The appeal of Hi Cacti begins with the cover. Primary colours and a cartoon-style image of someone hugging a plant are a clear sign that this is no ordinary houseplant book.
Indeed, author Sabina Palermo was keen to avoid the “typical” book that is either a “sterile ‘how to’ or plant encyclopedia” and she describes Hi Cacti as an “alternative botanical empowerment guide”.
The driving force behind it is the idea that tending houseplants is good for us – both physically and mentally – and is a way of reconnecting with the natural world.
The now owner of a plant shop in Brighton discovered the joy of growing by accident when she inherited her beloved grandmother’s cacti collection. Tending them helped her cope with grief, unhappiness with work, and homesickness about being so far from her native Texas.
Having said the book would not be a ‘how to’ guide, it does cover some of the basics to successfully growing houseplants – what she calls thriving rather than just surviving.
The most important is the available light – natural not artificial – and her top houseplants are listed according to the level they need, be they sun worshipping or low light-tolerant.
I particularly liked the simple trick to determine the light levels in a room using shadows on a piece of white paper.
Other things to consider are pests, the type of pot used, which should be matched to the conditions the plant prefers, and watering. There are tips on avoiding over-watering, what to do with plants when you’re away and how to use rain as a natural way to clean them.
This practical advice is only part of the book though and an equal part is given over to what she calls “self-care”.
There are ideas for nature basking, starting a ‘gratitude notebook’ to help with depression, and a step-by-step meditation guide. The highlighted plants include facts about how they are good for you: aglaonema (the Chinese evergreen pictured top) are good air purifiers; peace lilies will moisturise your skin.
Projects include making moss poles, macrame hangers, and botanical bath salts. There are recipes and even advice on how to eat a cactus – though the raw ingredient may be tricky to source in the UK!
The lively prose style makes this easy to read and the colourful layout adds to the sense of fun.
“Nanny Joy would have loved this story,” we’re told. She’s not alone.
Hi Cacti, Growing Houseplants & Happiness by Sabina Palermo is published by Leaping Hare Press with an RRP of £14.99. You can buy it here for £11.45. (If you buy through this link, I get a small commission. The price you pay is not affected.)
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