Steven A. Frowine’s Houseplants & Succulents for Dummies, is welcome addition to the series. Like other volumes in the series, the book covers a vast amount of material in clear, simple language and provides practical tips and basic information you need to grow easy houseplants. Frowine’s expertise and enthusiasm for his subject matter shine forth on every page and are sure to engage you as well as inspire you.
The first 1/4 of the book is devoted to basic information needed to get started with houseplants and includes botanical nomenclature, a general month-by-month guide to plant care, and choosing the right plants. Special attention is given to the choice of a container and potting mix, meeting the plants’ needs for light, water and fertilizer, control of pests and disease, and propagation. Diagrams, drawings, photographs, charts, and insets enhance the text.
The bulk of the book is devoted to discussions about groups of houseplants: succulents and cacti, orchids, begonias, African violets and their relatives, foliage plants, and flowering plants. A chapter is devoted to each group and gives general directions for the care of the group, followed by a description of outstanding genera and an annotated list of recommended species or cultivars. Sometimes a black and white photograph is included.
Houseplants and Succulents for Dummies, covers a huge amount of material but lacks depth especially in regard to the characteristics and needs of specific plants. The organization of the material into the groups (mentioned above) is artificial and confusing since African violets and orchids are flowering plants, and many succulents, cacti, and begonias are also foliage and/or flowering plants. The dearth of color photographs is unfortunate because it is a hindrance to becoming familiar with new plants. The greatest value of the book lies in its overview of the subject matter which can provide basic information, inspiration and a first step in the journey towards having a fine collection of houseplants.
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