Never Put a Cactus in the Bathroom

May 17, 2021
“There are perfect plants for every level of indoor gardener,” writes gardener Hinsdale in her charming debut. Designed for “newbie gardeners” who want to live with greenery but have no idea where to begin, Hinsdale’s guide covers the basics of “plant parenthood” and guides readers with such points as “Who else lives in your home?” and “How much time you want to invest.” There are tips for watering (overwatering is just as dangerous as underwatering), choosing pots (“size matters”), and light (identify spots with natural sources). After the basics, she gives a room-by-room breakdown: herbs and aloe are great kitchen plants, lavender makes a living room smell nice, and ferns do well in the bathroom (but cacti don’t, due to the humidity). Sidebars address an array of miscellany, such as the difference between pothos and philodendron and the way orchids add a sense of luxury to a room. Throughout, Hinsdale is enthusiastic and realistic: “Caring for plants... can take time and patience, and even some humility when you realize that as smart and capable as you are, you may not always be successful in raising that little green thing.” For readers looking to add some lushness to their home, this is a perfect primer.