Product Description

In 1818, William Cattley succeeded in flowering one of the first species of the genus that would bear his name. These first cattleyas are the classic cattleyas, whose form defined the essence of tropical orchids for generations to come. Indeed, the color of their flowers became known as "orchid." In this helpful and informative book, each classic Cattleya species is described in fascinating detail, and its role in breeding programs is elucidated. All that is required to appreciate and grow the large-flowered cattleyas successfully is included. Cultivation, humidity and watering, fertilizing, propagation, and diagnosing and treating problems are detailed, making this volume valuable for both veteran orchid enthusiasts and those who simply love these beautiful flowers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74059 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 252 pages

Review
"Another in the long line of fine horticulture books from this publisher. Everything about this book simply screams, 'Read me.' While the main focus of the book is on the species, Chadwick also discusses the early days of cattleya hybridizing, giving a wonderfully accurate picture of how we arrived at the dizzying breadth and range of colors now seen."—Ned Nash, Orchids, May 2006 (Ned Nash Orchids )

"While the title may seem like this book is only for cattleya growers, it really tells the story of the discovery of tropical orchids by western civilization. Every orchid hobbyist should have a copy even if they do not grow cattleyas."—Courtney T. Hackney, Orchid Digest, July/August 2006 (Courtney T. Hackney Orchid Digest )

Another in the long line of fine horticulture books from this publisher. Everything about this book simply screams, 'Read me.' While the main focus of the book is on the species, Chadwick also discusses the early days of cattleya hybridizing, giving a wonderfully accurate picture of how we arrived at the dizzying breadth and range of colors now seen.Ned Nash, Orchids, May 2006 (Orchids )

While the title may seem like this book is only for cattleya growers, it really tells the story of the discovery of tropical orchids by western civilization. Every orchid hobbyist should have a copy even if they do not grow cattleyas.Courtney T. Hackney, Orchid Digest, July/August 2006 (Orchid Digest )

From the Publisher
Cattleyas, first introduced in 1818, defined the essence of tropical orchids for generations to come. This informative book describes each species in detail and includes all that is required to grow cattleyas successfully.

About the Author
A. A. Chadwick has grown orchids, especially cattleyas, since 1943. He is a long-time contributor of feature articles on Cattleya cultivation, hybridizing, and history to Orchids, the journal of the American Orchid Society. He shares his passion for orchids with his son, Arthur, and the two have worked together to grow and hybridize many orchids.

Arthur E. Chadwick founded Chadwick & Son Orchids in 1989 in Powhatan, Virginia, which he owns and operates with his wife, Anne. The nursery has grown to include nearly a dozen greenhouses and two locations that house well over 10,000 plants. Arthur writes regularly on orchid culture for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and is a frequent speaker on orchids to plant societies and garden clubs.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful book on the Subject
As a commercial grower and as a collector, I eagerly awaited the publication of this book. The book does not contain passages on every Cattleya out there, but for the species selected as "Classic" it is an invaluable resource. I also appreciated that Chadwick did not bow down to what I consider to be the over burdensome and ill conceived new classification system. Chadwick articles are frequently featured in the American Orchid Society magazine and I would consider him one of the foremost authorities on the subject. This book is very readable for the everyday collector and does not get overly involved in hyper-technical scientific jargon. Plus, the photography is beautiful. Anyone who enjoys orchids, or is interested in their history, would love this book.

Outstanding Cattleya reference!
This is an outstanding book on the Cattleya's, but who would expect any less from the Chadwick family, orchid growers par excellent. Beautiful color photos on nearly every page, and a good section on culture as well. One of my favorite orchid books. 5 stars!!!!!

Cattleyas
This book is also a must for every serious orchid lover. Good in detail, Word and photo as well. A recommendation for sure.