Review: Anyone can grow orchids

by Nollie Cilliers and Tinus Oberholzer (Metz Press, R195)

When the books editor quietly slipped this book on to my desk in the hope that I would review it, I took one look at the title and thought “Oh, yes?”

The only orchid that thrives in my garden is what is commonly known as the “poor man’s orchid” or epidendrum. Perhaps because it feels at home in my “poor man’s garden”, which has little structure and where plants are left to do what comes naturally, with the occasional pruning, weeding and feeding. After paging through it I’m tempted to add to my orchid collection of one.

The book focuses on South African conditions and the species that would do well here. The information is easy to follow, including what distinguishes orchids from other flowering plants, cultivating orchids, propagation and hybridisation as well as suitable growing mediums.

A chapter deals with pests and diseases, while another covers the main orchid groups with particular reference to the most common varieties. The final chapter looks at other plants that thrive in similar conditions and can therefore be grown as companion plants to orchids.

Anyone can grow orchids? After reading the book I’m tempted to think so.