Book review: Succulents: How to Keep This Alive: A no-fuss guide to keeping your succulents happy

Houseplant hype often calls cacti and succulents the ultimate, unkillable roommates. Yet, as any frustrated plant parent knows, it is surprisingly easy to turn a vibrant pot plant into mush. Enter the delightful mini hardback from DK’s August Books, a perfectly timed rescue manual designed specifically for Gen-Z renters who have inherited or gifted themselves these items of living room decor.

Author Robertson validates a shared, secret shame: it is deeply embarrassing to see off an allegedly easy-care plant. Even the Sempervivum, whose very name translates from Latin to a hopeful "always living," can succumb to boggy soil. This breezy, accessible guide demystifies why these "indestructible" plants fail, pointing the finger at the usual suspects: over-watering, root rot, suffocating humidity, and unexpected pests.

Steering clear of dense, intimidating botanical jargon, Robertson offers a refreshing antidote to common internet myths. The book delivers a foolproof recipe for succulent success, advocating for gritty soil, light and regular watering, and ample ventilation. Crucially, it warns against the fatal trends of misting, freezing, or drowning your green companions. Complete with advice on simple cleaning, this charming guide ensures your plants remain absolutely pristine.