Houseplant science

Host Jane Perrone talks to Darryl Cheng about the science of light for houseplants and how a light meter can up your houseplant game, and the Q&A covers how to tame an agave.

I talk to Michael Holland about his new houseplant book for children, and I answer a question about mealy bugs on cuttings.

I find out more about the world of tissue culture with Laur of Plants In Jars, and I answer a question about sourcing an everfresh tree.

I talk to bryologist Dr Neil Bell about the wonders of moss, and answer a question about TDS meters.

I meet Tony Le-Britton to talk about his new book, Not Another Jungle.

I learn more about the incredible relationships between plants and mycorrhizal fungi with the help of Dr Sarah Emery, and I answer a question about a frozen jade tree.

Dr Scott Zona joins me to talk about his new book, a Gardener’s Guide to Botany, plus I get some feedback on Fluval Stratum.

We all know photosynthesis is vital for plants, but how does it work? Dr Polly Schiffman joins me to explain.

More soil science insights in part two of my interview scientist Ashley Esakin, plus a Q&A on a weeping fig.

Soil scientist Ashley Esakin joins me to delve into the science of houseplant substrates.

I find out how LECA is made and talk to LECA convert Kimberly Black, plus I answer a question about pest control in winter.

Did you know that plants have memory, senses and their own unique language? Find out more with Dr Beronda Montgomery, author of new book Lessons With Plants. Plus I answer a question about plants to hang in the shower.

Is my plant taking merely resting, or is it dead? Why has my cactus stopped growing? If you’ve ever asked these questions, this episode is for you! Botanist Dr Matt Candeias joins me to demystify dormancy in plants.

Moisture in the air helps keep many houseplants healthy, but how do we know how much humidity our plants need? Kevin Espiritu and Jonathan Jarry join me to explore the misty world of humidifiers. Plus we hear from listener Teagen in Meet The Listener.

In this week’s show I explain why springtails are nothing to be afraid of, and I explain how to take cuttings of the swiss cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa. Plus we hear from listener Jonathan in Meet the Listener.

I learn about the science of tissue culture and what it means for the houseplant industry with the help of Chris Reynolds, founder of tissue culture lab Seedless Labs. Plus I answer a question about an ivy and a Dracaena called Norman, and we hear from listener Karl.

Professor Nox Makunga of Stellenbosch University in South Africa joins me to explain the pigments that give houseplant leaves their colours, I answer a question about a ‘Silver Ripple’ Peperomia and we hear from listener Mia.

I am joined by fellow houseplant expert Mr Houseplant, aka Vladan Nikolic, to discuss the ingredients that go into your plants’ pots, plus I answer a question about finding name-appropriate houseplant gifts.

This week I find out what why silicon’s so important to leaves, answer a couple of questions about brown spots on leaves, and we hear from listener MV.

Terrestrial ecologist Dr Polly Schiffman explains these vital plant processes, plus I answer a question about a lanky Pilea and we hear from Joe from Texas in Meet the Listener.

Every wondered why the leaves of your houseplants are different in shape? Professor Enrico Coen of the John Innes Centre joins to me to explain. Plus, I co-opt Stephen of the Plant Daddy podcast to help me answer a question about a Nepenthes, and we meet listener Mikaela.

Biophilic designer Oliver Heath joins me to explain how being surrounded by nature can have palpable benefits for us all. And I answer a question about watering cacti in winter. 

I explore the botany between houseplant propagation with horticulturist Leslie Halleck and answer a question about a floppy calla lily.

Do houseplants really clean the air in your house? I talk to PhD researcher Curtis Gubb about his project to discover whether houseplants really do have a positive effect on air quality. And I answer a question on small ferns for terrariums.