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Houseplants for Beginners: A Simple Guide for New Plant Parents for Making Houseplants Thrive
Choose the right houseplants for your space and then help them thrive with Houseplants for Beginners at your side.
Having happy, healthy plants can make a space feel happy and healthy too. They add color, texture, and beauty—and can also improve air quality. For new plant parents eager for these benefits, this affordable, adapted edition of Houseplants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf offers easy-to-understand information and advice.
Each chapter deals with a key element of houseplant care, including light, water, soil, potting, and containers. The book also offers details on how to pick the right plants for your specific living situation.
Go beyond just keeping your plants alive to understanding how to make them thrive. With Houseplants for Beginners, you will
How to choose the right plants for your space and lifestyle The specific needs of each plant species you have chosen Care essentials, including light, soil, and watering basics
This book is organized to take you from starter plants to caring for more adventurous choices like tropical, climbing, and flowering species. This is the resource you can depend on to take you from your very first plant to seasoned plant parent.
Having happy, healthy plants can make a space feel happy and healthy too. They add color, texture, and beauty—and can also improve air quality. For new plant parents eager for these benefits, this affordable, adapted edition of Houseplants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf offers easy-to-understand information and advice.
Each chapter deals with a key element of houseplant care, including light, water, soil, potting, and containers. The book also offers details on how to pick the right plants for your specific living situation.
Go beyond just keeping your plants alive to understanding how to make them thrive. With Houseplants for Beginners, you will
How to choose the right plants for your space and lifestyle The specific needs of each plant species you have chosen Care essentials, including light, soil, and watering basics
This book is organized to take you from starter plants to caring for more adventurous choices like tropical, climbing, and flowering species. This is the resource you can depend on to take you from your very first plant to seasoned plant parent.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2023
7 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 30, 2023
This is an excellent book for everyone who wants to start or already has some plants at home and wants to know more about them and their care. I learned new info about some plants that I have at home and will use that to keep them healthy. Photos inside are useful for easier identification of plants. Another thing that is helpful for beginners is dividing the plants for the easiness of growing the houseplants, perfect for choosing plants to grow. A lovely book that I enjoyed reading, and taking notes from it, and will keep it for future use too.
September 12, 2023
There is this basic guide on the plantation process. Author kept it very simple and useful. She took care of every single element important in planting a sapling.
Here she included many plants that can be planted to keep in house and decorate the area with greenery.There were names of the plants that looks good in houses.
5 sections divided the method into:
Planting
Watering/Fertilizer
Lighting
Problem Solving
Plant Profiles
Well, this is one of the few acts I would like to get my hands dirty in. There is a depth in explaining briefly about which plants demands sunlight from which direction. Some need direct and some even needs indirect sunlight also. One need to watch for pest control also, and saving plants from pests by keeping them quarantine.
I liked this guide-book for it made me learn some new things from the ones I already trying while gardening.
My NetGalley reviews
Here she included many plants that can be planted to keep in house and decorate the area with greenery.There were names of the plants that looks good in houses.
5 sections divided the method into:
Planting
Watering/Fertilizer
Lighting
Problem Solving
Plant Profiles
Well, this is one of the few acts I would like to get my hands dirty in. There is a depth in explaining briefly about which plants demands sunlight from which direction. Some need direct and some even needs indirect sunlight also. One need to watch for pest control also, and saving plants from pests by keeping them quarantine.
I liked this guide-book for it made me learn some new things from the ones I already trying while gardening.
My NetGalley reviews
July 31, 2023
SO HELPFUL. I’m notoriously bad with plants… like I pretty much kill any plant I touch and there’s just sooo much information on the internet that I just get overwhelmed and even more confused. This was super easy to read, the layout was great and the pictures and diagrams were really helpful. She talks about planting, watering and lighting among other things. Some pretty basic stuff but that’s what I needed. I’d love to have a physical copy on hand to refer to when I need it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2023
What a great find this book was! First off, Eldred Steinkopf assures us that there is no such thing as a green thumb. Music to my ears!
This book has everything a beginner need but includes enough to keep an intermediately experiences hobbyist's interested as well. The guide is broken into 5 sections including Planting, Watering/Fertilizer, Lighting, Problem Solving and final chapter on Plant Profiles. I found all to be helpful but loved the problem solving and the fantastic index at the end which included plants organized by care difficulty. If you have a plant or two in your home, this book is the guide for you!
#Quarto #Houseplantsforbeginners #Lisaeldredsteinkopf
This book has everything a beginner need but includes enough to keep an intermediately experiences hobbyist's interested as well. The guide is broken into 5 sections including Planting, Watering/Fertilizer, Lighting, Problem Solving and final chapter on Plant Profiles. I found all to be helpful but loved the problem solving and the fantastic index at the end which included plants organized by care difficulty. If you have a plant or two in your home, this book is the guide for you!
#Quarto #Houseplantsforbeginners #Lisaeldredsteinkopf
August 9, 2023
Houseplants for Beginner’s
The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants
Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
For me there is something special about having a house plant to nurture. I love African Violets for their beautiful blooms and Wandering Jew for the variety of leaves and color. Plants add a sense of home to a house. Plants have an added benefit of cleaning the air.
Be prepared to get your hands dirty. The time comes when the plant you have nurtured will need to be repotted. You will need to assess whether the plant is root-bound or undernourished. Does the plant need new pot to match your décor? Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf offers a list of potting supplies and discusses repotting and up-potting. There are photos to help the reader understand the process.
When you are just beginning to raise houseplants, you may ask yourself when do I water my plant and how much. Equally important is how much fertilizer should I use. Some plants require more water than others, some plants are watered from the bottom and others from the top, with some plants you should avoid getting water on their leaves.
In the winter I like to use a plant light on my leafy friends. Some plants take more light than others. Some plants need indirect light while others like direct sunlight. You also need to consider whether your plant will receive east, west, north or south light.
Houseplants can get pests! How dare a mite attack one of my precious house plants. It is best to quarantine a new houseplant for about a month to determine if it has any unwanted pests and to protect your other plants. There are also diseases and other damage to watch for.
Some plants are easy to grow and some not so easy. The author has divided the plants into “three groups, easy to grow, moderately easy to grow, and challenging to grow.” Just because a plant is easy to grow doesn’t mean you can neglect the plant completely and neither does it mean the plant is undesirable. Air plants are supposed to be one of the easiest to grow and yet I have very little luck with them. An African Violet is in the moderately easy to grow group. They are a small plant preferring an east window and a plant light. Keep the plant medium consistently moist. Since this is a book for beginners the author does not focus on hard to raise plants.
Well written, chockfull of information that even a seasoned plant lover can learn from.
The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants
Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
For me there is something special about having a house plant to nurture. I love African Violets for their beautiful blooms and Wandering Jew for the variety of leaves and color. Plants add a sense of home to a house. Plants have an added benefit of cleaning the air.
Be prepared to get your hands dirty. The time comes when the plant you have nurtured will need to be repotted. You will need to assess whether the plant is root-bound or undernourished. Does the plant need new pot to match your décor? Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf offers a list of potting supplies and discusses repotting and up-potting. There are photos to help the reader understand the process.
When you are just beginning to raise houseplants, you may ask yourself when do I water my plant and how much. Equally important is how much fertilizer should I use. Some plants require more water than others, some plants are watered from the bottom and others from the top, with some plants you should avoid getting water on their leaves.
In the winter I like to use a plant light on my leafy friends. Some plants take more light than others. Some plants need indirect light while others like direct sunlight. You also need to consider whether your plant will receive east, west, north or south light.
Houseplants can get pests! How dare a mite attack one of my precious house plants. It is best to quarantine a new houseplant for about a month to determine if it has any unwanted pests and to protect your other plants. There are also diseases and other damage to watch for.
Some plants are easy to grow and some not so easy. The author has divided the plants into “three groups, easy to grow, moderately easy to grow, and challenging to grow.” Just because a plant is easy to grow doesn’t mean you can neglect the plant completely and neither does it mean the plant is undesirable. Air plants are supposed to be one of the easiest to grow and yet I have very little luck with them. An African Violet is in the moderately easy to grow group. They are a small plant preferring an east window and a plant light. Keep the plant medium consistently moist. Since this is a book for beginners the author does not focus on hard to raise plants.
Well written, chockfull of information that even a seasoned plant lover can learn from.
April 29, 2025
"Houseplants for Beginners: A Simple Guide for New Plant Parents for Making Houseplants Thrive" by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf is a straightforward guide designed to introduce newcomers to the world of indoor plant care. The book covers essential topics such as selecting appropriate plants, understanding light requirements, watering techniques, soil composition, and basic maintenance practices.
Steinkopf presents the information in an accessible manner, making it suitable for readers with little to no prior experience with houseplants. The book is organized in a way that progresses from basic concepts to more intermediate care, which could be helpful for those looking to expand their knowledge over time.
While the book provides a solid foundation for beginners, it may lack the depth or nuanced information that more experienced plant enthusiasts might seek. The inclusion of more detailed plant profiles or advanced troubleshooting tips could have broadened its appeal. It also did not inspire me to become a plant enthusiast as I had hoped.
Overall, "Houseplants for Beginners" serves as a decent introductory resource for individuals starting their houseplant journey. It delivers fundamental information in a clear and concise format, making it a practical tool for those seeking to cultivate plants.
Steinkopf presents the information in an accessible manner, making it suitable for readers with little to no prior experience with houseplants. The book is organized in a way that progresses from basic concepts to more intermediate care, which could be helpful for those looking to expand their knowledge over time.
While the book provides a solid foundation for beginners, it may lack the depth or nuanced information that more experienced plant enthusiasts might seek. The inclusion of more detailed plant profiles or advanced troubleshooting tips could have broadened its appeal. It also did not inspire me to become a plant enthusiast as I had hoped.
Overall, "Houseplants for Beginners" serves as a decent introductory resource for individuals starting their houseplant journey. It delivers fundamental information in a clear and concise format, making it a practical tool for those seeking to cultivate plants.
August 6, 2023
Even for an experienced houseplant grower there are some great tidbits of advice here. I really liked the section on repotting and up-potting, since the author explains the reasons behind the process and what can happen if you up-pot to pot that's too big for your plant.
The book walks you through best watering practices, drainage, fertilizing, trimming, and propagating your plants. I found the section on trimming to be the most helpful for me, as I've always wondered if I should, when I should, and how much was too much. There are chapters on natural and electric light, problem solving, and types of plant pests and how to deal with them.
Finally, the book ends with plant profiles rated by ease of growing. There are beautiful photos for each variety and extensive information including light preferences, watering, flower, size, and propagation for each time.
This is truly a beautiful gift for yourself or a friend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for an advance reader's copy.
The book walks you through best watering practices, drainage, fertilizing, trimming, and propagating your plants. I found the section on trimming to be the most helpful for me, as I've always wondered if I should, when I should, and how much was too much. There are chapters on natural and electric light, problem solving, and types of plant pests and how to deal with them.
Finally, the book ends with plant profiles rated by ease of growing. There are beautiful photos for each variety and extensive information including light preferences, watering, flower, size, and propagation for each time.
This is truly a beautiful gift for yourself or a friend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for an advance reader's copy.
October 29, 2023
I am relatively new in the field of houseplants and in the last two years since started my own collection of plants I killed at least two plants. I usually buy plants and then search online, only to discover that they are of the difficult kind. Houseplants for Beginners is a good resource for anyone starting their houseplant journey. Indeed, having your own indoors garden is a great idea, but it requires attention,dedication and the right information. I was able to find a lot of information ahout watering and re-potting,as well as a detailed selection of different plants and how to treat them well. I wish I knew it as I was starting my journey, but nevertheless, it is never too late to get the proper expertise from the right source.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2023
Despite an appealing clean layout, and color photographs, the text is the real gem of this title. In detail, and without word salad, the author goes into how to choose, and care for your new plants.
I’ve grown outside stuff for years, and have talked about growing stuff indoors for ages, but tend to get overwhelmed (is it pet safe? Is it relatively simple to care for?). Historically, I’ve had a black thumb for indoor plants as in every time I’ve tried I wind up with the same result - nearly dead plants that I wind up giving to better houseplant parents so they don’t meet an early demise. The sense of overwhelm combined with my black thumb has frozen me for a long time but this book helped calm my worries and lead me toward the plant store once again with hope.
Thank you to New Shoe Press and NetGalley for the DRC!
I’ve grown outside stuff for years, and have talked about growing stuff indoors for ages, but tend to get overwhelmed (is it pet safe? Is it relatively simple to care for?). Historically, I’ve had a black thumb for indoor plants as in every time I’ve tried I wind up with the same result - nearly dead plants that I wind up giving to better houseplant parents so they don’t meet an early demise. The sense of overwhelm combined with my black thumb has frozen me for a long time but this book helped calm my worries and lead me toward the plant store once again with hope.
Thank you to New Shoe Press and NetGalley for the DRC!
July 28, 2023
I'd buy this today! The cover is beautiful and it specifically indicates it's for beginners.
Plants are beautiful, but they are also good for you. They help oxygenate your room. This book has two sectiones. Basic care information and individual plant information. In the latter section it tells you 5-6 interesting facts light, watering, flower, size and propagation. The photos are beautiful and very helpful. The first half of the book is knowledge and care. There are smaller photos with specific information. This is for the beginner that is interested in bringing a plant into their home or office. Even people that have plants, may not really know what they're doing. What a lovely gift. Give them this book and a plant. I can't wait to buy this book.
Plants are beautiful, but they are also good for you. They help oxygenate your room. This book has two sectiones. Basic care information and individual plant information. In the latter section it tells you 5-6 interesting facts light, watering, flower, size and propagation. The photos are beautiful and very helpful. The first half of the book is knowledge and care. There are smaller photos with specific information. This is for the beginner that is interested in bringing a plant into their home or office. Even people that have plants, may not really know what they're doing. What a lovely gift. Give them this book and a plant. I can't wait to buy this book.
August 16, 2023
This book will be quite useful to novices who want to have happy houseplants. Those with some experience may also find that they learn something in these pages.
Following a useful introduction this book is broken down into sections on planting, watering & fertilizer, lighting, problem solving, and plant profiles.
I liked the author’s encouraging and low key style. She is a good guide. Her text is accompanied by both photos and helpful graphics.
I especially liked the information on plants that are easy to grow. In that way, a gardener can be set up for success.
Highly recommended to those who want to be surrounded by healthy plants.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title.
Following a useful introduction this book is broken down into sections on planting, watering & fertilizer, lighting, problem solving, and plant profiles.
I liked the author’s encouraging and low key style. She is a good guide. Her text is accompanied by both photos and helpful graphics.
I especially liked the information on plants that are easy to grow. In that way, a gardener can be set up for success.
Highly recommended to those who want to be surrounded by healthy plants.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title.
February 1, 2024
Houseplants for Beginners by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf is a great starter book for anyone wanting to learn more about houseplants.
It’c nicely divided into five chapters: Planting; Watering and Fertiliser; Lighting; Problem Solving; Plant Profiles.
The chapters are nicely laid out and the information is not overwhelming for plant novices. There are eighty-eight profiles of house-plants that are easy to take care of with clear instructions on how to do so.
I’ve never had much luck with houseplants, so was really keen to read this book and I feel that I should be able to grow one of the plants successfully now.
It’c nicely divided into five chapters: Planting; Watering and Fertiliser; Lighting; Problem Solving; Plant Profiles.
The chapters are nicely laid out and the information is not overwhelming for plant novices. There are eighty-eight profiles of house-plants that are easy to take care of with clear instructions on how to do so.
I’ve never had much luck with houseplants, so was really keen to read this book and I feel that I should be able to grow one of the plants successfully now.
August 29, 2023
Thank You NetGalley for digital ebook arc.
I loved this book. Labeled for beginners, I think this book has something for those who have more experience as well. I loved the pictures throughout the book and the front cover. The author does a great job of breaking down each chapter. She gives information that is very detailed, but not overwhelming. I also enjoyed the breakdown into individual plants and information on watering, fertilizing, propagating, diseases, etc. This is a book to keep rereading and reference when having plant questions.
I loved this book. Labeled for beginners, I think this book has something for those who have more experience as well. I loved the pictures throughout the book and the front cover. The author does a great job of breaking down each chapter. She gives information that is very detailed, but not overwhelming. I also enjoyed the breakdown into individual plants and information on watering, fertilizing, propagating, diseases, etc. This is a book to keep rereading and reference when having plant questions.
July 31, 2023
Good book for people wanting to get houseplants and keeping them alive. The reader learns which houseplants are good for them, because not everyone has a green thumb. Good book for anyone wanting a quick overview of choices that are out there, the plants that needs the least from you to the plants that needs just a little bit more.
August 17, 2023
This is an excellent reference book for beginner houseplant parents. It has great tips in the first part of the book that I had to scour the internet for when I first started. The houseplants chosen to be included in the second part of the book as east to moderate care and include the care instructions as well as other pertinent details.
A great resource to have on your shelf.
A great resource to have on your shelf.
September 7, 2023
This is a good basic book for beginners, as promised. It goes into grooming, propagating, potting, fertilizing, etc. and then gives profiles and directions for many easy care plants and a few moderate care plants, with photos and details for each. There are already many great books of this type, but this is a good one.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
August 12, 2023
Maybe this book is what I have needed to go from burying plant to actually being a gardener. Only time will tell. I just reviewed Houseplants for Beginners by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf. #HouseplantsforBeginners #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
[NetGalley URL]
September 17, 2023
Best part of the book? The huge list of easy to grow plants followed by an intro to each with important info such as light preference, watering and propagation. There is also a similar list and intro for plants that will be moderately easy to grow.
October 17, 2025
I had the pleasure of hearing the author speak. This is a great guide for those that have a death thumb. This book explains plant types but also deciphers plant terminology. I'd highly recommend it for some trying to become a plant person.
July 31, 2023
Excellent catalog of houseplant information! I really enjoyed the section on trouble shooting issues! So many pretty plant pictures!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
December 30, 2023
Great book for beginner or even a more experienced plant parent. Good information & arrangement.
April 4, 2024
Very informative, just what I needed to learn more about my wonderful selection of houseplants!
November 1, 2023
It's a good book if you want your own indoor garden its simple and easy to understand
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews