The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual: Essential Gardening Know-How for Keeping (Not Killing) More Than 160 Indoor Plants (Turtleback)

by Barbara Pleasant (Author)
Key Phrases: cactus potting soil, balanced houseplant food, petiole leaf cuttings, Forcing Spring-Flowering Bulbs, Norfolk Island (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Even the most intrepid outdoor gardeners frequently admit that indoor plants under their care have an expected lifespan roughly equivalent to that of a mayfly. Whether one has just been given his or her first pot of grocery-store ivy or has been growing intricate bonsai for years, everything the indoor gardener could ever want to know about how to select, tend, and enjoy houseplants is contained in Pleasant's monumentally comprehensive yet straightforward and easy-to-follow encyclopedia covering more than 160 houseplants. Following an enlightening introduction that discusses the history, uses, and benefits that houseplants bestow, the manual is divided into three main sections. The first two are plant directories offering in-depth plant profiles of first flowering, then foliage, houseplants. The third is an extensive compilation of houseplant-care topics, from acclimatization to watering. With vivid color photographs, precise illustrations, appendixes listing helpful resources, definitions, and a cross-reference chart of botanical and common names, this is a must-have manual for anyone who shares home or office space with potted plants. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Cursed with a brown thumb?…Barbara Pleasant has come to your rescue."—Stephanie Bloyd, Mother Earth News, August-September 2006 (Stephanie Bloyd Mother Earth News )

Cursed with a brown thumb?Barbara Pleasant has come to your rescue.Stephanie Bloyd, Mother Earth News, August-September 2006 (Mother Earth News )

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Product Details

• Turtleback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580175694
• ISBN-13: 978-1580175692
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #62,623 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent houseplant reference , February 6, 2006

By	W. Oliver "scudder" (Alabama) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This well organized and informative book covers 160 houseplants. Arranged in 3 sections - "Blooming houseplants", "Foliage houseplants" and 'Houseplant Care," the tops of the pages are color-coded for fast access. Plants are listed by their botanical name but you can look up their common names in the index or a Botanical/Common Name Cross Reference chart in the back of the book. Almost all plants are given a 2 page spread which includes a description, a chart with specifications indicating light levels, temperature, fertilizer, water and soil needs, repotting advice, longevity, propagation techniques, selection and display tips. A troubleshooting guide provides characteristics of what to look for if a plant is in trouble and what you should do about it. Plants with various varities, like bromeliads, bulbs, cacti, orchids, ferns and palms are covered in more expanded sections. The color photos (included for each plant) are outstanding. The final chapter, "Houseplant Care," covers aspects such as containers, fertilizers, insect pests, propagation, plant characteristics and identification tips, terrariums and watering techniques. The semi-hard cover and flexible binding make the book easy to flip through and the attractive lay-out and page colorings make this book a joy to use. A must-have reference for serious houseplant growers!

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Beginner or Advanced, December 18, 2005

By	Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Each plant merits a color photo, making them easy to spot the one you want. The care instructions include light temperature, fertilizer, water, soil, repotting, longevity, propagation, selections (varieties), and display tips. The plants that are particularly easy-to-care-for are marked with an icon so beginners can spot them.
In the back is a cross reference with the botanical name and the common name.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bought because of a review, and I'm glad I did, March 24, 2006

By	Margaret D. "Margaret" (Rockville, MD) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book after seeing it reviewed positively in another publication, and I'm glad I did. It offers simple, straight-forward, and clear information on caring for numerous plants found in houses. The pictures are also great, making it easy for you to recognize those plants you just can't name.