but one can stretch the planting time thru Mar. April gives doubtful results for which 
we are blamed. Later than this it is impossible to hold the bulbs in storage in good 
condition. 
THE ORCHID FAMILY—Orchidaceae 
Only two decades ago, orchids were practically unknown in amateur gardens. They 
were in very small numbers even ten years ago. Referring with apologies to my personal 
experience, I do not recall the possession of a single plant for longer than perhaps 13 to 
15 years ago. Then I got a few Epidendrums and Bletilla, Cymbidiums a little later. Tried 
to grow our temperate zone natives and failed. Obtained a Laelia and several Oncidiums. 
Tried to grow Laelias in sandy loam. Oncidiums in sphagnum in cool, dense shade, 
seldom watered. Tall stemmed Epidendrums (Euepidendrums) in cool shade. I was not 
much of a success. Thru many blunders I had to learn to give the Epidendrums and 
Oncidiums more sun, a warmer temperature, at least in winter, and that one cannot keep 
alive and increase epiphytic orchids in a medium of soil even tho rich in humus. 
I had to learn much the hardest way, thru failures. But I found sources of infor- 
mation, especially in Bailey’s Cyclopedia of Horticulture, which I had since about 1906. 
I did not know even the name of my Oncidiums, so how could I look them up? Finally 
I moved one remaining pot to the greenhouse and it soon flowered. I found that it was 
O. vericosum, var. Rodgersi, not uncommon. 
Not long ago, I was stating in our catalogs that Cattleyas were too difficult for 
amateurs. I mistreated the few I had by leaving them in too much heat, too little air. 
The flower buds blasted. I moved to proper conditions and one bud survived and 
bloomed. We now have quite a few Cattleyas and they are doing well. 
We have also been stating that many orchids were an expensive luxury. But now 
we have increased our stock of Cymbidiums until we can offer some of them at low to 
moderate prices. American epiphytes have become more readily available and we can 
offer established plants at very reasonable prices. 
Bletilla hyacintha. Hardy terrestrial orchid. Very pretty plants with pleated leaves. 
Has 8 or more dainty, rose purple orchids on a 12” stem. Bloom in early spring. Plant 
the bulbs 4” deep in rich sandy loam to which an abundant quantity of leaf mould or peat 
has been spaded in and thoroly mixed. They need half shade and a frequent, liberal 
amount of moisture. 75c ea. 
B. hyacintha alba. A pure white form. 75c. 
Cymbidiums are the most desirable of easily grown orchids. One plant of 3 or 4 
pseudo bulbs may give 2 or 3 blooming scapes with from 15 to 25 or more flowers on 
each scape. The flowers have a modest but intriguing beauty that renders them most 
desirable for corsages. They last several weeks on the plant and when cut the flowers may 
usually be worn a number of times if placed in a refrigerator between occasions. The 
flowers are 3” to 5” wide. 
Culture of Cymbidiums. They are hardy in a lath house in So. Calif. and elsewhere 
if temperatures go no lower than about 24°. At that temperature flower spikes are likely 
to be frozen. Plants will survive even slightly lower. They must be grown in half shade 
of a lath house or trees. The soil should be sandy loam with equal portion of peat or 
well rotted leaf mould thoroly mixed in. Set the psuedo bulbs with base only slightly 
under soil surface. If there are no living roots, place pure peat in contact with base of 
bulb. After planting, sprinkle the foliage once or twice daily with only enough on the 
soil surface to preserve moisture without sogginess. When well rooted the water may be 
increased. The plants should never become dry and must never be soggy. 
Cymbidiums do not flower for about two years after moving. Only in rare cases 
do they flower in a few months. We ship Cymbidiums loose roots. It is easy and safe. 
Many and often all roots die when disturbed. But the roots are readily replaced, usually 
within six weeks. 
Cymbidiums are easily grown in pots in the medium as described for tropical 
American orchids or in the soil recommended for outdoor culture. 
By all means send 25c for our booklet, How To Grow Orchids, for a much more 
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