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.

A. A. Chadwick has grown orchids, especially cattleyas, since 1943. He is a long-time contributor of feature articles on Cattleya cultivation, hybridizing, and history to Orchids, the journal of the American Orchid Society. He shares his passion for orchids with his son, Arthur, and the two have worked together to grow and hybridize many orchids.

Arthur E. Chadwick founded Chadwick & Son Orchids in 1989 in Powhatan, Virginia, which he owns and operates with his wife, Anne. The nursery has grown to include nearly a dozen greenhouses and two locations that house well over 10,000 plants. Arthur writes regularly on orchid culture for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and is a frequent speaker on orchids to plant societies and garden clubs.

"Another in the long line of fine horticulture books from this publisher. Everything about this book simply screams, 'Read me.' While the main focus of the book is on the species, Chadwick also discusses the early days of cattleya hybridizing, giving a wonderfully accurate picture of how we arrived at the dizzying breadth and range of colors now seen."—Ned Nash, Orchids, May 2006