Houseplant Resource Guide: Recommended Books, Blogs and Communities

As urban gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts, our journey of learning and growth never truly ends. While OwnGardens strives to provide comprehensive guidance for your plant care needs, there’s a wealth of additional resources available to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow plant lovers. This guide curates some of the best books, blogs, and communities to further your horticultural education and enrich your plant-growing experience.

Books for Indoor Plant Enthusiasts

Essential References

1. “The New Plant Parent” by Darryl Cheng

   • Perfect for: Beginners seeking a scientific approach to plant care
   • Key topics: Light measurement, watering techniques, plant physics

2. “How to Raise a Plant and Make It Love You Back” by Morgan Doane and Erin Harding

   • Perfect for: Millennial plant parents
   • Key topics: Basic care, styling with plants, propagation

3. “The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual” by Barbara Pleasant

   • Perfect for: Comprehensive species-specific care
   • Key topics: Detailed profiles of 160+ plants, troubleshooting guide

For the Science-Minded

4. “Botany for Gardeners” by Brian Capon

   • Perfect for: Understanding plant biology
   • Key topics: Plant anatomy, growth processes, soil science

5. “What a Plant Knows” by Daniel Chamovitz

   • Perfect for: Exploring plant sensory abilities
   • Key topics: Plant senses, plant intelligence, plant communication

Specialized Topics

6. “The Complete Guide to Indoor Plants” by Veronica Peerless

   • Perfect for: Visual learners
   • Key topics: Plant selection, care routines, styling tips

7. “Plant Therapy” by Dr. Katie Cooper

   • Perfect for: Those interested in the wellness benefits of plants
   • Key topics: Biophilic design, plants for mental health, therapeutic horticulture

8. “Root, Nurture, Grow” by Caro Langton and Rose Ray

   • Perfect for: Propagation enthusiasts
   • Key topics: Detailed propagation methods, care for young plants

Blogs and Websites

Comprehensive Plant Care

1. The Sill Blog (www.thesill.com/blog)

   • Highlights: Care guides, plant parent stories, decor inspiration
   • Best for: Beginners and intermediate growers

2. Pistils Nursery Journal (pistilsnursery.com/blogs/journal)

   • Highlights: In-depth care articles, unique plant spotlights
   • Best for: Intermediate to advanced growers

3. Houseplant Journal (www.houseplantjournal.com)

   • Highlights: Scientific approach to plant care, light measurement
   • Best for: Data-driven plant enthusiasts

Specialized Plant Blogs

4. Succulents and Sunshine (www.succulentsandsunshine.com)

   • Highlights: Everything about succulents and cacti
   • Best for: Desert plant lovers

5. Orchid Bliss (orchidbliss.com)

   • Highlights: Comprehensive orchid care and troubleshooting
   • Best for: Orchid enthusiasts

6. Fern & Fossil (fernandfossil.com/blogs/news)

   • Highlights: Rare plant care, advanced techniques
   • Best for: Collectors of unusual species

Urban Gardening and Small Spaces

7. Urban Organic Gardener (www.urbanorganicgardener.com)

   • Highlights: Small-space solutions, edible plants
   • Best for: City dwellers with limited growing space

8. Vertical Garden Institute (verticalgardeninstitute.org)

   • Highlights: Vertical gardening techniques, living walls
   • Best for: Those interested in maximizing plant space

Online Communities and Forums

General Plant Communities

1. Reddit’s r/houseplants

   • Platform: Reddit
   • Highlights: Active community, plant identification help, care advice
   • Best for: All levels, from beginners to experts

2. Garden.org Forums

   • Platform: National Gardening Association website
   • Highlights: Extensive knowledge base, expert contributors
   • Best for: In-depth discussions and problem-solving

3. Houzz Gardening Forum

   • Platform: Houzz website
   • Highlights: Mix of indoor and outdoor gardening, design focus
   • Best for: Combining plant care with home decor

Specialized Plant Communities

4. Orchid Board

   • Platform: Dedicated forum (www.orchidboard.com)
   • Highlights: Species-specific advice, advanced techniques
   • Best for: Orchid enthusiasts of all levels

5. Cactiguide Forums

   • Platform: Dedicated forum (www.cactiguide.com/forum/)
   • Highlights: Cacti and succulent identification, care tips
   • Best for: Desert plant specialists

6. Air Plant Alliance Facebook Group

   • Platform: Facebook
   • Highlights: Tillandsia care, creative displays
   • Best for: Air plant collectors and enthusiasts

Social Media Communities

7. Instagram Plant Community

   • Platform: Instagram
   • Highlights: Visual inspiration, quick tips, plant trends
   • Best for: Discovering new plants, styling ideas
   • Notable accounts: @houseplantclub, @thejungalow, @plantkween

8. YouTube Plant Channels

   • Platform: YouTube
   • Highlights: Visual tutorials, in-depth care guides
   • Best for: Visual learners, step-by-step instructions
   • Notable channels: Planterina, Summer Rayne Oakes, Crazy Plant Guy

Podcasts for Plant Lovers

1. Bloom and Grow Radio

   • Host: Maria Failla
   • Focus: Interviews with plant experts, care tips, plant parent stories

2. On the Ledge

   • Host: Jane Perrone
   • Focus: Indoor gardening advice, plant science, Q&A sessions

3. The Houseplant Guru

   • Host: Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
   • Focus: Practical care advice, plant profiles, seasonal topics

Mobile Apps for Plant Care

1. PictureThis

   • Features: Plant identification, care guides, pest diagnosis
   • Best for: Quick plant ID and basic care info

2. Planta

   • Features: Customized care schedules, watering reminders, light meter
   • Best for: Organizing your plant care routine

3. iNaturalist

   • Features: Community-based plant identification, biodiversity tracking
   • Best for: Learning about local flora and contributing to citizen science

Continuing Education

1. Online Courses

   • Platforms: Coursera, edX, Udemy
   • Topics: Botany, horticulture, plant biology
   • Best for: Structured learning and potential certifications

2. Local Botanical Gardens

   • Offerings: Workshops, guided tours, hands-on classes
   • Best for: In-person learning and networking with local experts

3. Master Gardener Programs

   • Providers: Cooperative Extension offices (US)
   • Focus: Comprehensive gardening education with a volunteer component
   • Best for: Serious enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge and give back

Conclusion

The world of houseplants and urban gardening is vast and ever-evolving. While OwnGardens aims to be your primary resource for indoor plant care, we encourage you to explore these additional books, blogs, communities, and educational opportunities. Each resource offers unique perspectives and specialized knowledge that can enhance your plant care journey.

Remember, the key to successful plant care is not just accumulating information, but also applying it practically and sharing your experiences with others. Join a community, pick up a book, or enroll in a course – your plants will thank you for your dedication to learning and growth.

Happy planting, and may your urban jungle thrive with the knowledge you gain from these valuable resources!