books on orchid culture

[bethmarie]

I'm wondering if some of you more experienced types will throw out the names of the most useful books on orchids you've come across. I have a few books, but none that I'm too crazy about. I'm growing several types of orchids, so I guess I'm looking for books that cover many rather than one type of orchid, are well organized and don't just repeat the same thing I can read on a plant tag. Any favorites out there? I'm a beginner, pretty much, but not a rank beginner. I've got a basic grasp of the difference between what most phals need versus most catts, and a little more. Thanks for any input!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Fairly basic, but covering many types of orchids - Ortho's COMPLETE Guide To Orchids ( not Orthos All About Orchids) , Orchids for Dummies.
Botanicas Orchids (guide to a lot of species) is often helpful to me tho not in depth culture.

I'm sure others will have more (and perhaps better) suggestions.

[james mickelso]

Floras Orchids. Tons of info. And then the best I think for the beginner are the AOS culture sheets. And also your local orchid club has so much info you should belong to it.

[NYed]

I agree with James, Flora's orchids is a great book. It is worth it for the photos alone.If you are looking to grow smaller orchids,I like Miniture orchids by Steven Frowine.One of my first books was Orchid for wimps by Ellen Zachos.I found it to be very useful and I still use it.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Understanding Orchids by William Cullina. The best basic book that I know of.

[Val]

+1 to Understanding Orchids.

Very valuable for me is also Orchid Species Culture by Margaret & Charles Baker.

[wuness]

I agree with Understanding Orchids by William Cullina. I had been growing orchids for many years before I bought this book. It took me to a new level of understanding orchid culture.

wuness

[pipsxlch]

I don't have a lot, but I always go to my Home Orchid Growing by Rebecca Northen. An older book so everything isn't up to date, but it's full. I've heard recommendations for the Cullina book before elsewhere.

Edit to add- you don't say where you are, but if in Florida or a similar climate and growing outdoors, I like the Motes book on Florida orchid growing. Loaned my copy out, need to get it back...

[bethmarie]

Thanks for the suggestions. Understanding orchids is a great book. Also found that Ortho's and Miracle Gro's orchid books are surprisingly good resources for a beginner