Darryl Cheng

If you read only one book on house plants, make it be The New Plant Parent by Darryl Cheng. Cheng writes clearly and engagingly, and rather than simply reiterating the same old information that gets recycled from book to book, he explains what common phrases such as "bright indirect light" and "avoid overwatering" actually mean. The photos and illustrations are lovely, and the text has a non-intimidating, friendly tone. I especially like that he focuses on house plants not as decor, but as living things that deserve the best life you can give them. I do wish that more plant species had been included, but the ones that were covered were ones that Cheng clearly had personal experience growing. I was fascinated with the series of photos that showed the same plant over several months or even years - very helpful to give the beginner an idea of what to expect from their own plants. I've read many books on house plants, but this is the best one I have found so far. Highly recommended.… (más)

In my many years of growing plants I have managed to kill a number of plants; though, I will say in my defense they have been mostly foliage plants. I also grow orchid, which have a reputation of being difficult plants to raise. I disagree with the later assessment as I find foliage plans more demanding.
I recently came across a reference to this book in the New York Times and I immediately checked it out of the local library and I am happy that I did. Let me say that there was not really any new information in the book; however, it was presented in a manner that was both logical and enlightening. In one way he turned plant growing on its head by focusing first on light requirements and then on soil requirements. Watering is still important; however, watering depend upon both the amount of light the plant receives and the soil structure. Fertilizer is only briefly mentioned.
I reevaluated how I was caring form y foliage plants after reading this book. It has been only about a week since I have made some changes which is too short of a period for me to notice any changes in the plants so I cannot tell if the advice is good. I will probably have to amend this review is a couple of months.… (más)