Terrain: The Houseplant Book: An Insider's Guide to Cultivating and Collecting the Most Sought-After Specimens

by Melissa Lowrie

“An informative and inspiring guide to collecting and growing plants at home.”
—Gardenista
 
“This book is a must-have!”
—Hilton Carter, author of Wild at Home, Wild Interiors, and Wild Creations

Secrets of the Houseplant Hunters

Terrain’s plant experts travel the world in search of the most unusual and interesting houseplants. In this inspiring and practical guide, they share their favorite exotic and eclectic ferns, like the skeleton fork, a primitive (and unfussy) predecessor to the family; new aroids to feed that monstera obsession; and adventurous trailing plants like dischidia, which is found cascading from tree branches in its native Thailand; plus succulents and cacti, indoor trees, the best low-care plants, and “rule breakers” like bamboo muhly grass that can make an unexpected move indoors. Along the way, Terrain introduces their favorite independent growers—passionate plant lovers who are creating new hybrids and bringing back old-school specimens to the market. And readers learn ​Terrain’s way of styling and overarching philosophy on the most important thing we can give our plants is our presence.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutly , a most inspiring book ! Here are gorgeous, close photos of several varieties of houseplants ,some quite unusual. The book starts off with a good discussion and pictures of soil,pots,pests,lights,etc that is helpful. A few large greenhouse businesses invite the camera in for a look and a bit of a visit. Best of all, many plants are highlighted with growing tips and photos all divided into categories such trendsetters,small wonders, unfussy friends,drama class and more! There is not one page skippable. Truly a delightful read.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from Amazon for free in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve wanted to be plant person for years now. Years ago, I killed an “unkillable”cactus. Then I failed at an herb garden, a mini farm, and at rehabilitating a re-homed aloe. Recently I learned to successfully grow a few herbs, and decided it was time to try indoor plants again. This book is chock-full of information, helpful to the experienced and novices alike. The first section is targeted at beginners, giving general instructions for keeping your houseplant in its best state. The following sections alternate between a category of house plant, decorating tips, and a story from plant nursery workers. In the back of the book, there are lots of resources like further reading recommendations, nurseries to buy plants from, and a glossary. The houseplant sections show many interesting varieties in each category accompanied by high-quality photos of the plants. The beautiful pictures along with the scientific explanations of how the plants work alighted appreciation in me for the intricacies of nature. The hardcover copy is very well made. It held up in my bag as I carried it around work and it easily stays open to the page you’re on, which makes it an excellent book to display as well. Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in plants.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and informative.

[Jackie Cesanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for healthy plants. Will definitely refer to this book again and again.

[Amy Trostle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully insightful book for houseplant lovers who are new to collecting plants and need some direction on which ones to start with.

[Reagan Kapasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked: advanced care tactics (shake plant to mimic wind and improve stem stability). Disliked: physically too heavy to lugg home from library.