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rowing On

Sn the lie eee

eaten are as many and as varied as recipes
for roasting meat or making a cake - delightful
results are obtained even though the procedure
may vary.

The present day home with its well lighted
rooms, sun porches, picture windows, automa-
tic heat, and in many instances, air condition-
ing, lends itself well to the successful growing
and flowering of various orchid plants.

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 $9.50 to $20.00 class.
As you gain experience, your collection can be
enlarged to include the more expensive ex-
hibition plants.

Temperatures

Generally, orchids divide themselves into three
night temperature groups:

1. 65° to 70° NIGHT TEMPERATURE, WARM
GROWING ORCHIDS. Small seedlings of all
varieties of orchids, Phalaenopsis, certain var-
ieties of Vandas, and many others thrive and
grow well in this temperature.

2. 58° to 62° NIGHT TEMPERATURE, ORCHIDS
WHICH REQUIRE INTERMEDIATE TEMPERA-
TURE. The Cattleya varieties of orchids which
produce the lavender, whites and white with
colored lip, do their best in this temperature.
These are the orchid blooms most generally
seen in corsages.

JU Om NIGHT TEMPERATURE” COOL
GROWING ORCHIDS. Cymbidiums, Zygope-
talums, certain varieties of Odontoglossums,
some varieties of Dendrobiums, Vandas, and
others, do their best in this temperature.

While the home is satisfactory for growing
many varieties of orchids, we at RIVERMONT
suggest that the beginner confine his first or-
chids to the intermediate type which do their
best in a night temperature ranging between
58 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. After some exper-
ience one can then try his luck at several var-
leties.

Light

For best results place your orchid plants in the
best lighted location in your home, whether the
best lighted room faces South, East, West or
North, makes very little difference. During the
extremely hot part of the summer it may be
necessary to shield your plants by partially

closing your Venetian blinds or pulling your
curtains. In most sections of the United States
the intermediate type orchid will not require
shading from the first of November through
March fifteenth.

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 containers.
Container suggestions: Ordinary 2-1/2” to 3”,
white enamel or aluminum roasting pan, rect-
angular or circular brass jardineres or copper
planters. Your orchid should be watered
thoroughly every 5 to 10 days. Seedlings
should be watered more frequently. It is not
necessary to water the foliage. Leaves should
be cleaned with a damp cloth once or twice a
year.

Repotting

Your orchid plant will need potting when it
grows over the edge of the pot. This can be
accomplished at home by securing special ma-
terial called “OSMUNDA FIBRE”. For your
first orchid it is suggested that you acquire one
that will not need repotting for a year to eigh-
teen months.

RIVERMONT prides itself in having the finest
collection of orchids that is known to exist to-
day. Our range of two and one-half acres is
devoted entirely to the growing of orchids.
Whether you desire a $500.00 or a $10.00 plant,
we can supply your needs.

Oo RCHtIopb s$
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE