HOW TO GROW ORCHIDS 
We are often asked if it is feasible to grow orchids in the home. This question 
may occur to any plant lover cultivating geraniums or African violets on a window 
ledge in the home. We try to explain this so that you may form your own answer. 
To begin with, orchid plants are not frail, delicate or sensitive. They are, in fact, 
very tough, rugged plants. 
You need not be afraid of orchids. They are just as easy to grow as many more 
common houseplants. Of course, if you have a small greenhouse, it is easier to pro- 
vide the ideal conditions, but many people grow orchids in their homes. 
Certain conditions for culture are essential and must be observed. 
Location: Preferably an eastern exposure. Southern is good but requires more shad- 
ing. In summer (June through August), most plants can have full sunlight until 9:30 
a.m. If the exposure is southern, use light shading, such as gauze or cheese-cloths, 
between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on sunny summer days. In winter, full light gen- 
erally will not burn the foliage. 
Watering: In winter, spray on sunny morning, or when compost is dry. In summer, 
spray on sunny mornings and again in mid-afternoon if very warm (over 80). Allow 
plants to dry out between waterings, summer or winter. Remember that spraying means 
sprinkling lightly; watering means soaking thoroughly. Let your schedule for watering 
be determined by the dryness of the compost. This schedule may vary from every 
4 to every 12 days. The more frequent schedule is necessary during long dry spells 
in summer, or if there is excessive artificial heating in winter. The less frequent sche- 
dule is followed when natural humidity slows up the drying of the compost. This 
happens during rainy or cloudy spells. When buds start to open, cut down water. 
Spray only compost every 3 or 4 days; avoid wetting flowers. 
When plant has finished flowering, repot in next size pot if the plant has no more 
room for new growths. Allow plant to rest about 10 days before resuming regular 
spraying and watering schedule. 
Provide circulation of air without sudden drafts. Maintain a minimum temperature 
of 55-60° at night and 70° during the day. Higher daytime temperatures will do no 
harm. During warm, humid weather hang plants out of doors in semi-shady location. 
Orchids like fresh air if it is warm. 
A Wardian case (a glass box fitted with an automatic heating unit and a tray of 
water) is recommended for maintaining greater uniformity of temperature and hum- 
idity. 
We recommend alternate feedings of liquid orchid fertilizer and Ortho-Gro (fish 
emulsion) every 2 weeks when plants are in active grow‘th. 
New orchid growers can profit by joining the American Orchid Society. _Member- 
ship includes a subscription to the Bulletin. (See page 68.) 
About the cost of the plants: They may now be purchased at very reasonable 
prices. We recommend and list standard varieties for the beginner for trial. (See 
‘Collections’? on page 21’. A single flowering size Cattleya plant or a Phalaenopsis 
plant in bud may be had for $8.95 postpaid U.S.A. Phalaenopis can be shipped with 
flower spike only from November through January. See page 17. 
The above information is intended for general culture of orchids in the home and 
especially for the Cattleya and allied genera, such as Lc. (Laeliocattleya), Bc. (Brasso- 
cattleya) and Blc. (Brassolaeliocattleya). Any special cultural information for other 
types is given under the individual listings. 
74 Greenhouses at Mandarin on the St. Johns River 
