The Hidden Histories of Houseplants explores twenty of the world's most common houseplants.



This book isn't just a dry exploration of historical cultivation; the narrative explores the plants' places in social history, science and culture, showcasing the most fascinating elements of each plant's story, be it the exploration as to why Monstera deliciosa have holes in their leaves, whether houseplants have the ability to count, or why Calathea leaves open during the day and close up at night.



Each chapter takes the listener on a journey through time, history, and culture, told by the most universally binding objects in our homes from London to Beijing—houseplants.