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

by William Cullina

Orchids are the largest family of plants in the world. With 30,000 known species, you could acquire a different orchid every day for eighty years and still not grow them all. Back in the realm of reality, readers of this beautiful book can quickly and easily find the orchids that are right for them -- which ones will thrive on a windowsill, which prefer artificial lights, and which need a greenhouse; which are for beginners, which for experts. And you can pinpoint the species within a particular genus that are the best ones to start with. Once you select your orchid, William Cullina's authoritative guide explains what to do to keep it alive and healthy.
Featuring more than two hundred color photographs, Understanding Orchids covers everything you need to know to grow orchids successfully, whatever your level of interest or experience. With improved tissue-culture techniques making orchids more affordable, and the Internet making them readily available to consumers, growing orchids is more popular than ever: membership in the American Orchid Society has more than doubled in the last fifteen years. This is the book orchid fans have been waiting for.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Horticulture, Reference, Science Nature, Plants

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2004

Reviews

[Meg Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I bought my first orchid the other day, went home to repot it, when I discovered--that's right, friends--NO DIRT. WAH??? you ask. Evidently orchids are epiphytes (meaning that they grow directly onto the barks of rainforest trees up into the cloud cover). So, yeah, any plant that doesn't grow in dirt necessitates a trip to the library.

This is my FAVORITE book on plants I've ever read--well organized, oxygen-wrenching pictures, and you can tell the guy at least TRIES to have a sense of humor, even entertain occasionally. And yes, I actually read EVERY WORD (aside from the glossary), so I now know more about orchids than every other person on the planet (besides the guy who wrote the book)--but ask me quick! There's about a week's expiration on this info. Not that I regret the time invested--these plants are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Literally, they're like alien plants, surreal and absolutely GORGEOUS. I have always said that, aside from medium-rare prime rib and Johnny Depp, orchids are the most beautiful thing God has given us.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my first orchid on bosses day this year! I was totally taken by surprise! So, now I need to educate myself about orchids. This book is a true labor of love & very informative on all varieties of orchids. Plus there are lots of lovely pictures. I truly hope I can keep this plant alive. I feel so honored to have received it.

[Donna Coakley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Kindle book that I've purchased that has quality issues. Some of the charts are blurred and some of the lettering is teeny tiny.

Good information....Lots of scientific info but also informative. I will be referring to this book each time I get it decide to buy a new orchid.

[Gonzalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buena guía en lenguaje simple

Un buen libro para aprender y mantener como referencia. Tiene guía de especies, generalidades y muchas fotografías. El lenguaje es divertido.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in growing orchids has use for this book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you wanted to learn how to take care of orchids this is the book for you!! Explains about all different types. Good informational book.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super complicated book about growing orchids that shouldn’t be so complicated at all! A few YouTube videos will do the job better and nicely.

[Brysen Jacobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing guide. Lots of in depth information as well as easy to digest information.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on orchid care. Beautiful photos. A great reference book for anyone who enjoys growing orchids

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book consists of the writer’s opinions on the plants he’s grown. Some of the plants he writes about are hard to find (Dichaea, Homatopetalum), notoriously difficult to grow (Constantia cipoensis, Disa) or incorrectly categorized (Promenaea is not a member of the Stanhopeinae but the Maxillariae). While my complaints may be considered minor, orchids are never cheap, many people want precise information on their habits and culture, and their correct categorization. Nice pictures. Good book if you can find it used.

[Eric Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated amazingly informative volume is equally suited for showing off on your cofee table and multihour sessions of study to better your knowledge on what for me is an increasingly rewarding hobby. I had given up on trying to keep orchids for awhile and decided to give it one more try with this book. I now keep 3 different species of orchids, all of which are thriving and one of which is in its second blooming cycle of the season, something only very happy and healthy orchids will do.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful, well-organized, chock-full of info for the beginner and the expert. Beautiful images--made even better in that these are real pictures, not staged "plant porn." The writing is pretty folksy. A more formal tone would enhance the book's professional qualities. But the graphs and comparisons can't be beat! Will keep & use this book for a very long time!

[Sarah Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos; it's a good overview but since I'm only interested in "windowsill-variety" orchids I skipped long sections for artificial lights and greenhouse growers. I did really like the section in the back that talked a little more in-depth about phalaeonopsis orchids like the one I have.

[Fostergrants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I wanted to know, clearly explained, fabulous photos. Amen.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing pictures! Lots of detail and great overview. But I am looking for more step-by-step on specific topics. Must keep researching.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I refer back to this book regularly through my orchid journey.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative book that was good for a beginner to read.

[Lyndz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is chock-full of useful information. I kind of wished there were better pictures though.
Hopefully now I won't kill my orchid. No promises.

[Luiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, but too generic for my purpose. Interesting section about care for several genus.

[Alicia Stidam · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the beginner and expert orchid grower, this book covers it all.

[David Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just say I'm finished, I'm never finished with orchids

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't no i have not read it yet but going to.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Reference

[Dat Huu]

this book is my love