ORCHIDS IN THE HOME 
The Orchid family, found most abundant in the tropics, is 
still Queen of all exotics, and will ever thrill the human heart. 
While the women of America have particularly adapted the 
showy Cattleya as their favorite, there are over 15,000 other 
species, aside from many hybrids, in more than 600 genera, 
terrestrial and epiphytic, every one of which, large or small, is 
a perfect beauty. 
All Orchids prefer the controlled growing conditions of the 
greenhouse, but contrary to general belief, many of them can 
be grown with success and pleasure in the home. 
A sunny, well ventilated room, and a space where they can 
be syringed with a hand sprayer a shallow tray with pebbles 
ona shelf or table, is ideal. 
Most Orchids want considerable sunlight, particularly the 
species with hard pseudo-bulbs, whereas the pseudo-bulbless or 
softer growthed kinds will prefer a location protected from the 
bright Summer sun. In Winter most of them want all the light 
they can get. 
The temperature keys C, | or W may show the ideal range 
of their native home, but in practice, Orchids are rather toler- 
ant and even tough, which allows them to adapt themselves to 
many conditions found in the average home, or a patio in the 
South. But, of course, the more nearly their temperature pref- 
erences can be satisfied, the more they will reward with normal 
growth and flowering. In Winter, Orchids prefer an average 
of 5 degrees under their Summer minimum requirements. 
When they are in full growth and with active roots, Orchids 
should be watered copiously. Broadly speaking, this should be 
done only when the pot is dry, usually once to twice a weex. In 
any case, watering means soaking thoroughly, even holding the 
plant in a bucket of tepid water until the bubbles stop coming 
up. Daily spraying of the foliage is beneficial as it provides 
humidity. After growth is completed, and after flowering, 
plants should receive water sparingly, particularly the varieties 
producing pseudo bulbs or storage reservoirs such as Cattleyas. 
Transplanting is done best after flowering, provided the plant 
has no more room for new growths and generally only after two 
years, Relatively small pots are preferrable. 
The best general potting medium is Osmunda fern root, with 
some broken charcoal or sherds. For softer species, some live 
sphagnum moss may be added, or even coarse compost of 
leaves or similar material. Most important is to provide good 
drainage, as Orchids may like moisture, but hate wet feet. 
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