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A Beginner's Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents
Adored for their charming shapes and colors, respected for their resilience and adaptability, and just plain fun to have around--succulents are the hottest home gardening trend today.
A Beginner's Guide to Succulent Gardening is a friendly guide to popular succulents, walking novices through all the basics, like:
Choosing your succulents--from Hens and Chicks (Echeveria) to bristly flowering cactus varieties
Mixing the right soils for your succulents and preparing the growing environment
Easy potting and transplanting techniques
Succulent care--including watering, fertilizing and providing the right amount of sun for each variety
Understanding peak periods as well as seasonal traits and needs, so you can have a beautiful succulent garden year-round
This book contains all sorts of helpful tips on what to look for when buying a plant, how to troubleshoot when your succulent shows signs of distress, how to trim the leaves and stems, and how to start new plants from cuttings. Clear diagrams and at-a-glance fact sheets for each variety, as well as inspirational photos of attractively and happily-housed succulents, fill the pages of this book.
Now is the time to give succulents a try! Let A Beginner's Guide to Succulent Gardening be your guide to get you started and grow your indoor garden one succulent at a time.
A Beginner's Guide to Succulent Gardening is a friendly guide to popular succulents, walking novices through all the basics, like:
Choosing your succulents--from Hens and Chicks (Echeveria) to bristly flowering cactus varieties
Mixing the right soils for your succulents and preparing the growing environment
Easy potting and transplanting techniques
Succulent care--including watering, fertilizing and providing the right amount of sun for each variety
Understanding peak periods as well as seasonal traits and needs, so you can have a beautiful succulent garden year-round
This book contains all sorts of helpful tips on what to look for when buying a plant, how to troubleshoot when your succulent shows signs of distress, how to trim the leaves and stems, and how to start new plants from cuttings. Clear diagrams and at-a-glance fact sheets for each variety, as well as inspirational photos of attractively and happily-housed succulents, fill the pages of this book.
Now is the time to give succulents a try! Let A Beginner's Guide to Succulent Gardening be your guide to get you started and grow your indoor garden one succulent at a time.
96 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
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94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 16, 2020
3.5 stars
This book is a great introduction to 21 popular varieties of succulents. It has a (brief) section at the end discussing general succulent care including lighting, watering, soil, sunburns/root rot, and freezing (nothing on feeding, though), and it has a glossary and a short section on diseases and pests. I recommend reading this section first to give you a good basis for understanding the specific care instructions in the rest of the book.
The 21 varieties are organized by growth period, which I liked. I've always thought of my cacti and succulents as having the same basic care needs, and while that's mostly true, the biggest difference between them (I think) is when they grow, flower, and go dormant (FYI I'm a total plant novice). I do wish there were more varieties included, though. It was a short book anyway and there are so many more succulent and cactus varieties that could have been included.
Each plant is rated by difficulty, and its section includes information on buying, transplanting, propagating, soil, light, watering, growth cycle, and flowering (again, nothing on feeding). A lot of the information across varieties is pretty redundant, but the images are beautiful and I really LOVE the cultivation calendar. The calendar is clean and organized, illustrating what months have the most/least growth and how much light and water are needed during the different growth phases. I may not read much anything else in this book again, but I will certainly be consulting my plants' cultivation calendars a lot.
This book is a great introduction to 21 popular varieties of succulents. It has a (brief) section at the end discussing general succulent care including lighting, watering, soil, sunburns/root rot, and freezing (nothing on feeding, though), and it has a glossary and a short section on diseases and pests. I recommend reading this section first to give you a good basis for understanding the specific care instructions in the rest of the book.
The 21 varieties are organized by growth period, which I liked. I've always thought of my cacti and succulents as having the same basic care needs, and while that's mostly true, the biggest difference between them (I think) is when they grow, flower, and go dormant (FYI I'm a total plant novice). I do wish there were more varieties included, though. It was a short book anyway and there are so many more succulent and cactus varieties that could have been included.
Each plant is rated by difficulty, and its section includes information on buying, transplanting, propagating, soil, light, watering, growth cycle, and flowering (again, nothing on feeding). A lot of the information across varieties is pretty redundant, but the images are beautiful and I really LOVE the cultivation calendar. The calendar is clean and organized, illustrating what months have the most/least growth and how much light and water are needed during the different growth phases. I may not read much anything else in this book again, but I will certainly be consulting my plants' cultivation calendars a lot.
August 11, 2021
I was disappointed in this book. It only includes a few select species of succulents, and there was very little helpful information about the species they did include. There are charts telling you what kind of care (water, sunlight, fertilizer) they need during the different parts of the year, but honestly it looks like they just copied and pasted the same chart for every plant. It also had a rating of how easy/difficult it is to grow the different plants, but every single one was marked as "easy", even though if you've actually grown some of these succulents, you would know they are NOT easy. There were a few helpful tips, like how many succulents have their growing season in spring and fall instead of through the summer; and the pictures were fun to look at, but I didn't get a whole lot out of it. There are way better succulent-growing books out there.
March 31, 2019
As we roll into spring, thoughts here in North Texas turn to planting as well as worries over baseball sized hail, tornadoes, and all matter of insect and bug many of which sting. Though the rains have been plentiful these last several months, drought is always a fear lurking just over the horizon. Cacti are always an answer to drought. Like cacti, though not thorny at all in many cases, are succulents. A solidly good resource on them is the new book from Tuttle Publishing, A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide to Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents by Taku Furuya.
The 100 page book is designed for the novice succulent gardener. It features twenty-one popular varieties with tons of information by way of color graphics of various types. Then there are the numerous pictures throughout the book showcasing various succulents and their possibilities.
After a little bit of general information including how to use the book, the book really gets going with opens with a section on “Spring/Fall Types” starting on page eight. In addition to the picture of the plants, there are several pages of information on how to pick a healthy one at the nursery, best soil, how to transplant from the store bought container, how to propagate (how to make more off that first plant), and various tips on growing them including a simple month by month chart. Along with pictures of the various versions of the particular type of succulent, there is clear and concise color coded information on when they flower, level of difficulty to grow, the origin of the plant, and more. Each section is setup the same way with a lot of information and plenty of pictures for the particular variety.
You may or may not know that cacti are a form of succulents. While you may think that Cacti always meant something with spikes or thorns, it does not always. In this case, most of the varieties depicted in these pages do not have spikes or thorns making them safe from children and pets. Obviously, you don’t want either one eating succulents, but you don’t have the thorn issue that you do with many cacti.
Though some do and if you have pets or children this is something to pay attention to so that one avoids injuries. The first selection in the Spring/Summer/Fall Types starting on Page 64 makes that very clear. “Moon Cactus” starts the section off and it should be a familiar one to anyone who spends time shopping towards Christmas as such items are always in the grocery stores. There is a lot of info including the fact that the native region for those is Japan. I now know my high school biology teacher was wrong about them and a certain test grade should be adjusted immediately. While many of the chosen varieties in the previous section did not have thorns or spikes, many in this section do and that may or may not be of concern depending on your personal environment.
Fall/Winter/Spring Types is the final section and starts on page 80. The very few listed here the more difficult ones to grow in the book. Nothing in this section is easy and all of them require significant amounts of care.
A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide To Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents by Taku Furuya closes with a couple of pages devoted to the growing fundamentals for all succulents, a glossary, and a short section how to combat diseases and pests.
This is a comprehensive book aimed at beginners that will also prove very helpful to experimental Gardner. Whether you want to grow just a couple inside the house or multiples ones outside in the yard, there are suggestions here for you. Something and quite possibly more than one will strike your fancy in the very good book, A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide To Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents by Taku Furuya.
A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide to Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents
Taku Furuya
Tuttle Publishing
http://www.tuttlepublishing.com
ISBN#978-0804851190
March 2019
Paperback
96 Pages
$14.99
Material supplied by Twyla Marr, Publicist, Tuttle Publishing with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2019
The 100 page book is designed for the novice succulent gardener. It features twenty-one popular varieties with tons of information by way of color graphics of various types. Then there are the numerous pictures throughout the book showcasing various succulents and their possibilities.
After a little bit of general information including how to use the book, the book really gets going with opens with a section on “Spring/Fall Types” starting on page eight. In addition to the picture of the plants, there are several pages of information on how to pick a healthy one at the nursery, best soil, how to transplant from the store bought container, how to propagate (how to make more off that first plant), and various tips on growing them including a simple month by month chart. Along with pictures of the various versions of the particular type of succulent, there is clear and concise color coded information on when they flower, level of difficulty to grow, the origin of the plant, and more. Each section is setup the same way with a lot of information and plenty of pictures for the particular variety.
You may or may not know that cacti are a form of succulents. While you may think that Cacti always meant something with spikes or thorns, it does not always. In this case, most of the varieties depicted in these pages do not have spikes or thorns making them safe from children and pets. Obviously, you don’t want either one eating succulents, but you don’t have the thorn issue that you do with many cacti.
Though some do and if you have pets or children this is something to pay attention to so that one avoids injuries. The first selection in the Spring/Summer/Fall Types starting on Page 64 makes that very clear. “Moon Cactus” starts the section off and it should be a familiar one to anyone who spends time shopping towards Christmas as such items are always in the grocery stores. There is a lot of info including the fact that the native region for those is Japan. I now know my high school biology teacher was wrong about them and a certain test grade should be adjusted immediately. While many of the chosen varieties in the previous section did not have thorns or spikes, many in this section do and that may or may not be of concern depending on your personal environment.
Fall/Winter/Spring Types is the final section and starts on page 80. The very few listed here the more difficult ones to grow in the book. Nothing in this section is easy and all of them require significant amounts of care.
A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide To Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents by Taku Furuya closes with a couple of pages devoted to the growing fundamentals for all succulents, a glossary, and a short section how to combat diseases and pests.
This is a comprehensive book aimed at beginners that will also prove very helpful to experimental Gardner. Whether you want to grow just a couple inside the house or multiples ones outside in the yard, there are suggestions here for you. Something and quite possibly more than one will strike your fancy in the very good book, A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide To Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents by Taku Furuya.
A Beginner’s Guide to Succulent Gardening: A Step-by Step Guide to Growing Beautiful & Long-Lasting Succulents
Taku Furuya
Tuttle Publishing
http://www.tuttlepublishing.com
ISBN#978-0804851190
March 2019
Paperback
96 Pages
$14.99
Material supplied by Twyla Marr, Publicist, Tuttle Publishing with no expectation of a review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2019
June 8, 2020
This is designed to be a quick introduction and it kind of works in that regard: Listing the succulents by their growing times is a great way to help people see when the plants need more water and when they need to be more or less ignored.
On the other hand: Furuya has designed it so that any chapter can stand by itself which, while a good idea in theory, means that there is a lot of redundant material in the book. Each and every succulent has a section on basic care, and since succulents are not *that* different in their care, at least half the book repeats what has already been said several times before. A single care chapter at the beginning plus brief notes on any differences an individual succulent species needs would have been much more helpful.
Also, he assumes that everyone lives in the exact same climate. Over and over and over again he says that this or that succulent is unhappy in summer because it doesn't like heat and humidity. Not everyone's summers are hot & humid.
Reading this book won't hurt you, and following its instructions won't hurt your succulents, but there are much better books out there.
On the other hand: Furuya has designed it so that any chapter can stand by itself which, while a good idea in theory, means that there is a lot of redundant material in the book. Each and every succulent has a section on basic care, and since succulents are not *that* different in their care, at least half the book repeats what has already been said several times before. A single care chapter at the beginning plus brief notes on any differences an individual succulent species needs would have been much more helpful.
Also, he assumes that everyone lives in the exact same climate. Over and over and over again he says that this or that succulent is unhappy in summer because it doesn't like heat and humidity. Not everyone's summers are hot & humid.
Reading this book won't hurt you, and following its instructions won't hurt your succulents, but there are much better books out there.
skimmed
October 26, 2019Came across this while at the bookstore looking for a good book on growing succulents. At first glance it looked useful, with information on soil mix, watering and propagation on a variety of species in a well-designed format. Includes photos of 4 or more types of each.
Tuttle is a Japanese publisher and I’ve known them for their high quality books for a long time. This is relevant because this book seems to be an English translation of a Japanese book. The problem is that the recommended soils are composed of several materials I’ve never seen in the US: Akadama, Kanuna, carbonized rice hull. So the soil information isn’t useable. Also, the transplanting information seems identical for every plant and yet repeats throughout the book.
I don’t think this is the book I’m looking for.
Tuttle is a Japanese publisher and I’ve known them for their high quality books for a long time. This is relevant because this book seems to be an English translation of a Japanese book. The problem is that the recommended soils are composed of several materials I’ve never seen in the US: Akadama, Kanuna, carbonized rice hull. So the soil information isn’t useable. Also, the transplanting information seems identical for every plant and yet repeats throughout the book.
I don’t think this is the book I’m looking for.
November 22, 2020
I got this book to find out more about one tiny succulent I got last summer and I'm so impressed with succulents now, I'm ready to get more. I love the names like Ruby Necklace and String of Pearls and overall this book is a quick and easy read, if you want to know more about these interesting plants. I learned a lot more about this plant group in this quick read. For the serious houseplant enthusiast, this would be a great addition to a bookshelf. From easy propagation to problems that can occur this book has plenty of great tips. The only aspect I didn't like was the region of origin map was so tiny, it nearly required a magnifying glass.
July 30, 2020
More of a 3.5. You'd think, based on the title, that the author would go through a more generic process of cultivation that could be used to most succulents, but the way the book is devided is based on certain species and how to cultivate them. If you, like me, live in an area in which most of those can't be found, you'll only be able to use a portion of the book. A shame, since the parts that I could use were so well explained and illustrated.
November 22, 2020
This book has been helpful and given some insights. The paragraphs are well organized, easy to understand. The coherent format might seem boring. But, when I want to go back and search for a certain topic e.g. how to propagate, I know whether I have to scroll up or scroll down. Maybe if it weren't a "beginner's guide", there would have been more depth.
March 31, 2021
Really basic and suitable for beginners. The most helpful contents of the book are their guides to transplant and propagate the plants, as well as their introduction to the very common kinds of succulents. Their advice for plants taking care like watering or placement should not be strictly followed, but should be modified based on your actual environment.
July 4, 2020
This is a pretty good book for people very new to succulents. There’s lots of repetition to reinforce concepts. There are great pictures and easy-to-follow instructions. I also like the charts that tell you the best months for watering, transplanting, propagation, etc.
June 1, 2021
I'm a total plant novice and have been figuring out succulents in a try it and see method and moderately succeeding. It was nice to a variety of succulents and the care-taking calendar involved. Helpful guide. Looking forward to growing my collection.
May 18, 2020
Great for basics
I really liked it for understanding the different types of succulents and basic care. The diagrams were helpful and well labeled.
I really liked it for understanding the different types of succulents and basic care. The diagrams were helpful and well labeled.
June 30, 2020
Most of the book contained the same Information repeated over and over. What I did find the most helpful was the charts specifying each succulent's growth period and dormancy throughout the year
June 21, 2021
Another great book for beginners like myself - I love the breakdown for each plant with the tips and what to watch out for. It has become a great resource / reference book already!
February 7, 2022
Definitely contains useful info, especially the graphics laying out the yearly schedule for each plant, but it only covers a limited number of plant species.
September 30, 2023
This book is very very good. Read it as hardcover.
September 2, 2025
Full of useful information! I highly recommend it for other beginners like myself.
February 21, 2025
Very clear layout of watering schedules and soil mixes to use - helpful for the types of succulents I had including my air plants :)
July 3, 2024
Interesting approach; instead of organizing the plants by family like most other books, the author groups them by seasonal types (growing season). Contains very useful information on plants' native habitats, level of difficulty, how to check for healthy specimens, soil, transplanting and a cultivation calendar. I have not seen this level of detail in any other guide. Each plant profile also features a "Succulent Q&A" addressing a common troubleshooting issue that could apply to many different succulents. There seems to be a ton of useful information here, although I'm not sure about at least one tip (the author says String of Pearls can be leaf propagated; this has not worked for me and I've heard anecdotally it's very difficult.)
One caveat: the content has a great deal of repetition as the soil composition, transplanting and propagating guides seem to be very similar, in some cases identical, for many different plants, yet the whole section is repeated for every single plant discussed. Might be more efficient to have "Propagating Guide A/B/C etc" as separate appendices and then just refer to the suitable guide for each plant.
One caveat: the content has a great deal of repetition as the soil composition, transplanting and propagating guides seem to be very similar, in some cases identical, for many different plants, yet the whole section is repeated for every single plant discussed. Might be more efficient to have "Propagating Guide A/B/C etc" as separate appendices and then just refer to the suitable guide for each plant.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews