BRIEF NOTES ON ORCHID CULTURE 
Orchids are as easily grown as ordinary plants, pro- 
vided they receive rational treatment. One cannot ex- 
pect to grow a ground Orchid on a log of wood nor an 
epiphyte in soil. Orchids are found in all region, cool, 
intermediate and warm and to grow them well one must 
imitate their native climate. A beginner can achieve a 
great measure of success by cultivating a few that it 
suit his climate or condition. 
Treatment of Unestablished Imported Orchids. Or- 
chids should ke imported in the winter in the tropics 
and in spring in cool and intermediate countries. On 
arrival they should be unpacked very carefully in a shel- 
tered place, washed in tepid water and all decayed and 
dead parts removed and then hung from a string upside 
down in a moist room. If any plant appear shrivelled 
lay it on a bed of moistened moss and cover with some 
ordinary paper. Give water sparingly just to maintain 
a damp surrounding. The plants will soon absorb mois- 
ture and plump up. They should be potted within 4 or 
5 days in the compost recommended, with increased 
quantity of crocks to guard against damping off. Until 
the plants are established water should be very spar- 
ingly given. They should be gradually brought to light 
and outside air; sudden exposure will injure the plants. 
During summer, when the plants are in a growing 
state, the atmosphere of this house should be kept as 
humid as possible, by syringing the pots and the stag- 
ings, and by Keeping a large vessel of water from which 
continual evaporation may take place. Plants are in 
very active growth, in the tropics, between 65° and 95° 
Fr. Some 15 or 20 degrees below or above this range of 
temperature, plants come to a state of rest. When at 
rest they are unable to suck up moisture; they require 
very little water, besides damping the surface moss, 
unless they be those varieties that are evergreen, which 
require a little more moisture. 
Potting. Most Orchids grow on branches of trees, 
one may think it desirable therefore to grow them on 
blocks or rafts. It is difficult to keep the roots damp or 
moist enough when grown on such materials. We there- 
fore prefer baskets or pots. When pots are used three- 
fourths of the vessel should be fiiled in with small pieces 
of crocks, charcoal, fern logs or lumps of cocoanut fibre 
or anything else, that do not readily rot, but are capable 
of holding damp though the water itself passes off readily. 
Over this lay %” of sphagnum moss to keep the roots 
moist. Set the orchid on this and fill in with proper 
“a Sakah Orchids should never be potted in too large 
a vessel. ; 
Ventilation also is extremely important as Orchids 
love fresh air but witbout draughts. Orchids generally 
grow on trees where the air freely circulates, the pots 
or baskets should therefore be hung from the roof. 
Vanda coerulea, Cymbidium grandiflorum, Cypripedium 
Fairrieanum want such treatment to enable them to 
fiourish and to flower. Ornamental leaved Orchids prefer 
shady places; they should be given heavier shade in the 
Orchid house. 
Watering is one of the most important aspects of 
Orchid culture. Every step in this direction should be 
judiciously taken. During the period of growth Orchids 
require water and during the period when they com- 
pletely cease to grow they do not require water or if at 
all most sparingly. Besides watering should be in pro- 
portion to the rate of growth. Precaution against using 
hard and calcareous water should be taken. Rain water 
is soft and non-calecareous. Also the temperature of the 
water to be used for Orchids should agree with the tem- 
perature of the hot house. The best way to procure it 
is to keep a good reserve of water allowed to be aerated. 
Always water in the morning. Another important point 
to remember is to give less water to plants having few 
roots and no vigour. 
Drip falling on account of moist air condensing on 
the cool glass is highly destructive and should be in- 
telligently controlled. 
For detailed culture and complete information, we 
suggest that you consult “American Orchid Culture” by 
Edward A. White; also ‘“‘SSanders Orchid Guide” published 
by Sanders Limited, St. Albans, England. 
Respectfully, 
THE ORCHID EXCHANGE 
Route No. 3. Media, Penna. 
