Understanding Orchids: An Uncomplicated Guide to Growing the World's Most Exotic Plants

I've read many, many books about orchid culture over the years and this is truly one of the best. It gives accurate and fairly comprehensive information about growing a large range of orchid species. It is full of high quality images of orchids, which are accurately identified. It covers a range of information about growing orchids, from how to repot and care for orchids to how to grow them from seed, which is likely beyond what most readers are after but which I appreciated nonetheless. Like many orchid culture guidebooks, much of this book is divided into a discussion of different genera. Many books unfortunately give such generalized culture information as to be nearly useless. This is not one of those books. It provides information about the genus in general but also talks about exceptions, species within the genus that benefit from different care. The cultural advice is nearly if not always spot on. The list of good starter species within each genus is helpful for growers who want to try a new genus but aren't sure which species to try. I appreciate the discussion of the conservation implications of using tree fern as a potting medium. I have never been fond of the harvest of one endangered species to grow another and personally avoid using it. So whether you've just brought home your first Phalaenopsis from the grocery or are an experienced grower, this book is an excellent resource.

I bought an orchid on impulse & then got this book to figure out how to care for it. Should have bought the book beforehand, but that would have made sense. :) This book is an awesome intro into orchid care & varieties. The 1st 1/2 of the book has chapters (well balanced between helpful pictures & text) discussing elements of orchid care. The 2nd 1/2 describes many orchid families in decent detail. The family descriptions inform about the natural habitat of the family, the optimal care for the family and its subtypes, and even include recommendations as to the experience needed to properly care for members of the described families. The family descriptions range from a couple of paragraphs about some of the less commonly encountered families to a couple of pages about the most commonly enountered families such as the Phaleanopis family. The text is highly readable and quite engaging. When purchasing the book, I anticipated scanning the relevant parts and being bored by the rest - not the case at all! I read the book essentially cover-to-cover within a few hours. I can't speak to the usefulness of the book for experienced orchid growers but, as a novice, I found the book to provide both an easily absorbed overview (if skimming) of orchid care as well as plenty of detail to read closely when desired. I'm so glad I chose this book!

I love that the author has a sense of humor, makes it that much more fun to read. And perfect since I’m trying to collect orchids myself. Would definitely recommend

Lots of general information along with highly detailed descriptions. I liked the fact that I was able to pick it up without having to much to go back and reference. Explained very well. Horticulture is a hobby so it was great to learn new information along with review. Great for the newbie in this hobby. The only thing is I wish it had more pictures related to stress conditions and the like. Although it did give good descriptions. So not much to complain about Over all worth the money!

Lovely photos as others have mentioned. I am new to caring for orchids and I needed a book with the basics. I got the basics plus much more! My plants are indoor only, but I plan on hanging them outside soon enough. I like that this book gives an overview of viruses and pests.I had a very sad looking orchid about a month ago, with severely limp leaves, and wasn’t too sure why since I’m a novice. From reading the book, I figured it was either my using tap water, the light source and amount, or I was over or under watering. I switched up my watering method after reading the book and watching some videos. My orchids (all 9 phalenopsis ) are thriving with one watering/a good soak under the tap per week. I do spritz them with a fertilizer and water combo every now and then, but they’re doing great. Two have new budding aerial roots like the pics lol. I’m just surprised and elated that I haven’t killed one of them in the last 8 months! My next goal is to have the plants flower next year.I recommend the book to those interested as there’s a wealth of info to get you going on the right track!

I love my Orchid book. It helps me speak orchid. I've an arrangement/variety of thriving orchids. I recommend this for knowledge and how to talk and read Orchids.

The book is enthralling to read and a practical source of information about orchids. I am very pleased with the book and whole heartedly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about orchids. If you didn't like orchids before, this book could make you fall head-over-heals in love with them and give you the confidence that you can effectively take care of them.

My wife loves the book. She has a collection of orchids and has learned even more reading this wonderfully illustrated book.