Beginner's Guide to Orchids

By demystifying the mysterious orchid, this comprehensive and exquisitely illustrated guide enables even complete novices to grow these beautiful plants. It familiarizes gardeners with the ten most readily available varieties and their needs, and offers tips on making that first purchase. Find out about the two basic patterns of growth in orchids--single-growth monopodials and seasonal sympodials--as well as how to judge flower quality and situate your plants for optimal light, humidity, and temperature. Every vital topic relating to orchid care is fully covered, including watering, fertilizing, feeding, selecting the appropriate compost, repotting, propagating, and controlling diseases and pests. Information on shade, glass, greenhouses, and hydroponics helps growers take their orchid cultivation to the next level.