Orchids - Softcover

James, I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1552095088 ISBN 13: 9781552095089

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2001

Synopsis

No longer the fancy of the wealthy, orchids are now a worldwide hobby for millions. Achieving success with orchids starts with understanding their needs -- so very different from familiar outdoor and indoor plants. And if you are successful just once, it is said, you will be hooked.

Well, here's the definitive introduction to growing orchids successfully. Author Jim James was recently awarded a Gold Medal at the 13th World Orchid Conference for his contribution to orchids. In this book, he parts with his four decades of experience and wisdom to help readers grow orchids in their homes, whether on a windowsill or under lights.

The particular cultural needs of those orchids commonly grown are dealt with in detail. Color photographs together with diagrams carefully support the text. In addition to specific directions relating to light, temperature, Orchids is a comprehensive resource for:

the history of orchids in cultivation
how orchids are named
acquiring plants
creating the right growing environment
growing media and containers
watering and feeding
potting and propagation
pests and diseases
popular species and varieties, including cattleya, cymbidium, oncidium, paphilopedilum, phragmipedium, phalaenopsis, and more.

The author places emphasis less on the botany of the family but more on giving practical advice on selecting and growing orchids likely to be best suited to the conditions a reader is able to provide. He also provides advice on what materials can be substituted where those generally suggested are unobtainable.

About this title

About the Author

I.D. James has drawn on experience gained in over 40 years of studying and growing orchids. He has been a guest speaker at the American Cymbidium Society Congress in Santa Barbara and also at the 13th World Orchid Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, where he was awarded a Gold Medal in recognition of his contribution to orchids. James's activities include judging orchids, writing articles about orchids, exhibiting at shows, and the general promotion of orchids as a hobby. He has raised many new orchid hybrids and his articles on orchid breeding recently appeared in the Orchid Advocate, the journal of the American Cymbidium Society. This is his third book.

From Booklist

James' forte is to guide beginners in the successful pursuit of orchid growing. His latest handbook offers a straightforward approach, embellished by many alluring photographs. James first presents basic advice on temperature and light requirements, followed by elementary lessons in nomenclature, proper environment, plant culture, pests and diseases, propagation, and grow lights. The book's second half is devoted to descriptions of plants, arranged according to alliances and genus. A helpful source list is included in this serviceable orchid primer. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1552095088
• ISBN 13: 9781552095089
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 96