There is the further difficulty of each ...

There is the further difficulty of each ...

There is the further difficulty of each species' having its own light requirements.

Quick reference to conditions in the native homes of the species that the amateur is likely to acquire will illustrate the point.

Cattleyas, native to Central and South America, are found hanging on trees in the tropical rain forests.

The burning sun of midday is usually kept off the plant by foliage directly overhead.

The grower, guided by this knowledge, lets Cattleyas be exposed to the sun, but provides shade in summer during the warmest part of the day, for sunburn must be avoided.

The increased exposure to sun necessitates a corresponding increase in humidity to prevent the pseudobulbs from shriveling.

Laelias, showy natives of Mexico and Central America, are found growing on rocks in the open sun.

They are closely related to Cattleyas, but require larger amounts of both light and air.

The grower should find a place for them in the sun, right up under the glass.

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Stay tuned for more orchid-growing advice tomorrow! :)




Woo hoo!