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 requirements. 
EPIPHYTES 
Orchids are horticulturally divided into two large sections, epiphytal 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 
deposits 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- 
burgkias, Vandas, and so forth, belong to the epiphytic class. The greater part of 
them grow in locations where heavy rains are a 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 immediately. Under artificial conditions, with their roots tightly con- 
fined 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 
Coelogynes, Cymbidiums, Cypripediums, Miltonias, and so forth, belong 
to this group. They grow on the ground and derive their nourishment from it. 
They require water when the compost dries, 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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