What do you think the best overall orchid book is?

[ScottMcC]

Help me expand my library!

[justatypn]

OMG, "Orchids for Dummies" of course and your review posting is the best "Complete Guide to Orchids".

[Tindomul]

Lets start naming these topics after the actual topic rather than conversation starters. That way its easier to find the thread in the future through key words. If all these great topics keep the title of Conversation Starter, then they will get lost in the shuffle, sort to say.

[cb977]

Sounds good Tin ...but now you have to name a book
I have Orthos All About Orchids and The Orchid Specialist. Both gave me alot of help at the very beginning stages, now I feel the need to build my library too. My next book is 1200 Species by Botanica, although I don't think it is a book to learn about raising healthy orchids, it's more of a reference book

[Phantasm]

THE orchid bible is Rebecca Northen's Home Orchid Growing. Even though some of the information is dated, there is still a lot of very relevant coverage of the various species genera, genetics, and culture. After 30 years of growing orchids, I still return to this book on occaision.

[Oscarman]

"Orchids for Everyone", Brian Williams and Jack Kramer. I think this was the first book I every read on orchids and the first one I bought. Even though it is quite old, it is still an excellent book which provides excellent detail on all areas of their culture. It features great pictures throughout, including pests, potting, growing areas, species and hybrids.

[Tindomul]

Hey,

Well I had to wait till today to post something meaningful cuase three of my 4 orchid books are in the office.
Everyone who's read the blogs know what I think about Flora's Orchids
http://www.orchidboard.com/node/16
I think that is the best one of the lot that I have.

Next in line comes Orhids, A Practical Handbook 'a beautiful guide to growing orchids' by Brian & Wilma Rittershausen
Has tons of great info. Maybe I'll write another book review.
THe other two are not as good and a bit older.
But here are their title's never the less:
Orchids 'Success Indoors, Outdoors, or in the Greenhouse' by Sunset Books editors & John R. Dunmire.
Growing Orchids is Fun 'Simple Fact about Growing ORchids by Albert P. Hollingsworth
I would suggest the last one only if you are thinking about maybe trying some orchids someday. Otherwise its not that good for people seriously considering learning about orchids.

[Sandra Billeter]

I guess it depends on what you want from the book. The ones we go to first are Taylor's Guide to Orchids and Botanica's Orchids. We also have Rebecca Tyson Northen's 'Home Orchid Growing' and it is old and out of print but has some really good info in it that we haven't seen anywhere else. We also have a lot of the others that are mentioned and all are good. Take your pick.

Sandra in South Carolina

[Orchonubee]

I have purchased 6 Orchid books so far in my few years in the hobby. Since I favor Dendrobium, I have obtained Orchid Sepecies Culture, Vol 2 Dendrobium, which has helped me greatly as it gives the growing conditions in the orchid's native habitat. This book, while out of print, is available if you are persistant on google.
The other book I refer to frequently is The Practical Enchclopedia of Orchids By Brian & Wilma Rittershausen.
I too have the Ortho book, which was my first purchase, and for the money it's quite good.

[littlefrog]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

THE orchid bible is Rebecca Northen's Home Orchid Growing. Even though some of the information is dated, there is still a lot of very relevant coverage of the various species genera, genetics, and culture. After 30 years of growing orchids, I still return to this book on occaision.

I second that nomination. Saved me from typing it out.