The Classic Cattleyas [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Arthur A. Chadwick (Author), Arthur E. Chadwick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2006

In 1818, William Cattley succeeded in flowering one of the first species of the genus that would bear his name. These first cattleyas are the classic cattleyas, whose form defined the essence of tropical orchids for generations to come. Indeed, the color of their flowers became known as "orchid." In this helpful and informative book, each classic Cattleya species is described in fascinating detail, and its role in breeding programs is elucidated. All that is required to appreciate and grow the large-flowered cattleyas successfully is included. Cultivation, humidity and watering, fertilizing, propagation, and diagnosing and treating problems are detailed, making this volume valuable for both veteran orchid enthusiasts and those who simply love these beautiful flowers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"While the title may seem like this book is only for cattleya growers, it really tells the story of the discovery of tropical orchids by western civilization. Every orchid hobbyist should have a copy even if they do not grow cattleyas."—Courtney T. Hackney, Orchid Digest, July/August 2006 (Courtney T. Hackney Orchid Digest )

"Another in the long line of fine horticulture books from this publisher. Everything about this book simply screams, 'Read me.' While the main focus of the book is on the species, Chadwick also discusses the early days of cattleya hybridizing, giving a wonderfully accurate picture of how we arrived at the dizzying breadth and range of colors now seen."—Ned Nash, Orchids, May 2006 (Ned Nash Orchids )

Book Description

Cattleyas, first introduced in 1818, are the flowers whose form and color defined the essence of tropical orchids for generations to come. This helpful and informative book-for veteran orchid enthusiasts and beginners alike-describes each classic Cattleya species in fascinating detail and includes all that is required to appreciate and grow cattleyas successfully.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (February 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881927643
• ISBN-13: 978-0881927641
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #640,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book on the Subject, October 12, 2006

By 

Orchidman NH (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Classic Cattleyas (Hardcover)

As a commercial grower and as a collector, I eagerly awaited the publication of this book. The book does not contain passages on every Cattleya out there, but for the species selected as "Classic" it is an invaluable resource. I also appreciated that Chadwick did not bow down to what I consider to be the over burdensome and ill conceived new classification system. Chadwick articles are frequently featured in the American Orchid Society magazine and I would consider him one of the foremost authorities on the subject. This book is very readable for the everyday collector and does not get overly involved in hyper-technical scientific jargon. Plus, the photography is beautiful. Anyone who enjoys orchids, or is interested in their history, would love this book.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars THE UNIFOLIATE CATTLEYAS, June 4, 2006

By 

Maria J. F. Lau (Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Classic Cattleyas (Hardcover)

For those who enjoy the beautifull of the Royal Flower of the Imperial Europe, this is the book.
For those who look for beautifull photos with true colors of the Cattleyas, this is the book.
For those who love the history of how the Cattleya becamed the Star of the Orchids, this is the book.
For those who want to study and make success in growing the large-flowered Cattleyas, this is the book.
For those who accept that brazilian Laelias are in now living in the Botanical Orphanage of the Cattleya genus (and admit that "eight polinias in this large brazilian species are just a trivial difference"), this is the book.
And for those who try to find in this book the bifoliate, multi-flowered Cattleyas, well, try to consider another book. This book lacks of them.

Alejandro E. Taborda

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good history of cattleyas, August 25, 2009

By 

Michael Gast (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Classic Cattleyas (Hardcover)

This is a fine book for lovers of orchids. It is, first and foremost, a history, even though there are rudimentary chapters on botany and culture. Cattleyas began the orchid-mania that swept Europe and this book charts that passion and the subsequent struggles to cultivate, progagate and hybridize. The classic cattleyas are described in great detail -- including brief cultural advice for the grower.