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 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
Episode 204: thrips
November 25, 2021 09:39 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBGot thrips? You need to listen to this episode! I am joined by entomologist and thrips specialist Professor William Kirk to talk about these houseplant pests. Plus I answer a question about a plant damaged by a cat. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/thrips
Episode 203: a visit to the Millennium Seed Bank
November 17, 2021 11:22 - 43 minutes - 30 MBThe Millennium Seed Bank holds a treasure trove of plant genetic material from around the world, including many of our favourite houseplants: I headed into the vault to find out how and why seeds are banked. Plus I answer a question about ‘stuck’ aroid leaves. For the show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/millennium-seed-bank Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Lea...
Episode 202: jewel orchids
November 10, 2021 15:13 - 50 minutes - 35 MBI talk all things jewel orchid with London-based grower Reshma Lobo aka @uglyplanting, plus I answer a question about combination planting in expanded clay pebbles. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/jewel-orchids
Episode 201: Q&A special
November 01, 2021 12:29 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBI answer questions on everything from growlight use in winter to the mysterious everfresh tree, and we hear from listener German. For the full show notes, visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-201-listener-questions
Midweek bonus 6: a botanical family quiz
October 27, 2021 11:28 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBI decided to revive the lockdown-era midweek bonus episode for a bit of fun - I ask my family to decide which of these botanical terms are real, and which ones I have made up… to play along, visit the show notes for the questions and answers: https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/botanical-quiz 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://legendsoftheleafboo...
Episode 200: what's changed since February 2017
October 21, 2021 17:47 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MBWhen the very first episode of On The Ledge dropped on February 2017, I wondered if anyone would bother listening to a podcast about houseplants… I think it’s safe to say the answer was yes! In this episode I reflect on what’s changed in my world and yours in the past four and a half years. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/episode-200 Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check...
Episode 199: indoor bonsai with @bonsai_raff
October 12, 2021 11:41 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBRaffaella Warren-Barbieri aka @bonsai_raff joins me to talk about how she got into bonsai, where to start with indoor bonsai, and what it’s like being a Gen Z plant aficionado. Plus I answer a question about giving new life to a couple of rescue bromeliads. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/199-indoor-bonsai
Episode 198: Lechuza Pon
October 08, 2021 12:54 - 29 minutes - 20.7 MBI find out more about the soil-free growing medium Pon from Lechuza’s UK sales director Arvin Bhudia, and I answer a question about a succulent that’s growing something strange. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/lechuza-pon
Episode 197: tiny plants
October 01, 2021 15:45 - 48 minutes - 33.9 MBI talk to horticulturist Leslie Halleck about her new book Tiny Plants, and answer a question about a colourful Tradescantia. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/tiny-plants-leslie-halleck
Episode 196: houseplants at the Chelsea Flower Show 2021
September 24, 2021 19:47 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBHas the horticultural institution that is the Chelsea Flower Show truly embraced the houseplant world? I visited on press day to take a look. And I answer a question about a stunted Ctenanthe. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-chelsea-flower-show-2021
Episode 195: bringing houseplants into prisons with The Glasshouse - plus a look at lucky bamboo
September 17, 2021 18:32 - 44 minutes - 49.2 MBI find out more about a scheme helping women in prison to get growing houseplants, and I discuss the delights of lucky bamboo, aka Dracaena sanderiana. Plus I answer a question about cork for supporting aroids. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/prison-glasshouse-lucky-bamboo
Episode 194: clear pots - the pros and cons
September 10, 2021 19:44 - 29 minutes - 28.6 MBClear plastic pots are common in the world of orchid growing, but can they work for other houseplants? I share my experiences growing in transparent pots and delve into a bit of root botany in this episode, plus I answer a question about millipedes in a Monstera. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/transparent-plant-pots
Episode 193: aroids with Peter Boyce
July 23, 2021 15:02 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBAroid 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 the full show notes, visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/aroids-peter-boyce Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my new email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Preorder your cop...
Episode 192: houseplants and mental health
July 16, 2021 18:04 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBPlants can boost your mental health - but it’s easy to let your leafy obsession tip over into a damaging habit that impacts your wellbeing. I chat to Mental health nurse Amy March about how to deal with houseplant overwhelm, whether plant bans are a good thing, and how to develop healthy houseplant buying habits. Plus we hear from listener Ana Cristina and I answer a question about a bird’s nest fern. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplants-mental-heal...
Episode 191: A visit to aroid addict Tony Le-Britton, aka @notanotherjungle
July 09, 2021 19:37 - 1 hour - 75.2 MBI meet Tony Le-Britton, the aroid grower extraordinaire known for his Insta account @notanotherjungle, at his home in Northamptonshire. Plus I answer a question about a wayward Hoya. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/aroids-notanotherjungle
Episode 190: Jane's five rules for houseplant care, plus the lowdown on aphids
July 02, 2021 17:30 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBHear my talk on houseplant care from the Leaf Houseplant Festival and I answer a question about aphids. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-rules-aphids Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my new email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Preorder Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants https://is.gd/KLhwKK Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Follow Jane Perrone on In...
Episode 189: moving houseplants outside for a summer holiday
June 25, 2021 18:04 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBWant 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 notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/moving-houseplants-outside-summer
Episode 189: moving houseplants outside for a summer holiday
June 25, 2021 18:04 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBWant 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 notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/moving-houseplants-outside-summer
Episode 188: getting started with terrariums
June 18, 2021 18:47 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MBTerrariums offer endless possibilities for growing, but where do you start? Jacob James of GrowTropicals joins me to discuss containers, substrates and of course - the plants. Plus I answer a question about Aroids and toxicity. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/6/17/episode-188-terrariums 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 house...
Episode 187: snake plants aka Sansevieria
June 11, 2021 11:52 - 53 minutes - 36.4 MBSucculent expert Dr Colin Walker joins me to discuss the wonderful world of snake plants, aka Sansevierias, plus I answer a question about repotting a fern. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/6/8/snake-plants-sansevieria Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my new email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Preorder Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants https://is.gd/KLhwKK Support On The Ledge on Patreon: ...
Episode 186: rescuing plants with Sarah Gerrard-Jones
May 28, 2021 19:36 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBLike so many household objects, plants are often discarded for the “crime” of being slightly imperfect - but Sarah Gerrard-Jones is out to change that. I meet Sarah, aka The Plant Rescuer, to discuss her obsession with saving every houseplant she can. And I answer a question about a lanky avocado. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/5/25/episode-186-the-plant-rescuer Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https:...
Episode 185: the silver dollar vine, Xerosicyos danguyi
May 21, 2021 19:18 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBIn this episode I take a look at the silver dollar vine, Xerosicyos danguyi, an intriguing trailing succulent that is a member of the cucurbit family. Plus I answer a question about making a Philodendron fuller, and we hear from listener Greg. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/5/21/silver-dollar-vine-xerosicyos
Episode 184: The Houseplant Expert by Dr David Hessayon - the book that launched my houseplant obsession
May 14, 2021 18:51 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBDr David Hessayon’s book The Houseplant Expert has been inspired indoor gardeners for decades, including me! In this episode I talk to two fellow horticulturists who knew him well, and reflect on his legacy. Plus I answer a question about moving a 5ft cactus, and we hear from a ten-year-old houseplant fan in Meet The Listener. To read the full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/5/12/episode-184-the-houseplant-expert-by-dr-dg-hessayon Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my ...
Episode 183: leaf botany part six - what do plants know, with Beronda Montgomery
May 07, 2021 18:09 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBDid 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, in the latest instalment of the leaf botany series. Plus I answer a question about plants to hang in the shower. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/5/7/episode-183-leaf-botany-part-six-what-do-plants-know-with-beronda-montgomery
Episode 182: Perrone's plant pet peeves
April 30, 2021 18:40 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBFrom succulents in terrariums to indoor olive trees, I get a few houseplant-related rants off my chest. Plus we hear from listener Jami. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/4/21/episode-182
Episode 181: moth orchid rescue with Terry Richardson
April 23, 2021 13:11 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBMoth orchids looking miserable? Want to get your Phalaenopsis to rebloom? Terry Richardson (aka The Black Thumb) joins me to answer all your orchid rescue questions: plus I answer a question about plants that can hold their own in a loft space. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/phalaenopsis-moth-orchid-rescue
Episode 180: Indonesian houseplant culture with Youtuber Onlyplants
April 16, 2021 15:42 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBThis week Jakarta-based YouTuber and prolific grower Sean William Salim joins me to talk about plant culture in Indonesia, and we say hello to Ray from South Korea in Meet The Listener. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/4/16/episode-180-indonesian-houseplant-culture-with-youtuber-onlyplants
Episode 179: citrus and more with HGTV’s Marianne Canada
April 09, 2021 16:43 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBI talk growing indoor citrus and much more with HGTV’s Marianne Canada and answer a question about Philodendron vs Monstera. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/3/25/episode-179
Episode 178: leaf botany part five - dormancy
March 26, 2021 20:22 - 49 minutes - 113 MBIs my plant taking merely resting, or is it dead? Why has my cactus stopped growing? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, this episode is for you! Botanist Dr Matt Candeias joins me to demystify dormancy in plants. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/3/25/episode-178-leaf-botany-part-five-dormancy-and-death
Episode 177: biological controls part two
March 18, 2021 12:51 - 42 minutes - 98 MBListen to the second part of my interview on biological controls for pests, plus I answer a question about an Oxalis and give an update on the sowalong, and we hear from listener Tate. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/3/12/episode-177-biological-controls-pests
Episode 176: biological controls part one
March 12, 2021 12:23 - 38 minutes - 87.6 MBI’m joined by two biological control experts to tackle your questions about dealing with infestations on your plants. Plus I answer a question about a droopy prickly pear, and we hear from a seven-year-old fan of the show in Meet The Listener. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/3/1/episode-176-biological-controls-pests
Episode 175: Hoyas and more with Ellen Zachos
March 05, 2021 19:19 - 43 minutes - 101 MBGarden writer and podcaster Ellen Zachos joins me to talk about our favourite Hoyas, plant tattoos and the future of houseplants. And I answer a question about plants to place next to a heater. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/3/1/episode-175
Episode 174: celebrating four years of On The Ledge
February 25, 2021 13:40 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn late February 2017 I set up a microphone in my husband’s underwear drawer and recorded the first episode of On The Ledge. More than 170 episodes later, and I’m celebrating the show’s fourth birthday, looking at the episodes that captivated and the plants that enthralled us. Keep listening to the end for the blooper reel… For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/2/24/episode-174-fourth-anniversary
Episode 173: plants behind glass at Hidcote
February 12, 2021 19:43 - 49 minutes - 114 MBI’m joined by Lottie Allen, head gardener at Hidcote in the Cotswolds, England, to learn about growing plants behind glass at this famous Arts and Crafts garden. Plus I answer a question about untangling a string of hearts, and we get a sowalong update. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/2/9/episode-173-inside-the-hidecote-plant-shelter Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger ...
Episode 172: your sowalong questions answered
February 05, 2021 20:54 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MBThe On The Ledge sowalong is an annual podcast project encouraging listeners to sow and grow houseplant seeds: in this episode I answer some of the questions raised by listeners eager to take part. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/2/5/epiosde-172-your-sowalong-questions-answered
Epiosde 172: your sowalong questions answered
February 05, 2021 20:54 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MBThe On The Ledge sowalong is an annual podcast project encouraging listeners to sow and grow houseplant seeds: in this episode I answer some of the questions raised by listeners eager to take part. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/2/5/epiosde-172-your-sowalong-questions-answered
Episode 171: humidity
January 29, 2021 20:15 - 36 minutes - 82.7 MBMoisture 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. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/1/20/episode-171 Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my new email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Preorder Legends of the Leaf, ...
Episode 170: sowalong and plant chat
January 22, 2021 20:36 - 54 minutes - 125 MBIt’s time to sow some seeds and shoot the breeze about Hoya trends in this episode; plus I answer a question about two very similar-looking variegated houseplants: one rather rarer than the other. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/1/8/episode-170
Episode 169: cactus and succulent poaching - what you need to know
January 16, 2021 12:34 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBRare cacti and succulents are being ripped out of the ground and sold illegally all over the world. Dr Jared Margulies of the University of Alabama joins me to discuss the issue of plant poaching: from what to look for when you’re buying rare succulents, to who is behind the illegal trade. And I answer a question about storing Xanthosoma corms. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/1/8/cactus-succulent-illegal-poaching
Episode 169: cactus and succulent poaching - what you need to know
January 15, 2021 20:17 - 49 minutes - 115 MBRare cacti and succulents are being ripped out of the ground and sold illegally all over the world. Political Dr Jared Margulies of the University of Alabama joins me to discuss the issue of plant poaching: from what to look for when you’re buying rare succulents, to who is behind the illegal trade. And I answer a question about storing Xanthosoma corms. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2021/1/8/cactus-succulent-illegal-poaching
Bonus festive episode: Jane reads A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
December 24, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 184 MBThis bonus episode has nothing to do with plants! It’s just a bit of fun. I read an abridged version of the classic Christmas story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I hope it’ll be a relaxing listen, but if you’re just here for the houseplants, skip this one and check out my back catalogue of more than 160 planty episodes. Find out more about A Christmas Carol in the show notes: https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/festive-bonus-episode Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email n...
Episode 168 addendum: On The Ledge quiz answers
December 19, 2020 09:00 - 4 minutes - 10 MBFind out how you scored in the On The Ledge quiz as Jane reveals the answers. Check out the questions and answers in full at https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/12/14/plant-quiz-aloe-vera
Episode 168: a planty quiz, plus Aloe vera advice
December 18, 2020 13:18 - 29 minutes - 66.8 MBI test your planty podcast knowledge in an On The Ledge quiz, plus I answer a question about an Aloe vera and we meet Alannah in Meet the Listener. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/12/14/plant-quiz-aloe-vera 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: htt...
Episode 167: springtails and swiss cheese plants
December 11, 2020 19:40 - 31 minutes - 71.3 MBI 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. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/11/20/episode-167-springtails-monstera-cuttings
Episode 166: IKEA greenhouse cabinets
December 04, 2020 20:38 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBFind out how to turn a glass cabinet from IKEA into a stylish indoor greenhouse with my guests Camila Lohr and Vinny Araujo, plus I answer a question about preventative pest control and we hear from listener Zoe in New Zealand in Meet the Listener. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/11/20/episode-166-ikea-greenhouse-cabinet
Episode 165: A look at leaf shine products, and how to clean leaves
November 27, 2020 18:32 - 37 minutes - 85.1 MBIf 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. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/11/20/episode-164-leaf-shine-cleaning-leaves
Episode 164: plants and poses with Travis Cooper
November 20, 2020 19:47 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBMy guest this week is Travis Cooper aka @plantsdecoop, creator of #PlantsNPoses on Instagram: we cover everything from plant purges and the best Anthuriums for newbies to the power of creativity and the joy of tapping into our childhood playfulness. I also answer a question about choosing a new home with your plants in mind. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/11/20/episode-164-travis-cooper-plantsdecoop
Episode 164: Plants and Poses with Travis Cooper
November 20, 2020 19:47 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBMy guest this week is Travis Cooper aka @plantsdecoop, creator of #PlantsNPoses on Instagram: we cover everything from plant purges and the best Anthuriums for newbies to the power of creativity and the joy of tapping into our childhood playfulness. I also answer a question about choosing a new home with your plants in mind. For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/11/20/episode-164-travis-cooper-plantsdecoop
Episode 163: behind the scenes at On The Ledge
November 13, 2020 21:08 - 44 minutes - 101 MBhttp://I delve into the history of On The Ledge and explain how it all began, as well as how I put the show together today, plus we meet listener Armando, host of podcast The Plant Nook, and I answer a question about houseplant wholesalers. For full show notes visit www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/2020/11/13/episode-163-behind-the-scenes-at-on-the-ledge Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the UK houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legen...