The House Plant Expert 1960, 1994 The House Plant Expert Book Two 2005 by Dr. D.G.Hessayon Transworld Publishers 61-63 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5SA Book review by Peter Szilagyi One can see why this book and its sequel are touted as ‘The world’s best selling book on house plants’. These two books are without a doubt the most informative and comprehensive books on houseplants that I have ever had the occasion to read. The original House Plant Expert published in 1960, is divided into numerous informative sections. The sequel published in 2005, follows the same format. In the books’ section called House Plants A to Z, they not only talk about and illustrate the different types or variations that exist within a plant’s species, but they go on to identify whether a plant is a flowering or foliage house plant. Both books also delve into the special problems ( loss of leaves, loss of leaf color, wilted leaves, short flowering period, flower buds fail to open, insects ) that each plant is subject to and they deal with the secrets of success ( including temperature, light, water, air humidity, repotting, and propagation preferences ) for successfully growing and propagating that plant. The originals of both these books are both out of print, but since they are indeed, “The world’s best selling book on house plants”, and should be, new and revised editions of both books are readily available. They are a ‘must have’ for plant enthusiasts. I recommend them highly for both plant novices and experts.

The House Plant Expert 1960, 1994

The House Plant Expert Book Two 2005

by Dr. D.G.Hessayon

Transworld Publishers

61-63 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5SA

Book review by Peter Szilagyi

One can see why this book and its sequel are touted as ‘The world’s best selling book on house plants’. These two books are without a doubt the most informative and comprehensive books on houseplants that I have ever had the occasion to read.

The original House Plant Expert published in 1960, is divided into numerous informative sections. The sequel published in 2005, follows the same format. In the books’ section called House Plants A to Z, they not only talk about and illustrate the different types or variations that exist within a plant’s species, but they go on to identify whether a plant is a flowering or foliage house plant. Both books also delve into the special problems ( loss of leaves, loss of leaf color, wilted leaves, short flowering period, flower buds fail to open, insects ) that each plant is subject to and they deal with the secrets of success ( including temperature, light, water, air humidity, repotting, and propagation preferences ) for successfully growing and propagating that plant.

The originals of both these books are both out of print, but since they are indeed, “The world’s best selling book on house plants”, and should be, new and revised editions of both books are readily available. They are a ‘must have’ for plant enthusiasts.

I recommend them highly for both plant novices and experts.