On The Ledge
354 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 552 ratingsOn 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 [email protected] or visit janeperrone.com.
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Episodes
Episode 251: mycorrhizal fungi and houseplants
January 13, 2023 20:10 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBI learn more about the incredible relationships between plants and mycorrhizal fungi with the help of plant community ecologist Dr Sarah Emery, and I answer a question about a frozen jade tree. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/251-mycorrhizal-fungi
Episode 250: Hoyas with Betsy Begonia
January 06, 2023 20:45 - 50 minutes - 68.8 MBI dive deep into the world of Hoyas with Betsy Begonia of boutique online store HoyaMyGosh! and I tackle a Hoya-themed Q&A. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/hoyas-betsy-begonia
Bonus episode: old houseplants (from the OTL archive)
December 30, 2022 17:07 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBNo new episode this week, but I revisit an episode from the On The Ledge archive, published back in 2017… I talk to people about their long-lived houseplants, from an Aspidistra to a cactus in a pickle jar. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/old-houseplants This was one of the first 50 episodes of the show that are usually only available to Patreon subscribers at the Ledge End and Superfan level. You can become a Patreon subscriber and unlock this and othe...
Episode 249: The Allotment Keeper's Handbook
December 22, 2022 21:29 - 58 minutes - 80 MBHear a sample chapter from my audiobook version of The Allotment Keeper’s Handbook. I explain a little about the background to the book and introduce an extract about sowing and planting. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/allotment-book Get your copy of audiobook The Allotment Keeper’s Handbook now! Click here to buy and enter code FESTIVEPLOT for 20% off! Valid until December 29 2022.
Episode 248: 31 fascinating facts about houseplants
December 16, 2022 20:24 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBI offer up a collation of random houseplant facts, one for each day of the month. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-facts
Episode 247: choosing a greenhouse
December 09, 2022 20:04 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBPlanning your dream greenhouse? I get top tips and advice from houseplant expert Raffaelle Di Lallo and Emma O'Neill from Garden Organic. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/greenhouses
Episode 246: Jade Murray talks about her new book, plus a wick watering Q&A
December 02, 2022 16:13 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBI interview British houseplant enthusiast Jade Murray about her new book The Indoor Garden, I answer a question about wick watering and we meet listener Dorian. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/jade-murray-wick-watering
Episode 245: houseplant botany with Dr Scott Zona
November 24, 2022 18:42 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBDr Scott Zona joins me to talk about his new book, a Gardener’s Guide to Botany, plus I get some feedback on Fluval Stratum. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-botany
Episode 244: visiting the National Collection of Hoyas
November 18, 2022 22:04 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBI travel to Newcastle in the UK to visit the National Collection of Hoyas, and chat with its holder, Felix Horne, and I answer a question about a languishing lime. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/hoya-national-collection 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 http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon...
Episode 243: root mealybugs
November 11, 2022 20:06 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBI find out how to spot and treat root mealybugs with entomologist Professor Raymond Cloyd, plus I answer a question about braided houseplants. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/root-mealybugs
Episode 242: a look at Pilea - beyond the Chinese money plant
November 04, 2022 19:47 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBThere is more to the genus Pilea than the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides): I discuss some of my favourite species, including the artillery plant and the aluminium plant. For full show notes, visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/pilea This week’s show is supported by Cozy Earth, the premium bedding company - get 40% off site wide at cozyearth.com using code LEDGE now.
Episode 241: the paintbrush plant, Haemanthus albiflos
October 21, 2022 16:25 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIf you have a mystery plant you can’t identify, there’s a reasonably good chance it is the paintbrush plant aka Haemanthus albiflos! In this episode I discuss this South African plant and how to grow it in your home. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/haemanthus-paintbrush
Episode 240: slipper orchids, and why you need to join an orchid society
October 14, 2022 18:11 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBI visit orchid grower Malcolm Moodie to find out about the slipper orchids of the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium, find out why orchid societies need our support. Plus I answer a question about Fluval Stratum. For full show notes visit http://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/orchids-phragmipedium-paphiopedilum
Episode 239: what to do with a dead houseplant
October 07, 2022 20:06 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThis week I explain how do you tell when a houseplant really is dead, and what to do with its remains; plus I answer a question about a Monstera with a split personality. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/dead-houseplants-what-to-do
Episode 238: Dendrobium orchids and more with Kevin Wigley
September 30, 2022 18:56 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBI visit orchid grower Kevin Wigley to find out more about this fascinating family, including Dendrobiums, Coelogyne and Psychopsis. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/orchids-dendrobiums
Episode 237: Aeoniums
September 23, 2022 18:37 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBI find out about the genus of succulents known as Aeoniums with National Collection holder Mellie Lewis, and answer two Ficus questions. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/aeonium
Episode 236: Three houseplants for cold rooms
September 16, 2022 18:40 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBTurning your thermostat down this winter? Here are three plants that will thrive in unheated rooms. Plus I answer a question about root pruning. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-cold-rooms
Episode 235: Mangave
September 09, 2022 22:31 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBDr Colin Walker joins me to talk about Mangave, an intergeneric hybrid that’s relatively new to the succulent scene. Plus I answer a question about spots on an areca palm. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/mangave Thanks to True Leaf Market for sponsoring this week’s show. Get 15% off cover crop seeds at trueleafmarket.com with promo code OTL15.
Episode 234: Flowering houseplants
September 02, 2022 19:04 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBI talk to Lisa Eldred Steinkopf aka The Houseplant Guru about flowering houseplants and celebrate her new book Bloom. Plus I answer a question about intergeneric hybrids. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/flowering-houseplants Thanks to True Leaf Market for sponsoring this week’s show. Get 15% off cover crop seeds at trueleafmarket.com with promo code OTL15.
Episode 233: leaf botany part seven - photosynthesis explained
July 29, 2022 19:33 - 29 minutes - 24 MBWe all know photosynthesis is vital for plants, but how does it work? Dr Polly Schiffman joins me to explain. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/photosynthesis
Episode 232: talking cacti at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
July 22, 2022 15:26 - 55 minutes - 38 MBI chat to cactus expert and business owner Gynelle Leon in a live recording at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, plus I answer a question about sticky stuff on Philodendron leaves. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/gynelle-leon-hampton-court
Episode 231: Growing Marantas and Alocasias in California
July 15, 2022 09:46 - 39 minutes - 27 MBListener German Rivera joins me to talk about his experiences growing Alocasias and Marantas in California, and I answer a question about making pots fuller. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/maranta-alocasia
Episode 230: Big Cactus Rescue
July 07, 2022 14:10 - 49 minutes - 40 MBI visit Martin Ciderspiller’s epic cactus collection, Big Cactus Rescue, to find out why heavy metal music and spiny plants make such good company. For full show notes visit http://janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/big-cactus-rescue 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 http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/on...
Episode 229: are these houseplants extinct indoors?
June 30, 2022 19:09 - 16 minutes - 11 MBNot all houseplants stay the course: I take a look at three species that seem to have completely dropped out of the palette of plants we grow indoors. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/extinct-houseplants
Episode 228: Houseplant books with Maria Failla
June 24, 2022 18:51 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBMaria Failla of podcast Bloom & Grow Radio joins me to share tips from her new book Growing Joy, including dealing with plant overwhelm, and we discuss her love affair with planty books. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-books-maria-failla Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants http://legendsoftheleafbook.com ...
Episode 227: houseplants and sustainability part four - Harriets Plants
June 17, 2022 10:33 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBI visit the nursery of UK houseplant grower Harriet Thompson to find out more about the challenges of growing houseplants sustainably. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/harriets-plants-sustainability This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE. Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/led...
Episode 226: Q&A special
June 10, 2022 19:53 - 31 minutes - 72.7 MBI answer a new batch of listener questions covering everything from a bird of paradise with wrinkly leaves to a Thanksgiving cactus with bumpy bits. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/listener-questions This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 225: Sinningia
June 03, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 81.8 MBI’m joined by plant geneticist and microbiologist David Zaitlin to talk about this fascinating genus, with a focus on florist gloxinia and Sinningia leucotricha. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/sinningia-leucotricha-speciosa This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE. Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: http...
Episode 224: the Chelsea flower show 2022
May 27, 2022 19:35 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBI visit the Chelsea flower show and chat to the makers of the six Houseplant Studios about their creations, and we hear from listener Bas in the Netherlands. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/chelsea-flower-show-2022 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 http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon: htt...
Episode 223: Tradescantia with Avery Rowe
May 20, 2022 19:26 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBI chat to Tradescantia expert Avery Rowe about all things inch plant, and I answer a question about baby Saxifrages. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/tradescantia This week's show sponsor is Soltech Solutions. Check out Soltech Solutions’ range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with the code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 222: 'new' plant chat with Memo C
May 13, 2022 23:09 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MBI check out six ‘new’ houseplants to see if they are worth adding to your collection with the help of fellow plant geek Memo C. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/memo-new-houseplants
Episode 221: cacti and succulents with BCSS chairman Greg Bulmer
May 06, 2022 09:49 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBI talk to the new chairman of the British Cactus and Succulent Society his vision for the BCSS and his own passion for prickly plants, and we hear from listener Andrew. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/bcss-chairman This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 220: Fittonia, the nerve plant
April 29, 2022 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.4 MBI take a look at the colourful and intricate Fittonia, aka the nerve plant, and answer a question about notching Ficus plants. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/fittonia-nerve-plant This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 219: raid the recycling and help your houseplants
April 22, 2022 19:10 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIt’s Earth Day, so let’s take a look at what you can find and reuse for your houseplants. Rifle through the recycling bin, search your kitchen cupboards and you’ll find plenty of stuff you can press into service. Plus I answer a question about a droopy Alocasia and we hear from listener Natalie. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-equipment Thanks to LAVA-LITE for sponsoring this week's episode. Find out more about their range of houseplant prod...
Episode 218: painting houseplants, with Aaron Apsley
April 15, 2022 12:02 - 43 minutes - 30 MBI chat to Florida-based botanical artist Aaron Apsley about the joys and challenges of painting houseplants, and I answer a question about books on pests and diseases. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/aaron-apsley This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 217: the Barbican Conservatory
April 08, 2022 19:54 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBI visit the Barbican Conservatory in London and talk to head gardener Marta Lowcewicz about this incredible glasshouse. Plus I answer a question about a Kentia palm. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/barbican-conservatory This episode is sponsored by Soltech Solutions. Check out their range of lights now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 216: houseplant gift baskets
April 01, 2022 19:33 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBYou’ve been given a houseplant gift basket - now what? Find out how to care for them, and what to do when they start to look miserable with On The Ledge host Jane Perrone. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-gift-baskets
Episode 215: soil science part two
March 25, 2022 20:24 - 39 minutes - 27 MBSoil scientist Ashley Esakin of Gardening In Canada is back for part two of her interview about houseplant soils, plus I answer a question about a weeping fig that has had a shock. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/soil-science-part-two Thanks to Soltech Solutions for sponsoring this week's show. Check out Soltech Solutions now at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code ONTHELEDGE.
Episode 214: soil science part one
March 11, 2022 18:17 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBSoil scientist Ashley Esakin of gardeningincanada.net joins me to delve into the science of houseplant substrates, covering everything from microbial communities to perched water tables. Show notes here: www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/soil-science
Episode 213: three quick jobs to help your houseplants
March 10, 2022 17:03 - 29 minutes - 19.9 MBOnly got five minutes to give your houseplants a lift this weekend? I suggest three jobs that will only take minutes to complete, plus I answer a question about ferns. For full show notes visit: www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/rotate-prune-mulch Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my new email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger
Episode 212: back to basics - houseplant watering
March 04, 2022 20:25 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBRaffaele Di Lallo of Ohio Tropics joins me to talk about the best ways to water houseplants, and I answer a question about repotting an old jade tree. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/watering-basics Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patre...
Episode 211: Alocasias
February 25, 2022 20:31 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBI chat to Roos Kocken aka @plantwithroos about the joys and challenges of growing Alocasias, catch up on the On The Ledge sowalong, and answer a question about Hoya seeds. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/alocasias 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 http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https...
Episode 210: sowalong 2022 - cacti and succulents from seed
February 18, 2022 19:39 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBI launch the On The Ledge sowalong 2022 and talk to cacti and succulent expert Ian Thwaites about sowing cacti and succulents from seed; plus the Q&A talks about a companion plant for a Monstera, and we hear from Craig (aka @scottishplantdad on Insta) in Meet the Listener. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/otlsowalong-cacti-succulents
Episode 209: Anthuriums
February 11, 2022 20:21 - 38 minutes - 26.1 MBI talk to Mark Lashmar aka @your.babylon about his collection of Anthuriums, and I answer a question about plants for a south-facing bay window. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-209-anthuriums 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 http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon...
Episode 208: houseplants of the past
February 04, 2022 13:16 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBWelcome back everyone! I have finished the manuscript for my book Legends of the Leaf, but this week I want to tell you about some of the fascinating plants I met along the way that you may not have come across. Plus I answer a question about a spider plant, and we hear from listener Mark. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-208-houseplants-past
Episode 208: houseplants of the past
February 04, 2022 13:16Welcome back everyone! I have finished the manuscript for my book Legends of the Leaf, but this week I want to tell you about some of the fascinating plants I met along the way that you may not have come across. Plus I answer a question about a spider plant, and we hear from listener Mark. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-208-houseplants-past
Episode 208: houseplants of the past
February 04, 2022 13:16Welcome back everyone! I have finished the manuscript for my book Legends of the Leaf, but this week I want to tell you about some of the fascinating plants I met along the way that you may not have come across. Plus I answer a question about a spider plant, and we hear from listener Mark. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-208-houseplants-past
Episode 207: festive plants Q&A
December 16, 2021 11:14 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBI answer a raft of festive plant queries, and we hear from listener Sally. For full show notes, visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/festive-plants-questions
Episode 206: cactus talk with Ulrich Haage
December 09, 2021 18:06 - 51 minutes - 35.8 MBI talk cacti and succulents with Ulrich Haage of German cactus nursery Kakteen Haage, plus I answer a question about chopping a Monstera. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/german-cactus-ulrich-haage
Episode 205: LECA (expanded clay pebbles)
December 02, 2021 10:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBI find out how LECA is made and talk to LECA convert Kimberly Black, plus I answer a question about using SB Plant Invigorator during winter. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/leca-expanded-clay-pebbles