Book Description
“A superb primer on orchid culture. It uses a fully illustrated step-by-step approach and doesn’t skimp on relating complete details. There’s a chapter showing easy-to-grow orchids in all their glory, and there’s also a chapter warning about ‘difficult’ orchids to avoid. This tome takes you on a visit [to] 16 terrific varieties you can easily handle....It’s a fun and rewarding winter exercise.”—Denver Post.


Back Cover Copy
If you think you can't grow orchids, that's simply not true! Everyone can, and this guide makes it easy. Take your pick from 16 different types--all of them commercially available and easy to raise at home. With information on light, temperature, and water requirements, as well as facts about bloom habits and fragrance, your plants are sure to be exquisite! Bonus: frequently asked questions and easy-to-follow answers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Are you terrified of orchids? Do you worry that these most beautiful and delicate of flowers will be too much for you to handle? Fear no more! Absolute beginners will become absolute experts by the time they're done with chapter after chapter of truly empowering information and entertaining images of "orchid wimps" in action, cultivating their prized plants. Beginners are welcomed reassuringly into the wonderful world of orchids with 16 different non-temperamental, low-maintenance varieties (plus types that are an absolute no-no for newcomers). Basics on light, drainage, temperature, and humidity requirements; advice on repotting, fertilizing, and zapping deadly pests; and recipes for soil (and nonsoil) potting mixtures ensure success. Plus you'll find out which easy-to-care-for species look very much like, and can substitute for, more temperamental ones. At-a-glance charts and frequently asked questions provide quick guidance, and the flowers seem to bloom right on the page in breathtaking color photos. Special projects include planting an orchid box and building an orchid tree that mimics the way these flowers grow in nature. And, finally, for the truly converted orchid cultivator--a wimp no more!--there are lists of clubs, societies, and sources to feed your new passion.

SYNOPSIS

Terrified of orchids? Absolute beginners will become absolute experts once they've mastered this truly empowering information-and enjoyed entertaining images of "orchid wimps" successfully cultivating prized plants. Beginners are welcomed reassuringly to the world of orchids with 16 different low-maintenance varieties (plus types that are an absolute no-no), and basics on care, maintenance, pest control, and soil mixtures.

Plus, there are tips on species to substitute for more temperamental types, at a glance charts, frequently asked questions, and special projects.