Customer Reviews

Complete Houseplants: Featuring over 200 Easy-Care Favorites

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been trying to find a good comprehensive book on indoor plants that is at least the equal of my old standby, Foliage Plants for Decorating Indoors by Mr. and Mrs. Elberts (1989, Timber Press)[q.v.]. That book gives info on each plant from the direct knowledge of the authors and as a result has proved to be the best tropical houseplant book bar none, thus far. They give personal observations, recommendations, etc. Whereas 19 out of 20 such books have the usual set of short paragraphs with pedestrian info (i.e. dimensions, temperatures, light requirements, etc.). The Elberts also cover a goodly number of varieties and cultivars one is likely to encounter.

This book, Complete Houseplants (what an original title), is by Jack Kramer, who has been writing plant books longer than many of you have been alive. And he does know his plants. I just wish this was "complete" in the sense of giving in depth info on each species and its cultivars, like my Elberts book does. Instead over half the book is given over to the usual general info on containers, propagation, decorating "tips", how to grow plants, ad nauseam. Then on page 108 we finally get to THE PLANTS. Here there is much wasted space on each page. Admittedly the photos are illustrative for the most part, although the lighting by the photographer seems to be on the dark side, or is that the fault of the printer? The actual text treating each species is way too brief. This is not "complete"; if anything this is a quick, brief guide to "over 240 easy-care favorites".

On second thought I'd give it two stars.

Fantastic pictures, complete care information, and a wide variety of houseplants make this book wonderful. It will aid the novice or the pro at water, light, humidity, propagation, and much more. It was my first houseplant book and I wouldn't go without it!

Has an excellent section grouping houseplants by family that I have used many times. Well organized and very informative.

Whenever I review a purchase you show my address as Warrenton, VA. I now live in Louisa, VA where you have been sending my books for at least two years. But, there seems to be no way to edit that part of the review. There should be.

Great reference for selection, care and maintenance for those of us with hort degrees, and those without.