LAN 
1949 RYERSON EXPANSIBLE ORCHID FOLDER PAGE 23 
LET'S TALK ABOUT FEEDING ORCHIDS 
For a long time it was thought that the only kinds of orchids which would 
respond to a feeding program were the terrestrials and semi-terrestrials. 
Cattleyas and all others epiphytes were believed to be true air plants, 
requiring only air, sunlight and water. 
In fact, there are a great many successful growers who still maintain that 
cattleyas get all the nourishment they need from those three elements, plus 
the osmunda in which they grow. Some have top quality collections of plants, 
tending to prove their contentions. 
I was one of those who had to be shown that a feeding program could be bene- 
ficial to cattleyas. For the past year I have been feeding certain blocks 
of seedlings and mature piants regularly once a week and watching their 
growth. 
As a result, I'M SOLD ON FEEDING! 
A casual glance at those seedlings and plants which have been on a regular 
feeding program for a year would, I believe, convince the most skeptical. 
If you would like to see one of these seedlings in a two inch pot, I will 
send one of my selection but typical in size and growth of the whole fed 
group, (shipping charges prepaid anywhere in continental U.S.) for %2.00. 
Far from being "soft" and "rangy" - which was what I had feared when I 
started testing this nutritional programa year ago = the fed seedlings not 
only show increased growth, but it is tough, sturdy, broad-leafed growth. 
Regularly fed mature plants carry more and huskier looking bloom sheathes 
than ever before. 
Friends who have been helping with this experiment report similar results. 
Following is a typical excerpt from letters I have received from them: 
"Please send me some more of your Orchid Food, as I am just about out. My 
plants all have grown so much since I started feeding with your food that I 
do not want to miss a single feeding". -- J.E.W., Balboa, Canal Zone. 
So Itve had my formula registered, and am ready to offer it for sale. 
RYERSON'S ORCHID FOOD 
A PERFECTLY BALANCED FOOD CONTAINING ALL TRACE ELEMENTS NEEDED FOR THE 
ULTIMATE IN DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF ORCHIDS. 
Price, por pintes«eesssess o0$2.00 
(One pint - 16 fluid ounces - makes 30 gallons of food.) 
Complete and fool proof instructions are enclosed, so that you may feed as 
many, or as few plants as you wish without having too much mixture left over. 
It's as easy to use in an atomizer or sprinkling can as with a power sprayer. 
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER: Your first pint will be sent shipping charges 
prepaid to customers in Continental U.S. on receipt of the two dollars. 
