Jan. 10 is National Houseplant Appreciation Day! It's a great time of year to spruce up your living space with a new houseplant, or give extra love and attention to the ones you might already have. Check out some of our favorite books on houseplants to learn more about them and figure out which one is the best fit for you!
Houseplant Hookups: all the dirt you need to find the perfect match by Agatha Isabel
"Cohabitation is a big step in any relationship, so to make sure you don’t get stuck with a deadleaf, Houseplant Hookups digs up all the dirt on 35 prospective houseplant partners. By first setting the foundation for a successful relationship with information on purchasing, propagating, and basic plant care, it’ll be easy to know when you’ve found the One.
Does your apartment have a scenic view of a brick wall? The Snake Plant thrives in low light. Tend to forget you’re even in a relationship? The Golden Pothos is anything but codependent and won’t hold neglect against you. Far more helpful than your average Tinder profile, Houseplant Hookups will help you decide if a relationship with a Fiddle Leaf Fig is more likely to be a fling or a forever kind of love.
Not sure where to start? Take the Cosmo-inspired quiz to narrow down your matches.
The perfect gift for any plant or gardening enthusiast, these illustrated dating profiles are as hilarious as they are informative." (Amazon)
The Houseplant Book: an insider's guide to cultivating and collecting the most sought-after specimens by Melissa Lowrie
"Terrain’s plant experts travel the world in search of the most unusual and interesting houseplants. In this inspiring and practical guide, they share their favorite specimens: exotic and eclectic ferns, like the skeleton fork, a primitive (and unfussy) predecessor to the family; new aroids to feed that monstera obsession; and adventurous trailing plants like dischidia, which is found cascading from tree branches in its native Thailand; plus succulents and cacti, indoor trees, the best low-care plants, and “rule breakers” like bamboo muhly grass that can make an unexpected move indoors.
Along the way, Terrain introduces their favorite independent growers—passionate plant lovers who are creating new hybrids and bringing back old-school specimens to the market. And readers learn Terrain’s way of styling and overarching philosophy on care: the most important thing we can give our plants is our presence." (Amazon)
Some benefits of houseplants:
- Plants have known qualities that purify the air in our homes.
- They can absorb harmful toxins in the air that may be coming from household items or cleaners.
- Having 2-3 indoor plants for every 100 square feet of your living space can make a difference in air quality.
- Having enough plants in a certain room or space will increase the humidity in the air which can be especially helpful in the dry winter months of the year.
- Studies have also shown that the calming effects of nature can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
The New Plant Parent: develop your green thumb and care for your house-plant family by Darryl Cheng
"For indoor gardeners everywhere, Darryl Cheng offers a new way to grow healthy house plants. He teaches the art of understanding a plant’s needs and giving it a home with the right balance of light, water, and nutrients.
After reading Cheng, the indoor gardener will be far less the passive follower of rules for the care of each species and much more the confident, active grower, relying on observation and insight. And in the process, the plant owner becomes a plant lover, bonded to these beautiful living things by a simple love and appreciation of nature.
The New Plant Parent covers all of the basics of growing house plants, from finding the right light, to everyday care like watering and fertilizing, to containers, to recommended species. Cheng’s friendly tone, personal stories, and accessible photographs fill his book with the same generous spirit that has made @houseplantjournal, his Instagram account, a popular source of advice and inspiration for thousands of indoor gardeners." (Amazon)
How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: survival tips for the horticulturally challenged by Veronica Peerless
"Fear not! This helpful guide is here to show you how to rescue your plants. Follow the survival tips outlined in this book and you’ll be on your way to having your home brimming with green life.
It’s absolutely possible not to assassinate your houseplant – all you need is this book! From identifying exactly what's in the pot to helping it flourish and grow, this is your guide to creating an oasis of happy, flourishing houseplants.
With over 50 different types of popular houseplants, this book summarizes what type of care your plants do (or don't) need. Find out which types of plants will thrive in your living space. You’ll also discover how to keep a cactus alive, where to hang air plants, and how to repot succulents. Understand how much light, water, heat, and humidity your plant needs. Whatever your horticulture woes, this book will explain and fix it.
Yellowed leaves, drooping leaves, and dried leaves – learn to spot the danger signs and how to take the proper action to rescue your sick plant. Packed with helpful tips, pictures, and information panels, How Not to Kill Your Houseplant will equip you with the skills necessary to raise a healthy plant." (Amazon)
However you choose to celebrate National Houseplant Appreciation Day, we hope that you and your plants have a wonderful day! Share your plans with us on @alachualibrary Instagram.
Information on houseplants from Wild Interiors.