Houseplant Hookups: All the Dirt You Need to Find the Perfect Match

by Agatha Isabel, Mai Ly Degnan (Illustrator)

Taking its cues from the wonderful world of online dating, Houseplant Hookups explores the pros and cons of cohabitating with different houseplants. The perfect gift for any plant or gardening enthusiast, these illustrated dating profiles are as hilarious as they are informative. “The playful profiles provide a helpful overview of common houseplants, and Degnan’s colorful illustrations accentuate the distinguishing characteristics of each….Readers curious about what houseplant is right for them will want to consult this.”― Publishers Weekly Cohabitation is a big step in any relationship, so to make sure you don’t get stuck with a dead leaf , Houseplant Hookups digs up all the dirt on 35 prospective houseplant partners. By first setting the foundation for a successful relationship with information on purchasing, propagating, and basic plant care, it’ll be easy to know when you’ve found the One. Does your apartment have a scenic view of a brick wall? The Snake Plant thrives in low light. Tend to forget you’re even in a relationship? The Golden Pothos is anything but codependent and won’t hold neglect against you. Far more helpful than your average Tinder profile, Houseplant Hookups will help you decide if a relationship with a Fiddle Leaf Fig is more likely to be a fling or a forever kind of love. Not sure where to start? Take the Cosmo -inspired quiz to narrow down your matches.

Genres: Plants, Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Michael Bolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone new to houseplants, I found this quick, easy to read guide quite handy. My personal copy was gifted to me and what a delightful gift it was.

If anyone has started going down the rabbit hole of houseplant-care, they will need this. Online resources alone can be quite daunting and confusing for beginners like myself.

Houseplant Hookups was written as a useful guide on all things houseplants. It treats different plants from the perspective of an online dating profile. The idea being that some plants are the "right match" for some people that may not be the right match for others. It's a quick, easy read with many beautiful illustrations by Mai Ly Degnan.

There are about 35 "dating profiles" in this book. I appreciate the range of plants Isabel picks. The choices are well balanced between plants that need the utmost care to those that can thrive on forgetfulness. Many colorful room pieces were selected too that I was not even aware of.

For those overwhelmed by the choices, Isabel offers a handy "dating quiz" and index in the back. One issue I often have is finding plants that are pet friendly. Isabel includes those as well as those that may need more or less water, light, etc. . A wide range indeed.

5/5. Did what it set out to do. Many helpful tips, tricks, and ideas. Also, beautiful illustrations that were well done by Mai Ly Degnan.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my eye on display at the library, I really enjoyed this fun-to-read, easy-to-reference book. A physical copy of this book or on an e-reader with color is critical, because the illustrations are fun and helpful too. I have a brown thumb but still enjoy an environment with lots of green, and so found this book useful to help me figure out what really works with my life and household and how to develop a relationship with a few plants that will stand the test of time ;)

This book would make an excellent gift for an aspiring plant mom.

[AEB Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book just grabs your eye. Maybe it's the title, other times the cover design, sometimes it's the blurb jumps out at you. And then I saw Houseplant Hookups. Within seconds I was multitasking, rapidly messaging friends and family as I reached for the book with the other spare hand. They needed to be informed, Alice would not be messaging anyone for as long she was reading this book.

The guide, penned by American author Agatha Isabel (and illustrated by Mai Ly Degnan) is a highly colourful guide on all things houseplant. Summarising key guidance for would-be houseplant owners, the book opens with an extensive section on houseplant care 101. From this, Isabel's guidance then moves onto the plants themselves, cleverly presenting a variety of different species in the form of an online dating profile. This allows readers to get snappy insights into the pros and cons of various house plants, from the commonly known Spider plant, to the more complex Bird of Paradise plant. This section makes up the core of Houseplant Hookups, but is bookended by a fun multichoice quiz for those still unsure of the right type of plant for them, and a glossary index.

The tone of voice through Houseplant Hookups is highly informal and somewhat tongue in cheek (case in point, the favourite music of a Purple Passion is apparently Prince's "Purple Rain"). A lot of credit also needs to be given to Degnan's illustrations, which are gorgeously to look at and do wonders for bringing the concept to life in a bold, fun, way.

While it is not something that I would particularly recommend to an expert gardener, I do see it as the perfect gift to give to a novice houseplant keeper for either birthdays or religious events. The general dating profile style and themes contained within the book lends itself more towards a feminine market.

Houseplant Hookups is a fun book, with a creative approach to an otherwise fairly mundane topic. It engages readers with indoor horticulture and reminds us that no matter how big (or small) the garden, there is a perfect plant out there for all of us.


AEB Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend for newer plant parents! The illustrations are beautiful and pair well with the "dating profiles" for each houseplant where its unique needs and quirks are explored. The dating theme was definitely an interesting analogy for houseplant care. The book's focus is finding a plant that both resonates with you and is suitable for your indoor environment conditions. After reading, definitely looking to adopt few new plant babies from the nursery

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute guide to common houseplants, formatted like online dating profiles. The information was very easy to follow while being outright hilarious... I would definitely purchase this as a gift for one a fellow plant mom.

[Geri Sable · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. Very funny… yet informative. Very nice gift for Mother’s Day!!! Highly recommend

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a fun “goodread” check this out! Colorful illustrations paired with informative plant profiles to find your perfect plant match. Going to gift a few to friends and family :)

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love everything about this book! Made me giggle while reading and the artwork is very cute definitely recommend!!

[el · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read in Hinge app-style to introduce a plant and its subsequent likes, dislikes and preferences.

[Sara Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, cute, quick read. I thought it'd have a little more information on different plants, but it did have good basic information.

[Diane Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found the book to be equally humorous as it was helpful.

[Taylor Germano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to find out information as a beginner plant mom!! Very creative and fun.

[Taryn McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick reference for houseplant care.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is a must read for plant lovers! Houseplant Hookups has an extensive list of plants with detailed info on how to care for them. This book is also filled with super cute illustrations. Definitely buy this book if you want to start your plant collection or grow your collection!