From Publishers Weekly
For gardeners or orchid lovers intimidated by the plant's exotic and temperamental reputation, Sheehan and Black, both environmental horticulture professors emeriti at the University of Florida, have written a small, rather dry but helpful volume outlining basic orchid cultivation methods, as well as some surprising orchid facts (vanilla is an orchid!). Beginning with the six qualities that define an orchid and instructions on how to identify one, they proceed with two chapters on naming and taxonomy, followed by an encyclopedic list of orchid genera that takes up the bulk of the book. The chapters describing hands-on orchid culture cover light, water and temperature needs; growing media; containers and potting; propagation; diseases and pests; and how to grow orchids in greenhouses as well as in the home. The information, although thorough enough to get started, is sketchy at times: the propagation section mentions a method of germinating orchid seed aseptically on nutrient agar but rather than describe how to do it in your kitchen, which they state is possible, they merely remark that most amateur gardeners prefer to purchase flasks of already germinated seeds. Despite this sometimes frustrating lack of detail, the book, which also contains enticing color plates of many of the genera, is a good reference for both beginning and experienced orchid growers.
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Book Description
“Orchids are easy to grow, but one doesn’t grow orchids like a rose, a cactus, or an African violet; one grows an orchid like an orchid! This book debunks some of the hard-to-grow myths, gives cultural information, and does so in easy-to-understand language.”--Robert J. Ferry, research associate, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and editor, McAllen International Orchid Society Journal
“A sure-fire guide for the novice grower and an excellent resource for the experienced orchidist. Painlessly integrates the botany and horticulture of the Orchid Family.”--Paul Martin Brown, research associate, University of Florida Herbarium, founder and editor of North American Native Orchid Journal
Orchids have been collected and grown for commercial purposes for more than 150 years, but while these spectacular plants are ever more available to casual gardeners and hobbyists, many still regard selecting and caring for orchids beyond their abilities. This book has easy-to-read, clearly defined chapters on identifying, classifying, and cultivating orchids. Also included are descriptions and illustrations of more than 150 of the more commonly grown orchid genera. The descriptions in tabular, readable outlines make it easy to select plants by appearance as well as a variety of criteria, including genus, particular light or temperature requirements, native habitat, and flowering time.
Sheehan and Black also provide valuable tips on selecting good specimens to buy and on caring for them under a variety of conditions found in either home or greenhouse. For enthusiasts, they provide advice on preparing plants for exhibition as well as chapters on uses of orchids, orchid items as collectables, diseases, insects, physiological problems, and special growing arrangements such as greenhouses and shade structures. Especially valuable is the best and most complete illustrated glossary of orchid terminology on the market.
This informative, user-friendly guide will transform even the most casual orchid fan from admirer to collector and cultivator.
