water too heavily at any time. As many Orchids are killed by overwatering as by 
underwatering. Epiphytic Orchids especially need light frequent watering which almost 
dries away before more is given. In nature, Laelias thrive where no rain falls for months. 
Their roots are exposed to the air, uncovered by soil. But there is a heavy dew every 
night and this favors vigorous growth and flowering. 
Odontoglossum grande is from Guatemala. Odontoglossums grow in high altitudes 
and must be cool. They grow in the winter and rest in summer. They should receive 
a little sunlight in winter. In the summer, remove the pots to the coolest place available. 
We consider our best place to be the shade of our avocado trees, trimmed high and 
therefore much light enters and air circulation is not impeded. One should sprinkle the 
ground around them freely during hot weather. The necessary factor is to keep 
Odontoglossums cool in summer. 
Pot them in the same medium and in the same way as Laelias with pseudo-bulbs 
entirely above surface. 
Potting directions for all Orchids. Perfect drainage must be provided for all Orchids 
in pots. The purpose is not merely to drain away water but also to permit air to 
penetrate around their roots. This air bath is very necessary. Cover the pot hole with a 
piece of broken pot, concave side down. Above that fill a third of the pot with small 
broken pieces of pot or gravel. 
The medium for epiphytic Orchids seldom contains soil. One part each of screened 
peat, fine leaf mould and chopped sphagnum is excellent for the epiphytes. This is 
good also for the terrestrials, Epidendrums and Cymbidiums if another equal part of 
very sandy loam be added. Most commercial growers use osmundine for potting the 
epiphytes, such as Laelias and Odontoglossums. It is a good medium for tropical 
Cypripediums some of which are purely epiphytic, while others grow well in soil. 
If granular charcoal be added to the potting medium for Orchids it will help to 
keep the medium sweet. It also helps to improve drainage and aeration of roots. The 
Orchid roots find them and are benefitted but the charcoal is not a prime essential. 
If the peat-leaf mould-sphagnum mixture is used it must be pressed down well and 
made as firm as possible. We moisten it first and allow it to drain well before potting. 
Osmundine must be pressed down and made firm in the pots and around plants with 
a blunt stick. 
Recently potted Orchids must not be overwatered. Often it is enough to spray the 
foliage lightly until it is evident that there is root action and growth. 
We expect to ship epiphytic Orchids in light weight, waxed paper pots,—if we can 
get the pots. Thus you need only to provide clay pots of proper size. You should also 
have material on hand for the potting medium when you need to repot or shift to a 
larger pot. Buy this locally if possible as postage and packing adds much to cost. We 
can usually furnish Osmundine in a 1 |b., gross weight package for $1.00 postpaid and 
fine sphagnum moss for $4.00 per bale, weighing about 10 Ibs., by express f.o. b. 
La Verne. 
Additional Information may be found in White’s American Orchid Culture and 
Bailey’s Cyclopedia of Horticulture offered for sale on page 4. There will be an Orchid 
article in The Flower Grower in March or April. I suggest that you subscribe for this 
excellent magazine. If you will send me $2.50 (No. or S. America) for a one year’s 
subscription, I will forward it for you. 
Please Note. We deliver Bletilla in the winter. We start to send the tropical Orchids 
about April 1. You should order early with remittance, so that we can reserve plants 
for you. 
Bletilla hyacintha has 8 or more dainty orchids, 1” wide on 12” stem. True rose 
purple orchid color. 75c ea. 
B. hyacintha alba. Pure white form. 85c. 
Epidendrum obrienianum has a large terminal cluster of brilliant red orchids, each 
30 
