Plant Daddy Podcast (Plant Daddy Podcast)

Can't stop buying plants? Or have you ever felt so overwhelmed you've considered leaving the hobby altogether? The month's Chill and Chat is near and dear to our hearts, and we have a feeling it may speak to some of you as well. Do you have too many plants? Do we?! How does it feel, and how should we think about this? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, the Plant Daddies offer some stories that may tell you the signs and suggest some next steps toward feeling better.

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.

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.

Do you sit and laugh as friends struggle through Latin pronunciations? So does Stephen! But don't worry - we agree on a flower (for once) and all is forgotten. Jewel Orchids, including Ludisia and Macodes, are the foliage plants of the Orchid family, and we ramble on until we've covered Corybas, Lepanthes, and even Phalaenopsis with noteworthy leaves. We’re just glad Matthew didn’t title this episode “Notable Ornamental Species and Hybrids of Goodyerinae for Indoor Recreational Cultivation.”

This week we talk Ficus elastica. If there's so much to love about the hardy, beautiful, low-light-tolerant Indian Rubber Fig, then why is this one just in the friend zone for the Plant Daddies? We also cover ideal care and our recommendations for pruning and shaping your plant as it grows. Then we give you multiple pronunciations of "Banyan!" And why does Stephen sound like he's calling in from a quiet library?

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!

The Plant Daddies get together (at a safe distance!) to serve up a few quarantine-friendly plant project ideas. Hoya propagation box? Give those tropicals a spray down in the shower, or tidy up those plants, pots, and mounts that have gone unnoticed all winter? Pruning aroids for bushy growth or rapid maturity? We're here for you/it! We even manage to surprise each other with some of our suggestions.

Sansevieria have been popular since they first entered cultivation… thousands of years ago? The Plant Daddies dig into this classic mainstay to answer some questions about this near-perfect houseplant - like why leaf cuttings don’t always produce the same cultivar as the parent. Matthew also shows his first genuine interest in variegated plants, but that might have to do with the fact that he learned that they are chimeras. Tune in to hear about this often overlooked, nearly-invincible Snake Plant!

Matthew goes into full lecture mode and shares his introduction to orchids, focusing on their biology and background in horticulture, and discusses some of the most common types home growers are likely to encounter, especially the ubiquitous but still special Phalaenopsis orchid of grocery store fame.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

!!! OK, today we welcome one of our very favorites, Jane Perrone of On The Ledge podcast! She shares where her houseplant journey began, some of her current favorites, and even a few plants she would NOT grow-- and the Plant Daddies take sides! After our interview, we continue to dish on plants that we "do not prefer." Fans of variegation, shield your ears!

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.

Stephania erecta, with its woody caudex and contrastingly delicate, round leaves, is gaining popularity as a social media “It Plant.” The Plant Daddies are so enamored that they wanted to highlight it in their first Plant Profile mini episode, where they will discuss culture and care of specific trending houseplants. Will this become a permanent fixture in houseplant collections? Tune in to hear their prediction!

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Today we thought we'd cover an obscure plant that you may not have seen. Just kidding! Matthew literally saw it in the background of a movie last night. We take a deep dive on this most iconic of tropical houseplants, Monstera deliciosa, including care stories and struggles, their edible fruit, and we even manage to mention that there are variegated ones, and the compact Borsigiana. What took us so long to cover the plant in our logo? And is this Stephen's favorite plant that he has no plan to grow?

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.

We talk shopping for plants online this week! While it's already a familiar routine for many plant parents, the prospect of buying a plant, sight-unseen, to have arrive in a box on your doorstep might seem intimidating. We want to discuss some of our experiences and learnings in using the internet to gain access to even more of our plant wants… or as Matthew would call them, "needs." And what's the deal with importing plants and Phytosanitary Certificate? Assuming we're correct, listen to find out!

Does a Cardboard Velvet Plant sound appealing to you? Not to Stephen either... but we've all had Goal Plants, the extra-special ones that may be expensive, difficult to find, challenging to grow well, (or even keep alive,) but we continue striving to succeed with them! Anthurium clarinervium is that plant for Matthew, and Stephen can oddly relate. He then makes an awkward, good-faith stab at explaining why this Aroid is so popular. Matthew boldly declares that this is the most beautiful foliage plant.

Stephen and Matthew slide (or limp?) toward the 2019 finish line and attempt a little walk down memory lane under the influence of holiday beverages (and more)! "Read between the blurred lines," Matthew says... I know... Anyway, we'll cover our plant highs and lows for the year, what we've learned about the houseplant hobbyist community, and our indoor gardening resolutions for 2020 before taking a brief break for the holidays. See you in early January!

The Spider Plant finally gets some love! We share our experiences, care tips, opinions (of course) and even a few stories about this hardy favorite. How can you keep them bright and green? Have we ever killed one? And could this plant be poised for a resurgence in popularity? Just hear Stephen out. Also, if you’ve mastered these, we’ll share a related species that might tempt you.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Stephen and Matthew banter about the gay stereotype that homos are all born decorators, talk about their own apartments, how they design their living space, why design is important to them, and how they incorporate plants into their homes.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

In our Thanksgiving bonus, we sit down with Devin Wallien, a fourth generation horticulture professional and fellow Plant Daddy. We chat about myriad things, from Plumeria and Adeniums to composing the perfect balcony container garden-- all the way down to zone 4! Does anyone else think PP Plant should be the new name for Pilea peperomioides?

This week we cover what may be one of the original strange houseplants, Bowiea, which has been described as "possessing little beauty" while also being "certainly one of the most curious plants." So guess which one of us is more excited? Kidding - we're both here for this one! We clear up the vague care guidance found online, detail our growing experiences, and even talk styling choices. How flaky does Stephen like it? And since this is a bit of a oddity, Matthew goes wild sharing botanical facts!

The Plant Daddies are ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into their houseplant trend predictions for 2021! Anyone surprised that Aroids and Hoyas feature heavily? They're also ready to vent about the 'It Plants' that disappointed them the most last year. Do the laws of physics apply to these plant fads? Let's just humor Stephen and say "yes." Then Matthew shares why we haven't released that Philodendron Birkin episode yet.

The Plant Daddies have been fashionably late before, but we're YEARS late to the Nerve Plant and Polka Dot Plant party. However, something inspired us to give them a try - perhaps the videos we’ve seen online of their dramatic revival after getting some water - and we made it a point to try them ourselves. Listen in to hear our verdict on these charismatic, colorful little survivors!

It’s 4/20 today, so what better way to celebrate than a (pretty much) off-topic episode about two psychoactive plants most relevant in our lives? Since we’re a Seattle-based show, we’re obviously talking about coffee and marijuana! We discuss our relationships to Coffea arabica and Cannabis, their consumable products, and maybe some of our own experiences in growing them (when legally permissible, of course.) Our podcast is for entertainment and education, so please imbibe and garden responsibly!

Everyone has seen pictures of the internet’s current favorite Begonia on social media, Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’. AKA Polka Dot Begonia, this is a beautiful cultivar loved for its graphic, colorful foliage and white flowers. The Plant Daddies have a checkered [terrible] record with Begonias, so wanted to figure out if this popular but hard-to-find specimen would be their silver bullet to Begonias fit for paradise. More importantly, is this a flowering tropical foliage plant that Stephen can get behind?

Stephen and Matthew introduce Plant Daddy Podcast and share their passion for cultivating plants. They are going to teach, learn, and share, with such guests as botany and horticulture experts, amateur hobbyists, and unsuspecting friends. Up to 30% non-botanical content by volume.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

It’s Chill and Chat time again, and the Plant Daddies cover a grab bag of planty topics on their minds. Is Matthew changing his mind about terra cotta pots? Stephen finds a chart for profitable propagation... supposedly. And is this the first time we talk about growing things from seed?

On this very special episode, we discuss the Strelitzia, specifically S. nicolai, the White Bird of Paradise. This plant was formative to Matthew's journey as a young plant parent, as we suspect it is for many others, too. After Stephen recovers from shocking past "care" stories, he comes around to "this isn't terrible at all!" Is pruning going to help keep these small? Can the orange-flowering S. reginae bloom indoors? And Matthew low-key promises a gift to Stephen - we should all hold him to that!

Is Aspidistra the holy grail of hardy houseplant? We suspect that since they’ve been called Spittoon plants in the past, they must be pretty cast iron. The Plant Daddies discuss this plant's surprising, lengthy, and poignant presence in British history, what to look for when you're buying one, and treat you to an argument about something they've agreed upon! Matthew is kind enough to include a book review of one he hasn't read.

Have you ever seen Plumeria on a vacation and wanted to bring that *feeling* home with you? Have you ever wanted to listen to two people in a wet, cold climate struggle with a tropical tree? Look no further than today's episode, where Matthew's Dwarf Singapore Pink Plumeria blooming success has truly gone to his head! Stephen forces a thorough audit of his past failures. Oh, and we have advice for you when you try, too!

Succulents are tremendously popular, as much for their sculptural desert beauty as their reputation for being hardy and tough. But when “succulent” is used to describe plants, what does it actually mean? The Plant Daddies attempt to clarify that, talk about how they grow their own favorite succulents, and share some advice for the plants most often being described when someone says, “I love succulents!”

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

This week we share our experiences with navigating the diverse world of Facebook Plant Groups, which can be great sources for care info, plants, community, and potentially frustration. Thankfully, the hosts of 2 Girls 1 Plant join us, because they have much more experience than we do, and were happy to share some excellent tips, tricks, and best practices to get the most from your online plant communities! Can Matthew tell BTS from BST?
And what's a thunder-dome?

Matthew and Stephen dive *deep* (drunkenly) into a favorite classic movie, Little Shop of Horrors, with the crew from 24 Flames per Second, one of our favorite podcasts! In 2019, is this a problematic narrative? Is Seymour even a plant person?? Wait…Jar Jar? Somehow this is a Halloween episode, OK?

Pull up a chair for a geeky chat about houseplant pests with one of our favorite local experts, tackling everything from spider mites to multi-syllabic chemical names. After a quick detour discussing plants that look like body parts (like our new mascots!), we tackle the worst pests for your urban jungle, how to prevent, identify, treat, and then continue to re-treat, until you finally come to terms with your indoor ecosystem! Are the Plant Daddies gleeful about each other's pest stories? You be the judge!

Did you miss us? Awww, shucks. If so, join us as we ease into the new year during this bonus episode, where we have an unstructured conversation about recent houseplant trends and interesting data from the GrowIt app. Geeky plant chat alert! We hope this tides you over before the Plant Daddies resume regularly scheduled programming next week!

Our first drunk episode! One of Matthew’s friends recommends a documentary about Judi Dench and her trees. Emma joins to watch and then discuss it with the Plant Daddies, but they drink ALL of the rosé and indulge in an unvarnished critique of this work, Judi’s garden coat, and their adoration for this peerless British National Treasure. Hilarity ensues. Judi Dench, trees, and Plant Daddy Podcast, what more could you want? 

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

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?

In this month's informal Chill 'n Chat episode, the Plant Daddies search their memories for plant-related travel inspiration, hopefully providing some tips and ideas for whenever tourism is possible again! Soon, we hope? And Stephen bought another Adenium… but for Matthew this time, so he wants to give a pep talk. We go through so many travel stories that you may leave this one wondering how old we are.

Ready to elevate your indoor Aroid game? Matthew sure is, and wants everyone onboard! Is Stephen ready, though? Well, at a certain point he includes "praying" in his Aroid tips, so you be the judge. Gather around for our second Substrate Session, and don’t forget to bring your [every soil ingredient ever]!

One person's dramatic tropical plant is another person's bucket of green shovels! Yeah, don't ask. You’ve seen Elephant Ear tubers for sale with the spring bulbs, and Alocasia x amazonica with the indoor tropicals, but have you ever tried growing these stately Aroids? Not all Taro makes a good plant indoors, and how do you get your Jewel Alocasia to have more than one leaf at a time? Matthew has a potting strategy for that!

Get ready to get dirty as we talk potting substrates specifics! Including our absolute favorite recipes and good options with easy-to-find materials. First up, succulent soil, which Stephen and Matthew agree is probably the most critical to get right for these plants' health. Listen to hear why they just do not use succulent potting mix off the shelves of most garden centers!

Please join us as we think about a plant "we don't think much about!" Crassula ovata might be the Pothos of succulents, and is an ideal introduction-to-plant-parenthood plant - Matthew has had his since fourth grade! We'll throw in some fast-track Bonsai ideas, more Adenium trauma, and Stephen teasing Matthew about his plant pests.

Mike and Kyle from the Gayish Podcast join the Plant Daddies to explore tangents upon tangents and maybe a few rabbit holes (well, a parrot hole). Seattle queer podcasts unite! A certain weed may have been involved...

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Do you want a plant that does more? Well… in this case the Plant Daddies don't necessarily. But they both agree that Mimosa pudica, also known as the Sensitive Plant, is a botanical oddity that they've enjoyed and will likely grow again. Is a plant capable of rapid movement one that can melt the hearts of those strange people in our lives who aren't into plants? Have we finally found a flower that only Stephen likes?

The Plant Daddies grudgingly admit the numerous merits of the pedestrian but perennially-dependable Pothos plants! Even some with rabbit proteins. Matthew admits that he is secretly propagating them. And listen, we don't get into care advice, but just give them some light and water once in a while. OK? 

Or should we say another closer look? In the spirit of the holidays, we've decided to give Euphorbia pulcherrima, AKA Poinsettia, AKA Cuetlaxochitl, the full episode treatment! We fill in the gaps with facts galore, botanical, AND horticultural history - including four minutes of our own vintage audio! We even laugh through an industrial greenhouse growing guide that on its own probably protected us against fungus. This is an unusual episode, but we like it!

Matthew reveals *his* favorite indestructible house plants. And his dream bathroom. In the end, Stephen forces him to make some difficult choices.

In this episode: Anthurium clarinervium (2:45) | Main Topic (8:43) | Our Recommended Plants (23:54) | Plants for Different Home Scenarios (34:10) | Plants for Different Watering "Personalities" (51:18) | Plants to Avoid (1:00:00) | Our Very Favorites! (1:07:43)

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Peace Lilies may be ubiquitous, but they aren't often talked about among plant hobbyists. Do they deserve more attention? The Plant Daddies explain what Spathiphyllum offer for both new and experienced plant parents, and even help dispel some myths. Matthew shares some unusual varieties you may not know, and Stephen talks about chickens and baby corn. No, not a typo.

Many of us have owned a Croton plant, Codiaeum variegatum, but how many of us can reliably get them to thrive indoors? The Plant Daddies have had mixed results themselves, so Mark Peters of Peters Crotons and Cordylines joins the show to help. Should these plants be allowed to dry thoroughly? Of the surprisingly diverse Croton cultivars, which is the best for indoor growing? We get these answers, fascinating history, and some surprising tips for plant parents from this expert grower!

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Is there anyone online who hasn’t seen Pilea peperomioides? For a plant that has graced Scandinavian window sills since the 1940s, but wasn’t described in science until the 1980s, it has an explosive impact on the global houseplant community in the last few years. As Matthew says, the Pilea is so easy to propagate that they should be free. The Plant Daddies have grown it for years, and have opinions to dish about the Chinese Money Plant, Pancake Plant, UFO Plant, Missionary Plant, Pass-it-Along Plant...

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Looking for a succulent that you may find interesting and probably can't kill? Mother of Thousands, Kalanchoe daigremontiana, might be just the choice! Want to listen to us go back and forth on whether we like it or not? We swear we don't loathe this plant (well, one of us doesn't), but we do ask if it's irresponsible to grow it, and provide a medical disclaimer... Stephen waxes, but Matthew doesn't take the bait. He is too "sick of picking up dropped babies."

Guess who's reached the big 5-0…. episodes?! Join us as we answer listener questions about pests, soil, lighting, and plant parenthood (sometimes with listener replies), and ultimately hijack the episode to talk through our own plant hoarding - nay, "plant collecting" - anxieties. At length.

We kick off 2021 with Maria Failla of Bloom and Grow Radio, who shares her perspectives on classes at the botanical garden, plant care for mindfulness, and she even guesses our plant parent personality types. Did Maria help the Plant Daddies begin to find themselves? Did Matthew put down that Gardenia? Does he sing Memory? Prepare for some surprises.

You're in for a treat this week - it's another plant we both love! And wow - tangent city, OK? We each try to recall the same fateful plant shopping trip from years ago, but will we agree on the particulars? Matthew claims this is Stephen's Plant Daddy origin story. Oh, right, we're talking about the Purple Pitcher Plant. Is this a good first Carnivorous Plant? Do they need a dormancy? Can I grow one indoors? Well, at least for the last one, it's better to ask if you should.

Looking for a consistently-flowering houseplant for that warm, sunny spot where more delicate plants may not thrive? Euphorbia milii is one Matthew has kept for years and Stephen feels may be having a moment. Is care the same as other succulent Euphorbias? How much should you worry about the sap toxicity and thorns? This might be another plant the Plant Daddies agree on.

It’s the Season 1 finale, y’all! The Plant Daddies bring Missleidy the Plant Lady on to talk about drag, her background in plants, and recommendations for living the urban jungle life. But first, they reminisce about their first year of podcasting, things they've learned, and the plants they’re surprised to be into right now - Stephen literally has leafy tropicals, and Matthew is baking succulents under grow lights. Thanks for listening, we’ll be back in a couple weeks! As always, happy growing!

Growing Citrus indoors sounds cute, but how soon will you be making lemonade? Stephen is tempted to try growing Meyer Lemon after babysitting Matthew’s balcony Citrus orchard a couple years ago, so picks his brain before making a final decision. And why won’t Matthew admit that the Meyer Lemon is actually a lemon? We tried to leave Martha Stewart out of this, but we couldn't.

Join us as we geek out about propagation, from aroids to succulents, where we'll try to take you a level or two deeper than just *how* to do it. Why does propagation from leaf cuttings work for some plants but not others? And why didn't that heart-shaped Hoya kerrii turn into a full plant? Then Matthew tries to move some of his plants into Stephen's windows. Stephen says NO.

Ready for more good news out of Georgia? *wink* We sit down with Colah B Tawkin from Black in the Garden, another community-focused plant podcast, for a wide-ranging discussion about her inspirations, past and present, how she REALLY feels about her own plant parenthood, and what's next for her - including Season 3 teasers and a whole new podcast! She leaves us gushing over Cree Summer, Rebecca Sugar, and composting… And wait, how did she know we've been dumped before?

After some Stephen-centric plant updates, the Plant Daddies cover a surprisingly rewarding houseplant that you may be able to propagate after you make that fruit salad. The pineapple, Ananas comosus, is in bloom for Matthew, who details his care experiences - good and bad - and the long road ahead to that sweet snack. Is this the best tropical fruit to grow at home? Does Stephen know what one looks like?

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Have we uncovered a carnivorous plant that Matthew likes more than Stephen??? There's Nepenthes care information in this episode somewhere, but prepare for emotional bombshells and debates about whether tropical pitcher plants should even be brought out of greenhouses and into homes in the first place. Is this what happens when a tropical foliage plant person and carnivorous plant person try to have an episode about the plants we BOTH care about?

Matthew researched some topics that were mentioned in Episode 2 - Seattle Pride 2019 Recap, in order to give more context to their mention of the Institute for the Science of Sexology and the rise in hate crimes in their local community.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Join us as we talk all things mounting! From plant choices, materials and techniques… to tree crotches. Fellow Plant Daddy James Gray joins us to share his unique perspective on artistic mounting, with particular advice for mounted ferns and Tillandsia xerographica. Please take a shot each time Matthew says “humusy tree crotch.”

2020 is coming to a close, and the Plant Daddies are ready to come clean with closing thoughts on the episodes this year, including corrections, updates, further details, and even some changes of heart. Stephen laments the current pest-mageddon in his home. His solution? Moving. Then he accidentally gets Matthew started on Monstera obliqua. Sorry, everyone! And are we gifting any plants this year?

It’s another episode where Matthew puts on his plant geek glasses and lectures on a couple of his favorite types of plants, the Aroid family, and the Ficus genus. Stephen talks about carnivorous plants, and those that grow a caudex. They also introduce their first guest, Miles Jonard, owner of The Plant Store.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Not long ago, the Plant Daddies discussed how many houseplants is too many, and if memory serves, they felt like they had enough... so what happened last weekend? A plant sale to benefit a couple of their favorite local plant organizations! They each pick a new plant to share, discuss their geeky research so far, and use each other as additional resources - but who's growing the caudiciform Gesneriad, and who picked up an uncommon flowering shrub? Then, it's time for a listener question about aerial roots!

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Are millennials less inclined to participate in "holiday plants?" The Plant Daddies discuss experiences and options, including fake vs. real trees and post-season poinsettia care. Then Devin Wallien stops by to share his favorites… from a dumpster dive? And Stephen, fresh from his discovery that amaryllis is actually a real plant (not a fanciful IKEA prop), may be more interested in other bulbs with weird foliage. Yes, typical.

We made it! And you made it! For our 100th episode, the Plant Daddies serve a variety show of sorts - with listener questions, our most (and least) improved plant skills since beginning the show, and even we have learned from each other. How do you make that grocery store Phalaenopsis orchid bloom again? How should you move with plants? How have our collections changed in the last two years? Does Stephen still think his plants are the coolest? Does Matthew like Hoyas yet? (eye rolls)

Moving with plants has been Matthew’s life for the last week, so today you get to listen in on a casual geeky plant chat between the Plant Daddies, as one wraps up a move across town with over 400 plants, and the other contemplates a move himself. We talk strategies, process, challenges, and outcomes for Matthew’s plants, and unpack the hassle involved in moving with "more than a few" plants! Was anything dropped or smashed? Press play and end the suspense!

This week the Plant Daddies cover Scindapsus pictus and treubii, ubiquitous trailing tropicals with variety and hardiness that may surprise you. Are these truly alternatives for the classic Golden Pothos? And why are these considered "a Pothos" …and why is a Pothos called a Pothos anyway? Matthew's mic breaks, so it sounds like he's calling from an airplane. And it's been a while since Stephen hasn't grown a plant we're discussing, so he leans in.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

One of the most intriguing and exotic groups of plants are those that eat meat: the carnivorous plants! Stephen got into growing plants seriously when he got his first pitcher plant, and his collection has ballooned to include most of the common ones as well as some unique ones less frequently encountered. He shares how his interest grew with this fascinating group of plants.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Want to get those high-end Aroid feelings without all the work? We have an Aroid for you. Philodendron gloriosum has everything: Heart shaped leaves. Velvety green foliage. White veins. Rapid growth. Undemanding care requirements. Is this the BEST exotic Philodendron for home-growing? Matthew reveals that he showers with this plant. Should we call someone about that?

Looking for a striking, easy carnivorous plant? How about a beautiful companion to your tropicals that will pitch in and help catch those gnats? Stephen can't stop saying good things about this one. Grimly, Matthew tries to "improve his drosera outcomes." Let's support him, yes?

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!

Looking for an ideal plant for your walk-in aviary or dart frog habitat? Ok, just… please join us for an overview of the commonly-available tropical Bromeliads you're likely to encounter, and some useful care tips including strategies to manage their decline after flowering. All we ask is that you forgive the 18 pronunciations of Aechmea, Vriesea, Guzmania, and Neoregelia that we stumble through. We at least give each the same number of syllables throughout, ok?

Are staghorn ferns a vegan alternative to mounted taxidermy? According to our guest, they are! Platycerium ferns are known for their coarsely branched fronds that resemble antlers more than the delicate, airy foliage of other ferns. They have certain cultural requirements for success, but these are fantastic as houseplants and one of the best ferns for indoor success. We bring a friend on the show to teach him how to mount (“with ruthless efficiency”) and care for these botanical oddities.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

In the first Plant Profile of Season 3, the Plant Daddies cover String of Turtles. Should you treat this like String of Hearts or String of Pearls? Is this their favorite of the "strings of things"? And how can you promote lush vining? In a Plant Daddy Podcast first, Stephen asks for a picture of Matthew's plant to judge! And please act surprised when Stephen reveals he's growing a hard-to-find alternative.

The Plant Daddies are in complete agreement once again! Euphorbia obesa is a rare and endangered South African succulent, with the appearance of a stone sphere. Want to hear how Stephen snatched the last one away from Matthew at a sale? And then hear us torture some weird cheating husband analogy while imposing a sexual orientation on their poor, innocent plants? Um… then this is the episode for you? The quarantine struggle is real!

For this month's Chill 'n Chat, we dish about plant pots! (See what I did there? Thank you.) We'll cover our dos and don'ts, how these fit into the broader care equation, and our tips for converting mugs and thrift store finds into vessels your plants will thrive in. Which kinds do we find most difficult? And what are our strangest pots? In a shocking twist, we even throw in some aesthetic opinions.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Pull up a chair and join us for a "truly unstructured" episode as the Plant Daddies catch up and chat about their new and old plants, including Monstera dubia, Stephania nova, Begonia grandis, Peacock Ginger, Bamboo Fern, and well… more (who are we kidding)!

We're back! Do you have "too many plants?" Of course you don't. And we don't either, but we'll share some tips and tricks to help you manage your "substantial" collections, whatever their size, more effectively and efficiently! But first, we have a lot to catch up on after our hiatus, so stay tuned to hear how Stephen turns home workouts into pest patrol and every tv show and movie Matthew has watched recently. Did you miss us? More importantly, did Kirstin Dunst miss Matthew?

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.

Want to hear what it sounds like when we thoroughly agree on a plant? Behold Brassavola nodosa, a fragrant, tough orchid that we have both kept and loved for years. We'll walk through our different approaches and histories with this outstanding windowsill orchid.

The Plant Daddies cover Zamioculcas zamiifolia care, cultivars, some stories, and even patent law (before they turn tail and run!). And have you see the trending plant displays featuring the Black Raven ZZ Plant in American big box stores recently? We have all sorts of thoughts and feelings. Also, please sign my petition asking Matthew to STOP driving circles around Seattle looking for them. Thank you.

While we check in on our winterizing efforts and recommendations for movies and TV, we also talk about Stephania erecta, Stephania nova, Tylecodon, and [many] other plants. But don't worry - we still argue! Stephen claims that all succulents are "his thing," and then Matthew gives us a glimpse of the inner turmoil a Fiddle Leaf Fig, thoughts about a potential Dracaena, and a sliver of unoccupied window can cause him. Stephen offers a useful solution that will take nine years.

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."

Are we still thinking about our Fiddle Leaf Figs? The Plant Daddies attempt a Ficus lyrata deep dive, with special attention paid to those mature plants we may have bought during that craze a few years ago. If yours is now growing into the ceiling and/or misshapen… what now?? Matthew details his myriad attempts to create bushier trees, and then hatches a bold new plan. And don't miss another one of Stephen's vaguely rude descriptions of a plant he just isn't that into!

Ever wonder why there are so few blue flowers? Don't even get Matthew started! (Oops - too late) His first wishlist plant was a blue rose when he was a toddler. A few decades later, and with Classic Blue as the Pantone Color of the Year, are we any closer? Have your science textbooks handy as we delve into ways genetic modification is changing the cut flower industry, a garden favorite that changes color already, and discuss why we even want blue flowers in the first place.

In this month's Chill 'n Chat, we kick back and muse about how we approach plant gifting and which plants we'd gift - even to brand new or yet-to-be plant parents. And If you're shopping for an advanced hobbyist, we at least take a stab for you (but good luck with that!) In other news, we hear about Stephen's forgotten Orchid and a Croton Matthew hates. Nice, right?

And check out our new merch shop! https://plantdaddypodcast.threadless.com/

Hey! We missed you! We're not back from break quite yet, but we thought we'd share this fun, brief chat (mostly about Hoyas) with Jane Perrone of On the Ledge Podcast that took place a few months ago as we set up to our record about Thalassa Cruso for Episode 95.

Pinguicula, butterworts, pings... whatever you call them, this carnivorous plant with beautiful foliage and showy flowers has a secret: it moonlights as a succulent. Bob Beer joins the Plant Daddies to walk through caring for these surprising, approachably easy houseplants.

The Plant Daddies are proud of their Maidenhair ferns these days, but do they really love them? And is growing these famously finicky plants proof of some sort of core plant skill? Matthew subtly calls Stephen abnormal. Later, Stephen picks at Matthew's brain looking for traumas (again).

Michael Perry of Mr. Plant Geek fame joins The Plant Daddies from China to chat about gardening, identity, and pretzels. We discuss his globe-trotting life with a partner who is decidedly NOT a Plant Daddy, and learn a bit about how Michael became the Plant Geek he is today! Grab a pretzel and get cozy.

We sit down with Scott Cain, the creator and curator of Boys with Plants, to talk about Plant Daddy-hood in Australia and the evolution of his well-known IG feed - including a new ventures that may include some Plant Daddies you know! But before that, we vent about aphids, moving across town, and update you on some fragrant/smelly plants, and those canaries Matthew talked about a while ago.

Not all cacti are from the desert! Some live in tropical forests, adapted for far less light and far more moisture than their desert brethren. Orchid cactus, Christmas cactus, and many others are epiphytic tropical plants, offering indoor gardeners an interesting alternative to the hot and dry-loving cacti we all know and love… And offering Matthew a chance to talk about his current favorites, the zig zag and fern leaf cactus! OK?

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

In their first socially-distanced episode, the Plant Daddies discuss the String of Pearls, Senecio rowleyanus, and reminisce about the days when they could hang out and pilfer each other's plants. Whose succulent soil recipe is best? And how long will that poor cutting stay on Stephen's countertop? Brace yourself for some audio hiccups as we learn how to talk over the phone. It's hard for millennials!

Do you think Matthew can do a short episode about Orchids? LOL, of course not, that was a joke! We'll walk you through the care of showy, colorful Cattleyas, the Queens of Orchids, before embarking on a mildly opinionated journey through their horticultural history and taxonomical… well, "confusion" would be putting it nicely. Have you ever had to choose between hedgehog and Cattleya Orchid ownership? And for once, Stephen has something he wants to add at the very end!

Stephen and Matthew discuss Seattle Pride 2019, and talk about their perspectives, experiences, and thoughts about their local gay culture and how they fit into it.

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast

Matthew tries again to expand Stephen's "very particular" tastes with a sweeping introduction to the Prayer Plants and Calatheas. Will he succeed? And can he pronounce Zingiberales? Tune in to find out!

Are you considering a splurge Hoya? If so, the Plant Daddies believe Hoya callistophylla should be on your short list. Are the rumors about straightforward care for this species true? And where are the cuttings Matthew promised Stephen? After we share other, similar Hoyas in the Finlaysonii complex worth considering, will this episode get an explicit rating? At this point, no one should be surprised!

Want to listen ad-free? Head over to Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/plantdaddypodcast