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis, Schom- 
burgkia, Vandas, and so forth belong to the epiphytic class. The greater 
part of them grow in locations where heavy rains are frequent or almost 
daily occurrence in their growing season. Even during long periods of 
so-called drought, fogs and dew fall on them almost like dripping rain. 
In their native habitat, their roots are all fully exposed to the air, and 
although they receive constant moisture, the air dries them almost imme¬ 
diately. Under artificial conditions, with their roots tightly confined in 
pots full of compost, care must be taken not to overwater. They like plenty 
of water in their growing season, but they must dry pretty well before more 
is given. Overwatering of epiphytes is the most common error. Overhead 
spraying with a fine spray should be frequent, once or twice a day in bright 
weather, especially in summer. This has much to do with growing vigorous 
plants. 
TERRESTRIALS 
Coelognes, Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Miltonias, and so forth 
belong to this group. They grow on the ground and derive their nourishment 
from it. They require water whenever the compost is becoming dry, with 
light overhead spraying in bright weather, which will assist in keeping 
down thrip and other pests. An occasional application of very weak 
manure-water is of great benefit while the plants are in active growth. The 
Cypripedium especially, having no pseudo-bulbs in which to store moisture, 
should have a liberal supply of water at all times. 
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