You’re Overwatering It! A Plant Guru’s Guide to Houseplants

Balchandani, creator of the Instagram account @thebeardedplantaholic, debuts with a funny and practical guide to caring for houseplants. After nearly killing a “scrappy little vine” with neglect, he watched it miraculously bounce back, an experience that helped him understand plants are living things with unique needs and behaviors. He was hooked and began filling his home with greenery. Asserting that “most of the plant advice out there is absolute nonsense,” he shares the tips he’s learned. For example, houseplant labels that urge buyers to “water once a week” or keep in “low light” are misleading. Plant parents should instead trust their instincts and observe their plants to understand their needs (if a plant is stretching toward a window and its leaves are getting smaller, it needs more light). To help readers find the best plant for them, he offers “personality tests” determining “what kind of plant parent are you” and “what’s your plant soulmate.” Elsewhere, he guides readers through how to handle common pests, propagate houseplants, design verdant displays, and care for rare flora. Balchandani writes with wit and energy, warning about “divas in disguise” and “care instructions that are so ridiculously vague, they might as well just say: ‘Good luck, sucker.’ ” Aspiring plant whisperers will find this a windfall. (Feb.)