CONTAINER FOR HOME GROWN ORCHIDS 
General Care 
Orchids are easy to grow and require no more attention than any other plant for 
successful culture. The plants require a thorough watering, then a chance to dry out 
before the next watering. Adult plants require less water in proportion to small seed- 
lings. If in doubt about giving your plant water, let it go for another day for it is 
far better to have a plant on the dry side than to give it too much water. If your plant 
starts to show excessive shriveling in the bulbs and the leaves feel soft and fleshy, 
but your plant shows good root action, your plant requires more water. If your plant 
has plump bulbs and has dark rich green leaves, and some black spots show up in the 
leaves, you generally consider the plant soft and, therefore, less water is required, 
but more light. Do not go to extremes when moving your plants about for one may 
burn a plant severely if too much sun is given a plant that has been used to heavy 
shade. 
If the new growth appears soft and thin, as well as being rich green in color, 
then your plant is growing too soft. 
Orchids in the home may be grown successfully if one can offer the plants condi- 
tions which are somewhat similar to greenhouse culture. A shallow dish may be used 
which can be filled with pebbles. Fill the dish half full of water and place the pot on 
the pebbles, such as is illustrated above. Orchids can be placed in the east window 
early in the morning and in the west window during the late afternoon. Indirect light 
during the hot summer months after 9 A. M. and before 3 P. M. should be given but 
no direct sunlight at that time, unless shaded overhead with slats. 
If your orchids grow best for you and produce flowers through your own method 
and efforts, by all means, continue to grow them in that manner. 
D.D.T. will take care of most insect problems on your orchids. Orchids can be 
fed occasionally with liquid chemicals, but do not overfeed. Small seedlings can be fed 
safely once every two weeks and adult plants once a month. 
Several helpful cultural books are available today and one can obtain valuable 
information from them. We shall be pleased to help anyone by answering any cultural 
questions sent us. 
26 
