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On The Ledge | Grow houseplants with the experts

On The Ledge is a podcast all about indoor gardening - helping you to grow everything from Aloe vera to the ZZ plant. Presenter Jane Perrone has been nuts about houseplants since she was knee high to a Swiss cheese plant. She quizzes the experts, helps you find cool new stuff to grow and figures out how to fix your plant problems. For more information, email ontheledgepodcast@gmail.com or visit janeperrone.com.

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Episode 324: A letter to my 12-year-old houseplant self

'Dear Jane ... it's Jane here, your own good self checking in from four decades in the future.' If you could talk to yourself when you first started growing houseplants, what would you say? For full show notes visit http://janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/begonia-ladies-terrarium-goo Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of…

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Episode 323: So you've been given a miniature rose... here's how to save it!

How do you keep these tricksy plants alive indoors? With 100million+ mini roses sold every year, I am out to help save a few from the trash… and to tell you what plants to grow instead. For full show notes visit http://janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/miniature-roses Want to enter my giveaway for Scott Zona's online houseplant course? Patreon members go here:…

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Episode 322: Hop in the terrarium time machine… we're going back to the sixties!

Come with me to Broad Chalke in Wiltshire on a sunny summer's day in the early 1960s as we explore SIr Cecil Beaton's Winter Garden at his home Reddish House. Want to see images of the Winter Garden at Reddish House? Start here . For images of how it looks today, check out this page , where you'll also see photographs of some of Beaton's famous friends at Reddish. Cecil Beaton produced some of the…

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Episode 321: Peperomia variegation, a top-heavy Homalomena and a fern called Judy

it's a Q&A special! I answer listener questions about the Terrarium Time Machine and its ferny inhabitant, why the watermelon Peperomia sports silvery marks and more. Timestamps 3:08 Judy, the fern icon 6:11 watermelon Peperomia variegation 14:58 Maggie needs more light 22:06 Norman the Dracaena and filtered water For full show notes visit…

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Episode 320: Houseplants that give me the ick

I love houseplants, but I draw the line at these three. Find out which houseplants I really can't stand, and why! For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-ick Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box…

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OTL reloaded - my top tips on how to give your houseplants a holiday outside this summer

This episode is a gem from the On The Ledge archive, first published during the Covid era as you'll see from the introduction. Want to give your houseplants a staycation outside? Here are my top tips on what you can put outside, what to watch for and what to do if you don't have any outside space. Plus I answer a question about moss poles and we hear from listener Sophie from Wales. For full show…

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OTL reloaded: Aroids with Dr Peter Boyce

This episode is a gem from the On The Ledge archive, first published in 2021. Aroid expert Peter Boyce joins me to discuss the newly-formed European Aroid Society, exciting new developments in the world of aroids and why you should never cut the roots off your Monstera! Plus I answer a question about potting plants with no drainage hole. For full show notes, visit…

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OTL reloaded: Weird Plants by Chris Thorogood

I'm taking a break until July 17 but while I am gone, I am bringing you three gems from the On The Ledge archive. The first is episode 71, first published way back in 2018, all about some of the odder houseplants in existence. Dr Chris Thorogood is a botanist at Oxford Botanic Garden with a clever sideline in painting brilliant pictures of the plants he loves and studies: his new book, Weird…

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Episode 319: Under glass at London's Chelsea Physic Garden: a journey through 353 years of botanical history

Join Emily Hazell, the curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden, as she guides us through the rich history and diverse plant collections of this historic London garden, including the tropical corridor, pelargonium house and the carnivorous plant collection. For full show notes including images of the plants we talk about, visit http://janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/chelsea-physic-garden Unlock ad-free…

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Episode 318: How to use propagation to save your plants from disaster

If your plants are going through a rough patch, propagation can give them a new lease of life. Houseplant expert and hybridiser Lindsay Sisti ( @alltheplantbabies ) talks me through her plant renovation tips. This week's guest Lindsay runs a home-based nursery outside of Chicago, USA where she develop and propagates unique collector specimens. Check out her online plant boutique:…

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Episode 317: Anthurium Breeding Insights and more with Dr. Jeff Block

Explore the fascinating world of tropical plant breeding through the expert lens of Dr. Jeff Block, an anaesthesiologist and passionate anthurium breeder. Find out why slow pokes get the heave-ho in the breeding process, why naming a plant after your wife has hidden benefits, and why water quality matters when it comes to velvet Anthuriums. Many thanks to Grow Tropicals for hosting this interview.…

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Episode 316: Deadly nightshade - as a houseplant?!

Have you ever thought about growing deadly nightshade indoors? Me neither! But Kenny Moiane aka @ambientflora on Instagram is here to tell us all how it's done - and why we should be captivated by these incredible plants. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/poisonous-plants-indoors WARNING Poisonous plants deserve our respect and understanding. The information in…

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Episode 315: The houseplants that stole the show at Chelsea 2026

I visit Houseplant Studios at the Chelsea Flower Show and chat to some of the designers behind the plants. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-studios-chelsea-2026 Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener…

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Episode 314: Becoming a fulfilled plant person with Sydney Plant Guy

Sydney Plant Guy aka Jan Gettmann joins me to talk about how to get the most out of houseplants - without the overwhelm, the excessive plant hauls and the pest infestation crashouts. For full show notes visit http://janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/becoming-a-fulfilled-plant-person Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the…

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Episode 313: Getting our hands dirty with terrariums - goo and begonias under glass with The Begonia Ladies

I'm joined by The Begonia Ladies aka Ash (@begoni.ash on Insta) and Nina (@begonia_lady on Insta) to talk terrarium goo and begonias under glass. For full show notes visit http://janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/begonia-ladies-terrarium-goo Want to ask me a question? Email ontheledgepodcast@gmail.com . The more information you can include, the better - pictures of your plant, details of your location…

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Episode 312: My houseplant hot takes - and they get increasingly unhinged

One houseplant podcaster (that's me!) pours the hottest of houseplant tea, in five perfectly portioned hot takes. And yes, they may well get slightly more unhinged towards the end. Come ride with me in my Terrarium Time Machine! For full show notes, visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-hot-takes Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Check out The…

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Episode 311: Teeny Tiny Terrarium Plants - I choose my top five

Need teeny tiny plants for your terrarium? I've got you. I pick my top five plants that will fit into the smallest of glass containers. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/tiny-terrarium-plants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards…

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Episode 310: OTL sowalong - pollinating and growing Anthuriums from seed with The Plant Parlour

Gemma Haigh aka The Plant Parlour joins me to share her tips on how to pollinate and grow Anthuriums from seed, in the latest instalment of the OTL sowalong, my mission to get listeners growing houseplants from seed. Warning to listeners with children: this episode does not contain any swear words but discusses the sexual reproduction of plants, with a bit of sexual innuendo along the way. I'd say…

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Episode 309: Whimsical houseplants

Feeling drab? I name my top five whimsical houseplants to bring more joy into your life. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2026/3/31/whimsical-houseplants Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box here . Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram:…

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Episode 308: A sowalong quick-start, hairy Philodendrons and why your Calathea is miserable

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2026/3/31/episode-308 Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge From April 3 to 10 2026 use code OTLBACK to get 20% off an annual membership. Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box here . Follow Jane Perrone on…

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Episode 307: pickle plants

Two plants named after the pickle, both from South Africa, both succulents - and one episode of On The Ledge dedicated to them! In this episode I explain why I am restarting On The Ledge, what you can do to help, and why I love these two pickly plants. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2026/3/20/episode-307-pickle-plants Support On The Ledge on Patreon:…

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OTL reloaded: leaf shine and cleaning leaves

If your new plant has super-shiny leaves, it may have been treated with a leaf shine spray. I find out more about these products with Canadian garden writer Larry Hodgson , and discuss the best ways to clean plant leaves. Plus we hear from listener Beth. This episode of On The Ledge was first published in November 2020. For full show notes visit…

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Episode 306 part seven: the laughing man

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this mini-ep you'll hear a personal…

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Episode 306 part six: my recommendations for spooky stuff

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this mini-ep you'll hear my…

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Episode 306 part five: the pea that's a biological weapon

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this mini-ep you'll hear a chapter…

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Episode 306 part four: treacherous remission

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this mini-ep I talk about two terms…

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Episode 306 part three: WIN a copy of The Atlas of Deadly Plants

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this mini-ep I'm offering you the…

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Episode 306 part two: a toxic tree, the European yew

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this part I'll be telling you a…

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Episode 306 part one: Introducing The Atlas of Deadly Plants

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/10/24/episode-306-the-atlas-of-deadly-plants My new book The Atlas of Deadly Plants is out this week, published by Greenfinch, so I thought I'd celebrate by offering up a series of mini-podcast episodes digging into some of the themes and facts from the book - just in time for Halloween! In this part I'll be telling you a…

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Episode 305: Pots and drainage - does a layer of stones help?

Avery Rowe joins me to talk about one of the most vexed questions in the world of gardening - does a 'drainage layer' of rocks or gravel aid water drainage from a pot? The answer may surprise you! For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2025/6/27/episode-305-pots-and-drainage-does-a-layer-of-stones-help Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the…

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Episode 304: A life update (RIP Wolfie) plus a preview of my new podcast, Scribehound Gardening's Deep Dive

Find out what's been happening in On The Ledge Towers since the last episode of the podcast in September 2024, and listen to a preview of my new podcast. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/dee-dive-podcast-preview Want to find out more about Scribehound Gardening? Why not take out a trial subscription here : there's more info here . Subscribe to the Scribehound…

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Episode 303: Late Night On The Ledge - Worcester Terrariums aka Ben Newell

Host Jane Perrone is joined by terrarium maker extraordinaire Ben Newell ( Worcester Terrariums ) in the final Late Night On The Ledge episode. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/worcester-terrariums What is Late Night On The Ledge? Imagine a late night TV chat show featuring your favourite planty guests, a dash of gossip and the odd rant. Please note: this episode…

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Episode 302: Late Night On The Ledge - plants and tattoos with Dr Matt Lodder

Host Jane Perrone is joined by tattoo historian Dr Matt Lodder to learn about the role of plants in tattoos over the centuries in the third Late Night On The Ledge episode. For full show notes and a transcript visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/plant-tattoos Please note: this episode features swearing and adult topics and probably isn't suitable for younger ears. If you need to find…

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Episode 301: Late Night On The Ledge - Hilton Carter

In the second of the Late Night On The Ledge series, host Jane Perrone chats to plant stylist and author Hilton Carter about his career, the wonders of plant propagation, and why we've both got it in for calatheas. Please note: this episode features swearing and probably isn't suitable for younger ears. If you need to find another episode to listen to, why not check out my themed back catalogue ?…

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Episode 300: Late Night On The Ledge - spilling the tea with Sarah and Tea

Host Jane Perrone chats to follow plant lovers Sarah Gerrard-Jones aka The Plant Rescuer and Tea Francis aka Tea's Jungle in this special Late Night OTL episode. For full show notes, a transcript and to watch a video version of the show, visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-300 Please note: this episode features swearing and probably isn't suitable for younger ears. If you need…

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Episode 299: Ottershaw Cacti and growlights for venus flytraps

Host Jane Perrone visits Daniel and Jo Jackson at Ottershaw Cacti in Surrey to find out about their incredible collection of plants, and a Q&A on growing venus flytraps under growlights. For full show notes and a transcipt visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/ottershaw-cacti Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out…

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Episode 298: Monstera 'Thai Constellation' - a deep dive with Pretty in Green

Host Jane Perrone talks all things Monstera 'Thai Constellation' with Chris Ernst of Pretty in Green: where this variegated wonder came from, how to grow it and why we love it. For full show notes and a transcript visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-children Prefer to watch this as a video? Visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LmgAPZ3628 Sign up for The…

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Episode 297: passion flowers as houseplants

Host Jane Perrone talks to botanist Rebecca Hilgenhof about passion flowers, finding out which ones we can grow as houseplants. Plus the Q&A tackles a question about a Hoya that refuses to bloom. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/passionflowers-houseplants Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene:…

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Episode 296: live podcast recording with Worcester Terrariums and the Bearded Plantaholic

A live podcast recorded with Ben Newell and Jonny Balchandani at the Malvern Houseplant Festival . The Festival was organised by Green Rooms Market - thanks to Sarah Gerrard-Jones for holding the mic for audience questions and adding in her own thoughts! My guests were: Ben Newell aka @worcesterterrariums whose book Hello Tiny World is out now. Jonny Balchandani aka @thebeardedplantaholic . For…

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Episode 295: Houseplant Studios at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024

For full show notes and a transcript visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/chelsea-flower-show-houseplant-studios Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box here . Support On The Ledge on Patreon:…

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Episode 294: cheap or free houseplant care kit essentials

Raid your kitchen cupboards and you'll come across all kinds of free stuff you can utilise to take care of your houseplants. Host Jane Perrone explains how everything from wooden chopsticks to clear plastic takeaway boxes, find out how to get your houseplant care kit tooled up for nothing. Plus she suggests a couple of gadgets that are worth splashing the cash for. For full show notes and a…

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Episode 293: why seeds matter with Jennifer Jewell, author of book What We Sow

Host Jane Perrone talks to garden writer and podcaster Jennifer Jewell about her latest book What We Sow, and answers a question about biochar for houseplants. For full show notes and a transcript, visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/what-we-sow-jennifer-jewell Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out…

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Episode 292: Lithops and other succulents with Tony Irons

Host Jane Perrone talks to cactus and succulent grower and seller Tony Irons about some of his favourite plants, including Lithops. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/lithops-succulents Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my…

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Episode 291: rescuing cacti and succulents with Mint Plants

Host Jane Perrone talks to Hayley Stephens of Bristol-based cactus and succulent sellers Mint Plants to find out about their mission to save plants from the skip. For full show notes plus a transcript visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/rescuing-cacti-succulents Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out…

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Episode 290: OTL sowalong part two - where to start growing houseplants from seed

Jane Perrone talks to Alina Smith of US houseplant seed sellers Plantflix about how to get started growing from seed, and answers a question about a Homalomena. For full show notes and a transcript visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-from-seed Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of…

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Episode 289: launching the OTL sowalong, plus Anthuriums without cabinets

Find out how to join in with my annual houseplant seed sowing project, and I talk anthuriums with Gemma Haigh of The Plant Parlour. Plus I answer a question about boisduval scale. For full show notes including a transcript visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/sowalong-anthuriums Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene:…

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Episode 288: air plant chat and how to grow a pineapple plant

I talk air plants (aka Tillandsias) with expert grower Don Billington, and I take on a listener question about another bromeliad - a poorly pineapple. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-children Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on…

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Episode 287: light and light meters with House Plant Journal

Host Jane Perrone talks to Darryl Cheng aka House Plant Journal 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. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/light-meters Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check…

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Episode 286: fungus gnats revisited

A blast from the past as I replay an early episode of On The Ledge all about those annoying houseplant pests, fungus gnats, plus I answer questions on saving a damaged cactus, rusty watering cans, flowering plants for Easter. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/fungus-gnats Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene:…

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Episode 285: A Jungle In Your Living Room - getting children into houseplants

I talk to Michael Holland about his new houseplant book for children, and I answer a question about mealybugs on cuttings. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-children Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant…

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