Status Updates From Plantopedia: The Definitive...

Solid but not worth full price--would buy at clearance! Fun to flip through & look at; an informational wish-list for plant lovers. Very introductory, not definitive, & geared to hotter climate than mine, esp cactus section. Fantastic visuals but some not-so-helpful photos too. Sometimes hypes up a species within genus yet doesn't show it (baseball plant). Perfect for start of my houseplant phase, but I'd outgrow it.

Australian writers makes for big cacti section, many of which are near impossible to grow indoors outside of that climate. Wish book made that clear. Difficulty often underrated. Variety of cacti/succulents surprising! Didn't know they had such variety. Confused why disimilar plants categorized as same genus; wish it elaborated on identifying. Authors include tips specific to each plant alongside general rules.

Love variety of plant shapes, sizes, colours! Text highlights 'architectual quality' of plants, though some photos don't quite do justice (close-ups or shots of young plants not always helpful). Many plants require similar care (how many need 'bright/indirect light' or 2 inches dry soil)? Wish the care level was more elaborate; many listed as novice level when I hear they're finnicky. Love looking through it though!

Book mostly aesthetic: beautiful to flip through. Information broad w/ glossary of terms for beginners. Wish there was a section on pruning or illustrated diagrams for plant growth. A visual catalogue for most houseplants. Notable ommissions: money tree, bamboo. Great pics, but some too close or people-focused. Socially conscious: land/colonial acknowledgements, organic solutions encouraged. Picture book for adults!