Oxnchids for the Home 
WE ARE often asked—“‘is it feasible to grow orchids in the home?” This question 
may occur to any plant lover cultivating a few geraniums, African violets, etc., on 
a window ledge in the home. We try to explain this so that you may form your 
own answet. 
To begin with, orchid plants are not frail, delicate or sensitive. They are in 
fact very tough, rugged plants that have won out in the survival of the fittest in 
the jungle. The exquisiteness and apparent delicacy of the flowers are a contra- 
diction of the plant itself. 
Also you need not and should not attend them with the care and apprehension 
you would bestow on an ailing infant, or stay up with them at night. Sometimes it 
gets excessively hot in our location, much hotter than in their native home. Again 
during several misadventures, our orchid houses registered 40 degrees. Neither 
extreme seemed to make any difference to the plants. Too long a continuation of 
such conditions would be harmful and is at no time is to be recommended, but the 
point is, the plants are definitely not sensitive. 
About the cost of the plants: "They may now be purchased at very reasonable 
prices. We recommend and list standard varieties for the beginner, for trial. 
See collections on page 30. 
Certain conditions for culture are of course essential and must be observed. 
Cultural directions are furnished with each order and are very easily followed. 
In addition to the popular Cattleya we are offering plants which are probably 
the most beautiful of all of the spray orchids, the Phalaenopsis. We believe this 
genus is especially well adapted for your home culture and the graceful, arching 
sprays last a very long time in full beauty. We have them in quantity for the first 
time and the cost is reasonable. We refer you to page 17 for further particulars. 
Cultural Directions for Orchid Growers 
It has always been difficult to secure cultural directions to gtow orchids. 
However, today there are a number of fine publications available and every orchid 
grower should subscribe to as many as possible. They cover all phases of orchid 
growing around the world. It is advisable to obtain as many back issues of orchid 
bulletins as they are a store house of knowledge that will save you many costly 
mistakes. The American Orchid Society bulletin for January each year is especially 
devoted to articles for the beginner. It is a must for anyone wishing to start with 
orchids. We list a few of the publications available today for your convenience on 
the preceding page. 
392 Greenhouses at Mandarin on the St. Johns River 
