Catherine Cash. The Slipper Orchids. Timber Press. 1991.

Slipper orchids include the North American Lady Slipper. These species fascinate every orchid grower. Four different orchid genera are called “slipper orchids”. These are: Cypripedium, Paphiopedilum, Selenipedium, and Phragmipedium. Chapter 1 provides a thorough discussion of the morphology of these plants. The distinguishing characteristic of these plants is the presence of a pouch in addition to the petals and sepals. These plant parts demonstrate a wide variety of adornments including “wart” like bumps on the petals, hairs, and even frills on the margins of the petals and sepals. I was surprised to learn that the orchid world seems to be strongly divided into those who absolutely love these plants and those who don’t. Fortunately, we have learned to grow enough of these plants today that we no longer have to pay thousands of British pounds for a single plant.

There is a chapter devoted entirely to cultivating slipper orchids. This chapter even includes some recommendations for beginning growers at the start of the chapter. I particularly appreciated the author’s warning against accumulating so many plants at the initial point of their enthusiasm that they are soon overwhelmed with too many divisions, and high costs for pots, medium, fertilizer, and even enlarged greenhouses to hold their collections.

The author strongly suggests giving extra plants to your local club rather than having to make more room. It is far better to start with a few plants than to feel so overwhelmed, that you give up the hobby totally. If I had read this book a year ago, and listened to its advice, I wouldn’t have lost so many orchids this past year, including slipper orchids, through my lack of proper care! The information presented on culture includes everything from potting to watering and controlling pests or diseases.

There is an individual chapter dedicated to each slipper orchid genera. These chapters include thorough discussions of the genus, listings of all plants within the genus, and special cultural notes that may apply to a single species. The descriptions require at least a minimal understanding of how the different genera and species are related to each other, something that is often beyond the understanding of beginners. My main criticism of this book is that with the exception of the cultural chapter, the book seems intended more for the orchid specialist than those of us who simply collect the orchids that attract our interest.

There is an outstanding collection of orchid photographs located in the approximate middle of the book. Of course, this location requires that you look up each plant individually to learn more about its geographic origins and culture. I find this rather frustrating and wish that all books included pictures close to the text rather than in isolated sections. I realize that printing costs are part of the reason for this but it is still rather annoying.

The book ends with a long chapter discussing all the details about the hybridization of slipper orchids. This chapter is for the advanced grower or nursery propagator only. It is generally beyond the capability of the average grower, without a greenhouse and specialized equipment, to attempt to grow from seed or even hybridize their own orchids.

Who Should Buy This Book?

If you have more than a few slipper orchids, you may have reached the point of needing a comprehensive book. Most beginners will be overwhelmed with the information in this book and may find a general orchid book with a chapter on taking care of slipper orchids sufficient. Anyone who specializes in orchid production either as a hobbyist or as a commercial grower will find the book indispensable.