HUMIDITY. AND WATERING 
To provide adequate humidity your plants should be set on approximately 2-1/2" of 
one-quarter or one-half inch gravel, rock, or pebbles. The pebbles should be placed 
in a water-tight flat tray or saucer-like container. One-half inch of water should 
be kept in the graveled bottom of the container at all times. Water should never 
cover the top of the container. Container suggestions: ordinary 2-1/2" to 3" white 
enamel or aluminum roasting pan, rectangular or circular jardiniere or copper 
planter. Your orchid should be watered with one-half pint to a pint of water every 
seven days and no more. It is unnecessary to water the foliage. Leaves should be 
cleaned with a damp cloth once or twice a year. 
RoE © lei NG 
Your first orchids should be well established plants which should bloom within one 
to three months. Unless you have had considerable experience you should acquire 
a Cattleya species or hybrid in the $5.00 to $25.00class. As 'yougain experience, 
your collection can be enlarged to include the more expensive exhibition plants. 
BEGINNING YOUR COLD EC TION 
Your orchid plant will need potting when it grows over the edge of the pot. This can 
be accomplished at home by securing special material called ''osmundine fiber." 
For your first orchid it is suggested that you acquire one that willnot need repotting 
for a year to eighteen months. 
The cultural brochure that follows is for advanced growers who have had some ex- 
perience and newcomers who want to begin with scientific information. 
