Suggestions for books on different genera

[estación seca]

The newest Motes Vanda book is excellent but it is a book of taxonomy, not orchid growing. You can probably find his out of print Vanda growing book. It too is excellent.

[Optimist]

Have you been to thriftbooks, a huge online store for used and new books? I basically have them on speed dial if you know what I mean.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Optimist

Have you been to thriftbooks, a huge online store for used and new books? I basically have them on speed dial if you know what I mean.

I do this with alibris.com

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

Lastly, have you considered 'Orchids for Dummies'? I never opened it, but I know the editor and trust his judgment.

I have this book, and it's surprisingly good! However, it's general information that most growers already know, but it's a great place to start if you're new to orchids.

I believe the Bakers published 3 volumes of their extensive Orchid Culture notes; however, I believe copies are hard to find nowadays, and they never got to publish the remaining volumes. The complete list of species that the Bakers covered can be found here: Orchid Culture -- Charles and Margaret Baker

The Bakers is my number one source for cultural notes.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by MateoinLosAngeles

I have this book, and it's surprisingly good! However, it's general information that most growers already know, but it's a great place to start if you're new to orchids.

I believe the Bakers published 3 volumes of their extensive Orchid Culture notes; however, I believe copies are hard to find nowadays, and they never got to publish the remaining volumes. The complete list of species that the Bakers covered can be found here: Orchid Culture -- Charles and Margaret Baker

The Bakers is my number one source for cultural notes.

Orchidwiz is still being sold (half price)... not being updated (no new hybrids, etc) , but contains the full set of Baker sheets (including some that were scanned from hard copy). Getting the sheets on more than 4700 species for $150 is still a pretty good deal. (They're not always as quick to respond to emails as when it was active, if the authors are traveling off the 'net, but they will respond eventually)

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Orchidwiz is still being sold (half price)... not being updated (no new hybrids, etc) , but contains the full set of Baker sheets (including some that were scanned from hard copy). Getting the sheets on more than 4700 species for $150 is still a pretty good deal. (They're not always as quick to respond to emails as when it was active, if the authors are traveling off the 'net, but they will respond eventually)

I would need to get a Windows computer only for this! Honestly, I might!

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by MateoinLosAngeles

I would need to get a Windows computer only for this! Honestly, I might!

If you are using an Apple computer, there should be an emulation program either already installed, or available from Apple. I use a Linux system for everything and have had no issues installing Windows-based software.

---------- Post added at 11:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

Parsons and Gerritsen Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species 2nd edition
The orchids are miniature, the books aren't! 4 volumes.

I found a used copy of volume 1 online. The price was.....$1385!!!
Volume 2 was not available. Didn't check for the others.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

I found a used copy of volume 1 online. The price was.....$1385!!!
Volume 2 was not available. Didn't check for the others.

The second edition (4 volumes) is in print (The first edition is out of print, so you'll find "whatever the market will bear" prices). It ships from the UK. listed price is £199.96 . At current rate of exchange, about $254 (USD) plus shipping which I think is around $60. So not inexpensive, but within reason - and a magnificent set of books. My previous post has a link to the publisher.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Roberta

The second edition (4 volumes) is in print (The first edition is out of print, so you'll find "whatever the market will bear" prices)

I had to chuckle when I saw that price. It isn't that important for me to own. But I'll check out the other one. I'm going to pm you about the Orchidwiz software. I have a question and don't what to clog up the thread.

---------- Post added at 12:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

The second edition (4 volumes) is in print (The first edition is out of print, so you'll find "whatever the market will bear" prices). It ships from the UK. listed price is £199.96 . At current rate of exchange, about $254 (USD) plus shipping which I think is around $60. So not inexpensive, but within reason - and a magnificent set of books. My previous post has a link to the publisher.

Went to the linked page and see what you are talking about. I then learned the books are availble on Internet Archive for 1 hour downloads. A borrow like an ebook from a library.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

If you are using an Apple computer, there should be an emulation program either already installed, or available from Apple. I use a Linux system for everything and have had no issues installing Windows-based software.

Unfortunately, since Apple uses its own processors now (the M series), installing Windows partitions is not possible (it used to be on Intel-based Macs). The only option is to run a virtual machine, and the only software installable is Windows 11 for ARM. These cost over $100, sometimes as a yearly subscription, so it might be cheaper to buy a refurbished Chromebook just to run OrchidWiz...