FORMULA FOR SUCCESS! 
The two most important things necessary to 
know for growing Orchids successfully are: 
1—_HOW MUCH WATER TO GIVE AN 
ORCHID PLANT. | 
ye 
2HOW. MUCH \bIGHT LO 2Gry tes 
ORCHID PLANT. i 
-. More Orchids are killed by amateurs and 
experts alike by OVERWATERING than by any 
other reason!!! | Be" 
It should be realized that in its wild state 
of growth an Orchid plant clings to a tree with 
its bare rcots.. Therefore, no matter how much 
it rains, the root system will dry out within a few 
minutes after it stops raining. On the other hand, 
when you grow the same plant in a home the 
root system will be wrapped in Osmunda and 
tightly confined into a clay pot. Obviously, the 
conditions of growing are not the same. 
A potted Orchid plant will retain water for 
a week of more, depending upon humidity, light, 
air, size of the pot, condition of the Osmunda, and 
several other factors. Fresh Osmunda, not over 
two years old, will stay moist in a pot for about 
a week. Old Osmunda will retain water for as 
much as two weeks. If the days are cloudy and 
humid the plant will pick up extra moisture from 
the air. Thus, on cloudy days you reduce the 
daily spray. In hot, dry areas, plants lose water 
rapidly, hence, they can use daily sprayings on 
their leaves with benefit, even twice daily. 
If plants are hung out in trees or in open 
patios or porches the wind will dry them out 
more rapidly than in a home. They too will thus 
benefit from a daily spraying on their leaves, dur- 
ing bright, sunny days. Where plants are grown 
in greenhouses, the hotter the day the more you 
can spray them; the cooler the day, the less you 
spray them. A good rule to remember is to spray 
or water on bright, sunny days and to withhold 
spraying and water on cloudy, rainy, days. 
(6) 
