Orchid Growing Basics

This book gives decent advice on growing orchids, but unless you want to get into the genealogy of orchids, it may be a bit overwhelming. However, I can imagine that someone who wants to start and orchid farm or have a section of their house devoted to orchids will find this book very helpful. Not really for casual orchid growers.

After reading Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief" I became absolutely intrigued by orchids and their culture. Of course I wanted to run right out and buy one but I no clue as to what I would do with the darn thing once I got it home! Then, while browsing the shelves of the NY Botanical Garden's giftshop, I came across this book. I was immediately attracted to the simple cover, and the way the info was presented within: clear, easy, non-intimidating language and photos. I bought the book and a week later bought my first orchid... and my 2nd the following week... and my 3rd & 4th two weeks after that! This book put me completely at ease with orchids - obviously! And, though all 4 were cheap Home Depot purchases that I later discovered to have pretty bad root rot, I'm proud to say that 4 years later 1 of those "starter" plants is still with me and thriving.