Hamilton's Commercial Indoor Plant BOOKS

Review: Sept. 23, 2024  

Kathy Johnson Fediw,

Industry Pioneer, 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.

The first 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.

“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.

“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. 

Which book should you buy? All three! Just make sure to order extra copies for your designers and technicians. 

Review: August 2024

Clem Cirelli

Industry Pioneer 

"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. 

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. *****Five stars … Updated Classic, the Bible of interior plant care! " 2024.

Review: October 2023

Joseph Cialone, PhD

Industry Pioneer

"I’ve spent more than 50 years as a grower and as a supplier of computer technology and plant imaging to the interiorscape industry. The one thing that has remained the same over this half century is the need for good information and training tools for those who care for plants on an everyday basis. Maintenance Techniques for Interior Plantscapes, originally published as Maintenance Techniques for Interior Plants in the 1980s, is just as relevant today as it was some 40 years ago. Times may change, but the basic rules of good plant care are timeless. 

In just 80 pages you will find all the information you need to keep plant replacements to a minimum by learning how to extend the life and quality of plants. Precise and timely watering, among other tips and tricks are presented in a clear and easy format. 

Included is a Q-and-A section that points you to specific issues and concerns. The plants are grouped by their similarities in growth, care and watering requirements. This makes it quick and easy to get to the information you want and need. Both new and experienced plant care professionals will find sound and proven information that will result in healthy plants living long lives—and satisfied customers."