There’s no shortage of houseplant information and inspiration. Websites (including CostaFarms.com!), magazines, and books. While it’s easy to go online, I love the feel of a good book in my hand. And I was delighted to hear garden writer Lisa Eldred Steinkopf (The Houseplant Guru) published one. Her work, Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants is a handy guide that gives a helpful overview to getting started with plants in your home or office.
In this uncertain, sometimes scary, fast-paced world, slowing down to care for something that is dependent on us can be therapeutic. Working with their plants takes them away from the enormous stress of their jobs,” writes Steinkopf up front. She lays out a myriad of reasons to add plants to your life. From air purification to reducing stress, the author makes a strong case for taking the leap on that first plant.
What to Expect
The first section of the book provides plenty of care tips and how-to strategies. She answers many questions you’re sure to have about repotting your new houseplant. This includes picking the right pot and potting mix, how to water it properly – and how easy it is to do so. And Steinkopf calls it like it is: “Time restraints are another popular excuse as to why someone has no plants in their home. One easy plant can take less than five minutes a week to care for.”
Beyond the basics, she also digs into pruning, propagation, and troubleshooting. It was refreshing to see that in the troubleshooting section, she covered environmental factors that can affect a plant, and not just bugs. Not every ailment a houseplant suffers is at the hands of an insect pest. (Just like not all insects are pests.)
The second half of the book delves into plant profiles. The author starts with plants she calls easy to grow (including air plants, Chinese evergreens, and oh-so-popular Monstera). Then she profiles intermediate varieties (such as bird’s nest fern, English ivy, and lady palm). And the author finishes with a section of plants she calls challenging.
Learn More
Steinkopf’s book is a solid source of information to get started with houseplants. Order your copy here. For more , follow Lisa Eldred Steinkopf on Instagram or on Facebook.
Written by Justin Hancock
