Product Description

Growing orchids is a hobby more than two millennia old, and from the beginning these beautiful flowers have enjoyed a constant and unparalleled cult status among enthusiasts. The Orchid Growers Companion explains in accessible detail the natural habitat of some 400 orchid species, hybrids, and variants, with the information leading directly into practical propagation and cultivation guidance, including requirements for water, lighting, compost, and potting. Illustrated throughout with breathtaking images, The Orchid Growers Companion is an irresistible volume for anyone with even a passing interest in growing orchids.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #180675 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

From Booklist
Banks assures gardeners that most orchids are easy to grow as long as their housing, temperature, and moisture needs are met. There are more than 30,000 species and more than 100,000 hybrid strains. Bank's "companion" presents 400 color illustrations, and contains chapters on plant structures, pollination, orchid names, the history of the plant's cultivation, and its geography and conservation. Chapters on the flowers' care offer advice on growing orchids indoors, in the garden, in pots and baskets, and on mounts. Temperature requirements, watering, fertilizing, pests and diseases, and propagation are all discussed. A 126-page orchid directory lists 400 species, hybrids, and variants, and explains in detail their natural habitat and how to grow them. Banks' wealth of practical advice should help and encourage gardeners to grow these delicate flowers. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"A fabulous book for longtime orchid addicts and future enthusiasts."
—Biology Digest, May 2005 (Biology Digest )

"Banks' wealth of practical advice should help and encourage gardeners to grow these delicate flowers."
—George Cohen, Booklist, February 1, 2005 (Booklist )

About the Author
David Banks has been growing orchids in Sydney, Australia, for over 30 years. He is editor of the Australian Orchid Review and a member of the Orchid Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union's Species Survival Commission. David lectures worldwide and regularly appears on television and radio shows in the U.S. and Australia.

Customer Reviews

Excellent.
This is an excellent book about orchids. It shall take you from the very first steps into a more advanced understanding of this hobby. There's a lot of pictures and they are beautiful. The matter is tidily organized. Growing media, phytopathology, light and temperature requirements are clearly explained. I do recommend this book. For those who are on a budget a good alternative would be "Growing orchids" by Rittershausen.

Beautiful and Informative Book!
I am a beginner as far as orchids go. I received a free orchid from Sarah Jessica Parker when I signed up for a free sample of her perfume "Lovely." Now I am hooked and in love with orchids! They are so beautiful! This book is one of the best and shows perfectly how lovely orchids are. It contains a wealth of information too. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful Orchid Book
[[Orchid Grower's Companion: Cultivation, Propagation, and Varieties Indoors]] I have been growing orchids since 2005 and enjoyed reading this book and looking at the wonderful pictures. I learned quite a bit about orchids from misting them daily, cutting the stems, etc. I would recommend this book to any orchid grower, new to the plants or to someone who has grown for many years. Find a window they like, mist daily, fertilize after bathing and you should have great blooms to come.