
Orchids can be grown in the 
other house plants are grown simp 
ing the instructions given below. 
For cultural directions, orchids are divided ~ 
into two groups: Terrestrial orchids, which grow 
in earth and are not treated in these directions, 
and the epiphytic orchids, which take their 
food from the moisture in the air. The most 
common is the specie Cattleya. When two of 
the species are crossed in breeding, it is known 
as a Cattleya Hybrid. Other species are Laelia- 
Brassia. When these are crossed, they are desig- 
nated by the symbols C. Cattleya, L. C. Laelia- 
Cattleyas, B. C. Brasso-Cattleyas. These crossed 
plants are then given definite names and desig- 
nate B. C. Lotos x L. C. H. T. Pitt equals B. L. C. 
Helmsdale C. indicates Cattleya, even though it 
is a cross of the species, as the marriage of C. 
Labiata and Harrisonia, Skinnuri or any other. 
Orchids should be kept where provisions can 
be made to supply the humidity required by the 
plants. Where a sun porch can be heated, pans 
may be placed below the trays or racks on 
which the plants are to be kept. This permits 
the watering and syringing of the plants and 
catches the drip, and hold the surplus, thereby 
humidifying the air. Some build cases—enclos- 
ing the plants in them, similar to a Wardian 
case. The plants should be kept in a position 
where they get lots of subdued light. Some- 
times the direct rays of the sun will strike the 
plants. Then shading is necessary, either with 
shades or fine material used as a curtain. 
The plants should never be placed on, or 
‘directly over a radiator or hot air register, but 
in a place where the night temperature does not 
fall below 55 degrees and where the day tem- 
perature rises to 80 degrees. They should be 
given air, making sure they are never in a direct 
draft. 
While Orchids need a great amount of mois- 
ture, they do not require much watering. While 
the plants are in active growth, they should be 
given a good soaking once a week and syringed 
or sprinkled once a day. Never on cloudy days 
unless exceptionally dry and always on the rise 
of temperature, which usually means morning 
so the foliage dries before night. Plants should 

aWMent of Abidheyt04 S. 
PLANTS 
never be get in water or saucers. Air must get 

| yeminjoyment and benefit can be derived 
from the orchid hobby. There are many thous- 
and amatéurs growing orchids in their homes 
and small greenhouses, with unusual success. 
It is about eight weeks from the time the 
flower bud can be seen in the sheath to full 
bloom. Orchid buds open very slowly and the 
flowers should not be cut until it is completely 
open and then it is best to wait a day or two 
for the color to set. This will make the flowers 
last well after cutting. 
Most orchids are grown in the dead roots of 
fern, known as Osmundine. This is the material 
the plants should be in when received by you. 
When re-potting, a careful study of the way the 
orchid was potted before should be made. 
The plant when received should not need re- 
potting for at least a year. In this time, the 
amateur should have become familiar with the 
potting technique. Epiphytic orchids should 
never be grown in soil. If the roots are growing 
over the side of the pot, that is all right. It’s the 
plants natural habit to put its roots where they 
thrive best. 
In the summer when night temperatures re- 
main above 55 degrees, the plant may be kept 
outside on a porch rack or hung on trees. The 
plants will not be harmed by sunlight if the 
rays are broken as by the spotting of the leaves 
or the spacings between lath shadings. At this 
time the plants will need more water than in 
the winter, especially when exposed on breezy 
days, which dry them out. Be sure the plants 
have enough water, but do not over-water. If 
there is any question, stay on the dry side. 
Orchids will stand more punishment than most 
house plants, but only return flowers when 
grown properly. 
A well grown plant should have plump bulbs, 
blue-green foliage, with the new shoot a pea- 
green and the tips of the roots should show a 
watery green growth. 
Man, scale and slugs (snails) are about all 
the pests the plant has to contend with. The 
slugs can be controlled by poison bait; the scale 
by spraying with Arbortox, and man with a good 
book on orchid culture. 
Send name and address for free listings of Orchid Plants. 
SCHEARER’S ORCHID EXCHANGE 
527 MARTIN STREET 
PHILADELPHIA 28, PA. 
