Studies of Indoor Plants in Commercial Settings
A Decade of Research: On-Site Study of 70,000 Interior Plants Over 10 Years
Interior Plantscaping Books by David L. Hamilton
Based on a decade of in-depth research observing 70,000 interior plants across various sites in British Columbia, Canada, these books offer unparalleled insights into plant care. By following the methods outlined, a zero plant replacement rate—eliminating losses due to misinformation or miswatering—was successfully achieved. Perfect for professionals and enthusiasts dedicated to thriving interior plantscapes.
Book # 1 - HAMILTON'S COMMERCIAL INDOOR PLANTS
REVIEW 2024 - Clem Cirelli, Industry Pioneer, B.A. Biology, Rutgers University, New Jersey,1979.
" If you are an interiorscape business owner, manager, supervisor, trainer or technician, you should own a copy of this wonderful book. It will continue to be an invaluable reference throughout your career as you build upon its concepts and practices. “Hamilton’s Commercial Indoor Plants” is a classic in the genre of interior plant care.
Early in my 45-year career in the interiorscape industry, I came across a copy of this book and absorbed its wisdom and applied scientific approach to indoor plant care like a sponge. At the time, there weren’t very many sources available for the type and quality of information contained in this volume, other than one’s own personal experiences in the industry. And that’s the beauty of the book: it is a compilation of many years of real-world experience at choosing, installing, maintaining and, yes, replacing plants in commercial situations.
Practical lessons were learned and analyzed and catalogued by actual interiorscaping technicians and comprise the wealth of knowledge and guidance offered to yet another generation of plant care professionals. With the stated goal of reducing plant replacements to near zero and preserving and enhancing the beauty of the plantings with proper watering techniques, this volume is a veritable field guide to the successful maintenance of decorative live plants in commercial settings.
The book covers a lot of territory, from the history of the interior plant industry to the peculiar characteristics and behaviors of the major families of indoor plants (trees, palms, canes, vines, ferns, lilies, succulents and cacti) and the many specialized niche uses for each. Lighting, fertilization, grooming, root to soil ratios, and most importantly when and how to water plants in specific conditions are given an in-depth treatment that is thorough and intensive, yet relieves the stress of managing each plant type and situation by giving pragmatic tips and practices that ensure longevity and attractiveness of the plants, whether they be simple individual plants in containers or elaborate atrium plantings.
By the final chapters, the reader has acquired a solid grounding in the necessary concepts for success with interior plantscapes and an understanding of how to best use each type of plant to make a decorative statement in the indoor environment.
As someone who has been a technician myself, as well as a manager and trainer of novice plant technicians, I can personally vouch for the validity of the concepts and techniques taught in the book. The Hamilton plant care library also includes companion volumes that are excellent handbooks for techs to carry in the field for reference on the job.
I give this book FIVE STARS … Updated classic, the Bible of interior plant care!"
Book #2 - A TRILOGY - THE ART OF HIGH-TECH PLANT WATERING
Review 2023 by Joseph Cialone, PhD, Grower, Boynton Beach, Fl
"I've long valued Hamilton's plant care series. I'm thrilled these books—emphasizing precise watering—are being reissued and now benefit a new generation, extending plant life and minimizing replacements.
My passion for plants traces its roots to my formative years on a vegetable farm in 1950s New Jersey. This upbringing propelled me into the realm of horticulture, where I pursued studies at both Rutgers and Cornell University.
Following an eight-year academic career, my brothers and I ventured into ornamental plant cultivation in 1972, establishing nurseries in New Jersey and Florida. Right from the start, our primary clientele was interiorscapers. Engaging in this facet of the industry for over 51 years, I’ve witnessed the evolution of the interiorscape industry.
While familiar with the Hamilton series on indoor plants, it wasn’t until recently that I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Hamilton, the driving force behind these invaluable books.
Our discussions have revolved around the history and present state of the interiorscape industry, as well as Patricia’s interest in plant images from my company, Tropical Computers. Learning of the reissue of this book, originally published in 1985, brought me joy.
David Hamilton’s comprehensive guide leaves no stone unturned when it comes to caring for interior plants. Rooted in the objective of maximizing a plant’s lifespan in an indoor setting, the book covers plant families, root system types, light and water requirements, design considerations, and more.
The fundamentals of good plant care, eloquently presented in straightforward language, remain timeless. In an age dominated by the internet, this book stands tall as a timeless wellspring of knowledge on interior plant care.
Good information, it seems, knows no temporal bounds.
With more than 50 years of experience, as both a grower and a provider of computer technology and plant imaging for the interior industry, I’ve witnessed the constant need for reliable information and training tools for those tending to plants daily, weekly, or monthly. This book, reissued after a successful run in the 1980s and 90s and a recent reprint in 2021, is a practical guide to effective plant care.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned plant care professional, this book provides proven information that ensures the longevity and health of your plants—ultimately leading to satisfied customers."
Book #3 — MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES FOR INTERIORSCAPES
Review 2024 – Kathy Johnson Fediw, LEED AP Emeritus
The trilogy of Interiorscape books by David L. Hamilton belong in only one place—your library!
This set of 3 books, first written in the 1980’s, are a very thorough compendium of indoor plants and their care that is still very relevant today.
“Hamilton’s Commercial Indoor Plants” is a comprehensive manual that also includes design principles, information on plant families, light requirements and plant recommendations for different situations. This book, like the other two, includes a foreword plus other information by Dr. Joseph Cialone, world-renowned industry leader, whose breadth of knowledge and contributions to the industry are historic and legendary.
The second and perhaps best-known book, “Maintenance Techniques for Interiorscapes” is a must for every interiorscape technician. It provides practical knowledge on taking care of indoor plants in an easy-to-read, condensed format, based on the same research and life experience.
“A Trilogy - The Art of High-Tech Watering—26 Water-Wise Techniques,” lives up to its name. You’ll find both general rules of watering and specifics for the most popular plants used in the commercial interiorscape. Based on both real-life experience and an exhaustive amount of study and research, these two book will answer most if not all of your questions on how to keep plants alive and healthy by proper watering techniques.
— Which book should you buy? All three!
— Just make sure to order extra copies for your designers and technicians.
