This is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and over 150 beautiful photographs. It is a fascinating introduction to these flamboyant plants, with information on their origins in the wild, their place in garden history, and how best to display them. It includes a full photographic directory of more than 60 orchids, including Cattleya, Epidendrum, Laeliocattleya, Miltoniopsis, Phalaenopsis and Wilsonara. It provides practical advice on how to grow orchids, from repotting, staking and propagating to planting in containers, hanging baskets and glass tanks, and on bark. Orchids make up one of the largest plant families in the world, and they have captivated gardeners for centuries. Whether you wish to start an extensive collection or simply to grow a few bright flowers in pots on a windowsill, there is a vast and affordable range to choose from. This beautiful handbook provides instructions for buying, growing and caring for orchids, as well as advice on propagating from seed and dividing established plants. It contains an illustrated directory of epiphytes and terrestrial varieties, with botanical descriptions and cultivation hints and tips. This stunning book shows how to bring a touch of the exotic into your home.