On The Ledge
On The Ledge is a podcast all about indoor gardening - helping you to grow everything from Aloe vera to the ZZ plant. Presenter Jane Perrone has been nuts about houseplants since she was knee high to a Swiss cheese plant. She quizzes the experts, helps you find cool new stuff to grow and figures out how to fix your plant problems. For more information, email [email protected] or visit janeperrone.com.
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Episode 291: rescuing cacti and succulents with Mint Plants
04/26/2024
Episode 291: rescuing cacti and succulents with Mint Plants
Host Jane Perrone talks to Hayley Stephens of Bristol-based cactus and succulent sellers Mint Plants to find out about their mission to save plants from the skip. For full show notes plus a transcript visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 290: OTL sowalong part two - where to start growing houseplants from seed
04/12/2024
Episode 290: OTL sowalong part two - where to start growing houseplants from seed
Jane Perrone talks to Alina Smith of US houseplant seed sellers Plantflix about how to get started growing from seed, and answers a question about a Homalomena. For full show notes and a transcript visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 289: launching the OTL sowalong, plus Anthuriums without cabinets
03/29/2024
Episode 289: launching the OTL sowalong, plus Anthuriums without cabinets
Find out how to join in with my annual houseplant seed sowing project, and I talk anthuriums with Gemma Haigh of The Plant Parlour. Plus I answer a question about boisduval scale. For full show notes including a transcript visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 288: air plant chat and how to grow a pineapple plant
03/13/2024
Episode 288: air plant chat and how to grow a pineapple plant
I talk air plants (aka Tillandsias) with expert grower Don Billington, and I take on a listener question about another bromeliad - a poorly pineapple. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 287: light and light meters with House Plant Journal
03/01/2024
Episode 287: light and light meters with House Plant Journal
Host Jane Perrone talks to Darryl Cheng aka House Plant Journal about the science of light for houseplants and how a light meter can up your houseplant game, and the Q&A covers how to tame an agave. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 286: fungus gnats revisited
02/16/2024
Episode 286: fungus gnats revisited
A blast from the past as I replay an early episode of On The Ledge all about those annoying houseplant pests, fungus gnats, plus I answer questions on saving a damaged cactus, rusty watering cans, flowering plants for Easter. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 285: A Jungle In Your Living Room - getting children into houseplants
02/02/2024
Episode 285: A Jungle In Your Living Room - getting children into houseplants
I talk to Michael Holland about his new houseplant book for children, and I answer a question about mealybugs on cuttings. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box . Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 284: Buying aspidistras, the price of aglaonemas, choosing plants for a front room and potting mix packaging
01/19/2024
Episode 284: Buying aspidistras, the price of aglaonemas, choosing plants for a front room and potting mix packaging
Host Jane Perrone answers four listener questions, and we hear an intriguing story from listener Greg about the airplant Tillandsia tectorum. For full show notes including a transcript of this episode, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 283: The Cactus Hunters
01/05/2024
Episode 283: The Cactus Hunters
I discuss the illegal trade in succulents and find out what makes cactus poachers tick with Dr Jared Margulies. Plus I answer a question about starry marks on a prayer plant. For full show notes including a transcript, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 282: hear an extract from my book Legends of the Leaf on the venus flytrap
12/22/2023
Episode 282: hear an extract from my book Legends of the Leaf on the venus flytrap
Hear an extract from Legends of the Leaf profiling the venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula, and a Q&A about houseplant courses. For full show notes and a transcript, visit Want to get yourself a copy of Legends of the Leaf my book on houseplants? Full info here Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook:
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Episode 281, part 10: Begonia 'Silver Jewel' plus begonia care tips
12/15/2023
Episode 281, part 10: Begonia 'Silver Jewel' plus begonia care tips
FInd out about the final begonia in my top ten as well as all you need to know to keep these plants alive this winter and beyond. For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 9: Begonia 'Thurstonii'
12/14/2023
Episode 281, part 9: Begonia 'Thurstonii'
Today I consider the only shrublike begonia that made it into my top ten: Begonia 'Thurstonii'. For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 8: the fierce begonia
12/08/2023
Episode 281, part 8: the fierce begonia
The fierce begonia, Begonia ferox, has leaves with a dramatic feature that any punk would love - that's why they are number eight in my top ten begonias. For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 7: the sun-changing begonia
12/05/2023
Episode 281, part 7: the sun-changing begonia
Today’s begonia has a special skill: rapidly changing colour when exposed to extra light. Find out why Begonia solimutata deserves a place in my begonia top ten. For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 6: the super hairy begonia
12/04/2023
Episode 281, part 6: the super hairy begonia
Begonia sizemoreae (correct name Begonia longicilata) doesn’t seem to have a common name but I am calling it the super hairy begonia. This rhizomatous begonia deserves a place in my top ten for its distinctive leaves. For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 5: the beefsteak begonia
12/01/2023
Episode 281, part 5: the beefsteak begonia
Introducing number five in my top ten: the beefsteak begonia, Begonia 'Erythrophylla'. For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 4: Begonia 'Lucerna'
11/30/2023
Episode 281, part 4: Begonia 'Lucerna'
I LOVE this beautiful cane begonia which is number four in my list of top ten begonias. It grows to a majestic 2m tall and is more tolerant than you'd think! For full show notes including the rest of the top ten, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 3: iron cross begonia
11/29/2023
Episode 281, part 3: iron cross begonia
Third on my list of top ten begonias for the average living room is the iron cross begonia, Begonia masoniana, a true showstopper of a species that has been an iconic houseplant since the 1950s when it first entered the indoor plant world thanks to a chap called Maurice Mason. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 2: polkadot begonia
11/28/2023
Episode 281, part 2: polkadot begonia
Find out everything you need to know about the second of my top ten begonias for the average room - the gorgeously spotty polkadot begonia, Begonia maculata 'Wightii'. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 281, part 1: introducing my top ten Begonias
11/27/2023
Episode 281, part 1: introducing my top ten Begonias
I introduce my top ten begonias, starting with the eyelash begonia, Begona bowerae - an absolutely brilliant and tough begonia species everyone can grow. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 280: Citrus and other fruit to grow as houseplants
11/24/2023
Episode 280: Citrus and other fruit to grow as houseplants
Struggling to keep your potted citrus alive? I chat to Byron Martin of Logee’s Greenhouses to find out his top tips for keep lemons, limes and more alive in your home. Plus I answer a question about taming a Monstera. For full show notes, visit This episode is supported by Bloomsybox. Go to and enter code LEDGE25 to get 25% off site-wide now. Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 279: Staking moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
11/10/2023
Episode 279: Staking moth orchids (Phalaenopsis)
To stake, or not to stake? I look at the arguments for and against staking moth orchids (aka Phalaenopsis) plus I answer a question about houseplants in films, and we hear from Helen in Meet the Listener. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 278: Gardening is Murder with Marta McDowell
11/03/2023
Episode 278: Gardening is Murder with Marta McDowell
Halloween week surprise! I drop an extra episode in which I talk to author Marta McDowell about her new book Gardening Can Be Murder, which explores plants and gardens as the inspiration for writers of crime fiction. For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 277: growing in leca with The Leca Queen
10/27/2023
Episode 277: growing in leca with The Leca Queen
I am joined by The Leca Queen Nora Mutalima to discuss all things leca - find out how to grow houseplants in this soilless medium, from prep to feeding! For full show notes visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 276: The Rare Plant Scout
10/13/2023
Episode 276: The Rare Plant Scout
I chat to Jazminn WIlliams aka The Rare Plant Scout about tracking down people’s precious wishlist plants, how to buy safely from overseas sellers, and how to make sure your plants arribe in great shape. Plus I answer a question about one of the world’s worst houseplants! For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/rare-plant-scout Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 275: tissue culture with Plants In Jars
09/29/2023
Episode 275: tissue culture with Plants In Jars
I find out more about the world of tissue culture with Laur of Plants In Jars, and I answer a question about sourcing an everfresh tree. Patreon subscribers at the Ledge End and Superfan levels can listen to more chat with Laur in my bonus podcast . Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 274: the black olive/shady lady/Bucida buceras tree
09/15/2023
Episode 274: the black olive/shady lady/Bucida buceras tree
I find out about the indoor tree that’s being marketed as ‘the next fiddle leaf fig’ with guest Joop Huner and find out what it needs to thrive. Plus I tackle a Peperomia question and we hear from listener Nicole. Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 273: the hidden world of mosses
09/01/2023
Episode 273: the hidden world of mosses
I talk to bryologist Dr Neil Bell about the wonders of moss, and answer a question about TDS meters. For full show notes, visit Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 272: RHS plant trials and AGMs
08/18/2023
Episode 272: RHS plant trials and AGMs
Ever heard of a plant AGM? In this episode I find out what the RHS Award of Garden Merit is all about, and I ask a question about VPD. Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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Episode 271: Farmer Nick
07/28/2023
Episode 271: Farmer Nick
I chat to plantrepreneur Nick Cutsumpas aka Farmer Nick about houseplants, garden makeovers and more. For full show notes and a transcript, visit . Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants Support On The Ledge on Patreon: Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: Join in on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET):
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