Generally they require plenty of sunlight and not too much water, but there are some exceptions to these rules (epiphytic jungle dwellers such as the Christmas cactus). Generally they’re easy care and quite forgiving, if a few simple rules are followed. They’re ideal gateway plants to start you on the road to plant obsession.
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.
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.
I talk to author Caroline Ball about her new book exploring a groundbreaking eighteenth century work whose illustrations of succulents are still much loved today.
I visit the Houseplant Takeover exhibit at RHS garden Wisley in Surrey and answer a question about moth orchid flower stems. Plus we hear from listener Lynette.
I talk succulents with Andrea Galbreath of succulent gift and design company @justsuccit, and I’m joined by fern expert Peter Blake to answer a question about a staghorn fern.
I visit the National Collection of Hoyas and chat to its owner Felix Horne, and I answer a question about a languishing lime.
This South African species is one of the plants I get asked to identify most often: so in this episode I give you the lowdown on this succulent
I find out about the genus of succulents known as Aeoniums with National Collection holder Mellie Lewis, and answer two Ficus questions.
Dr Colin Walker joins me to talk about Mangave, the intergeneric hybrid that’s relatively new to the succulent scene. Plus I answer a question about spots on an areca palm.
I 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.
I visit Martin Ciderspiller’s epic cactus collection, Big Cactus Rescue, to find out why heavy metal music and spiny plants make such good company.
I talk to the new chairman of the British Cactus and Succulent Society, and we hear from listener Andrew.
I launch the On The Ledge sowalong 2022 and talk to cacti and succulent expert Ian Thwaites about sowing cacti and succulents from seed; plus I answer a question about a companion plant for a Monstera, and we hear from Craig in Meet the Listener.
I talk cacti and succulents with Ulrich Haage of German cactus nursery Kakteen Haage, plus I answer a question about chopping a Monstera.
Succulent 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.
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.
Dr Jared Margulies joins me to discuss the worldwide 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.
I test your planty podcast knowledge in an On The Ledge quiz, plus I answer a question about an Aloe vera and we meet Alanah in Meet the Listener.
I find out what’s really going on inside your seeds, answer a question about great houseplant books and meet listener Sam.
I visit the Surrey greenhouse of succulent collector Bob Potter to learn about Euphorbias and more, and I answer a question about how to persuade climbing plants to cling to a moss pole.
I visit the national collection of Lithops at Abbey Brook Cactus Nursery in the Peak District and answer a question about plants for windowless bathrooms.
Listen to a live episode of On The Ledge recorded at the inaugural Cactusworld Live event organised by the British Cactus and Succulent Society (BCSS), with two cactus-loving guests, BCSS patrons Tom Hart Dyke and Anne Swithinbank. Plus, I answer a question about the seed pods of the string of hearts.
London-based garden designer Martha Krempel shows me her stunning indoor/outdoor garden, featuring some seriously big plants, including a towering succulent Euphorbia called Pablo. And I ask a question about how listeners document their houseplant care regime.
I visit the Chelsea flower show to talk to three expert exhibitors about air plants, cacti and succulents, and answer a question about a Pilea with a poorly leaf.
The BCSS’s Mark Preston returns to talk about forest cactus propagation, plus Hatiora, Lepismium and Rhipsalis. And I answer a question ahout getting hold of that must-have plant, Christia obcordata.
I am joined by epiphytic cactus expert Mark Preston to talk about how to take care of Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving cacti, aka Schlumbergera and Rhipsalidopsis. And I answer a question about baby spider plants.
Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek joins me to share some of his insights into the houseplant scene in China, Japan and Thailand, from how much you’d pay for a 6ft Adenium in Thailand to how the Chinese are marketing houseplants to children. Plus I answer a jaw-dropping question from a listener who has a peace lily that’s anything but peaceful…
As it’s the final episode of the year, I thought I’d have some fun and discuss some of the houseplants that embody the Pantone colour of the year for 2019, ‘living coral’; plus I offer up some festive houseplant care tips and talk about what’s coming up in 2019 on the podcast.
I speak to three plant photographers to find out their top tips on lighting, framing and focusing your shot. Plus - I answer a question about a Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ that’s letting its name down by being anything but pink.
Host Jane Perrone talks to Tony Irons about why he loves Lithops (stone plants) and more.