Plant Daddy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 95: Off Topic - Thalassa Cruso with Jane Perrone May 11, 2021

Show notes

We're delighted to have Jane Perrone back on the show to talk about the under-appreciated houseplant icon, Thalassa Cruso. Who was she? How does the advice in her book Making Things Grow hold up decades later? And why isn't she better known today? To our surprise, we found some currently trendy techniques and plants in her 1968 book. Did Thalassa finally teach Stephen how to care for a Rex Begonia? Oh, and Jane is writing a book, too! We demand details.

Episode 94: Cobra Lily, Darlingtonia californica Plant Profile May 05, 2021

Show notes

This week we cover the Cobra Lily, Darlingtonia californica, a local native carnivorous plant that we both love - even if we didn't when we first saw them. They can be tricky to grow in regions with warmer temperatures, so we explain some approaches, including zeer pots, ice cubes, and cisterns? Even if you don’t plan to get this plant, tune in for the interesting ways people try to keep these thriving! And to hear Matthew try to record after 10pm!

Episode 93: Chill 'n Chat - Two In-depth Plant Updates Apr 28, 2021

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In this month's Chill and Chat, the Plant Daddies go deep with two updates on plants featured in former episodes - Stephania erecta, the charismatic caudex plant from Episode 13, and the Fiddle Leaf Fig from Episode 39. Are they alive? Yes! But has everything gone as planned for these plants? Not quite, but there isn't any bad news! Matthew makes the biggest cut he's ever made, and Stephen "sets himself free."

Episode 92: Gardenia jasminoides Plant Profile Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

The Plant Daddies tackle a long-cherished classic plant for fragrant flower-lovers, Gardenia jasminoides. But as Mother's Day nears and these start to appear on shelves as potted ornamentals, we question: is this even a houseplant? Matthew's passion for Gardenias is extensive, and he shares his favorite varieties. But does everyone love fragrant plants? Stephen reveals some surprising statistics.
And we have a question for the people of LA.

Episode 91: Silver Squill, Ledebouria socialis Plant Profile Apr 13, 2021

Show notes

Looking for a hassle-free plant that will appeal to both succulent and foliage plant sensibilities? Then you should check out Silver Squill, a unique, bulbous plant that we say we don't think about often, but then admit that we low-key love. How much light do these actually need? And are these best in sparse or dense displays? Are the Plant Daddies going to agree again this week?
And don't miss the info about a special (free!) Carnivorous Plant event at the end of show!

Episode 90: Chill 'n Chat - Houseplant Tools Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

This week the Plant Daddies Chill 'n Chat about their favorite planty tools, including their favorites for watering, tamping, brushing, and… wait, plucking? If we both prefer simple tools, does that make us simple? Can Stephen get Matthew to admit how many spray bottles he owns? And Matthew is surprised to learn that apparently Tori Birch makes plant care supplies? We've never had this chat before, and it shows.

Episode 89: Philodendron 'Florida Ghost' Plant Profile Mar 23, 2021

Show notes

This week the Plant Daddies talk Philodendron 'Florida Ghost'. Why cover such an expensive, still-not-that-common plant? Because among 'It Plants', it's been one of the best performing, most satisfying splurge purchases in Matthew's memory. Stephen calls out the particularly bad online care articles and shares a possible origin story for this cultivar, and Matthew apparently just thinks you should strongly consider this one.

Episode 88: Windowsill Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

This week the Plant Daddies discuss Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, a surprisingly reliable flowering tropical for a sunny spot indoors - not just outside. Stephen's familiar with these plants, but most of his experience comes from… a video game? How should you fertilize for optimum flowering? And there are cultivars with brown flowers? Matthew takes us on a long walk through pruning, to an extent that many houseplant parents may not have needed to go before.

Episode 87: Hoyas 101 Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

We finally did it! This week the Plant Daddies sit down and talk all things Hoyas. We take a customary deep dive on care, some recommended species, scientific goodies, and stories of our own experiences in growing these popular fragrant flowering plants with amazing and diverse foliage… which we BOTH love. Is it weird when we agree? And how does the nectar taste?

Episode 86: Chill 'n Chat - Spring Plant Plans Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

This month's Chill 'n Chat starts with plant updates and springtime plant care advice and ends with… well, all sorts of things. What will happen to our plants collections when quarantine ends and we return to work? Will Stephen have to adjust his soil recipes when he moves to a new apartment? Is massaging flytraps a fun couple's activity? And how delicious is Sansevieria nectar?

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