CULTURAL INSTRUCTIONS 
It is not necessary to have a greenhouse to success— 
fully grow a few orchids. A Wardian case is recommended, however, 
so that humidity may be kept as nearly ideal as possible. Diagram 
for building such a case will be sent to you on request. 
If you will follow the simple general instructions given 
below, you should experience no difficulty with orchid culture. 
Proper watering is perhaps the most important aspect of 
orchid culture. Beginners frequently make the mistame of over- 
watering. In a Wardian case a thorough watering once a week is 
usually enough. In the summer time, however, it may be necessary 
to water twice a week. There is one rule to follow regarding 
watering. Be sure the pot has dried out before watering again. 
Spraying or syringing the leaves on bright days is important. Do 
it when the sun shines. During the hottest weather you may have 
to spray three times a day. Let the foliage be dry =t night, 
however. On dark days it may not be necessary to spray the leaves 
at all. For watering the pots, rainwater is very beneficial. 
Humidity in the Wardian case or greenhouse should be maintained 
between 60° and 87° . For adult plants 70° is desirable. A tem— 
perature from 70° to 909 during the day and from 50° to 70° at 
night is about right. Occasional lower night temp ratures will 
not be harmful, but try not to have the temperature go below 45°. 
Repotting should be done when roots are beginning to 
develop on new growth. Once every two years is often enough to 
repot and then only if the plant is too large for its present 
pot or the osmunda has deteriorated. 
In a greenhouse light shading is usually necessary 
during the months from February to November. Don't allow the 
direct rays of the sun to reach your orchids during the summer 
because it will burn the leaves. 
Of necessity these instructions are general. If you 
have specific questions to ask I will be glad to answer them to 
the best of my ability, if you will write to me. 
