Orchids Are Easy to Grow For Those Who 
Will Follow Simple Directions 
These directions apply to the care of 
Cattleya orchids and others known as 
epiphytes. These include Laelia, Dend- 
robium, Oncidium, Epidendrum, Brassia, 
Odontoglossum citrosum and others, and 
their hybrids. The directions do not ap- 
ply to the growing of Cypripediunis, 
Cymbidiums and other terrestrials which 
require different treatment. 
Growing Cattleya and other epiphytic 
orchids is easy if you are willing to tol- 
low a few simple directions. You do not 
need a greenhouse to grow them at your 
home. During the spring, summer and 
fall you can grow them on your porch 
or elsewhere outside. 
WINTER CARE OF ORCHIDS 
AS HOUSE PLANTS 
During the winter it is desirable that you 
have some provision for supplying humidity for 
the plants. This is usually provided by means 
of a case in which the plants are kept during 
the winter. A suitable case is easily made, by 
merely taking 4 ordinary window sash and fas- 
tening them together at the edges in the form vi 
a square. Another sash may be used as a top, 
or you can use a sheet of plywood, glass, inetal 
or other material. For the bottom a metal 
pan is used. Water or damp sand is kept in 
this pan. Evaporation from it gives your orchid 
plants the humidity they need. The case may 
be painted or not. 
Your case should be at least 2 feet high, and 
preferably 30 inches. It may be as wide and as 
long as you care to make it. A case made of sash 18 inches wide 
will accommodate 4 or 5 blooming-age plants. 
A case is not absolutely necessary, but will help prolong the 
life of your plants. With proper care, an orchid plant will live 
for years. 
Location 
Your case should be in a location where it will get plenty of 
subdued light. If you have a location only where the direct rays of 
the sun will strike, you should shade the case with a piece of cur- 
tain net, cheese cloth or several thicknesses of mosquito netting. 
This may be draped outside the case. Do not set the case on or 
over a steam radiator or hot air register, 
Temperature 
The case should be kept in a room where the night temperature 
does not fall below 55 or 60 degrees. 

Mrs. Kilian with one of our favorites—the Cattleya orchid. While the plant 
shown in the picture is growing in a “basket,” most orchids are grown in 
ordinary flower pots. 
Watering 
Contrary to popular belief, orchids do not require a great amount 
of watering, but do require moisture. A Cattleya orchid is an 
epiphyte, meaning that it gets its sustenance from air and mois- 
ture. The purpose of the water in the pan is to supply, by 
evaporation, the moisture which the roots of the plant will gather 
from the air. Your orchid plants will, of course, need some 
watering but not nearly as much as you probably think. During 
winter months, and while the plant is in active growth, a good 
soaking once a week is sufficient. When the plant is not in active 
growth, which is usually for one to four months after blooming, 
watering once every two weeks is sufficient. 
to keep foliage from  shriveling. 
Water just enough 
During winter 
on bright days, sprinkle only the foliage once a day. Don’t water 
on cloudy days unless the fiber gets very dry. DO NOT SET 
THE PLANTS IN THE PAN OF WATER OR IN A SAUCER. 
Air must get to the roots. The pan of water has no function except 
to supply moisture to the air around the plant, to catch the d: 
from the plant when you water, and the “sweat” which may 
pear on the inside of the sash. 
months and 
