Houseplants for each place and occasion

Plants are awesome 

…and never forget that fact. They are the basis of all land-based ecosystems, underpin the vast majority of the food that we eat, medicines that we use, clothes that we wear, and construction materials used to build our homes. It has been proven that keeping houseplants in our offices and homes increases our productivity and mental well-being. They can also give us a cathartic ritual that can help us escape from the stresses of our day-to-day lives. Our green companions also soften the architecture of our corner filled homes, and shrub the air we breathe. 


Keeping houseplants doesn’t have to be a pain. They are many suited to starters or people who do not have a lot of time to care for them. If you fancy more of a challenge then there are more options to choose from. My advice to any budding plant enthusiast is to get to know your plant. Learn where the warmest parts of your home are, watch out for any signs of stress, see if the soil is dry, look out for wilting leaves and treat appropriately. One of my core principles of keeping houseplants is to water little and often. Ensure that the top portion of soil dries out until the next water. Over-watering is generally more of an issue faced by plant enthusiasts. To check the top layer of soil, poke your finger into it. That’s the best advice I can offer. Afterall, keeping houseplants is supposed to be a joy. 


Another piece of advice I can offer is to keep your houseplant collections streamlined. You want to ensure that you can really appreciate the beauty of each of your houseplants rather than having them merge into one and other. This can also create some degree of competition causing some harm to your plants. You also want to concentrate on the plants that grow well in your home. You can make some modifications to your home but sometimes it’s still not sufficient. Not all plants can grow in our unique microclimates, particularly in the northern hemisphere. It's a thrill to bring a new houseplant into your home and so it should remain that way. 

My top 10 houseplant book recommendations

1. Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to House Plants by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan

Plantopedia is a comprehensive reference book for indoor plant enthusiasts, offering detailed guidance on over 150 houseplant species. The book is both visually appealing and practical, featuring stunning photography alongside useful information.

The guide is organised into sections that include plant profiles, care instructions, and troubleshooting tips. Each plant profile covers essential details such as light, water, humidity, and soil requirements, making it easy for both beginners and experienced gardeners to select and care for their plants.

Camilleri and Kaplan, founders of the popular plant shop Leaf Supply, provide advice on how to display plants in the home, propagate new plants, and maintain a thriving indoor garden. In addition to care instructions, the authors address plant health, offering advice on identifying and treating common pests and diseases. Beautifully designed and user-friendly, Plantopedia serves as both an informative resource and a source of inspiration, making it an essential guide for anyone looking to bring nature indoors.


2. The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing House Plants: The Art and Science to Grow Your Own House Plants by Kay Maguire

The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing House Plants: is an accessible and beautifully illustrated guide, combining expert knowledge with practical advice on cultivating houseplants. Drawing on the renowned expertise of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the book offers a balanced mix of horticultural science and creative inspiration.


The guide features profiles of 75 popular houseplants, covering their care needs such as watering, light, humidity, and repotting, alongside practical tips for growing them successfully. It also provides step-by-step projects, such as creating terrariums, moss balls, and hanging displays, designed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and wellbeing of plants within the home.


With clear instructions and plenty of visuals, the book is suitable for both beginners and experienced indoor gardeners. Maguire also covers troubleshooting common plant problems and suggests ways to keep houseplants thriving. Incorporating the science behind plant care with creative techniques, The Kew Gardener's Guide is a valuable resource for anyone keen on houseplants, blending education with inspiration to help readers nurture their own indoor green spaces.


3. Leaf Supply: A guide to keeping happy house plants by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kapl

This book is a practical and visually captivating guide designed to help readers care for and cultivate thriving indoor plants. The authors, founders of the popular plant store Leaf Supply, share their expertise on choosing, maintaining, and styling houseplants to create lush, green spaces in the home.


The book offers detailed profiles of a wide variety of houseplants, from easy-care options to more exotic species, providing essential care information such as light, water, soil, and humidity needs. It is designed to be accessible for beginners but also informative for more experienced plant lovers.


In addition to plant care tips, the authors provide advice on selecting the right plants for specific environments, creating balanced plant displays, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of a space. There are also sections on repotting, propagation, and troubleshooting common issues like pests and diseases.


Beautifully illustrated with plant photography and a modern design, Leaf Supply serves as both a practical guide and an inspiring resource for anyone looking to nurture happy, healthy houseplants and bring greenery into their home.


4. The New Plant Parent: Develop Your Green Thumb and Care for Your House-Plant Family by Darryl Cheng 

The New Plant Parent offers a fresh, science-based approach to houseplant care, challenging traditional advice and focusing on understanding plants' natural needs. Cheng, the creator of the popular blog House Plant Journal, encourages plant owners to think beyond rigid rules and instead cultivate a deeper understanding of how plants grow and respond to their environment.


The book covers essential topics such as light, watering, humidity, and soil, but emphasises adaptability and observation. Cheng explains how to interpret plant signals, like the condition of leaves or soil moisture, helping readers learn how to meet their plants' needs in real-time. His approach advocates for flexibility and a long-term relationship with plants, making care more intuitive and less about following strict schedules.


Alongside practical care tips, Cheng offers advice on choosing the right plants for different spaces, setting realistic expectations, and developing a mindset that embraces the learning process. The book also features plenty of visuals, including photos and illustrations that help readers understand plant growth and care requirements.


The New Plant Parent is ideal for both beginners and experienced indoor gardeners looking to improve their plant care through a thoughtful, personalised approach, blending practicality with a deep appreciation for plants' natural behaviours.


5. Root, Nurture, Grow: The Essential Guide to Propagating and Sharing Houseplants by Caro Langton and Rose Ray

This book is a practical and inspiring guide focused on the art of plant propagation. Designed for both beginners and experienced plant lovers, the book teaches readers how to multiply and share their houseplants through various propagation techniques.


The guide covers essential propagation methods such as taking cuttings, division, and growing plants from seeds or bulbs. Langton and Ray offer step-by-step instructions, accompanied by clear photographs, to ensure success at every stage of the process. They also explore the science behind plant growth, making it easier to understand how plants develop from simple cuttings into fully grown specimens.


In addition to the practical know-how, the book encourages readers to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and connection with nature through the propagation process. It also touches on the joy of sharing plants with others, promoting the idea of giving propagated plants as gifts or swapping with fellow plant enthusiasts. With its blend of technical instruction and creative inspiration, Root, Nurture, Grow is a must-have resource for anyone interested in growing their own houseplant collection or enjoying the rewarding experience of plant propagation.


6. Urban Botanics: An Indoor Plant Guide for Modern Gardeners by Maaike Koster and Emma Sibley 

Urban Botanics: An Indoor Plant Guide for Modern Gardeners by Maaike Koster and Emma Sibley is a stylish and practical guide tailored to contemporary plant enthusiasts looking to incorporate greenery into urban living spaces. With a focus on both aesthetics and care, the book provides guidance on selecting and maintaining houseplants that thrive indoors.


The guide features detailed profiles of 70 houseplants, offering essential information on light, water, temperature, and humidity requirements, along with troubleshooting common issues. Each plant profile is accompanied by beautiful botanical illustrations by Maaike Koster, adding an artistic touch to the practical advice.


In addition to plant care, the authors share tips on styling plants within modern interiors, helping readers integrate greenery into small or minimalistic spaces. The book emphasises low-maintenance plants that suit busy, urban lifestyles, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited space.


Urban Botanics is a perfect resource for modern gardeners who want to combine the beauty of plants with the constraints of city living, blending plant care knowledge with design inspiration to create a harmonious urban jungle.


7. Flora: Inside the Secret World of Plants by DK and Kew Gardens

Flora is a visually stunning and scientifically rich exploration of the plant kingdom. Drawing on the expertise of Kew Gardens, the book offers an in-depth look at the biology, diversity, and ecological importance of plants, making it accessible to both plant enthusiasts and general readers.


The book covers a wide range of topics, from the inner workings of plant anatomy, photosynthesis, and reproduction to the various adaptations that allow plants to thrive in different environments. Lavishly illustrated with detailed botanical art and photography, Flora also highlights fascinating plant species from around the world, showcasing their unique features and roles in ecosystems.


In addition to its scientific focus, the book delves into the cultural and historical significance of plants, exploring their uses in medicine, food, and art. With expert insights from the botanists at Kew Gardens, Flora serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the plant world. Ideal for nature lovers, gardeners, and anyone interested in the natural world, Flora reveals the hidden stories of plants and their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth


8. The Plant Rescuer: The book your houseplants want you to read by Sarah Gerrard-Jones 

The Plant Rescuer is a practical guide dedicated to reviving struggling houseplants and maintaining their long-term health. Designed for plant lovers of all levels, the book offers solutions to common plant problems and empowers readers to become confident plant caretakers.


Gerrard-Jones focuses on diagnosing and addressing issues like wilting, yellowing leaves, pests, and over- or underwatering, with step-by-step instructions on how to rescue and rehabilitate plants. Rather than promoting strict care routines, she encourages a flexible approach, teaching readers how to observe their plants' needs and respond accordingly.


The book is filled with helpful tips on plant care basics, such as understanding light levels, soil health, and proper watering techniques. It also covers preventive care, offering guidance on how to keep plants happy and thriving before issues arise.


With a blend of humour and expertise, The Plant Rescuer is an informative guide, making it a go-to resource for anyone who wants to save their ailing houseplants and build a more intuitive relationship with their indoor greenery.


9. How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged by Veronica Peerless

How Not to Kill Your Houseplant is a practical and humorous guide aimed at those who struggle with keeping houseplants alive. With a focus on providing straightforward advice, the book addresses the common pitfalls of houseplant care that many novices encounter.


Peerless covers essential topics such as choosing the right plants, understanding their specific needs for light, water, and humidity, and recognising the signs of distress. The book features user-friendly tips and easy-to-follow care instructions tailored for various types of houseplants, ensuring that even the most horticulturally challenged individuals can cultivate a thriving indoor garden.


In addition to care tips, How Not to Kill Your Houseplant includes troubleshooting sections that help readers diagnose problems like overwatering, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. The light-hearted tone and relatable anecdotes make the book an enjoyable read, encouraging a more relaxed approach to plant care.


10. Hortus Curious by Michael Perry 

Hortus Curious is an engaging and whimsical exploration of the fascinating world of unusual plants. Blending personal anecdotes with horticultural knowledge, Perry invites readers to discover the joys of cultivating a diverse and often eccentric range of houseplants and garden specimens.


The book showcases a variety of curious plants, from rare species to quirky hybrids, while providing practical care tips and cultivation advice for each. Perry’s writing is infused with humour and a sense of wonder, making it both informative and entertaining. He emphasises the importance of embracing the unconventional in gardening, encouraging readers to experiment with their plant choices and create their own unique green spaces.


In addition to plant profiles, Hortus Curious includes insights on garden design and the broader ecological significance of plants. Perry’s passion for horticulture shines through as he shares his experiences and encourages readers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom.

Example plants for places and people

For the new plant enthusiast

Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant) 

Ceropegia linearis subsp. Woodii (chain-of-hearts) 

Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant) 

Crassula ovata (jade plant) 

Epipremnum aureum (Devil's ivy) 

Hedera helix (English ivy) 

Pachira aquatica (money tree) 

Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant) 

Schefflera arboricola (umbrella plant)

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant) 

For the busy plant enthusiast

Asplenium scolopendrium (hart’s-tongue fern) 

Ceropegia linearis (string-of-needles) 

Dracaena marginata (dragon tree)

Fatsia japonica (paper plant) 

Ficus binnendijkii (long-leaf fig) 

Ficus elastica (rubber plant) 

Opuntia microdasys (bunny ear cactus) 

Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' (blue star fern) 

Sansevieria trifasciata (mother's-in-law’s tongue) 

Yucca gloriosa (yucca) 

For a challenge

Alocasia (African mask plant) 

Echeveria (Echeveria) 

Ficus lyrata (fiddle fig) 

Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) 

Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern) 

Oxalis triangularis/Oxalis regnellii (false shamrock) 

Orchidaceae (orchids)

Philodendron (Philodendron) 

Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise) 

Xerosicyos danguyi (silver dollar vine) 

For the bathroom or kitchen

Adiantum capillus-veneris (maidenhair fern)

Alocasia (African mask plant) 

Calathea/Maranta (prayer plants) 

Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant) 

Nepenthes sanguinea/Sarracenia flava (Money jars/pitcher plant) 

Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern) 

Spathiphyllum wallisii (peace lily) 

Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead)

Tillandsia (air plants) 

For the least watering

Astrophytum myriostigma (bishop's cactus) 

Cephalocereus senilis (bearded cactus) 

Echinocactus horizonthalonius (silver bell cactus)

Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata' (coral cactus) 

Ferocactus latispinus (barrel cactus) 

Mammillaria elongata (gold lace cactus) 

Opuntia microdasys (bunny ear cactus) 

Schlumbergera x buckleyi (Christmas cactus) 

Sedum morganianum (Burro’s tail) 

Stenocereus thurberi (stenocereus cactus) 

For the not just green

Aglaonema maria (Chinese evergreen) 

Begonia maculata/Begonia rex (begonia) 

Calathea/Maranta (prayer plants) 

Codiaeum variegatum (croton) 

Cordyline fruticosa (ti plant) 

Dieffenbachia seguine (dumbcane) 

Philodendron (Philodendron) 

Scindapsus pictus (satin pothos) 

Syngonium podophyllum (arrowhead) 

Tradescantia zebrina/Tradescantia fluminensis (wandering Jew)

For the pet owner

Aeschynanthus radicans (lipstick plant) 

Chamaedorea elegans (parlour palm)

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (never-never plant) 

Gardenia jasminoides (Gardenia)

Hoya carnosa 'Gracilis' (wax plant)

Hoya linearis (trailing wax plant)

Nepenthes sanguinea/Sarracenia flava (money jars/pitcher plant)

Peperomia argyreia (Peperomia Watermelon) 

Platycerium superbum (staghorn fern) 

Saintpaulia ionantha (African violet) 

For the most unusual

Aeschynanthus radicans (lipstick plant) 

Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Eve's pin) 

Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata' (coral cactus) 

Euphorbia platyclada (dead plant) 

Euphorbia trigona (African milk tree) 

Lithops (stone plants) 

Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) 

Pachypodium lamerei (Madagascar palm) 

Sedum x rubrotinctum (jelly bean plant) 

Tillandsia (air plants) 

For small spaces or the office

Asparagus setaceus (asparagus fern) 

Astrophytum myriostigma (bishop’s cap cactus)

Crassula 'Buddha Temple' (Buddha's temple)

Cyclamen persicum (cyclamen) 

Ferocactus latispinus (barrel cactus) 

Haworthia cooperi (Cooper’s Haworthia)

Haworthia fasciata (zebra cactus) 

Pilea mollis (friendship plant) 

Polytrichum commune (haircap moss) 

Sedum morganianum (donkey's tail) 

For a centrepiece

Ananas comosus (pineapple) 

Beaucarnea recurvata (ponytail palm) 

Cocos nucifera (coconut palm) 

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (never-never plant) 

Curio rowleyanus (string-of-pearls) 

Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig) 

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant

Musa (banana) 

Platycerium superbum (staghorn fern) 

Washingtonia robusta (fan palm) 

For the kids

Anthurium andraeanum (flamingo plant) 

Crassula falcata (propeller plant) 

Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap) 

Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) 

Drosera capensis (sundew)

Haworthia fasciata (zebra cactus) 

Pelargonium limonium/Pelargonium grandiflorum (geranium) 

Senecio crassissimus (lavender step) 

Vriesea splendens (flaming sword) 

Wallisia cyanea (pink quill) 

For the best gifts

Aloe vera (Aloe vera) 

Asplenium 'Austral Gem' (austral gem fern) 

Curio radicans (string-of-bananas) 

Epiphyllum anguliger (fishbone cactus) 

Ficus benjamina (Benjamin fig) 

Ficus pumila (creeping fig) 

Hippeastrum (amaryllis) 

Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother-of-a-thousand) 

Peperomia prostrata (string-of-turtles) 

Zantedeschia aethiopica (calla lily) 

Want to get a houseplant but no sure which one to get? Take my quick to find out what your ideal one.