Cypripedium Cultural Notes 
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 neigh- 
bors 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 ver- 
tical. Cypripediums 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 temp- 
erature 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 thoroughly. 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 nightfall. The warm grow- 
ing 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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