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My House Plant Changed My Life: Green Wellbeing for the Great Indoors
Use the power of houseplants to combat the pollution and stresses of modern life.
Everyday products pollute the air in our homes, and our mental wellbeing is threatened like never before - but help is at hand from the humble houseplant!
Drawing on groundbreaking scientific research, this book reveals the 50 most life-enhancing houseplants and shows how they can actively purify the air, and improve your mental wellbeing through their colour, scent, habit, and nurturing needs.
Build a thriving collection of houseplants to create a detoxifying, re-energising environment in the home, full of mindful opportunities.
Everyday products pollute the air in our homes, and our mental wellbeing is threatened like never before - but help is at hand from the humble houseplant!
Drawing on groundbreaking scientific research, this book reveals the 50 most life-enhancing houseplants and shows how they can actively purify the air, and improve your mental wellbeing through their colour, scent, habit, and nurturing needs.
Build a thriving collection of houseplants to create a detoxifying, re-energising environment in the home, full of mindful opportunities.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2021
19 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 31, 2022
The title drew me in. I have read several books about houseplants, and still can't get enough of them.
I love how well-designed the book is, and the size is just nice to hold. There's nothing I don't love about the overall design of the book. However, I knocked one star because I was hoping for more anecdotes that will accompany each houseplant. The author did compile the houseplants based on their suitability of specific circumstances, but I personally feel that they aren't enough to carry the title.
Perhaps I expected more of a grandiose scale given that at first look, the title seems so promising, and the book design is so enticing.
I love how well-designed the book is, and the size is just nice to hold. There's nothing I don't love about the overall design of the book. However, I knocked one star because I was hoping for more anecdotes that will accompany each houseplant. The author did compile the houseplants based on their suitability of specific circumstances, but I personally feel that they aren't enough to carry the title.
Perhaps I expected more of a grandiose scale given that at first look, the title seems so promising, and the book design is so enticing.
March 8, 2021
This is a cute, little book that has brief, but informative descriptions and illustrations of some of the most common houseplants. It’s a great resource for the first-time plant owner, but is not very detailed, so I would only use it as a jumping point - more internet research would be needed when you’re actually attempting repotting, fertilizing, and propagating.
Some of my most favorite houseplants were showcased (snake plant, pothos, jade, zz plant, tiger aloe, string of pearls, and monstera) and I read about some new plants that I’d like to try caring for some day: yukka palm, string of hearts, bird’s nest fern, and more.
Some of my most favorite houseplants were showcased (snake plant, pothos, jade, zz plant, tiger aloe, string of pearls, and monstera) and I read about some new plants that I’d like to try caring for some day: yukka palm, string of hearts, bird’s nest fern, and more.
January 16, 2022
A eye capturing little hardback book filled with condensed information on the origins of the flowers, and how to care for them in terms of growth range, general care, positioning and potting.
A good read for a beginner of those taking care of plants such as myself.
A good read for a beginner of those taking care of plants such as myself.
March 16, 2021
A simple, user-friendly guide to a variety of houseplants. Good illustrations and photos of the plants combined with short segments of enough info to help select the right plant but not so much info as to overwhelm. For example, I was interested in plants that purify the air and this book quickly and easily provided several options.
August 29, 2021
The cutest book and a good resource for any plant lover. Enjoyed reading all the fun pop up info, like how my Maidenhair Fern will “make me smile” and “keep me calm” and even discovered some new bizarre looking plants too called Living Stones. I can honestly say this book just encouraged me to go out and repot, split, and try a few new kinds of plants in my little garden today. This book is a keeper!🪴🌺🌸🌻
June 26, 2021
Honestly the most helpful and easy to read book on houseplants! Care, history and fun facts - it’s all here.
The plants in the book are based on popular plants, so a lot of readers will already have them.
This is one of the rare books I got from the library that I’m absolutely going to buy after returning !
The plants in the book are based on popular plants, so a lot of readers will already have them.
This is one of the rare books I got from the library that I’m absolutely going to buy after returning !
February 22, 2021
Perfect introduction to House Plants
I’m new to house plants and have brought them into my home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This book has given me lots of ideas of plants to get and how to propagate the ones I have.
I’m new to house plants and have brought them into my home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This book has given me lots of ideas of plants to get and how to propagate the ones I have.
April 30, 2021
I was immediately attracted to this weird looking plant at Walmart. My husband told me they sell those same plants at Lowe's, but better. We went to Lowe's & I came home with an adorable wee little tyke in a teeny black pot. I couldn't stop smiling & carrying it to whatever window was sunny. I had no clue what kind of plant I had. All I knew was I loved it. Thanks to this book I now know it's a Tiger Aloe & the book even says that the plant will make you happy. Dead accurate. It was a photo of this very plant that was the deciding factor for me to order this book.
The next plant this book convinced me to try was the Venus Fly trap. Again, a trip to Lowe's. They only had little terrarium kits that included a Pitcher Plant. I got 3 kits & so far they are doing very well, sprouting out of their moist mossy pots.
I then came across another plant in this book that I never had a name for. I have owned it for 26 years! To keep it going where I live now (a late 1700's historic log cabin), I use several grow lights & have it near a window. This plant is a Spineless Yucca. My cats love to chew it & vomit. I have to cover it in winter with row cover, bamboo stakes & clothes pins to keep the cats off it. In summer I put it outside.
You may or may not find it amusing to know that I am a full time eco farmer who knows very little about houseplants. I spend most of my time growing food crops & cotton; all chemical free. I have very little time, plus too many cats & too little light for houseplants. Or so I thought. The beauty of this book is that it clearly lists what each plant needs. It has given me ideas on how to incorporate more plants that should work in different areas of my home. For example the Maidenhair Fern. I believe I can hang this in front of a bedroom window. The cats wont get it, it will get sun & I will enjoy it's unique fluttering foliage.
The book lists which plants are toxic to pets & kids, their light needs, temperature needs, soil needs, which are best at clearing the air & what toxins they help to clear, "let's make babies", the growth rate, & even how they can make you feel with sections like "plants to calm & relax" & "plants to spark creativity."
The goal of this book is to encourage folks to reconnect with the natural world even if all one does is care for a houseplant or two. It's a great idea. Look at me, I work outdoors & I'm in love with the book. The beginning of the book works hard to convince the reader as to why they should have indoor plants. I agree with these points wholeheartedly. We are in a world where all I see & read about is how folks, even children are becoming more & more disconnected with the natural world. This isn't healthy for any of us, at any age.
With 50 plants to choose from, you are sure to find at least one to fall in love with. If you are anything like me, you'll easily find even more.
BTW, this review was 🚫 by amazon 🤐 🤣 WTF?
The next plant this book convinced me to try was the Venus Fly trap. Again, a trip to Lowe's. They only had little terrarium kits that included a Pitcher Plant. I got 3 kits & so far they are doing very well, sprouting out of their moist mossy pots.
I then came across another plant in this book that I never had a name for. I have owned it for 26 years! To keep it going where I live now (a late 1700's historic log cabin), I use several grow lights & have it near a window. This plant is a Spineless Yucca. My cats love to chew it & vomit. I have to cover it in winter with row cover, bamboo stakes & clothes pins to keep the cats off it. In summer I put it outside.
You may or may not find it amusing to know that I am a full time eco farmer who knows very little about houseplants. I spend most of my time growing food crops & cotton; all chemical free. I have very little time, plus too many cats & too little light for houseplants. Or so I thought. The beauty of this book is that it clearly lists what each plant needs. It has given me ideas on how to incorporate more plants that should work in different areas of my home. For example the Maidenhair Fern. I believe I can hang this in front of a bedroom window. The cats wont get it, it will get sun & I will enjoy it's unique fluttering foliage.
The book lists which plants are toxic to pets & kids, their light needs, temperature needs, soil needs, which are best at clearing the air & what toxins they help to clear, "let's make babies", the growth rate, & even how they can make you feel with sections like "plants to calm & relax" & "plants to spark creativity."
The goal of this book is to encourage folks to reconnect with the natural world even if all one does is care for a houseplant or two. It's a great idea. Look at me, I work outdoors & I'm in love with the book. The beginning of the book works hard to convince the reader as to why they should have indoor plants. I agree with these points wholeheartedly. We are in a world where all I see & read about is how folks, even children are becoming more & more disconnected with the natural world. This isn't healthy for any of us, at any age.
With 50 plants to choose from, you are sure to find at least one to fall in love with. If you are anything like me, you'll easily find even more.
BTW, this review was 🚫 by amazon 🤐 🤣 WTF?
May 31, 2021
I am perhaps the absolutely most unlikely person to check out this book. I am pretty much whatever the opposite of a plant whisperer is (a plant shouter?). Despite my best efforts – and recommendations from others for plants that are impossible to kill – no plant lasts very long under my “care.”
This book inspired me though! In part because it had good information to help me decide which plants might be more suited to my environment (places in my house or at work), and more suited to my actual potential (admittedly low, but with the right match, maybe higher).
Domoney’s detailed descriptions of what each plant needs are paired with the benefits of each plant for humans and our surroundings. For example, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata – if you like that sort of thing). “This is probably the toughest houseplant you can buy – it’s low maintenance, tolerant of neglect, and a hardworking air purifier. It also has an interesting form, with its upright swordlike foliage and fascinating variegated leaf markings, that will provide a positive mental distraction from your worries.” Sounds like it was made for me! The simple two-page spread has four brief tips to help the plant thrive (position, potting, growth rate, and care) and four other facts to help you take care of the plant and about its benefits. After an introduction about the benefits of houseplants on our well-being and our living spaces, each plant gets its own two-page spread with this simple, easy to use and refer to format. It’s really a usable book and fun and interesting to browse through even if you don’t decide to bring any plants into your home.
Plants I’m considering as a result of looking at this book: The Snake Plant (obviously), Velvet Plant (I don't think I could take care of this one, but it would make a great gift!), Sword Fern, Joseph’s Coat (mood-enhancing beauty, symbolizes change), and Zebra Plant. Most of these clean air, have striking foliage and/or color, don’t get huge, and are a bit less fussy about watering and fertilizing. One that I’m definitely not going to get but was so odd and unfamiliar to me is “Living Stones.” I probably should get one since you don’t even water it at all from early fall to midspring!
I mentioned inspiration… The introduction includes reasons why to consider bringing plants into your indoor environments. One of these is “A sense of achievement: Plants can boost self-esteem. To see a living thing thrive thanks to your care and attention evokes a feeling of pride. And success in the form of propagation or seeing your plant flower releases serotonin, another hormone that lifts and stabilizes your mood.” I don’t even think I would need to see propagation or flowers (in fact I mostly looked at plants that don’t flower) – I would feel successful just to have the plant live longer than six months.
This book inspired me though! In part because it had good information to help me decide which plants might be more suited to my environment (places in my house or at work), and more suited to my actual potential (admittedly low, but with the right match, maybe higher).
Domoney’s detailed descriptions of what each plant needs are paired with the benefits of each plant for humans and our surroundings. For example, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata – if you like that sort of thing). “This is probably the toughest houseplant you can buy – it’s low maintenance, tolerant of neglect, and a hardworking air purifier. It also has an interesting form, with its upright swordlike foliage and fascinating variegated leaf markings, that will provide a positive mental distraction from your worries.” Sounds like it was made for me! The simple two-page spread has four brief tips to help the plant thrive (position, potting, growth rate, and care) and four other facts to help you take care of the plant and about its benefits. After an introduction about the benefits of houseplants on our well-being and our living spaces, each plant gets its own two-page spread with this simple, easy to use and refer to format. It’s really a usable book and fun and interesting to browse through even if you don’t decide to bring any plants into your home.
Plants I’m considering as a result of looking at this book: The Snake Plant (obviously), Velvet Plant (I don't think I could take care of this one, but it would make a great gift!), Sword Fern, Joseph’s Coat (mood-enhancing beauty, symbolizes change), and Zebra Plant. Most of these clean air, have striking foliage and/or color, don’t get huge, and are a bit less fussy about watering and fertilizing. One that I’m definitely not going to get but was so odd and unfamiliar to me is “Living Stones.” I probably should get one since you don’t even water it at all from early fall to midspring!
I mentioned inspiration… The introduction includes reasons why to consider bringing plants into your indoor environments. One of these is “A sense of achievement: Plants can boost self-esteem. To see a living thing thrive thanks to your care and attention evokes a feeling of pride. And success in the form of propagation or seeing your plant flower releases serotonin, another hormone that lifts and stabilizes your mood.” I don’t even think I would need to see propagation or flowers (in fact I mostly looked at plants that don’t flower) – I would feel successful just to have the plant live longer than six months.
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April 20, 2023This is a very aesthetically-pleasing book, but man oh man, people, please: if you are confused, lethargic, nauseated? Don't huff a dieffenbachia! GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE AND SEE A DOCTOR. Get a professional to measure air quality in your home! Some of these are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning! Don't make your home into a jungle in the hopes it'll detoxify your surroundings, yeesh! Maybe it's because my mom runs a professional greenhouse, but the romance of all this is lost on me. Houseplants are wonderful, truly. You can share them with friends and engage in the spirit of generosity and fun. They do make a space look fresh and nice. And, it's a great hobby overall. Green is good. Consult this as a fun book spreading the love of plants, though, and don't place your health in the fronds of your fern.
August 8, 2021
I liked this. I still prefer books to the internet for certain research, though I hadn’t been planning to look into information on houseplants when I stumbled on this at the library. I did end up doing quite a bit of research on the internet after talking with a local plant and garden store and calling my veterinarian …but I wouldn’t have done any of those things if I hadn’t read this book.
The three stars is because one of the things I found on the internet was an article about a study done in 2019 that found houseplants don’t/can’t clean the moving air of your home or office-you would need to have a very high (perhaps four digits high) number before they could do that. This book came out after that, so it troubles me some that the book says plants can clean the air.
The three stars is because one of the things I found on the internet was an article about a study done in 2019 that found houseplants don’t/can’t clean the moving air of your home or office-you would need to have a very high (perhaps four digits high) number before they could do that. This book came out after that, so it troubles me some that the book says plants can clean the air.
January 21, 2024
When I saw the title of this book, “My House Plant Changed My Life,” I thought it was an exaggeration.
However, this is not an exaggeration; placing some house plant in your room may actually have the power to change your life.
By placing some plants in your room or on your desk, you can feel connected to nature without having to go to the park.
The plants come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, white, purple, blue, and orange, and are a feast for the eyes.
And families without pets, parents give children the experience of raising plants by giving them the role of watering the plants.
Even if you don't use an air conditioner, you can clean the air in your room by placing a house plant there, and you can expect mental well-being and refreshing effects.
However, this is not an exaggeration; placing some house plant in your room may actually have the power to change your life.
By placing some plants in your room or on your desk, you can feel connected to nature without having to go to the park.
The plants come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, white, purple, blue, and orange, and are a feast for the eyes.
And families without pets, parents give children the experience of raising plants by giving them the role of watering the plants.
Even if you don't use an air conditioner, you can clean the air in your room by placing a house plant there, and you can expect mental well-being and refreshing effects.
April 19, 2021
This book was full of great tips about houseplants. It showed different ways to set up your houseplants with your different needs in mind. It included a getting to know each plant section, tips from the plant itself and the usual care tips. I enjoyed reading the tips from the plant point of view. It reminded me that these are actual living creatures that live and die. I loved learning all about how each plant can purify our air, beautify our home and help us feel better. This book included some usual houseplants and several unusual ones, like the Venus flytrap and orchids. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone new to houseplants!
April 11, 2021
I received this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute book!
The book covers houseplants and their benefits. Specific houseplants are highlighted and the book covers their care, their benefits, and information on helping them thrive. There's some unique houseplants included in this guide that you don't usually see in houseplant books. There is some outdated language included, like reference to the wandering dude plant by another name, and some repetitive information.
Overall it's a fun guide with cute drawings of houseplants!
This is a cute book!
The book covers houseplants and their benefits. Specific houseplants are highlighted and the book covers their care, their benefits, and information on helping them thrive. There's some unique houseplants included in this guide that you don't usually see in houseplant books. There is some outdated language included, like reference to the wandering dude plant by another name, and some repetitive information.
Overall it's a fun guide with cute drawings of houseplants!
March 28, 2021
Helpful. As someone new to the world of houseplants I found this a very useful resource and appreciated the variety of indoor plants covered. However it did become repetitive after a while, such as the numerous statements that all effectively said, this plant removes toxins from the air. However I do feel all I need to know to get started is covered in this book and I don't need to go elsewhere.
May 27, 2021
Attractive but contains a number of pieces of outdated incorrect info such as the misconception that misting your plants makes a difference
May 28, 2021
Great little book. Full of interesting information about house plants. Definitely worth to have it if you are a plant lover.
November 23, 2021
So much great information!
January 18, 2022
Super! Lots of interesting tid bits about plants I didn't know! And I learnt I have a 'Flaming sword' plant, not a snake plant! Time to help it grow its flaming sword!
April 14, 2022
Not all the information was accurate. Cute illustrations.
December 16, 2022
Great read with perfect graphics to clearly share important info for success
January 10, 2023
More of a reference book than I thought it would be, but still enjoyable.
November 10, 2023
Fun and frivolous little book
December 31, 2023
Easy little planty read. Nothing earth-shattering and is a limited index of houseplants, but a handy guide with solid info and beautiful pages. Would make a great gift for a new plant parent.
May 9, 2021
I was immediately attracted to this weird looking plant at Walmart. My husband told me they sell those same plants at Lowe's, but better. We went to Lowe's & I came home with an adorable wee little tyke in a teeny black pot. I couldn't stop smiling & carrying it to whatever window was sunny. I had no clue what kind of plant I had. All I knew was I loved it. Thanks to this book I now know it's a Tiger Aloe & the book even says that the plant will make you happy. Dead accurate. It was a photo of this very plant that was the deciding factor for me to order this book.
The next plant this book convinced me to try was the Venus Fly trap. Again, a trip to Lowe's. They only had little terrarium kits that included a Pitcher Plant. I got three kits & so far they are doing very well, sprouting out of their moist mossy pots.
I then came across another plant in this book that I never had a name for. I have owned it for 26 years! To keep it going where I live now (a late 1700's historic log cabin), I use several grow lights & have it near a window. This plant is a Spineless Yucca. My cats love to chew it & vomit. I have to cover it in winter with row cover, bamboo stakes & clothes pins to keep the cats off it. In summer I put it outside.
You may or may not find it amusing to know that I am a full time eco farmer who knows very little about houseplants. I spend most of my time growing food crops & cotton; all chemical free. I have very little time, plus too many cats & too little light for houseplants. Or so I thought. The beauty of this book is that it clearly lists what each plant needs. It has given me ideas on how to incorporate more plants that should work in different areas of my home. For example the Maidenhair Fern. I believe I can hang this in front of a bedroom window. The cats wont get it, it will get sun & I will enjoy it's unique fluttering foliage.
The book lists which plants are toxic to pets & kids, their light needs, temperature needs, soil needs, which are best at clearing the air & what toxins they help to clear, "let's make babies", the growth rate, & even how they can make you feel with sections like "plants to calm & relax" & "plants to spark creativity."
The goal of this book is to encourage folks to reconnect with the natural world even if all one does is care for a houseplant or two. It's a great idea. Look at me, I work outdoors & I'm in love with the book. The beginning of the book works hard to convince the reader as to why they should have indoor plants. I agree with these points wholeheartedly. We are in a world where all I see & read about is how folks, even children are become more & more disconnected with the natural world. This isn't healthy for any of us, at any age.
With 50 plants to choose from, you are sure to find at least one to fall in love with. If you are anything like me, you'll easily find even more.
The next plant this book convinced me to try was the Venus Fly trap. Again, a trip to Lowe's. They only had little terrarium kits that included a Pitcher Plant. I got three kits & so far they are doing very well, sprouting out of their moist mossy pots.
I then came across another plant in this book that I never had a name for. I have owned it for 26 years! To keep it going where I live now (a late 1700's historic log cabin), I use several grow lights & have it near a window. This plant is a Spineless Yucca. My cats love to chew it & vomit. I have to cover it in winter with row cover, bamboo stakes & clothes pins to keep the cats off it. In summer I put it outside.
You may or may not find it amusing to know that I am a full time eco farmer who knows very little about houseplants. I spend most of my time growing food crops & cotton; all chemical free. I have very little time, plus too many cats & too little light for houseplants. Or so I thought. The beauty of this book is that it clearly lists what each plant needs. It has given me ideas on how to incorporate more plants that should work in different areas of my home. For example the Maidenhair Fern. I believe I can hang this in front of a bedroom window. The cats wont get it, it will get sun & I will enjoy it's unique fluttering foliage.
The book lists which plants are toxic to pets & kids, their light needs, temperature needs, soil needs, which are best at clearing the air & what toxins they help to clear, "let's make babies", the growth rate, & even how they can make you feel with sections like "plants to calm & relax" & "plants to spark creativity."
The goal of this book is to encourage folks to reconnect with the natural world even if all one does is care for a houseplant or two. It's a great idea. Look at me, I work outdoors & I'm in love with the book. The beginning of the book works hard to convince the reader as to why they should have indoor plants. I agree with these points wholeheartedly. We are in a world where all I see & read about is how folks, even children are become more & more disconnected with the natural world. This isn't healthy for any of us, at any age.
With 50 plants to choose from, you are sure to find at least one to fall in love with. If you are anything like me, you'll easily find even more.
July 18, 2021
I would describe this book as "House plant propaganda;" while propaganda is typically a dirty word, this particular variation is pretty pure. This book successfully manipulates its readers into doing something good for them and their environment by convincing them to go out and buy a house plant.
This is beautifully illustrated and provides concise reasoning on why you should get a house plant - namely, the psychological and environmental (i.e. air purifying) benefits. It offers a variety of ideas for house plants you could acquire and tips for proper care - where to put them, how often to repot them, how often you should water them, etc. I also appreciate that the author clearly noted which plants were toxic if consumed - as a cat owner, I can hardly trust my cat not to eat any plants I bring in to our apartment, so I have to be extra cautious on his behalf.
This is a very pretty book to have on my shelf and will also be a good reference for when I go get some house plants!
This is beautifully illustrated and provides concise reasoning on why you should get a house plant - namely, the psychological and environmental (i.e. air purifying) benefits. It offers a variety of ideas for house plants you could acquire and tips for proper care - where to put them, how often to repot them, how often you should water them, etc. I also appreciate that the author clearly noted which plants were toxic if consumed - as a cat owner, I can hardly trust my cat not to eat any plants I bring in to our apartment, so I have to be extra cautious on his behalf.
This is a very pretty book to have on my shelf and will also be a good reference for when I go get some house plants!
September 13, 2021
DK Publishing layout of photos mixed with simple text/infoboxes around the plant pictures. I enjoyed reading how the author interprets the mood, physical, and mental health impact that house plants have on our lives.
I don't usually do well with keeping house plants alive. There are several in this book that I've had in the past - and a few like the peace lily, that I've managed to keep alive for a few years.
I'd give it a go again and check out this book to make sure I'm caring for the plants properly. I've never had a primrose or African violet ever bloom for me after the first purchase.
I don't usually do well with keeping house plants alive. There are several in this book that I've had in the past - and a few like the peace lily, that I've managed to keep alive for a few years.
I'd give it a go again and check out this book to make sure I'm caring for the plants properly. I've never had a primrose or African violet ever bloom for me after the first purchase.
April 8, 2021
this is a v cute, v informative and v illustrative read for anyone who loves (or wants to love) houseplants! featuring some rare and more exotic houseplants, but also including some fan favorites like the snake plant, string of pearls, monstera, etc., this book has lots of helpful plant care tips and shows how they purify the air, bring life to a home, and how to propagate any plant you have! if you are new to plants, this could be a great resource to you! 🌱
rating: 📖📖📖 - i liked it
rating: 📖📖📖 - i liked it
February 26, 2022
Helpful
A quick read but very informative. I'm now feeling guilty for not realising I've been mistreating my houseplants for years! I bought this on kindle but I will get a paper copy so I can refer to it easily.
A quick read but very informative. I'm now feeling guilty for not realising I've been mistreating my houseplants for years! I bought this on kindle but I will get a paper copy so I can refer to it easily.
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