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03-11-2008, 04:13 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2006
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Location: Michigan
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Best beginner orchid book?
The father of a buddy of mine is interested in orchids. While there is, of course, lots of material on the Net, his dad's connection is SOOO slow that Internet searches are simply not practical.
With that in mind, I figured he could likely checkout books from his local library (and the library could always bring a book in from another branch if necessary). So what would you recommend as a good book for beginners?
His dad will be growing indoors. Most likely just window sill growing at this time. Phals seem to be the primary group of interest.
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03-11-2008, 04:29 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
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I have two that I love! They sit right on my desk within easy reach and have saved my butt many times since i was diagnosed with severe "orchid addiction". The first book being "understanding orchids" by william cullina and the second is "orchids to know and grow". I would have, and still would be lost without them.
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03-11-2008, 06:45 PM
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03-11-2008, 06:58 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Florida
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While I too support that Monograph of the entire genus Phalaenopsis, I think it would also help to actually know what orchids are really about... how they are separated from the rest of the plants on earth... the theorized link from orchids ( Orchidaceae) to lilies ( Liliaceae) through the very primitive Subfamily Apostasioideae...
Perhaps the following link may help out some:
Orchids: Natural History and Classification
Basically, the book runs through the basics of the orchid family at a very low level, working itself to the sciences. VERY good book for the beginner. Also, the author, Dressler (along with Dodson), is responsible for todays basic classification of the orchids.
Anyways, good luck!
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03-11-2008, 07:38 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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I must recomend two titles.
-Growing orchids, successfull gardening indoors and out. Brian & Vilma Rittershousen
-Orchids basics. A comprehensive guide to care and cultivation. Brian & Sara Rittershausen.
The are in my opinion very good for beginners covering most aspects of orchids in pots. But there is no reason to by both, they are very similar.
/Magnus
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03-11-2008, 10:03 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnus A
I must recomend two titles.
-Growing orchids, successfull gardening indoors and out. Brian & Vilma Rittershousen
-Orchids basics. A comprehensive guide to care and cultivation. Brian & Sara Rittershausen.
The are in my opinion very good for beginners covering most aspects of orchids in pots. But there is no reason to by both, they are very similar.
/Magnus
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I second this one. Would also add Orthos All about Orchids. The newer edition is quite nice, with added genera. Available at most big home/garden stores (Lowes, Home Depot) |
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03-11-2008, 10:21 PM
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I cant believe no one has mentioned "Home Orchid Growing" by Rebecca Tyson Northern! Definitely an oldie but goodie, dare I say classic. It has everything a beginning orchidophile will need to grow, breed and deal with orchids. She does, however, have an emphasis on Cattleyas and their care, but it is still worth a gander. This book is usually offered in most local libraries, in addition to the usual retail book outlets.
Last edited by isurus79; 03-11-2008 at 10:23 PM..
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03-11-2008, 11:12 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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I like Ortho's orchid book already mentioned. I also like Orchid Growing for Wimps by Ellen Zachos. If he's really into phalaenopsis, Bob Gordon has 3 phal books - beginner, intermediate and advanced. I have the intermediate one - just a few black and white photos, but great cultural info.
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03-12-2008, 08:18 AM
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I have to agree with cowboy51278's "understanding orchids" and isurus79's "home orchid growing", I have both and they are great books
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03-12-2008, 08:22 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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Understanding Orchids by William Cullina. This book never gets obsolete. It's graet for beginners, but useful for more advanced growers as well.
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