The book is divided into two parts. Part I is all about how to grow orchids and the growing needs of the different types of orchids whether they are tree dwelling or ground hugging. It covers a simple description of an orchid, what you need to get started, type and size of potting containers, potting mixtures and composts, fertilisers, water and air requirement, how and when to repot, how to propagate and much more.

Part II groups the 256 species into four categories: terrestrial orchids; Australian native terrestrial orchids, cool growing epiphytes; and intermediate to hot grown epiphytes.