| Deen are better known 
as “Cactus Orchids” because of their epiphytic habit of growing in 
the jungle trees of the tropics, and, although they are genuine cactus, 
they grow best when treated more like the begonia, camillia or fern. 
Every commercial dealer has his own pet formula for soil, water 
and general treatment of these plants but we find that the very things 
which are fine for the commercial grower can often prove stumbling 
blocks for the beginner . . . for instance, both the use of peat moss 
and fertilizer have caused the loss of too many plants for the amateur. 
These are fine for the experienced grower who knows just how well- 
rotted the manure may be and who can tell just when to water his 
plants . . . long experience has been his teacher, but most beginners 
overwater .. . the peat-moss holds the excess water, the soil becomes 
too acid ... the plants rot at the base. Also, many cuttings are lost, 
trying to root in too much, or too rich, a manure mixture. This may 
burn the tender roots back as fast as they develop. 
Growing in the wild, in clumps of moss or other decayed plant, 
materials caught in the branches of the jungle trees, thru which the 
air circulates freely, they need extremely loose, well-drained soil. 
They like moisture but not saturation. All excess water must drain 
away at once so that soil will not become too acid. They are only 
semi-acid plants. They grow best in tin or wooden containers. It is 
best to put drain-holes in the outside near the base of containers 
as holes on the underside are easily plugged up. Then, when clay 
pots are used, it is best to place each pot on 2 small sticks of wood, 
leaving the drain-hole open for air circulation to the root system. 
Clay pots dry out more quickly, so will need more frequent watering. 
The plants do not like to be completely dry at any time. 
