The Classic Cattleyas

By Arthur A. Chadwick

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0881927643
• ISBN13: 9780881927641
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Timber Press
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 2.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.6" x 0.9" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

If You Love Cattleyas, You Must Have This Book

The book is fantastic, well written and great pictures. It goes through the large flowered cattleyas and laelias one by one, in the order in which they were introduced to the European market. The history behind the species is fascinating and the specific cultural requirements of each cattleya species is addressed along with a brief of their use in hybridizing. The general cultural chapter is also excellent. My only regret is they didn't get to the bifoliates, maybe in the next book!

MY FAVORITE ORCHID BOOK!

This book is my favorite orchid book because it is about my favorite species. It is written by a wonderful man and his son. Amazing photos and information that could only be acquired by a long time dedicated and intelligent orchidist! He made a thriving business out of his LOVE for orchids! They have a website that has his American Orchid Society articles that I reference to help with my growing needs. The book is a must have for any serious cattleya species grower!

Just what I wanted!

Just what I wanted! "The Classic Cattleyas" by the father and son team of Arthur A. Chadwick and Arthur E. Chadwick, gives the reader the historic past of each orchids discovery,as well as,it's natural origins and habitat. Observing where each plant grows in nature and recording the clutural history, Arthur A. Chadwick with his sixty year growing experience gives the read information on how to grow each species. Easy reading with excellent illustrations, photographs and classic botanical prints show the characteristics and beauty of the classic orchids. The book obviously shows a lifetime of studying these plants.

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!!!!!

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.