Orchid Species Culture: Oncidium/ Odontoglossum Alliance [Hardcover]

Margaret Baker (Author), Charles O. Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 19, 2006

The immense Oncidium/Odontoglossum alliance contains some of the most popular orchids grown, including members of the genera Ada, Brassia, Cyrtochilum, Odontoglossum, Oncidium, Psychopsis, Rodriguezia, Rossioglossum, and Trichopilia. Finding reliable cultural information for more than just a handful of the most commonly available species, however, can be a real challenge. In this meticulously researched volume, Margaret and Charles Baker have assembled a staggering amount of data about these plants in an accessible format. By combining weather records and habitat reports with information from successful growers, the authors have formulated recommendations for approximately 1300 species within this important group. The wealth of information provided in this book makes it an invaluable addition to the library of every serious orchidist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There are no photos, but information abounds. This dense, technical, and detail-oriented work stands out in its field."
—Phillip Oliver, Library Journal, June 2006 (Library Journal )

Book Description

The immense Oncidium/Odontoglossum alliance contains some of the most popular orchids grown. Finding reliable cultural information for more than just a handful of the most commonly available species, however, can be a real challenge. In this meticulously researched volume, aimed at serious orchidists, the authors have formulated recommendations for approximately 1,300 species within this important group.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 992 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (April 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881927759
• ISBN-13: 978-0881927757
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.9 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,404,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for the serious student of orchids, September 21, 2007

By 

Ann Herrington (Rockwall, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orchid Species Culture: Oncidium/ Odontoglossum Alliance (Hardcover)

This book is for the serious student of orchids, whether neophyte or experienced grower. It covers 87 genera in the Oncidium/Odontoglossum alliance, and provides a wealth of cultural information, based on the genus' origin and habitat. If a grower knows the altitude, day and night temperature fluctuations, humidity, rainfall patterns, light requirements, etc., of a plant, (s)he stands a much better chance of growing (and blooming) it successfully.

In addition to providing all of this information, the book gives plant size and type, whether the plant has a stem or pseudobulb, describes the leaves, inflorescence, and flowers, including size, number of flowers per inflorescence, and whether or not they are fragrant.

There is a discussion at the beginning of Cultural Recommendations in "captivity": light, temperatures, humidity, watering requirements, fertilizer, rest periods, growing media, cultural problems, etc.

This is not a picture book. The only pictures are the eight on the dust jacket. But there is invaluable information between the covers for the person who wants to excel at growing and blooming orchids.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A phenomenal achievement!, January 4, 2007

By 

E Gaillard "orchid grrl" (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Orchid Species Culture: Oncidium/ Odontoglossum Alliance (Hardcover)

I love Baker's books on orchid species culture. It's all the information that experts are always haranguing beginners to learn about species: "Know where it comes from! Learn its preferred temperatures! Lowlands or alpine!" Alas most beginners haven't a clue where to look for this kind of information other than the same old reference books that keep reprinting the same old outdated and sometimes outright wrong stuff. Use this in conjunction with Harry Zelenko's Oncidium book for easy identification, and you're all set to grow any oncidium alliance species that might come your way.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning amount of detailed information, March 19, 2007

By 

M. de Haas-van Dijk (Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orchid Species Culture: Oncidium/ Odontoglossum Alliance (Hardcover)

This bulky volume contains a stunning amount of gathered information about (micro-)climate, habitat, distribution, flowering time, sizes and colors of plant parts about virtually every Oncidium alliance botanical species that exists, updated to present taxonomical insights. A wealth of knowledge for every grower or breeder that likes to try his/her hands on some Oncidium alliance botanicals. An amazing achievement of the authors and a very valuable posession!