Product Description

Orchids look so exotic that most people think they must be difficult to grow, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are, in fact, very straight-forward in their needs and can survive for many years. Combining stunning photography with essential information, Introducing Orchids opens up the fascinating world of orchids to the vast number of people who are captivated by their intriguing beauty, but may be nervous about trying to grow them. Looking at over 70 specially chosen orchids, the Rittershausens introduce the simple principles of orchid growing and capture the wondrous individuality of each one.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #904355 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Review
At last - an orchid book offering more than just pretty pictures. Renowned orchid specialists Brian and Wilma Rittershausen share their in-depth expertise with the general grower, explaining in simple language how to get the best from your plant. With the numerous varieties and cultivars now on sale in garden centres and even supermarkets, few have detailed cultivation advice. As such they tend to be regarded as "disposable" flowers - flowering for up to 12 weeks before being replaced with another. But it is easy to keep them year after year with regular production of flowers with just a little help from the Rittershausens. Presented in an easy-to-read format with sections on easy, fairly easy and needs care selections of plants, it is accompanied by the stunning photographs of Linda Burgess. A must for all orchid lovers and growers, it is the best work on the subject for the general enthusiast on the market at the moment. - Lucy Watson

Between 25,000 and 30,000 species of orchids occur naturally worldwide, making them one of the largest families of flowering plants, and new exciting hybrids are being produced all the time. Currently the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK records 100,000 hybrids and this figure is increasing by 3,000 each year. Orchid growing became a popular pastime during the Victorian era in Great Britain. At first it was a hobby for the wealthy, but nowadays enthusiasts can grow many species of orchid on windowsills or in porches with relative ease. This is a beautifully produced book containing a magnificent collection of colour photography and is likely to appeal to experienced orchid enthusiasts as well as beginners. Each page is devoted to one flower with accompanying text containing notes on care and cultivation. Those new to the subject will be astonished by the range of blooms. The largest mentioned is a cattleya hybrid, 'Floralia', which has rich purple flowers seven inches across, and some of the most striking orchids are the brassias or spider orchids, so named because of their long, delicate, thin petals and sepals, often largely green and beautifully fragrant. The book is divided into three main sections according to the degree of difficulty associated with caring for the different groups of orchids. A useful and interesting introduction explains classification according to structure of the plants and their habitat. Orchids can be found all over the world due to their ability to adapt to the environment. In Europe there are terrestrial orchids with a short flowering season, whereas in tropical rainforest regions many species known as epiphytes or air plants grow on trees, where they can obtain a good light source and be nourished by rainwater washing nutrients along the tree bark.Yet other plants can survive in the rarified atmosphere of high-altitude locations in the Andes mountains. The book concludes with a clear chapter on cultivation including problem solving, and a comprehensive index. An essential reference for anyone interested in growing or studying orchids. (Kirkus UK)

About the Author
Wilma and Brian Rittershausen are among the most respected names in the world of orchids. They are the second generation of orchid growers to run the nursery in Devon, started by their father P.R.C. Rittershausen. Now at the top of their profession, Brian is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society Orchid Committee and well-known for his lecture tours, while Wilma is well-known for her writings in various orchid journals and was the editor of The Orchid Review in Britain for 15 years. Together and separately they have written and contributed to several books on orchids.

Customer Reviews

Orchids and more
I bought this book as I've finally learnt how to look after my orchids properly. I was amazed, the photography is absolutely unbelievable, admittedly the book would look good on a coffee table, but so would any of the orchids pictured.
The book is full of detail and is split into sections outlining the "easy to grow", "needs a bit more care" and "needs alot of care but it'll be worth it". I feel inspired to try growing a Vanda "Roberts' Delight", if only to demonstrate to my father (Robert) that I have learnt that plants which need alot of TLC are worth the effort. Bravo.