~—GYPRIPEDIUMs 
ORCHIDS LIKE EACH OTHER 
Contrary to popular belief, a wide variety of orchids will grow in the same 
enclosure. Cypripediums and Cattleyas are particularly good neighbors and most 
varieties will thrive under the same conditions. About the only difference is 
that you should water Cypripediums the same day you make up your mind that 
they need it or the next day. Don’t wait until the day after. If space is available 
and the budget allows a separate enclosure, there are a few fancy touches that 
Cypripediums will enjoy. As with Cattleyas, Cypripediums have been grown by 
amateurs in a wide variety of growing media—sand, gravel, haydite and composts. 
At Armacost and Royston we have adopted osmundine as a standard medium for 
growing all varieties of Cypripediums. Pot your plants slightly less firm than you 
would Cattleyas but keep the grain of the peat as near as possible vertical. Cypri- 
pediums enjoy quite heavy shade after potting and a moist atmosphere. After they 
are established a light intensity of near 600 foot candles through the growing 
season and near 1,000 foot candles (which would be about the same as one would 
use for ferns, azaleas, camellias, etc.) in the shorter days is a safe range. Day 
temperature in California will run into the high nineties without damage but where 
possible 68° to 80° is better. Where low day temperatures are available a night 
temperature of 50° to 55° or even lower if much “fire” heat is necessary to maintain 
it. In warmer realms 60° or a few degrees above is beneficial. Don’t be afraid to 
let your Cypripediums dry at the roots for a short period, then water them thor- 
oughly. Cypripediums enjoy a free circulation of air, but remember to keep the 
relative humidity as near 60% as possible. If your plants have good root systems 
a light spray overhead will do no harm but it is better to let them dry before night- 
fall. The warm growing whites and mottled leaf varieties may be handled as other 
types but prefer a temperature five to eight degrees higher. 
Cypripedium prices quoted in our catalog are based on flowering size plants in 
four inch pots. 
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