The best houseplant books of 2022
Does anyone read houseplant books any more? I pondered this question as I scrolled through TikTok the other day. As someone who has a book coming out, I am counting on that thought being incorrect.
And after all, books are wonderful things. Escapism, entertainment, education, all enclosed in a portable, annotatable format that you can carry around with no fear of a flat battery. Books also make superb festive gifts - so, following up from last edition's gift guide, here's my top six planty book suggestions - all published in 2022. If you disagree, or want to add your own suggestions, do drop me a line!
If you want to hear more of my houseplant book recommendations, have a listen to episode 228 of On The Ledge podcast, where I discuss some of my favourite with fellow planty podcaster Maria Failla, and episode 184, where I dig into the houseplant of the daddy of all houseplant literature, Dr David G Hessayon.
SHAMELESS PLUG: My own book Legends of the Leaf is out on April 27 2023. Preorder a copy now from Unbound, Amazon UK or bookshop.org. (Here's why pre-orders matter.)
The Plant Rescuer by Sarah Gerrard Jones
If you are looking for a practical houseplant book, @theplantrescuer's book is distinctive as much for its comprehensive, no-nonsense approach as its yellow cover. Hear Sarah in On The Ledge episode 186. £16.99, Bloomsbury
Houseplant Warrior by Raffaele Di Lallo
This book demystifies houseplant care in a way that will help you improve your houseplants' life no end. Hear Raffaelle in On The Ledge episode 212. £17.99, WW Norton & Co
A Gardener's Guide to Botany by Scott Zona
If you want to really understand how your plants work, this is the book you need. Hear Scott talk about his book in On The Ledge episode 245. £22, Cool Springs Press
Plant Words by Joe Richomme and Emma Townshend
Stick this on your bedside table and you'll be dipping in and out of it all year while topping up your botanical brainpower. £12.99, Welbeck Publishing Group
This book takes a single street and delves into the stories behind the plants found there. Beautifully written and observed. Ben's new podcast is also a treat! £9.99, Hachette
The Almanac 2023 by Lia Leendertz
The format has been much admired and indeed imitated, but Lia's wonderful series of books are where it all started: a a guide to the natural world as told through the seasons. £12.99, Octopus
This blogpost was taken from The Plant Ledger, my twice monthly email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene. Subscribe here and get my free in-depth guide to fungus gnats.