Miniature Orchids
and How to Grow Them

John Skillcorn

Author: Rebecca Tyson Northen
Publisher: Dover Publications Inc. New York
ISBN: 0-486-28920-6
Price: £14.95

The Publisher says:
Ranging in height from approximately half an inch to half a foot, miniature orchids possess all the aesthetic qualities that larger varieties do: beautiful colours, exotic shapes, velvety textures, exquisite single blooms and delightful sprays of smaller blossoms. Favourites with both amateur and professional flower-growers, these delicate plants have one added attraction: they can be grown in small spaces.

This excellent and comprehensive guide-meticulously researched and clearly written by a noted horticulturist and orchid grower-describes in detail the characteristics and basic needs of hundreds of orchid species, from the thimble-sized Dendrobium frigidum to the queen of bifoliates, Cattleya walkeriana.  Flower lovers will learn how to care for these tropical plants, discover what common problems they may encounter, and get useful advice on how to treat them.  A new Appendix offers advice on controlling common orchid pests and diseases.

Nearly 300 photographs-including over 90 in colour-provide close-up views of dozens of species.  An Encyclopaedia of Representative Species rounds out an extensive reference manual that will be invaluable to botanists, horticulturists-anyone interested in growing orchids.
"Northen's enthusiasm will probably convince houseplant fanciers to try raising these tiny jewels." - Publishers Weekly

"An excellent treatment of the subject."-Library Journal "Mrs. Northen's [book] on miniatures is one of the best."-Flower and Garden

Unabridged, corrected and slightly enlarged Dover (1996) republication of the 1988 printing of the work originally published by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1980. Over 90 colour and 187 black-and-white photographs. 192pp. + 8pp. in full colour. 8" x 10". Paperbound.

A DOVER EDITION DESIGNED FOR YEARS OF USE!
We have made every effort to make this the best book possible. Our paper is opaque, with minimal show-through; it will not discolor or become brittle with age. Pages are bound in signatures, in the method traditionally used for the best books, and will not drop out. Books open flat for easy reference. The binding will not crack or split. This is a permanent book.

My comments:
I must admit that I have not given much attention to this book since I bought it.  That is not to say that it does not deal adequately with the subject of growing orchids.  It's just that, having been lucky enough to obtain a wealth of books in a relatively short period of time, (ahem! - no, they didn't fall off the back of a lorry, before you ask) I haven't yet got round to giving it a decent go.

Looking at the book however, I am immediately drawn to the title.  I know this will suit a lot of readers, as one question I often get asked is, 'How do I grow....?'  Well, this volume sets about the task of telling you.  The book is split up into genera, and each one is dealt with thoroughly.  Not only that, but it deals with miniature orchids; in other words, those species which grow naturally small.  Included within this broad group are the Masdevallias, Draculas and Dryadellas, all of which you will know by now are favourites of mine.

There are loads of black and white photographs but don't be put off by that; there are several pages of colour photos covering almost a hundred species.  I think there is something of a surprise element in black and white pictures.  In the orchids, when you finally see the living flower in all its glory you never cease to be amazed at its beauty and complexity.  I always wonder, 'Why has this flower evolved the way it has?'  Another of Nature's little miracles.

Basics of cultivation are covered, as are the orchids in the wild.  It's a 'must have' volume for those who are thinking of branching into this world of miniatures.