The Other Merlin

by Robyn Schneider
The Other Merlin cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Technical
  • ID: 5126
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
foyles.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-24
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its practical advice and clear explanations on houseplant care, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced plant parents. Reviewers appreciate its scientific approach and useful tips, though some wish it covered more plant species.

This book has been highly recommended by plant enthusiasts for its comprehensive and practical advice on houseplant care. Reviewers find the information well-explained and useful, even for those who already have experience with plants. The book reframes common plant care practices in a way that is easy to understand and apply. It covers basic principles that can be applied to any plant, as well as specific care for popular houseplants. Some reviewers appreciate the book's scientific approach and the inclusion of helpful pictures, though a few note that some images could be clearer. Overall, it is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their plant care skills.

Quick quotes

    This little plant book is the BEE'S KNEES and absolutely one of the better reads I've had this year!

    He's also my originating source for so much more insight into the online plant community - which duh, happens to be a wonderfully diverse and all around uplifting safe space.

    I find the whole "plant parent" idea overly twee, but beyond the title, the book isn't really twee at all.

booktrib.com · Unknown · 2021-09-23
informative 4.25

The book is praised for its informative and encouraging approach to plant care, with readers appreciating the practical advice and renewed enthusiasm for nurturing their plants. The book's focus on understanding light, water, and soil is particularly highlighted, along with its helpful plant profiles.

The book is widely appreciated for its informative and encouraging approach to plant care. Readers find the practical advice on understanding light, water, and soil particularly helpful. The book's soothing tone is noted as encouraging for budding plant parents, with many feeling more confident in their plant care abilities after reading it. The plant profiles at the back of the book are also highlighted as a useful resource, with readers creating lists of plants they'd like to try next. Some readers wish there were more plant profiles included, but overall, the book is seen as a solid foundational guide for both new and experienced plant lovers.

Quick quotes

    Picked this up from Harry Hartog yesterday and barely put it down.

    Knowing that sometimes plants get infested and die and that’s okay. That yellow leaves are to be expected. And that with an understanding of light, water, and soil it is possible to make most house plants happy, at least for a time.

    A pretty great overview for, you guessed it, new plant parents! Covers loads of important topics you should know if you plan to care for houseplants and touches on the science behind the tasks rather than telling you to do something because that's just what you're supposed to do.

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