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The Pocket House Plant
Expert
Book Review by
Trevor Edwards
3rd Septembert 2002
 This
book's convenient size makes it an easy to 'go
anywhere' reference book. The A - Z has full
colour illustrations of hundreds of the House
Plants that you are likely to find at your local
garden centre or plant shop. Each page provides
detailed information and colour illustrations
on at least two plants and gives guidance on
location, watering, propagation and aftercare
of green, and flowering, house and conservatory
plants.
Each of the subjects is primarily identified
by the all-important Genus, or botanical name,
followed by the common name. The plant type
(House plant or Pot plant) is identified together
with a general description. Each plant type
has a list of varieties together with their
height (metric) and flower colours (where appropriate).
Space limitations allow for only one colour
photograph and one colour illustration. Thankfully,
since this is a very recent publication, all
of the species or varieties listed should be
readily available.
I
was particularly impressed with the clever and
easy to use tables which give guidance on location
(temperature and light), watering, aftercare
(repotting & other tasks) and propagation.
Each plant in the A-Z list has two location
numbers, one relating to temperature and one
for light requirements. Simply look up the numbers
on the inside front cover. Similarly, to find
the best methods of propagation, watering and
aftercare, simply look up the table numbers
on the inside back cover.
Plant care issues, such as warmth, lighting,
watering, humidity, and feeding, are dealt with
concisely and the final pages cover topics such
as increasing your stock, plant death, pests
and diseases and cultural problems. In addition,
there is a useful glossary of terms which serves
to de-mystify many of the blasé terms
used by the expert and experienced.
A
terrific little book for £3.99 - Use it
to select a House plant for a specific spot
or find the perfect location for the generous
gift. It will save you money - no HOME should
be without one!
Book: The Pocket House Plant Expert
Author: Dr D.G Hessayon
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Price:
£3.99
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