The Pocket House Plant Expert
Book Review by Trevor Edwards
3rd Septembert 2002

This book's convenient size makes it an easy to 'go anywhere' reference book. The A - Z has full colour illustrations of hundreds of the House Plants that you are likely to find at your local garden centre or plant shop. Each page provides detailed information and colour illustrations on at least two plants and gives guidance on location, watering, propagation and aftercare of green, and flowering, house and conservatory plants. Each of the subjects is primarily identified by the all-important Genus, or botanical name, followed by the common name. The plant type (House plant or Pot plant) is identified together with a general description. Each plant type has a list of varieties together with their height (metric) and flower colours (where appropriate). Space limitations allow for only one colour photograph and one colour illustration. Thankfully, since this is a very recent publication, all of the species or varieties listed should be readily available. I was particularly impressed with the clever and easy to use tables which give guidance on location (temperature and light), watering, aftercare (repotting & other tasks) and propagation. Each plant in the A-Z list has two location numbers, one relating to temperature and one for light requirements. Simply look up the numbers on the inside front cover. Similarly, to find the best methods of propagation, watering and aftercare, simply look up the table numbers on the inside back cover. Plant care issues, such as warmth, lighting, watering, humidity, and feeding, are dealt with concisely and the final pages cover topics such as increasing your stock, plant death, pests and diseases and cultural problems. In addition, there is a useful glossary of terms which serves to de-mystify many of the blasé terms used by the expert and experienced. A terrific little book for £3.99 - Use it to select a House plant for a specific spot or find the perfect location for the generous gift. It will save you money - no HOME should be without one!

Book: The Pocket House Plant Expert
Author: Dr D.G Hessayon
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Price: £3.99