Ortho's All about Orchids

I received my first orchid as a gift, not knowing what to do with it a went out and bought this book. I have since accumulated about a half dozen different orchids. This book is an excellant beginners book. It walks you through what to expect with each general orchid type and many 'how to' details to get you started. The only reason I went looking for another book was that I bought a new dendrobium and this Ortho book did not have the information on that specific type of dendrobium due to the vast genus of dendrobiums. I would recomend this book to anyone interested in starting out with orchids. It has lasted me years, without needing another reference.

The book contains about 92 pages. 13 pages are on general growing instructions (light, temperature, humidity, and air circulation). This section includes an excellent tip on how to measure light using a photometer in a camera, and they include a handy chart for converting camera aperature "f-stops" into "footcandles" of light. They also include more handy charts like the ideal light ranges for 19 genera, adjusting day length, and ideal night temperature ranges. 24 pages on buying orchids, potting orchids, fertilizing, dividing, and propagation. 6 pages on problems and disease. 8 pages on orchid botany and breeding. 36 pages on 18 common orchid genera. Each genera is described in about 12 paragraphs with comments about specific growing needs, species and hybrids, tips for success, and about 5 photographs of representative plants. 1 page on orchid suppliers and a 4 page index.When I bought my first orchid, I purchased it with an excellent book called "Easy Orchids" by Mimi Luebbermann. The Luebbermann book got me through the first several months (and the first 6 orchids). The Ortho book adds to the excellent information that you obtained with Luebbermann. Ortho gives you that vital information necessary to take your orchid addiction ... er, I mean, your orchid hobby to the next level (and another 6 orchids). Ortho's All About Orchids contains excellent information for the beginner. It is a must have book for the first time orchid grower.

As a beginner in the Orchid world, I found this book very helpful. It is well organized, so can be used as a quick reference later; very easy read. Was able to develope a wish list for other orchids I would like to aquire by using the bloom time information included. I hope to have blooms all year long using this info! Many pitcures depicting "how to's" in propigation, etc. Also found I was underwatering my first orchid received as a gift, and hope I have caught it in time. Information well worth the cost, and a great addition the the gardening library.

"All About Orchids" shows detailed step-by-step photos and instructions for all the various tasks. It also includes in depth sections on each category of Orchids, which has a "Tips for Success" inset that is great for beginners. This book provides a nice summary of Cultural Needs for each orchid. This book is packed full of info!