about one inch and at least 24 of the bulb exposed. Sprinkle the foliage lightly every 
day until roots form but not enough to make the soil soggy. Such a condition is likely 
to cause the pseudo-bulb to rot and that is fatal. 
In our arid climate we need to give a good sprinkling to well established plants 
once or twice a week in the hot dry summers, The plants should bloom in two years 
after planting if the culture has been good. Do not expect flowers earlier tho in rare 
cases they may bloom within one year or even in a few months. 
In pots, give them a 6” or 8” size which will provide room for two years growth. 
Use a similar soil or with more peat or leaf mould. One can also use part sphagnum 
or osmundine. Lumps of charcoal added to potting soil is good practice. 
In either pots or in the garden, Cymbidiums receive a benefit from animal manures. 
Fertilize only well established, thriftily growing plants. Weak manure water is better 
for potted plants, used about once a month. In the outside garden give several light 
mulches of manure per year, and it need not be rotted. Use lightly, don’t completely 
cover ground and it is probably better if none touches the pseudo-bulb. 
Altho Cymbidiums may be divided and moved at any time of year, the best time 
is the spring soon after they are thru flowering. That will be about April. Growers 
will not dig clumps and divide in order to sell during the winter blooming period as 
they lose the flowers when they do this. Very often a clump will produce flowers that 
sell wholesale for a value equal to that of the entire clump. Root action is more rapid 
too in early spring. The plants are tender tropicals and the danger of freezing in transit 
when shipped north is great in winter. There are thus many advantages to both buyer 
and seller if shipments are made after April 1. But place your orders with remittance 
in advance so that plants may be reserved for you. We continue shipping thruout the 
summer and fall. 
Altho the Cypripediums, or Lady Slippers of the temperate zones are very difficult 
to grow in gardens, the tropical Cypripediums are as easy as Cymbidiums. They are 
slightly less frost resistant but will not be harmed by light frosts. Growth will be slowed 
down by cold weather and in a house or greenhouse, growth and winter bloom will 
continue. They may be grown in the outside garden in a lath house with Cymbidiums 
in the same soil. But place them well inside the house where it will be a little cooler 
and shadier. They may be fertilized the same as Cymbidiums. 
Where winter temperatures go lower than about 28° in winter, they should be 
grown in pots. In the house or greenhouse, there will be more winter growth but 
outside planting where advisable is more favorable for summer growth and should be 
practiced in frostless localities. The most favorable winter temperatures are 55° at 
night and 65° in day time. In the summer, grow in a cool place. Like all Orchids 
they do not like stuffy, close atmosphere. Give good ventilation. 
In pots, the soil should be equal parts of screened leaf mould, peat and chopped 
sphagnum. Commercial growers use osmundine. See the potting directions. 
Cypripediums grow in all seasons and should never become dry. Overwatering is 
bad and likely to cause rot at base of leaves. A moist but not suggy condition is ideal. 
Do not plant too deep. The soil surface should be only slightly above base of leaves. 
Laelias, natives of Mexico to south Brazil, are close relatives of Cattleyas but are 
able to withstand tough conditions and are much easier to grow. Altho they are 
epiphytic, I grew them for years in a soil of peat and loam with some sphagnum. 
But this is not the best medium and I sometimes lost plants. 
They must be grown in pots. A good medium is equal parts of screened peat, leaf 
mould and chopped sphagnum. Osmundine is equally good. Do not set the pots on the 
ground as slugs will enter pots and feed on the roots. 
Laelias will survive slight frosts but it is better to protect them. The best winter 
temperature is about 50°. They should be as cool as possible in summer. Remove the 
pots from the house or greenhouse in summer and hang them under trees or set pots 
on a bench, In the summer give the plants a light spraying every evening. Do not 
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