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Plant Coach: The Beginner's Guide to Caring for Plants and the Planet
Urban gardener, plantrepreneur, and star of Netflix’s Instant Dream Home "Farmer Nick" Nick Cutsumpas combines sustainability, science, and philosophy to coach new plant owners on how to find the right houseplants for their space and help them thriveDespite the abundance of resources on caring for houseplants, many people continue to struggle with their plant care or don’t even know where to begin on the journey to plant parenthood. An increasing number of young urbanites are filling their apartments with plants only to realize that they don't know what it takes to care for them long term. That’s because knowledge isn’t enough, and most people need a shift in plant perspective before they can start changing their behavior—houseplants are nature, not just furniture. This is why most people need a coach, someone to encourage them, give them the right game plan, and help them achieve their houseplant potential. Enter Nick Cutsumpas—plant coach, urban gardener, and Netflix personality—whose mission is to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to create their own green spaces. Plant Coach is his comprehensive guide for the everyday plant owner who wants to alleviate the stress of plant ownership while doing the best for their plants and the planet. Cutsumpas reframes what it means to be a plant parent by viewing the home as an ecosystem, introducing unconventional and sustainable plant tactics that go beyond the basic requirements of water and sunlight. Just as he does for his clients, Cutsumpas shares project ideas and coaches new plant owners on how to select and care for plants that are right for their space and lifestyle with deep insight and lighthearted fun. At the same time, he inspires readers to care for the planet, using houseplants as a stepping stone toward sustainability and environmental action.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 9, 2022
Honestly one of the most fun, colorful and educational guide on plant life causing an urge to go get some plants immediately.
October 1, 2022
I don't have a green thumb. I was hoping for a book with some good tips on growing houseplants and how to troubleshoot (like, why might my jade plant be dropping leaves, and how do I keep an African violet healthy?) but that's not what this is. Instead, it's more about why to, and how to, live with houseplants.
There are chapters about why plants are important, about loving the environment, how to figure out where to put plants in your house (making a "greenprint" for your home), and a bit of general advice on shopping for plants, choosing pots and doing things like washing leaves. There is some info about "how plants work," evaluating plants, and potting techniques.
Chapters have titles like "Welcome to My Bedroom," "Learning Your Plant Love Language," and "Preaching the Green Gospel." There are "Dear Human" letters from plants. There's a checklist for writing down things like what the humidity of your home is, whether there are hot and cool spots, pets that might bother plants, etc.
The last 35 pages are mostly dedicated to woodworking projects like building a big, complex wall shelf or a coffee table that you can plant succulents in the middle of. There are also instructions for making a succulent wreath, something I would actually consider doing.
This book largely focuses on the author's relationship to, and philosophy of, houseplants. There are lots of photos, some of which illustrate things discussed in the text (for example, the projects). But there are many more photos of the author himself (many of those full-page), showing him joyfully posing with plants, gazing at plants, surrounded by plants in his bedroom, etc. There are so many photos of the author that the book felt like a vanity project. More helpful photos would have been great.
Overall, if you are just thinking about growing houseplants and want encouragement to do that, or would like some tips on deciding where to place them in your home, some types of things to look for at the nursery, and a few general care tips, this book would be okay. And if you want big carpentry projects "that everyone should try," sure. But as someone looking for more substantial information about caring for houseplants, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I'll pass it on to a friend.
There are chapters about why plants are important, about loving the environment, how to figure out where to put plants in your house (making a "greenprint" for your home), and a bit of general advice on shopping for plants, choosing pots and doing things like washing leaves. There is some info about "how plants work," evaluating plants, and potting techniques.
Chapters have titles like "Welcome to My Bedroom," "Learning Your Plant Love Language," and "Preaching the Green Gospel." There are "Dear Human" letters from plants. There's a checklist for writing down things like what the humidity of your home is, whether there are hot and cool spots, pets that might bother plants, etc.
The last 35 pages are mostly dedicated to woodworking projects like building a big, complex wall shelf or a coffee table that you can plant succulents in the middle of. There are also instructions for making a succulent wreath, something I would actually consider doing.
This book largely focuses on the author's relationship to, and philosophy of, houseplants. There are lots of photos, some of which illustrate things discussed in the text (for example, the projects). But there are many more photos of the author himself (many of those full-page), showing him joyfully posing with plants, gazing at plants, surrounded by plants in his bedroom, etc. There are so many photos of the author that the book felt like a vanity project. More helpful photos would have been great.
Overall, if you are just thinking about growing houseplants and want encouragement to do that, or would like some tips on deciding where to place them in your home, some types of things to look for at the nursery, and a few general care tips, this book would be okay. And if you want big carpentry projects "that everyone should try," sure. But as someone looking for more substantial information about caring for houseplants, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. I'll pass it on to a friend.
January 16, 2026
I decided to purchase Plant Coach: The Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Plants and the Planet after flipping through its pages and spotting a photo of a Dieffenbachia that looked far healthier than the one in our home. Something about that vibrant plant felt like a gentle nudge — an invitation to learn how to give mine the same chance to thrive.
Outside of work and reading, I’m a true nature lover. During the winter months, when I can’t immerse myself in the green spaces I adore, I turn to my growing collection of houseplants to fill that void. Tending to them brings me so much joy; each new leaf feels like a small celebration. Still, there are moments when I may notice a plant struggling and realize it needs more from me than I currently know how to give. Those moments send me searching for ways to improve their environment, deepen my understanding, and become a better caretaker for the little pieces of nature I keep indoors.
One of the core ideas in the book is reframing your home: it’s more than just a place to keep plants. By thinking in ecosystem terms, you're encouraged to consider the interactions between light, air, humidity, soil, and how your plants live together. The book helps you “assess your space,” observing conditions that affect how well plants can thrive.
The book introduces the idea that our homes function as living ecosystems, and that the choices we make, how we arrange our plants, what materials we use, and how we understand their needs—shape the health of that ecosystem. That perspective resonates with me. It turns plant care into something more meaningful: a relationship with the space I live in and the living things I welcome into it.
Outside of work and reading, I’m a true nature lover. During the winter months, when I can’t immerse myself in the green spaces I adore, I turn to my growing collection of houseplants to fill that void. Tending to them brings me so much joy; each new leaf feels like a small celebration. Still, there are moments when I may notice a plant struggling and realize it needs more from me than I currently know how to give. Those moments send me searching for ways to improve their environment, deepen my understanding, and become a better caretaker for the little pieces of nature I keep indoors.
One of the core ideas in the book is reframing your home: it’s more than just a place to keep plants. By thinking in ecosystem terms, you're encouraged to consider the interactions between light, air, humidity, soil, and how your plants live together. The book helps you “assess your space,” observing conditions that affect how well plants can thrive.
The book introduces the idea that our homes function as living ecosystems, and that the choices we make, how we arrange our plants, what materials we use, and how we understand their needs—shape the health of that ecosystem. That perspective resonates with me. It turns plant care into something more meaningful: a relationship with the space I live in and the living things I welcome into it.
February 16, 2023
Houseplants contribute massively to my sanity in the ultra-urban NYC life. Before this, in Chicago, I had a whole forest. Reading Nick's engaging lessons-learnt and holistic advice for plant parents has added to my treatment of plant babies. The plant-centric furniture/home decor he's designed will be adorning my home in the future (I mean just look at the plant-river table!) A keepsake for sure ~~~
November 24, 2023
I love Nick, I follow him on Instagram and loved him on Instant Makeover so I was excited to read this book. After finishing it I give it an average rating. I was hoping for more.
The book could of used more knowledge and less jokes. I know that’s Nicks personality but it felt at times there were more jokes then information.
My other issue was with the pictures. There were times I wish he had written what kind of plants were in each picture because I had no idea, other then the one section he had on different plant care types where he identifies a few plants in the pictures. He also had a whole section of pests but not a single picture of what those pest looked like and I had to look each up on my phone. Instead the book was filled with goofy pictures of Nick with Planters on his head and photos of him interacting with plants but didn’t relate necessarily to what he was talking about. It just felt like he wasn’t quite sure what pictures to fill the book with.
I still love Nick but this is just my honest opinion of the book. I did learn a few things as a new plant daddy but I’ll be looking for a more in-depth book.
The book could of used more knowledge and less jokes. I know that’s Nicks personality but it felt at times there were more jokes then information.
My other issue was with the pictures. There were times I wish he had written what kind of plants were in each picture because I had no idea, other then the one section he had on different plant care types where he identifies a few plants in the pictures. He also had a whole section of pests but not a single picture of what those pest looked like and I had to look each up on my phone. Instead the book was filled with goofy pictures of Nick with Planters on his head and photos of him interacting with plants but didn’t relate necessarily to what he was talking about. It just felt like he wasn’t quite sure what pictures to fill the book with.
I still love Nick but this is just my honest opinion of the book. I did learn a few things as a new plant daddy but I’ll be looking for a more in-depth book.
October 6, 2022
Thank you Abrams Image and Goodreads for this arc. I have never been good at choosing houseplants nor knowing how to care for them. I found this guide great for knowing what types of houseplants to buy for the home, locations in the home for plants to thrive, and how to care for them. I especially enjoyed the beautiful photos and illustrations in this book!
March 22, 2023
The best plant book in my opinion! Very interesting with colourfun pictures and a lot of knowledge!!! I absolutely recommend, I think it is a book every one should read and have in their collection. Please make yourself a gift, (and one for your plant) and buy this masterpiece! You’ll have a lot of fun reading it, I promis!! (From someone who worked in a flower shop)
October 25, 2022
Loved the colored pages and good advice!
July 12, 2023
I liked the idea that plants and our homes/other people/pets formed an ecosystem.
There are some good tips to help if a plant is not thriving in a particular location.
There are some good tips to help if a plant is not thriving in a particular location.
Read
September 27, 2023good for very novice plant parents
October 11, 2023
3.5 who knew a houseplant book could be so comical!
October 26, 2022
A fun, enjoyable, guide to plants and bringing more of them into your life. This is definitely a beginner's guide, as it states. If you're looking for more in depth details for plant maintenance this may not be the best choice. Overall this book has good photos, useful information, and is written with an enjoyable sense of humor.
Won in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Won in a Goodreads Giveaway.
July 4, 2023
Very basic plant care book including topics of how to select plant, watering, pests, pot selection, light and humidity. interesting bits, definitely not a comprehensive book for beginners.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews