Orchids 
a practical guide to the world's
most fascinating plants

John Skillcorn

Author: Rittershausen, Brian and Wilma
Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Limited
ISBN: 1-899988-99-8
Price: £25

The Publisher says:
This outstandingly beautiful and original guide to the world's most glamorous flower reveals the limitless fascination of orchids. It captures the romance of their history, illuminates the contemporary triumphs of hybridization and provides the key to growing these exciting plants successfully at home.

The largest and most diverse plant family, orchids have evolved to become one of the most successful groups on the planet. Found in conditions varying from deserts to tropical rainforests, these exotic members of the botanical kingdom have fascinated collectors and plant explorers through the ages. The excitement of their history, from the discovery of the first tropical orchids to their mass production worldwide, is captured in the opening chapters of this book, illustrated with exquisite historical paintings as well as glorious contemporary photographs.

The heart of the book is the Collection of Orchids, a close look at some of the most intriguing and colourful gems of the orchid world, including several new ones not previously seen in print; all are readily available and easy to grow. The key to growing orchids successfully in the home is to provide conditions close to those of their original habitats and, in chapters organized into cool-growing, intermediate and warm-growing orchids, 180 different orchids are illustrated and described, with detailed information about their growing needs and special characteristics. Stunning photographs convey the individual beauty of each plant in a truly original way. A separate chapter at the end of the book gives illustrated step-by-step information about the general care and cultivation of orchids.

Wilma and Brian Rittershausen's unrivalled knowledge of orchids is reflected in a text that combines intriguing anecdote with practical advice, while the Royal Horticultural Society has added its authority to this prestigious book. Over 300 breathtaking photographs were specially taken by Linda Burgess, whose passion for the subject has inspired her to convey the diversity exotic appeal and unique beauty of orchids to every reader.

My comments:
I've been putting off commenting on this book, as I felt that I'd find it difficult.  However, on examining this work more thoroughly I find that in fact it has a lot more appeal to me than first I realised.

I was put off by the fact that it deals largely with hybrids, something which I have no interest in at all.  However, it does account for many species of orchids as well, so perhaps I've been judging the book rather unfairly!  

Something else which put me off initially was its appearance.  It looks like one of those dreadful 'coffee table' books which are fine to flick through at any bored moment, but which hold little in the way of useful knowledge.  Not so this one!  If at first glance it looks too 'artistic' then delve deeper and you'll find that the Rittershausens (and I'm a fan of theirs) cover species and hybrids with all the depth necessary for the grower to maintain his plants in such a way as to ensure flowering year after year; and it does have the RHS seal of approval.

You will have to look at the book yourself to see if it contains the information you require.  For example, Masdevallias hardly get a mention: one species and one hybrid.  Not exactly what I'd be looking for.  But if you're a Phalaenopsis fan - you're spoilt for choice!