Vou Can Deo Qt Coo — Continued 
the Phalaenopsis (see page 18) is an example of the 
monopodial plant, which adds to its growth continually 
on a single, upright stem. 
An epiphyte is a plant which is “air-rooted”, growing 
non-parasitically upon another plant. Most orchids listed 
in this catalog belong to this category, except the Cym- 
bidiums and a few others, which are semi-terrestrial, or 
“earth-rooted”. A specie is a pure strain, not crossed with 
any other type or variety of orchid plant, much as they 
are found in their original habitat. Species are distin- 
guished from hybrids, the result of crosses between two 
or more species, often involving several genera, or dis- 
tinct plant types. These progeny of the species have as 
many great-great grandparents as you have, for thou- 
sands of crosses have been made. 
SEVEN YEARS TO FLOWERING 
The stages of the Cattleya are pictured in the photo- 
graph at the bottom of page five, and you will note it takes 
about seven years to produce a flowering plant. Some 
types flower more quickly, as Phalaenopsis and Dendrob- 
iums, for instance, which produce blooms in about three 
years, but most types need an average of seven years. 
ORCHIDS DON’T LIKE WET FEET 
This is a phrase you will find in almost every orchid 
book or writing, and it is still a good one. The idea is to 
simulate the conditions present in the natural environ- 
ment of the orchid plant—the jungle, where showers are 
followed by bright sunny weather which quickly dries out 
the bit of compost at the base of the plant. The Cattleyas 
and related types like a thorough wetting, then a chance 
to dry out somewhat to encourage root growth. For a 
five-inch pot, a cup of water every four or five days dur- 
ing normal weather should prove sufficient. This amount 
will be increased or decreased according to pot size, larger 
pots taking more water less often, and smaller pots taking 
less water more often, as the greater the amount of 
osmunda, the longer it takes to dry out. The cup of 
water will run into and through the osmunda, but more 
will be retained by the porous absorbent material than 
you realize. A healthy root will remain plump and white. 
Overwatered roots will turn brown or black. Under- 
watered roots will turn a shriveled, parched white. 
BRIGHT BUT NOT BLAZING 
We are finding more and more that in a window 
collection, the orchid plants can stand direct sun all day 
every day, except in the middle of the summer, when 
they should receive protection from direct midday sun. 
This is in direct contrast to the glasshouse shading prac- 
tices for, except in the northernmost areas, the shade is 
never fully removed, even in winter. As compared with 
the amount of light entering the glasshouse from all 
angles, the amount which enters the normal sized window 
is much less. Of course, if you have the newer, floor-to- 
Page Six 
ceiling panes, your protection from midday, direct sun 
will begin earlier in the summer and continue later into 
fall. 
Plants while in bloom should be moved to that part 
of the house best suited to display them. To add to their 
beauty, we have collected an outstanding group of orna- 
mental containers, some of which may be used in lieu of 
the ordinary pot, others which are used as slip-pots for 
the less beautiful but practical terracotta pots. See pages 
II, 14 and 15 for pictures, page 23 for prices. Avoid 
placing plants in a draft at any time, for air movement 
is drying. 
IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE, 
YOUR ORCHID PLANTS ARE, TOO 
For Cattleyas and related types, the same tempera- 
tures in which you live comfortably are ideal for maxi- 
mum growth. Night temperatures in the low 60’s, with 
day temperatures of 72° or 75° maximum or higher with 
sun heat are excellent, although occasional deviations 
either way will not harm the plants. 
AS IMPORTANT AS HEAT—HUMIDITY 
To increase the natural humidity, plants should be 
set on pebbles placed in a tray which may be as practical 
or as beautiful as your taste dictates. We have pebbles in 
white, red and black available (see page 21), but do 
remember postage rates. If you are too far away, you 
can get them locally. Make sure your tray is deep enough 
to contain enough pebbles to keep the bottom of the pot 
clear of the water, which you will keep at a level at least 
an inch below the top of the pebbles. Remember, orchids 
don’t like wet feet! 
IN GENERAL—JUST ENJOY THEM 
Your orchids will need little care other than water- 
ing and some attention te location in your home. They 
are free from plant pests, and almost never will a small 
home collection need spraying of any sort. If you think 
it may, write, describing symptoms to us, or ask a local 
orchid man. Recommended sprays are listed on page 21. 
An occasional wiping with a soft damp cloth to free 
the leaves from dust, and repotting about every two years, 
usually done after the plant has flowered, is all the care 
that is needed. Repotting may be done at a very nominal 
cost by a commercial orchid man, or amateur orchid 
enthusiast who has some experience in potting orchids. 
However, anyone with a minimum of instruction can 
learn how. 
Orchid culture has all the requirements for a good 
hobby—it takes very little time to produce wonderful 
results; you may spend as much—or as little—as you 
wish; the variety present in this plant group guarantees 
continued interest; it appeals to both men and women of 
all ages; it is, in fact, just about the perfect “favorite 
avocation”’. 
