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You're Overwatering It!: A Plant Guru’s Guide to Houseplants
You don't need a green thumb, you just need the right guide.
Jonny Balchandani (a.k.a thebeardedplantaholic) is the plant whisperer, showing thousands how to know, grow and style their space from the backdrop of his own indoor jungle.
This is the ultimate guide to levelling-up your house plant care, full of wild wisdom a few hard truths and lots of leafy
Watering hacks
Light mastery
Pest control
Soil sorcery
Repotting rules and more
Discover the simple secrets to help your house plants thrive and become a jungle boss at home.
Jonny Balchandani (a.k.a thebeardedplantaholic) is the plant whisperer, showing thousands how to know, grow and style their space from the backdrop of his own indoor jungle.
This is the ultimate guide to levelling-up your house plant care, full of wild wisdom a few hard truths and lots of leafy
Watering hacks
Light mastery
Pest control
Soil sorcery
Repotting rules and more
Discover the simple secrets to help your house plants thrive and become a jungle boss at home.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This was an informative step-by-step guide to raising plants, focusing on the various aspects of plant care and how they interact with each other, including recommendations for which plants to grow if you, for example, always forget to water (though these "plant carer types" were very simplified). It generally recommended the same couple plants in every chapter, so some more variety would have been nice, but overall, this was a good, informative read, though I cannot vouch for any of the information in here as I didn't have the time to try raising my own home jungle. He's been featured on the Royal Horticultural Society, however, so I'm inclined to think his information might be legit.
Still, reading this I felt a little weird at times, and I tried really hard to figure out what bothered me about this book, and finally realised that it's the writing which does give some degree of ChatGPT vibes. I'm not sure if it's the original as well or only the German translation, but there are some traits that really remind me of ChatGPT ("it's not x, it's y", "they'll not just x, they'll y", as well as over-the-top try-hard funny descriptions for stuff at times). Regardless of whether ChatGPT was used for the writing or translation or not, it's kind of bad writing either way, so that part bothered me while reading, as well as the random pictures of the dude that had nothing to do with plants (I don't need to see your slippers????)
3.5
This was an informative step-by-step guide to raising plants, focusing on the various aspects of plant care and how they interact with each other, including recommendations for which plants to grow if you, for example, always forget to water (though these "plant carer types" were very simplified). It generally recommended the same couple plants in every chapter, so some more variety would have been nice, but overall, this was a good, informative read, though I cannot vouch for any of the information in here as I didn't have the time to try raising my own home jungle. He's been featured on the Royal Horticultural Society, however, so I'm inclined to think his information might be legit.
Still, reading this I felt a little weird at times, and I tried really hard to figure out what bothered me about this book, and finally realised that it's the writing which does give some degree of ChatGPT vibes. I'm not sure if it's the original as well or only the German translation, but there are some traits that really remind me of ChatGPT ("it's not x, it's y", "they'll not just x, they'll y", as well as over-the-top try-hard funny descriptions for stuff at times). Regardless of whether ChatGPT was used for the writing or translation or not, it's kind of bad writing either way, so that part bothered me while reading, as well as the random pictures of the dude that had nothing to do with plants (I don't need to see your slippers????)
3.5
November 17, 2025
Book Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
My recommendation level: ESSENTIAL 10/10
This book looks quirky on the outside but it delivers serious and reliable advice on the inside. Honestly though, I love the quirkiness and humour of the author and the fun plant pictures inside. If you’re a plant parent like me, you probably already know the viral sensation The Bearded Plantaholic from social media; and if you haven’t, you have to go check him out right now! They’re living my indoor plant jungle dreams!!
I WISH I had this book when I was first starting out as an indoor plant mom because I could have avoided so many mistakes and accidental plant deaths!!
This book will take you from plant noob to jungle guru!! What I appreciate most about this book is Jonny Balchandani walks you through your personality and lifestyles habits in order to determine what type of waterer you’ll be, what time you have, what lighting you have, and overall what type of plant parent you’ll be, in order to give you a list of properly-suited plants! I’ve never seen a plant book do this before and it is genius!
With your list of plants, you now move into what type of soil combination you will need (book gives exact ratios and measurements you can use), the type of lighting, and how to know when to water.
Don’t have enough light? Jonny will walk you through grow light options and even mirror arrangements (I never thought of this before, so thank you Jonny!!).
Once you’re established as a plant parent, you can develop your skills even further with the next chapters to learn the extremely fun and addictive practice of plant propagation, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, plant rehab, repotting, and more!
This book honestly gives you ALL the essential information you need to know as a plant parent. If you have just this book as your guide, you’ll be all set and successful on your plant parent journey!
My recommendation level: ESSENTIAL 10/10
This book looks quirky on the outside but it delivers serious and reliable advice on the inside. Honestly though, I love the quirkiness and humour of the author and the fun plant pictures inside. If you’re a plant parent like me, you probably already know the viral sensation The Bearded Plantaholic from social media; and if you haven’t, you have to go check him out right now! They’re living my indoor plant jungle dreams!!
I WISH I had this book when I was first starting out as an indoor plant mom because I could have avoided so many mistakes and accidental plant deaths!!
This book will take you from plant noob to jungle guru!! What I appreciate most about this book is Jonny Balchandani walks you through your personality and lifestyles habits in order to determine what type of waterer you’ll be, what time you have, what lighting you have, and overall what type of plant parent you’ll be, in order to give you a list of properly-suited plants! I’ve never seen a plant book do this before and it is genius!
With your list of plants, you now move into what type of soil combination you will need (book gives exact ratios and measurements you can use), the type of lighting, and how to know when to water.
Don’t have enough light? Jonny will walk you through grow light options and even mirror arrangements (I never thought of this before, so thank you Jonny!!).
Once you’re established as a plant parent, you can develop your skills even further with the next chapters to learn the extremely fun and addictive practice of plant propagation, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, plant rehab, repotting, and more!
This book honestly gives you ALL the essential information you need to know as a plant parent. If you have just this book as your guide, you’ll be all set and successful on your plant parent journey!
November 20, 2025
A plant so forgiving, so ridiculously unkillable, that it practically thrives on neglect. And even then, I still managed to screw it up at first.
And don’t even get me started on the ‘just put an ice cube on your orchid’ people. You monsters.
I’m genuinely not the biggest plant lover; I’m also, perhaps resultingly, absolutely terrible at keeping plants alive. Even worse, I give up so easily on even bothering once something starts to go wrong with it. And I think that’s the problem with being the sort of person who a) wants plants to just survive on their own and b) also wants specific plants solely because of the food they produce or because they look a certain way.
I think what Jonny Balchandani’s You’re Overwatering It! really puts into perspective for me is the fact that people who want to grow plants should choose the ones that are going to best fit their personality and branch out only when ready to take the next step in plant care. Whether I’ll ever get there is up for debate, but there’s no questioning the fact that this book is a goldmine of information.
Let’s start with a hard truth: not all plants want to live.
Overwatering is plant homicide with the best of intentions.
I chose this book more out of curiosity than a genuine desire to actually follow through on each and every bit of advice. I think, for that reason, while I truly do believe that the advice given in this book is well researched, tested, and likely very accurate, I don’t know that I’ll ever actually follow it thoroughly. I’m not a hardcore plant lover and I doubt I ever will be. But I do also think that it’s important knowledge to have on hand, just in case that ever changes.
Since misting is about as useful as a chocolate teapot, what does work?
...some would rather die dramatically than miss a single misting.
I genuinely do adore this book. It’s without a doubt the funniest plant advice book I’ve ever come across, as evidenced by the fact that I couldn’t nail down single quotes to include in this review and instead decided to just throw a bunch of them in there. Balchandani is knowledgeable in the information he provides, but he also makes the read just an absolute blast with his various jokes embedded throughout. I even sent a few to my mom who, like me, has killed many a plant but would probably follow the advice within the book a little more than I will as she’s more dedicated to actually trying to grow them.
Now, I’ll admit that my review is a little biased—I’ve not actually read many books about how to take care of plants and I cannot really comment on whether this one is better or worse than any others. What I can say, however, is that I was impressed with the content and amused by its presentation. Even without my planning to use most of the knowledge in the book, this was an immensely entertaining and satisfying read.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
Many thanks to netgalley for the review copy.
I’m a little conflicted about this book. It really is absolutely beautiful, and while it’s not written in a style that appeals to me, it’s certainly a consistent writing style and I think many plant people will certainly enjoy it.
I just have a couple of little gripes that bothered me quite a bit since everything else was so polished.
Some of the photo choices I think really let the book down - the big shots of the author in his plants and the plant rooms themselves were absolutely beautiful. But the photos where he was edited into them just came across as really amateur to me - I know it was done in jest but I feel like the humour comes across more than enough in the text so it just felt unnecessary. Also, some of the photos that are on the pages of text are cut out a bit jaggedly, or half of the plant is just straight up not in focus. There’s also odd composition choices, e.g page 155 - why photograph a beautiful variegated alocasia from side on where you can’t see the shape or colouration of the leaves properly? Just little things like that, that bothered me. The captioning is also a bit inconsistent - incredibly unusual plants aren’t labelled, but entry level plants like monstera deliciosa are labelled with both common and scientific names.
There are some repetitions of content, but since this is more of a reference guide I think that’s more than forgivable, given you have to discuss the same aspects in different contexts.
I will say however as someone who grows all their plants in PON, I was disappointed to see next to no discussion of hydroponic methods and substrates. I know a lot of people grow their plants in water indefinitely, as well as moss, LECA, PON, (and even orbeez!!). Even if the author thinks this is bad practice I would have liked to have read his opinion on the matter, or had a more comparative nature to the soil chapter, and had it be about substrates more generally.
With all that said, it’s a fantastic looking book, and it has some really fantastic and insightful advice. His explanation of how to understand different light levels in your house was genuinely the best explanation I’ve ever read, and it’s super easy to understand.
I also especially loved the last third or so of this book. The rare plants chapter was really great and (as the whole book has done a very good job with explaining), didn’t sugarcoat the fact that keeping plants is a skill that has many different levels. I also ADORED the chapters on plant science all the way up to the discussions on plant communication and consciousness, and it was great that references etc were supplied.
If you can look past some slightly irritating and cringe-inducing photographic choices this book is a wonderful staple for any plant parent to have. In fact as i’ve been writing this review i’ve decided it actually deserves 4 stars and not the 3 I was originally intending to give. Super solid advice and genuinely so nice to read something houseplant related from a brit who understands how bloody annoying it is to try and grow houseplants in this country!!
I’m a little conflicted about this book. It really is absolutely beautiful, and while it’s not written in a style that appeals to me, it’s certainly a consistent writing style and I think many plant people will certainly enjoy it.
I just have a couple of little gripes that bothered me quite a bit since everything else was so polished.
Some of the photo choices I think really let the book down - the big shots of the author in his plants and the plant rooms themselves were absolutely beautiful. But the photos where he was edited into them just came across as really amateur to me - I know it was done in jest but I feel like the humour comes across more than enough in the text so it just felt unnecessary. Also, some of the photos that are on the pages of text are cut out a bit jaggedly, or half of the plant is just straight up not in focus. There’s also odd composition choices, e.g page 155 - why photograph a beautiful variegated alocasia from side on where you can’t see the shape or colouration of the leaves properly? Just little things like that, that bothered me. The captioning is also a bit inconsistent - incredibly unusual plants aren’t labelled, but entry level plants like monstera deliciosa are labelled with both common and scientific names.
There are some repetitions of content, but since this is more of a reference guide I think that’s more than forgivable, given you have to discuss the same aspects in different contexts.
I will say however as someone who grows all their plants in PON, I was disappointed to see next to no discussion of hydroponic methods and substrates. I know a lot of people grow their plants in water indefinitely, as well as moss, LECA, PON, (and even orbeez!!). Even if the author thinks this is bad practice I would have liked to have read his opinion on the matter, or had a more comparative nature to the soil chapter, and had it be about substrates more generally.
With all that said, it’s a fantastic looking book, and it has some really fantastic and insightful advice. His explanation of how to understand different light levels in your house was genuinely the best explanation I’ve ever read, and it’s super easy to understand.
I also especially loved the last third or so of this book. The rare plants chapter was really great and (as the whole book has done a very good job with explaining), didn’t sugarcoat the fact that keeping plants is a skill that has many different levels. I also ADORED the chapters on plant science all the way up to the discussions on plant communication and consciousness, and it was great that references etc were supplied.
If you can look past some slightly irritating and cringe-inducing photographic choices this book is a wonderful staple for any plant parent to have. In fact as i’ve been writing this review i’ve decided it actually deserves 4 stars and not the 3 I was originally intending to give. Super solid advice and genuinely so nice to read something houseplant related from a brit who understands how bloody annoying it is to try and grow houseplants in this country!!
November 10, 2025
I requested this book from NetGalley because after decades of successful houseplant care, some of my plants have started to struggle. The polyscias has both yellowed and dried leaves—overwatering or underwatering? 🤷🏻♀️I managed to kill a gorgeous, thriving, 15-year-old, four-foot tall pothos—a plant that asks nothing of you and yet, when I tried to trimmed some leaves that had dried over the summer, I accidentally pulled the slim stem out by its root and despite my attempt to shove it back into the dirt, it drooped more each day. In desperation, I trimmed off the remaining leaves and am attempting to resurrect it by root new plants. The snake plants, another plant that asks nothing of you, has begun to put out new growth only when I completely ignore it. Oddly, the high-maintenance plants like calathea, orchids, and fittonia are thriving.
Then Jonny Balchandani, the "bearded plantaholic", and his book "You're Overwatering It" came across my radar. Despite following lots of plant folks and Balchandani's large following, I had not heard of him before receiving an ARC of his book.
Balchandani writes in a fun, entertaining, yet fully informative tone. This book offers beginning houseplant parents a fantastic overview of understanding plants and plant care. I discovered that as a plant parent, I'm a somewhere between a helicopter parent and an experimental scientist. Balchandani defines plant parents by four types and then identifies the best plants for each.
Plants need essentially three things: light, water, and soil. Balchandani begins with high-level explanations of each—the bare minimum you need to know to keep your plants alive and thriving. Then he revisits those topics again and again in subsequent chapters, going deeper each time so by the end of the book, you'll feel prepared to take on those high-maintenance plants or to diagnose the causes for your plants' struggles.
If you read a paper version of the book, don't forget to ruffle the pages to see the flip book effect in the bottom right corner.
As much as I liked and can recommend this book for new plant parents, there were a few downsides for me. Balchandani limits his plant suggestions mostly to monstera, pothos, calathea, zz and snake plants, alocasias, and peace lilies. I would have liked more variety of plant suggestions. The photos of Balchandani's space are gorgeous and for someone who wants to create a home jungle, they're inspiring. I would have liked to see other houseplant installations that reflect some of the other styles he describes. By the end of the book, I was a bit tired of seeing photos of Jonny—he pops up everywhere in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
#netgalley #timberpress #youreoverwateringit
Then Jonny Balchandani, the "bearded plantaholic", and his book "You're Overwatering It" came across my radar. Despite following lots of plant folks and Balchandani's large following, I had not heard of him before receiving an ARC of his book.
Balchandani writes in a fun, entertaining, yet fully informative tone. This book offers beginning houseplant parents a fantastic overview of understanding plants and plant care. I discovered that as a plant parent, I'm a somewhere between a helicopter parent and an experimental scientist. Balchandani defines plant parents by four types and then identifies the best plants for each.
Plants need essentially three things: light, water, and soil. Balchandani begins with high-level explanations of each—the bare minimum you need to know to keep your plants alive and thriving. Then he revisits those topics again and again in subsequent chapters, going deeper each time so by the end of the book, you'll feel prepared to take on those high-maintenance plants or to diagnose the causes for your plants' struggles.
If you read a paper version of the book, don't forget to ruffle the pages to see the flip book effect in the bottom right corner.
As much as I liked and can recommend this book for new plant parents, there were a few downsides for me. Balchandani limits his plant suggestions mostly to monstera, pothos, calathea, zz and snake plants, alocasias, and peace lilies. I would have liked more variety of plant suggestions. The photos of Balchandani's space are gorgeous and for someone who wants to create a home jungle, they're inspiring. I would have liked to see other houseplant installations that reflect some of the other styles he describes. By the end of the book, I was a bit tired of seeing photos of Jonny—he pops up everywhere in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
#netgalley #timberpress #youreoverwateringit
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: You're Overwatering It!: A Plant Guru’s Guide to Houseplants by Jonny Balchandani
Rating: ★★★★☆
As a self-confessed plant lover and indoor jungle enthusiast, I was beyond excited to dive into *You're Overwatering It!* by Jonny Balchandani, aka The Bearded Plantaholic. This book is a delightful blend of humor, personality, and genuinely solid plant care advice that any plant parent—whether a newbie or a seasoned green thumb—will appreciate.
Jonny’s approach is refreshingly maximalist and fun, debunking some of those pesky myths that often trip up houseplant lovers. Forget the old "water every 7 days" rule or misting for humidity—it’s all about getting to know your plants and your own lifestyle to find the perfect match. The book cleverly guides you through different “levels” of plant parenting, from beginner to expert, making the learning process feel like an engaging journey rather than a chore.
One of the standout features for me was how Jonny helps you figure out what kind of plant parent you are based on your habits, lighting conditions, and how much time you can devote to your leafy companions. This personalized approach means you’re set up for success from the start, avoiding those dreaded accidental plant casualties. It’s genius how he pairs personality with practical plant choices—it’s unlike anything I’ve seen in other plant guides.
The book doesn’t stop there. It delves into soil mixes with precise recipes, lighting techniques—including grow lights and even mirror setups, and how to master watering schedules that actually work. For those ready to level up, there are chapters on propagation, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, repotting, and even plant rehab. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for everything you need to become a confident, knowledgeable plant parent.
Visually, the quirky cover and playful illustrations inside add a charming touch that matches Jonny’s witty voice perfectly. If you’re already following The Bearded Plantaholic on social media, you’ll recognize his infectious passion and humor here; if not, definitely check him out—you won’t regret it!
All in all, *You're Overwatering It!* earns a solid 4 stars from me. It’s incredibly thorough yet accessible, packed with practical tips and personality. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your plant care skills, this book is a fantastic companion that will help your plant family thrive.
Happy planting! 🌿
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ★★★★☆
As a self-confessed plant lover and indoor jungle enthusiast, I was beyond excited to dive into *You're Overwatering It!* by Jonny Balchandani, aka The Bearded Plantaholic. This book is a delightful blend of humor, personality, and genuinely solid plant care advice that any plant parent—whether a newbie or a seasoned green thumb—will appreciate.
Jonny’s approach is refreshingly maximalist and fun, debunking some of those pesky myths that often trip up houseplant lovers. Forget the old "water every 7 days" rule or misting for humidity—it’s all about getting to know your plants and your own lifestyle to find the perfect match. The book cleverly guides you through different “levels” of plant parenting, from beginner to expert, making the learning process feel like an engaging journey rather than a chore.
One of the standout features for me was how Jonny helps you figure out what kind of plant parent you are based on your habits, lighting conditions, and how much time you can devote to your leafy companions. This personalized approach means you’re set up for success from the start, avoiding those dreaded accidental plant casualties. It’s genius how he pairs personality with practical plant choices—it’s unlike anything I’ve seen in other plant guides.
The book doesn’t stop there. It delves into soil mixes with precise recipes, lighting techniques—including grow lights and even mirror setups, and how to master watering schedules that actually work. For those ready to level up, there are chapters on propagation, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, repotting, and even plant rehab. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for everything you need to become a confident, knowledgeable plant parent.
Visually, the quirky cover and playful illustrations inside add a charming touch that matches Jonny’s witty voice perfectly. If you’re already following The Bearded Plantaholic on social media, you’ll recognize his infectious passion and humor here; if not, definitely check him out—you won’t regret it!
All in all, *You're Overwatering It!* earns a solid 4 stars from me. It’s incredibly thorough yet accessible, packed with practical tips and personality. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your plant care skills, this book is a fantastic companion that will help your plant family thrive.
Happy planting! 🌿
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
November 9, 2025
Love, love, love it – my poor, less plant-obsessed wife had to endure me reading out sections over the past week. “You’re Overwatering It! A Plant Guru’s Guide to Houseplants completely” won me over — and I didn’t expect it to. I’d never heard of Jonny before and honestly, I wasn’t sold on the cover. But after recently losing my beloved monstera to a well-intentioned plant sitter’s generosity with the watering can, the title hit me right in the heart. I grabbed it out of curiosity and ended up flying through it, laughing and nodding along the whole way.
Jonny’s passion for plants absolutely bursts off the page. His writing is warm, witty and grounded — like chatting with a friend who not only understands your botanical disasters but can actually help fix them. The humor lands perfectly, making even the trickiest plant advice feel fun and manageable. There’s an effortless blend of entertainment and knowledge here; you’re laughing one minute and learning something genuinely useful the next.
The design of the book is gorgeous — plenty of quirky, stylish photos that give little peeks into Jonny’s own leafy jungle. The structure feels natural and well thought out, guiding you from basic plant care through to clever ideas that even experienced houseplant lovers will appreciate. It’s as much about appreciating the personalities of plants as it is about keeping them alive.
It’s rare to find a plant-care book that feels this human, this funny and this readable. I’ll definitely be getting a copy for my lovely monstera-murdering friend.
Thank you to Timber Press, NetGalley and Jonny Balchandani for an advance reading copy of this book.
Jonny’s passion for plants absolutely bursts off the page. His writing is warm, witty and grounded — like chatting with a friend who not only understands your botanical disasters but can actually help fix them. The humor lands perfectly, making even the trickiest plant advice feel fun and manageable. There’s an effortless blend of entertainment and knowledge here; you’re laughing one minute and learning something genuinely useful the next.
The design of the book is gorgeous — plenty of quirky, stylish photos that give little peeks into Jonny’s own leafy jungle. The structure feels natural and well thought out, guiding you from basic plant care through to clever ideas that even experienced houseplant lovers will appreciate. It’s as much about appreciating the personalities of plants as it is about keeping them alive.
It’s rare to find a plant-care book that feels this human, this funny and this readable. I’ll definitely be getting a copy for my lovely monstera-murdering friend.
Thank you to Timber Press, NetGalley and Jonny Balchandani for an advance reading copy of this book.
October 26, 2025
Publishing date: 24.02.2026 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
A must have book for any aspiring or “feeling guilty” plant-parents out there. Contains all the information you need in an easy to read format. 5 stars.
Quickfire likes and gripes //
No nonsense, direct, and to the point
Hella index
Lots of recommendations for every section and kind of person
What you get //
Entire sections dedicated to (+ more, these are just my highlights) :
Light
Watering
Soil
Nutrients
Pests
Propagation
Humidity
Plant stress
Seasonal care
Pruning
Repotting
Displaying plants
Plant sentience
Learned something new? //
I have now gotten more information on soil and water (my enemies), and will be trying it out on my plants. Also some fertilization, so we will see how that goes.
How it was to read //
Very easy and engaging. It wasn’t as formal as a lot of other nonfiction books tend to be, and so it was easier for me to actually process the information.
Each page is also incredibly colorful and covered in graphics and pictures.
Audience //
Both beginner and intermediate plant-parents will find something interesting in this book.
Final Verdict //
This was a treat and in dire need right now as one of my plants have been throwing a fit. Easy to read, and very easy to recommend. Giving this the whole 5 stars. Will be grabbing a copy after release.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR //
A must have book for any aspiring or “feeling guilty” plant-parents out there. Contains all the information you need in an easy to read format. 5 stars.
Quickfire likes and gripes //
No nonsense, direct, and to the point
Hella index
Lots of recommendations for every section and kind of person
What you get //
Entire sections dedicated to (+ more, these are just my highlights) :
Light
Watering
Soil
Nutrients
Pests
Propagation
Humidity
Plant stress
Seasonal care
Pruning
Repotting
Displaying plants
Plant sentience
Learned something new? //
I have now gotten more information on soil and water (my enemies), and will be trying it out on my plants. Also some fertilization, so we will see how that goes.
How it was to read //
Very easy and engaging. It wasn’t as formal as a lot of other nonfiction books tend to be, and so it was easier for me to actually process the information.
Each page is also incredibly colorful and covered in graphics and pictures.
Audience //
Both beginner and intermediate plant-parents will find something interesting in this book.
Final Verdict //
This was a treat and in dire need right now as one of my plants have been throwing a fit. Easy to read, and very easy to recommend. Giving this the whole 5 stars. Will be grabbing a copy after release.
October 17, 2025
It is an amazing beginner-friendly book, but I think even seasoned gardeners can learn a lot from it.
I was not familiar with the author as a big social media creator, so I can say that I enjoyed his writing without any sort of previous bias. I think the tips he gave were very good. I do urban gardening myself with vegetables, and I can say that many of the general tips in this book are useful for multiple types of plants, not just the houseplants. I am not that familiar with houseplants, so the first pages of finding your plant sections were very enjoyable for me, and I have picked one for myself, which I plan on getting and starting to take care of it soon.
I also quite enjoyed the layout of the book. It is very colorful and not boring at all. Seeing the photos of the author enjoying his time with plants was very sweet. Putting section titles on the sides of the pages was helpful to remember which section I was in and also acts as an easy guide.
Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who is into plants or is thinking about getting a plant. As I have stated, I think many of the tips work for other types of plant lovers like me, too. This book can be an amazing gift for any plant lovers you know as well. I certainly will get a copy of it myself.
Huge thanks to Netgalley, Timber Press, and Jonny Balchandani for this advanced reader's copy.
I was not familiar with the author as a big social media creator, so I can say that I enjoyed his writing without any sort of previous bias. I think the tips he gave were very good. I do urban gardening myself with vegetables, and I can say that many of the general tips in this book are useful for multiple types of plants, not just the houseplants. I am not that familiar with houseplants, so the first pages of finding your plant sections were very enjoyable for me, and I have picked one for myself, which I plan on getting and starting to take care of it soon.
I also quite enjoyed the layout of the book. It is very colorful and not boring at all. Seeing the photos of the author enjoying his time with plants was very sweet. Putting section titles on the sides of the pages was helpful to remember which section I was in and also acts as an easy guide.
Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who is into plants or is thinking about getting a plant. As I have stated, I think many of the tips work for other types of plant lovers like me, too. This book can be an amazing gift for any plant lovers you know as well. I certainly will get a copy of it myself.
Huge thanks to Netgalley, Timber Press, and Jonny Balchandani for this advanced reader's copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would heartily recommend this to every plant parent I know, from those just starting out to those who have full humidity and grow light setups. Presented in a clear, knowledgeable, humorous fashion, this is a wealth of information on how not to just to grow plants, but to help them thrive, no matter where you are. As someone who has quite a few plants that were never meant to survive in an apartment, much less one in a city that doesn't get a whole lot of direct sunlight, I'm good at keeping my plants alive, but not so much at keeping them /happy/. I feel much more confident in reading the signs and starting to experiment with things that will hopefully help my plants grow to their best, even if they've been doing "good" for the past few years. I went and pre-ordered a hard copy as soon as I was done, that's how much I knew I wanted this on my shelves and would go back and use this plethora of information.
Look, I've read a lot on plants - I acquired SO MANY PLANTS when covid hit, I've used all sorts of trackers and help to try and make my plants happy, and this is the first book that felt like it was both for beginners but also for the people who're familiar with "different plants have different needs" and recognizing the basic sign of plant needs and want a little more guidance on how they can step up their plant care.
Look, I've read a lot on plants - I acquired SO MANY PLANTS when covid hit, I've used all sorts of trackers and help to try and make my plants happy, and this is the first book that felt like it was both for beginners but also for the people who're familiar with "different plants have different needs" and recognizing the basic sign of plant needs and want a little more guidance on how they can step up their plant care.
April 23, 2026
Es ist nicht schlecht.
Ich habe es physisch im Handel gesehen und fand es sehr spannend, habe es dann aber als eBook gelesen. Die Aufmachung mit den Bildern und so kleinen Quizseiten, bei denen man herausfinden kann, was zu einem passt sind gut und sehr schön.
Ich fand auch viele Tipps sehr gut und habe selbst schon die ein oder andere Pflanze lange behalten oder schnell getötet. Die Anleitungen für Erde mischen sind sehr praktisch, bisher hat bei mir aber auch viel in einfacher Erde überlebt, trotzdem werde ich es ausprobieren, weil es schon Sinn ergibt. Die Hilfe bei Pflanzenstress ist wirklich sinnvoll und wird mir wahrscheinlich in Zukunft die ein oder anderen hängenden Blätter erklären. Als Biologin fand ich auch das Wissenschaftskapitel ganz gut und sehr schön formuliert (nicht jeder muss das ewig durchkauen und doch kann es einem irgendwie helfen), daher Lob dafür.
Ich fand nur den Einstieg in die neuen Kapitel und Last but not least sehr anstrengend zu lesen und daher hat es bei mir den Fluss gestört. Am wichtigsten ist das Erste, aber wenn man beim Zweiten Fehler macht geht alles kaputt. Ich verstehe den Punkt, vielleicht ist es auch nur die Übersetzung, aber ich fand es anstrengend zu lesen.
Das Cover für die deutsche Ausgabe ist sehr schön und man kann sehr viel lernen. Für mich war das leider nicht so leicht vermittelt, wie ich es mir erhofft habe.
Ich habe es physisch im Handel gesehen und fand es sehr spannend, habe es dann aber als eBook gelesen. Die Aufmachung mit den Bildern und so kleinen Quizseiten, bei denen man herausfinden kann, was zu einem passt sind gut und sehr schön.
Ich fand auch viele Tipps sehr gut und habe selbst schon die ein oder andere Pflanze lange behalten oder schnell getötet. Die Anleitungen für Erde mischen sind sehr praktisch, bisher hat bei mir aber auch viel in einfacher Erde überlebt, trotzdem werde ich es ausprobieren, weil es schon Sinn ergibt. Die Hilfe bei Pflanzenstress ist wirklich sinnvoll und wird mir wahrscheinlich in Zukunft die ein oder anderen hängenden Blätter erklären. Als Biologin fand ich auch das Wissenschaftskapitel ganz gut und sehr schön formuliert (nicht jeder muss das ewig durchkauen und doch kann es einem irgendwie helfen), daher Lob dafür.
Ich fand nur den Einstieg in die neuen Kapitel und Last but not least sehr anstrengend zu lesen und daher hat es bei mir den Fluss gestört. Am wichtigsten ist das Erste, aber wenn man beim Zweiten Fehler macht geht alles kaputt. Ich verstehe den Punkt, vielleicht ist es auch nur die Übersetzung, aber ich fand es anstrengend zu lesen.
Das Cover für die deutsche Ausgabe ist sehr schön und man kann sehr viel lernen. Für mich war das leider nicht so leicht vermittelt, wie ich es mir erhofft habe.
November 10, 2025
A Delightful Guide for Plant Lovers! I dove into "You're Overwatering It!" by Jonny Balchandani with high hopes for practical, no-nonsense advice, and I was genuinely impressed by how much it delivered. As someone who has always struggled to keep houseplants thriving, I found the tips refreshingly clear and immediately helpful—finally, advice that actually made sense and felt achievable.
Balchandani's writing style is wonderfully approachable and encouraging, making every page feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. The advice is practical without ever feeling overwhelming, and I finished the book feeling empowered and far more confident in my plant care abilities.
The idea of sorting plants by personality traits was actually pretty clever and made things easier to remember. The book covers the basics—light, watering, pest control, and repotting—without getting overwhelming.
The vibrant photos and inviting layout make this book a joy to flip through. Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking for some straightforward, reliable advice, "You're Overwatering It!" is an absolute must-read for any aspiring plant parent.
Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press, and Jonny Balchandani for the advanced reader's copy.
Balchandani's writing style is wonderfully approachable and encouraging, making every page feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend. The advice is practical without ever feeling overwhelming, and I finished the book feeling empowered and far more confident in my plant care abilities.
The idea of sorting plants by personality traits was actually pretty clever and made things easier to remember. The book covers the basics—light, watering, pest control, and repotting—without getting overwhelming.
The vibrant photos and inviting layout make this book a joy to flip through. Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking for some straightforward, reliable advice, "You're Overwatering It!" is an absolute must-read for any aspiring plant parent.
Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press, and Jonny Balchandani for the advanced reader's copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is probably the best indoor plant book I've read.
Most plants books go through plants you can own and how they are to be looked after. Then you mistakenly think, if you water it right everything will be fine. As plants lovers, we know very well that many bite the dust.
Instead, this book gets you to think about your space and guides you on how to purchase plants that will thrive in your space. It all makes so much sense, don't just buy the cutest plant or don't try to keep some 'trending' plant from dying, that was never going to be able to live in harmony with you in the first place.
I found the book very easy to read and understand, with lots of humour and tons of goofy photos.
The chapters or levels, make sense, starting from the Noob level, right through to the Plant Guru level...which we all aspire to.
The levels are easy to follow and look back on for reference. The big bold chapter headers are very helpful.
It not only goes through understanding which plants to buy, hydration, soil, nutrients, etc, but gets quite in-depth, so it's suitable for all levels of planter lovers.
#YoureOverwateringIt #NetGalley
This is probably the best indoor plant book I've read.
Most plants books go through plants you can own and how they are to be looked after. Then you mistakenly think, if you water it right everything will be fine. As plants lovers, we know very well that many bite the dust.
Instead, this book gets you to think about your space and guides you on how to purchase plants that will thrive in your space. It all makes so much sense, don't just buy the cutest plant or don't try to keep some 'trending' plant from dying, that was never going to be able to live in harmony with you in the first place.
I found the book very easy to read and understand, with lots of humour and tons of goofy photos.
The chapters or levels, make sense, starting from the Noob level, right through to the Plant Guru level...which we all aspire to.
The levels are easy to follow and look back on for reference. The big bold chapter headers are very helpful.
It not only goes through understanding which plants to buy, hydration, soil, nutrients, etc, but gets quite in-depth, so it's suitable for all levels of planter lovers.
#YoureOverwateringIt #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had a singular plant foisted upon me. Definitely under protest. And now I somehow have three plants and am looking to expand the collection. (The author's opening page really spoke to my soul, 'You weren't always a plant person and neither was I'). And like any good plant mom I'm now looking for guidance on how to best take care of them. And this author knows his stuff. I trusted him as soon as he said "Water once a week is a lie". Every plant has it's own individual needs that can't be summarized so easily.
I like how the author goes over all the different factors of plant care while framing it as a plant personality test. It definitely allows you to figure out what type of plant parent you want to be while also learning how to take care of your plant of choice. He gives a lot of information without being overwhelming with it. I myself might have figured out how to deal with the gnats I have. He also writes about propagating and troubleshooting common problems with plants.
I think this is a great plant book for a beginner. It's informational while still being entertaining.
Thanks NetGalley for the free eARC.
I like how the author goes over all the different factors of plant care while framing it as a plant personality test. It definitely allows you to figure out what type of plant parent you want to be while also learning how to take care of your plant of choice. He gives a lot of information without being overwhelming with it. I myself might have figured out how to deal with the gnats I have. He also writes about propagating and troubleshooting common problems with plants.
I think this is a great plant book for a beginner. It's informational while still being entertaining.
Thanks NetGalley for the free eARC.
April 11, 2026
As a IG follower of Jonny, I was rather looking forward to this book and getting a humourous no nonsense approach to houseplants, and I was not disappointed. I've read various houseplant guides over the years and spoken to untold numbers of plant people and while some of the practical advice has been consistent, the help in choosing the right plants has not (I've even killed almost non killables because of shoddy advice). So this book is a breath of fresh air as Balchandani takes you through every step including figuring out what kind of plant parent you are and how it only matters to the plants that you buy (screw the status and be realistic is the key message here). He also gives tips on how to really understand what plants need and how to interpret those not so helpful labels you get on plant pots at the garden centre as well as his own tried and tested approaches to potting mixes, watering, light, etc. While this is great to just have a read of, this is definitely not a one and done book and is geared to being your go to help as you grow your single snake plant or turn your home into a jungle.
March 5, 2026
Your houseplant wants you to buy this book! While the title, You're Overwatering It!, is funny (and, in my case, true) this guide is full of all the information you’ll need to have a healthy houseplant or a room full of them - and everything in between. Sections are divided into your plant owner status - from Plant Noob to Leveling Up: From Jungle Boss to Plant Mystic. Chapters are full of details about light, pests, soil, seasonal care and more. In each chapter, author Jonny Balchandani includes a personality test. For example “What’s Your Plant Soulmate?” Are you a person who asks “I want a plant that refuses to die?” Maybe you “…want a big, leafy jungle”? Under each question is a list of plants that suit your style. In other words, those that you probably can’t kill. I can’t tell you how much I love this guide! My houseplants, the brave survivors, will too. You can follow Jonny Balchandani on Instagram @thebeardedplantaholic. 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press and Jonny Balchandani for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Timber Press and Jonny Balchandani for this ARC.
November 28, 2025
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book on houseplant-care is beautiful and contains topics and tips I haven't encountered in others of its ilk.
However. I'm not on Instagram and I don't know this author, but his snarky writing style really grated me. It's very Reddit-thread, peppered with (spoiler!) and words like 'bullshit' but still written as 'b*llshit'. There are more pretty pictures of the author holding a plant than there are informative pictures of plants. Nearly every chapter has a plant personality test. Some plants keep coming back as recommended in different chapters but there's no handy overview. Yet many chapters that were only a few pages long ended on a summary.
I enjoyed the later, more unique science chapters even though they felt out of place and the facts were all unsourced.
So, bottom line: if you know and like the guy you'll probably like the book as well.
This book on houseplant-care is beautiful and contains topics and tips I haven't encountered in others of its ilk.
However. I'm not on Instagram and I don't know this author, but his snarky writing style really grated me. It's very Reddit-thread, peppered with (spoiler!) and words like 'bullshit' but still written as 'b*llshit'. There are more pretty pictures of the author holding a plant than there are informative pictures of plants. Nearly every chapter has a plant personality test. Some plants keep coming back as recommended in different chapters but there's no handy overview. Yet many chapters that were only a few pages long ended on a summary.
I enjoyed the later, more unique science chapters even though they felt out of place and the facts were all unsourced.
So, bottom line: if you know and like the guy you'll probably like the book as well.
November 10, 2025
A fantastic manual on plant care from newbie to plant whisperer. The book is structured, colourful, engaging, and easy to comprehend.
You can really feel the care Johnny Balchandani has for plants when reading this which in turn made me want to appreciate my plants much more.
I am a plant owner with about a dozen indoor plants in total. I have tried different varieties and failed miserably on multiple occasions resulting in dead plants. I have been able to narrow down what plants suit my environment and style of care.
In saying that however, I have two calatheas that are hanging in there but not thriving.
Now I have sage advice that is practical and encouraging and makes complete sense.
I feel confident that I can achieve results with my sad looking calatheas and take my plant parenting to the next level.
Thank you #NetGalley and #Timber Press for #YoureOverwateringIt
You can really feel the care Johnny Balchandani has for plants when reading this which in turn made me want to appreciate my plants much more.
I am a plant owner with about a dozen indoor plants in total. I have tried different varieties and failed miserably on multiple occasions resulting in dead plants. I have been able to narrow down what plants suit my environment and style of care.
In saying that however, I have two calatheas that are hanging in there but not thriving.
Now I have sage advice that is practical and encouraging and makes complete sense.
I feel confident that I can achieve results with my sad looking calatheas and take my plant parenting to the next level.
Thank you #NetGalley and #Timber Press for #YoureOverwateringIt
November 17, 2025
To describe this book in one word: FUN! The author has managed to turn his extensive knowledge of houseplants into a easy to read, yet detailed, FUN book. Seriously, I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading it. But don't take that to mean that the book is not serious or useful. Because the author manages to pack more information into a little space than almost any other gardening book I have read. This is a must have book for everyone who cares about their plants.
P.S. I have tried out the "recipes" for his soil mixes. It's been about a month now since I repotted plants using the mix instructions, and I'm happy to say that my plants are thriving!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful little book!
P.S. I have tried out the "recipes" for his soil mixes. It's been about a month now since I repotted plants using the mix instructions, and I'm happy to say that my plants are thriving!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful little book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hello tiny book people (okay, so I'm a little bummed that the book didn't start something like that). I have seen so many of his videos that when I was reading this book, I heard it in his voice (and I have zero regrets).
If you need an easy to understand book about houseplants, this is the book for you. Jonny is not patronizing or expecting you to know everything, gives easy to follow advice, and even offers suggestions of what might be a good plant for you to start with.
This book was really informative and helpful, but more than that, it was also just an enjoyable read. This is going to be a go to suggestion for people who need gift ideas and aren't sure what to get.
Thanks to Netgalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read this book.
If you need an easy to understand book about houseplants, this is the book for you. Jonny is not patronizing or expecting you to know everything, gives easy to follow advice, and even offers suggestions of what might be a good plant for you to start with.
This book was really informative and helpful, but more than that, it was also just an enjoyable read. This is going to be a go to suggestion for people who need gift ideas and aren't sure what to get.
Thanks to Netgalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to read this book.
November 3, 2025
As I was reading this book I felt like he was watching me and was in my head because I have been wondering about watering and repotting and all plant things lately.
This book explained things so I could walk through and put the actions into caring for my plants and now I know that yes, I have been doing things wrong.
The book is a great one for beginner plant people and also people who have had plants for years.
Thank you NetGalley, Johnny Balchandani and Timber Press for the copy of the book You're Overwatering It! This is my personal review.
This book explained things so I could walk through and put the actions into caring for my plants and now I know that yes, I have been doing things wrong.
The book is a great one for beginner plant people and also people who have had plants for years.
Thank you NetGalley, Johnny Balchandani and Timber Press for the copy of the book You're Overwatering It! This is my personal review.
November 14, 2025
as a lifelong plant lover, with a mini jungle forming in my home, this was such a helpful(and entertaining) read. i like to think that i know a lot about plants, but this proved to me i still had a lot to learn. it also came to me at the perfect time, now that my rubber plant and fiddle leaf have been randomly dropping leaves as we transition into winter. so many amazing tips, like using mirrors to help your plants get more light. i have a strong feeling my plants will be back to thriving in no time!
thank you jonny balchandani, timber press & netgalley for this e-arc 🖤
thank you jonny balchandani, timber press & netgalley for this e-arc 🖤
December 8, 2025
Absolutely wonderful. As someone guilty of overwatering ans wondering why flies appear around one of my plants, for me this book is a life saver.
Straightforward, easy to read with wonderful illustrations ans photos and quizes.
Great even for (or maybe exactly for) all attention-deficient people.
Teaches A to Z of plant care, from propagating, soil type mixes, pest control and sun ans humidity factors that influence your plant babies.
Totally recommeding :)
#netgelly #timberpress #youreoverwatering
Straightforward, easy to read with wonderful illustrations ans photos and quizes.
Great even for (or maybe exactly for) all attention-deficient people.
Teaches A to Z of plant care, from propagating, soil type mixes, pest control and sun ans humidity factors that influence your plant babies.
Totally recommeding :)
#netgelly #timberpress #youreoverwatering
December 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for offering me a chance to wishlist this book before it came out and read it! This is a no frills plant book that is good for the beginner as well as the seasoned plant parent. The author breaks down not only about different type of plants(I.e. succulents versus cactus) but even different types of soil and fertilizer. I found the way the book was organized as chapters a little strange but overall enjoyable book and a good one to have on your shelf if you want to be invested in plants in their health.
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February 4, 2026You’re Overwatering It! is a light, approachable, and genuinely fun guide for plant lovers. As I read it, I kept thinking how helpful this would have been when I was just starting my plant journey. The tone is encouraging rather than intimidating, making it an easy entry point for beginners while still offering reassurance to anyone who has learned the hard way.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
February 25, 2026
A must for those new to the "indoor" plant journey or those who have been winging it and could use some help. This book has excellent basic information on plant care. Topics are lighting, watering, soil mix recipes, recommended plants for your type of plant care, propagation, pruning, pest control and repotting.
May 29, 2026
This book is a very informative tool when it comes to being a plant mom/dad. Different plants require different things, and because they can’t tell us what they want, we have to study their behavior, to find out what they need.
I cannot wait to utilize some of these practices in my own plant life.
I cannot wait to utilize some of these practices in my own plant life.
March 14, 2026
Loved the style, humour and practical advice!
April 1, 2026
A no-nonsense guide to learning to build and care for your home jungle, this book helps you match your in-home garden to your lifestyle and teaches you how to identify issues, resolve them with humour and shared frustration at the dramatic species and poor garden centre advice we’ve all had at one time or another.
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