Book on phalaenopsis................

[tucker85]

I've been reading a book called 'Moth Orchids' by Steven A. Frowine. I think it's pretty good resource for growers interested in phalaenopsis. It has a short description of each species. There are long chapters about the efforts to develop different hybrid attributes. For instance there are whole chapters on the breeding behind standard whites and pinks, standard yellows and oranges, Reds and purples, harlequins and novelties and miniatures. There's also a pretty good chapter on culture. I've found a lot of good information in the book and I would recommend it anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of phalaenopsis.

[Merlyn]

When was it published, Tucker85 ?

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Merlyn

When was it published, Tucker85 ?

It was published in 2008. It's in hardback only and it's pretty expensive. I think I paid $32.

[Merlyn]

For a relatively newly published book with more than pix, that's cheap !!!

[tucker85]

The author says that he started out to write a book describing and showing some of the new developments in breeding. But doing his research he discovered that there weren't many books "that dealt with the many nuances of growing and enjoying" phalaenopsis. So he included chapters on culture. The bulk of the book is on breeding. In fact I was reading the chapter on breeding blue hybrids and he actually describes phone calls and conversations between breeders concerning certain breakthroughs. It was pretty interesting. He has an appendix called 'Sources and Supplies' that lists many of the breeders and vendors with addresses, phone numbers and websites. I would have liked to see recommendations for further reading but unfortunately he didn't include that although there is a bibliography.

[Merlyn]

Well, don't forget that there is the International Phalaenopsis Association !!!

[rangiku]

This was the first orchid book I bought. Many, many photos of beautiful Phals. You can get it for $26.50 on amazon.