Distinguished by a prominent slipper-shaped lip and often decorated with warts, hairs, or stripes, the curious flowers of slipper orchids have captivated orchid growers for 150 years and may be the most popular group of orchids in cultivation. This horticultural account brims with tips and advice for growing and flowering the tropical members of this intriguing group while providing comprehensive information on their history, biology, ecology, conservation, and hybridization. Descriptions of the cultivated species and the most desirable of the thousands of hybrids of Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums are organized into horticulturally important alliances. More than 350 stunning illustrations accompany the engaging text. 412 pages. Hardcover.