How to Keep your Plants Alive, by Kit Carlson and Aaron Carlson, is a brief guide to successful houseplant gardening. After discussing the basics of growing plants indoors from light and water requirements to propagation and disease control, the book presents profiles of over 50 house plants. The plants were selected for their attractiveness, variety, and the culture requirements that make them easy to maintain in a variety of conditions.
The profiles are presented in alphabetical order by botanic name from Aeschynanthus radicans (lipstick plant) and Aglaonema spp. (Chinese evergreen) to Xerisucyos danguyi (silver dollar vine) and Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant). Each profile gives common and botanical names, region of origin, habitat, description of its characteristics, a full page photograph, and all the information needed to successfully grow the plant. Included are the plant’s light, temperature, humidity, water, growing media, and fertilizer requirements, followed by information about flowering and propagation. A “DID YOU KNOW” feature provides interesting tidbits including recommendations in regard to pet safety. We learn, for example, that spider plant has been used medicinally to treat coughs and improve circulation and is non-toxic to pets. A glossary of helpful terms and a table with matrix of soil moisture and lighting conditions for all plants featured in profiles, conclude the work.
Written in a clear, simple style, How to Keep Your Plants Alive avoids technical terminology and is easy to use. It covers a wide range of common houseplants and provides the essential information for successful cultivation. The large detailed photographs of the plants are excellent and especially helpful for identification and appreciation but are placed 1-2 pages away from the descriptive text of the plant.
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