The Green Indoors

How many times have you spotted the picture-perfect plant, ignored the little voice in your head that reminds you of your track record, and taken it home, only to find it sagging and flagging a few days later, destined for the compost heap? I imagine more than once. And how many times have you uttered the words, 'I always kill plants' when looking enviously at a living room jungle in an interiors magazine? But, has it ever occurred that the problem might not actually be you? The Green Indoors is here to show you how, with a little bit of clever advice and considered placement, you and your home could find the perfect plant matches, no matter how awkward or unloved the space.

From harsh sunlit stairwells and over air-conned new builds to humid, windowless bathrooms and draughty, dark bedrooms, the book will match difficult areas of the home with environments found in the natural world – think everything from deserts to jungle undergrowths – to give a directory of plants that will effortlessly thrive in even the most incapable of hands. Broken down by types of space, each chapter will unpack exactly what these conditions are, before comparing to climates in the great outdoors that are the most similar to that area of your home, creating a little 'ah ha!' moment and unlocking an understanding of house plants' original habitats and the care required to help them flourish. A selection of plants that suit are then profiled, including mini maps to indicate origin, easy-to-follow tips on feeding and watering, optimum conditions, prospective growth (and the speed of that to expect) and of course, stunning photography to demonstrate exactly how, and why, this new way of approaching plant care could not be simpler. Every plant, it seems, has a story – and the more you know of its journey, the more green-fingered you will become. Furthermore, Alice and Maddie will provide an extensive troubleshooting chapter, shedding light on how to deal with problem spots, common misconceptions of watering and feeding, and what to try when it appears all hope is lost.

The Green Indoors isn't just about which plants to buy, though – it's about sustainability and focusing on the reconfiguration of space and working with the plants you already own to improve their longevity, growth and vibrancy. Why abandon your withering Chinese money plant when a simple move will restore it to its former glory? When it comes to plants, less, in their perfect happy places, will almost definitely result in more.