The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids

This handsome reference, now available in paperback, is sure to delight gardeners with a casual interest in orchids as well as the committed enthusiast and professional. Encompassing a wide spectrum of orchid genera, over 1100 species and hybrids commonly in cultivation are detailed. With an authoritative but accessible text written by acknowledged experts of international renown, the book features all the pertinent topics which guide the reader to an understanding of these wonderful flowers: orchid habitats, distribution, classification, hybrids, pollination, cultivation, and conservation. The alphabetical "Orchids A–Z" section includes descriptions, taxonomy, currently accepted names and synonyms, geographic distribution, notes on culture, and hundreds of color photographs of the best-known species in cultivation.

Media reviews of this book:

"Detailed enough for enthusiasts and accessible to general readers, this is a must for all horticulural reference collections."

—Phillip Oliver, Library Journal, December 15, 2004

"Detailed enough for enthusiasts and accessible to general readers, this is a must for all horticultural reference collections."

—Library Journal, December 2, 2004

"A necessary and, therefore, highly recommended acquisition for any library with botanical or gardening readers."

—L. G. Kavaljian, Choice, February 1993

"If the book were a gourmet meal, its first few pages would be enough to kindle a craving for more."

—Jean Starr, Northwest Indiana News, June 22, 2006

"Covers all you need to know."

—Garden Answers, July 2004

Read more media reviews

Customer reviews of this book:

"This is a beautiful book with very well reproduced color photos. Beginning growers need information about varieties of orchids, but this book contains species only, both illustrated and described. Species, that is as found in the wild, are more difficult to grow than those that have been crossed with other species or genera. "

—Norm Beatty from Sandy, Oregon, October 1, 2001

"great book lots of info excellent pictures"

—paul bass from Lecanto, Florida, September 14, 2000

An excerpt from this book:

Unfortunately, the easily acquired orchid has the unwarranted reputation of being difficult to grow–fussy, unforgiving plants that need a home built like a misty cloud forest, with periodic cloudbursts, insects, and the occasional jaguar. Some people devoted bedrooms or basements to their orchids, while others have constructed elaborate glasshouses with different climatic zones, potting rooms, and Mozart piped in to soothe the soul and presumably fortify the plants. But you can start simply with orchids, raising a few plants on the window sill, outdoors in spring and summer, or under fluorescent lights, and discover that orchids are not fussy at all ...

Read the whole excerpt