Episode 83: Scott Cain of @BoysWithPlants and @Tropicaloco

Scott Cain with one of his marvellous Monsteras.

Scott Cain with one of his marvellous Monsteras.

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Scott Cain and I have a lot in common: we both got into houseplants as children, and we both wrecked floors with spilled compost, and as adults, our love for plants has only grown deeper.

The difference is that he lives in Perth, Australia, a climate very suited to growing the tropical plants he loves, whereas I have to struggle along in the more temperate climate of the UK! (I am not bitter, honest!)

When Scott moved into his apartment 11 years ago, he began filling it with tropical plants of every shape, size and texture. That spawned the Instagram account @tropicaloco, where he documents his progress and shares gorgeous images of Monsteras, ferns, Agaves and more.

That account has been eclipsed (in sheer numbers of followers anyway) by @boyswithplants, Scott’s other account that profiles, you guessed it, boys with plants. 107,000 followers is no mean feat, and not surprisingly, a website and a book has followed. Boys With Plants celebrates men and the plants they love: you’ll find chaps of every type here, all united in their love for leafy things.

Scroll down for some images from the book, and a list of links to peruse as you listen.

Foliage fun: just some of the plants on Scott’s balcony. Photograph: Scott Cain

Foliage fun: just some of the plants on Scott’s balcony. Photograph: Scott Cain

@dansyc with a huge Colocasia leaf. Photograph courtesy of @boyswithplants.

@dansyc with a huge Colocasia leaf. Photograph courtesy of @boyswithplants.

A slice of life on Scott’s balcony, including two of his impressive Monsteras. Photograph: Scott Cain

A slice of life on Scott’s balcony, including two of his impressive Monsteras. Photograph: Scott Cain


Introducing this week’s podcast sponsor…

I am delighted to introduce #OnTheLedgepodcast's sponsor for episode 83 and 84, The Green Conspiracy!

Their new Garden Planner is the perfect notebook for urban gardeners, combining practicality and style: the ideal way to get your growing year off to a great start: and I know because I got to try out one of the prototypes!

The Garden Planner is the work of two graphic designers who found growing plants was the perfect way get away from their screens and the hustle and bustle of city life. The Garden Planner they've designed is perfect for gardeners, whether you are in the northern hemisphere or the south, and whether you garden indoors, outside on a balcony or on a huge plot. Its simple but smart template and drop-dead gorgeous style make this the notebook that you’ll want by your side as you plan your gardening, whether that’s caring for your houseplants or growing a whole garden full of edibles.

The Green Conspiracy's Kickstarter campaign is live right now, so click below to find out more and get your growing year started in style.


QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Harry got in touch to ask why his Monstera deliciosa leaves are developing brown patches and new leaves take ages to unfurl. On the brown patches, having looked at a picture of Harry’s leaves I suspect the plant is getting too much water for the time of year. I suggest checking the rootball for rot damage, repotting if necessary and easing back on the watering can over the cooler, darker months. I also explain that Monstera leaves do take a looong time to unfurl: that’s fairly normal especially in winter. You can watch a timelapse of a Monstera leaf unfurling here.

Want to ask me a question? Email ontheledgepodcast@gmail.com.

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CREDITS

This week's show featured Roll Jordan Roll by the Joy Drops, An Instrument the Boy Called Happy Day Gorkana by Samuel Corwin and Plantation by Jason Shaw. Ad music is Dill Pickles by the Heftone Banjo Orchestra. All tracks licensed under Creative Commons. Logo design by Jacqueline Colley. Podcast editing by Joff Elphick.