Hamilton's Commercial Indoor Plants

FOREWORD by Joseph Cialone, PHD. Interiorscape Industry Pioneer

I've long valued the 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.

- Joseph Cialone, Boynton Beach, Florida, 2023