20 
MORE ABOUT CULTURE, ETC. 
Lately we sent out a questionnaire to a number of our customers in cooler climates 
than California. They were most cooperative and sent in very full replies, for which we 
thank them. It was evident that they are really enthusiastic about hybrid epiphyllums 
and species epiphyllums too, for that matter. Our object was to learn more about grow- 
ing conditions in these cooler climates. The replies leave no doubt that epiphyllums can 
be grown successfully almost anywhere. All that is needed is a little intelligent care. 
One thing stood out which was known to us already; epiphyllums do not like to be 
grown under glass. The best results were had by those who kept their plants outside all 
summer and as much of the spring and fall as were safe from frost. Porches, lath houses 
or arbors, or out in the garden with partial shade from trees or buildings were found to 
be satisfactory locations. A main difficulty seemed to be keeping the plants cool enough 
during winter weather. Practically all the questionnaires indicated that the plants were 
wintered too warm. Of course it is difficult to hold them around the 45° optimum if 
they are keot in living rooms, as they often must be. Too much heat, combined with 
winter lack of light causes spindly growth and tends to discourage spring blooming by 
depriving the plant of its needed winter rest. 
Insufficient flowering, spoken of in some replies, may be due to the above cause 
but is certainly due in some cases to expecting too much from plants which are too young 
and small. This leads us to suggest that you order specimen plants for quick results, 
even though it is easier for us to produce and ship rooted cuttings. It costs $1.50 to 
$2.00 to pack and ship one specimen size plant, wich leaves little margin for profit. 
Favorite flowers vary with individual taste, some of our correspondents preferring 
tne vivid purples and reds while others like the more delicate pinks, whites and yellow- 
whites. There is good agreement on which flower well: Ackermannii, Vive Rouge, Gloria, 
Amber Queen, Conway’s Giant, Eden, Hermosissimus, Viviana, Stenopetalum and Oxy- 
petalum are among those mentioned. Of these Ackermannii blooms most freely, but its 
flowers are not so showy as tne others. 
Mr. Max Jaehnert of Milwaukee writes: ’“Ackermannii have bloomed in spring and 
fall. | am partial to the blues such as Conway’s Giant, A. D. Houghton, Hermosissimus, 
also the brilliant reds and crimson shades.”’ 
Asking Mr. Max Goodley of Georgia which had flowered for him, he replied, ‘’Glor- 
ia, Amber Queen, Hermosissimus, Vive Rouge, Viviana. Won outstanding prize on 
‘unusual table’ at local flower show with many-flowered Vive Rouge.”’ 
Besides Ackermannii, Mr. C. W. Armstrong of Vancouver, B. C., flowered Eden, 
Anguliger, Stenopetalum and Cooperi, all the latter being white. 
In answer to questions on culture: F. A. G. in Ohio writes, ‘“My plants are kept 
during the winter in my study. Mostly northern light. In summer in a shade house— 
plenty of softened sunlight. All which | ordered have made good growth.” 
Mrs. Chas. Pabst of Brooklyn, N. Y. says, ‘Outside they grew in light shade on 
benches about 3 feet above ground in good light and circulation of the air; were fed with 
liquid blood once a week or even oftener and | could almost see them grow. The rooted 
cuttings which you sent out made beautiful growth.’’ In fact, as Mrs. Pabst herself later 
realized, she somewhat overdid the fertilizing and had some trouble the following winter 
on account of the stems being soft. But it is really surprising how much difference fer- 
tilizer will make. 
In answer to our question, ‘‘Do your plants make satisfactory growth?’’, Mr. Max 
Goodley replied, ‘‘Very much indeed; the three foot plants of Vive Rouge and Viviana 
bought in spring from you have added two feet!’’ He keeps his plants in summer, ‘’Out- 
side under trees or suspended from branches of trees with filtered sunlight.’ 
We consider the interchange of ideas arising from these questionnaires to be of 
great interest and value, and we shall welcome further comment from readers of this 
catalog. 
