Customer Reviews

Orchids For Dummies

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The title says it all. It is a good starter and you'll learn how to take care of your orchids. The chapter about resources is truly excellent. However, this book won't take you much further from the basics, in my opinion. The colour plates are beautiful, but they are just a handful (8 pages). Black and white pictures don't make much sense here, after all this book is about orchids, right?
In the same price range I strongly recommend "Growing orchids" by Rittershausen, which contains almost the same information of more expensive books, and shows hundreds of colour pictures of very good quality. If you are willing to spend a little more, buy either "Understanding orchids" or "Orchid's grower companion". Here you are paying for the "for Dummies" trademark. This book would be a good buy at half of the price.
As of now, all the 5 stars reviews have been written by people with ONE review in their accounts. Ask yourself "how come?"

This is actually a pretty good starter book. There are a vast number of books out there addressing the subjects of growing, identification, history, etc. of these wonderful plants, but for those that just bought their first orchid, or are contemplating such, then this is as good a book to start with as any. Needless to say, no book can do it all for you and as you grow in this wonderful hobby, you will want to check on more of the wonderful resources available. When I first began raising orchids, it was hard to find anything that was meant for the general public, and most orchid books were unreadable (if you could even find them) unless you had a degree on horticulture. I killed off quite a few of these plants in my learning process, still do for that matter, but that is what is so fascinating about this hobby, i.e. there is always so much more to learn.

As with all the idiot books, this one covers your basic informational needs, from selecting a good starter plant on to its care and maintenance. It has humor thrown in here and there, which makes for a pleasing read. Now this in not a "picture book" of orchids nor is it meant to be. Goodness knows there are many high dollar books out there to fulfill this need. I liked this particular work as it does well illustrate that orchids are not as difficult to raise as many feel they are. Yes, some have very specialized needs, but for the most part, the orchids you have access to are not all that difficult if you just know what you are doing. This book gives you that basic knowledge to get you started. It uses simple terms and written in an easy style that does not send you running to the dictionary with every turned page. The illustrations are quite well done.

Now as for this being a book only for beginners, hmmm, I am not quite sure what to say about that. Granted, much of the information found here is basic and the entire work is not written in the dry, academic mode so often found in these works. I am certainly no expert myself, but have been messing with these plants for quite a number of years now, and to be quite frank, I learned a few things myself. Some of the stuff I thought I knew, I did not know. It may be just me, but I have found that as with most things you need to beware of "experts" and their advice. It is nice to hear their opinion, but you always need to check the facts our for yourself and from multiple sources.

I highly recommend this one for beginners and feel that a lot of the "old timers" could probably benefit from giving this one a read.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

As a beginning orchid grower I was a bit intimidated by the whole topic. But after reading Frowine's book, the topic seems much more approachable. I've started with a few moth orchids and they've done well, but now I'm inspired to try some oncidiums and paphiopedilums. I really would like to try some fragrant orchids as well.

I like the straight forward cultural information. It's clear the temperature, humidity, and light levels needed for the various orchids. It gives me a sense of which ones to try and which to wait on. The orchid photos in the center are inspiring, though I'd love to see more!

I also liked the in-depth listing of varieties for the various orchid types. There's a whole world of orchids out there to grow.

A great book for anyone starting out in orchids growing. Clearly written with the usual "dummies" humor and lightness. A good starting point for orchid growing.

When I started thumbing through this book, I knew it would be a helpful reference but I never thought I'd sit down and read it practically from cover to cover! All of your questions about selecting and growing orchids are answered here, including the questions you hadn't thought about. This is straightforward information, nicely presented with useful drawings, personal anecdotes and tips from an experienced plantsman. I've been growing a limited number of orchids for a few years but I haven't really emerged above the novice level. This book should help me to expand my orchid "collection" and be more effective at coaxing these wonderful plants into bloom. Mr. Frowine provides the recipes for success!

This book is the best book I have read about Orchids. You will receive an education about types, care, repotting and growing all types of Orchids. I highly recommend this book for the beginner to the advanced grower and hobbiest.

This book is excellent and its title does not hide anything. If you're a dummy about orchids this book will give you everything you need to get through that dummy stage. It gives preferences, growing conditions and a step by step to make sure any orchid you have can have a healthy and fulfilling life. Definitely recommended for the beginner.

I pre-ordered ORCHIDS FOR DUMMIES and it was well worth the wait! Information provided is incredibly thorough, straightforward, and easy to read. Interlaced with the author's sense of humor and insight from years of orchid growing experience.

Can pick out sections of particular interest first, go back to others, skip a few, and still maintain continuity throughout. Symbol icons throughout book provide a nice additional reference tool. BEAUTIFUL and captivating color orchid photography.

This book helped cut my intimidation of orchid growing, helped me learn from my past mistakes, and rejuvenated my desire to be a successful orchid grower!

This book may not be as fancy as some of these other orchid books, but it is very practical and useful for a beginner.

This book is great for the beginner and intermediate orchid grower. There is no conflicting information and it really helps you to understand how to keep your orchids healthy and blooming. I bought an extra one for a gift.

I have read and own many orchid books and this is by far my favorite. As with all the books in the "Dummies" series, the presentation of the material is thorough and easily accessible. If you have any questions about orchids from watering to propagation you can find the information you need quickly. The book also contains great illustrations and beautiful photographs taken by the author himself. The author, Steven Frowine, conveys his passion for and vast knowledge of orchids throughout the book. He takes the fear out of growing orchids and fills the pages with personal anecdotes and valuable information about the subject matter. If you want to grow orchids this is the book that will help you do it. If you are already growing orchids, this is a book you must have.