CULTURE 
Orchids are grown in every state in the United States and in nearly 
every country in the world. We have customers from Alaska to South Africa. 
If a few simple rules are followed, Orchids can be grown in most any 
locality. 
Heat, light, humidity and water are the main requirements, in Orchid 
growing. 
Most Orchids like a temperature of 58 to 60 degrees farhenheit, minimum 
at night. With a 10 to 15 degree raise during the day. 
Orchids like lots of light and fresh air, but no direct sunlight. Direct 
sunlight will burn the plants. 
A filtered or reflected light is best. A shading of cheese cloth or spraying 
the glass with whiting reduces the light sufficiently, in most cases. 
A high humidity of abeut 70° relative humidity, is the ideal condition 
for good growth in Orchid plants. They derive most of their feed from the moist 
air, as Orchid plants are mostly air feeders or epiphytes. 
Orchids are grown in from small glass cases near a window, to elaborate, 
automatically controlled greenhouses. 
As long as the conditions of light, heat and humidity are maintained, 
all the different growing conditions seem to give results. That is the production 
of flowers. 
Over watering in the pots causes more damage to Orchid plants than 
any other mistake. Let the pots dry out between waterings. One soon learns 
to tell when they are dry by the weight of the pots. 
About once a week for a 5 inch pot is about right for average conditions. 
Smaller pots need watering oftener. 
As no two locations are alike one has to work out the conditions best 
suited to his local climate. 
For the beginner most authorities recommend the following varieties. 
Cattleya Percivalliana, C. Trianae, C. Schroderae, C. Mossiae, C. Gas- 
kelliana and C. Skinneri. 
Oncidiums Splendidum and O. Bicallosum. 
Epidendrums, E. Atro-purpureums, E. Lionetianum and E. Alatum varieties. 
These are all strong growing plants, that require the same growing con- 
ditions, as to light, heat, humidity and water. And are inexpensive varieties. 
Once one learns the requirements of these plants and grows them suc- 
cessfully, then one can try the more expensive fancy hybrids, without fear 
of losing any of the expensive plants. 
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