Flowering houseplants

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.

I dive deep into the world of Hoyas with Betsy Begonia of boutique online store HoyaMyGosh! and I tackle a Hoya-themed Q&A.

I visit the National Collection of Hoyas and chat to its owner Felix Horne, and I answer a question about a languishing lime.

I visit orchid grower Malcolm Moodie to find out about the slipper orchids of the genera Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium and why orchid societies need our support

I visit orchid grower Kevin Wigley to find out more about this fascinating family, including Dendrobiums, Coelogyne and Psychopsis.

I talk to Lisa Eldred Steinkopf aka The Houseplant Guru about flowering houseplants and celebrate her new book Bloom

I’m joined by plant geneticist and molecular biologist David Zaitlin to talk about this fascinating genus, with a focus on florist Gloxinia and Sinningia leucotricha.

I 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.

I talk to horticulturist Leslie Halleck about her new book Tiny Plants, and answer a question about a colourful Tradescantia.

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.

Steve Hickman joins me to talk about a flowering houseplant that deserves more attention: Clivia miniata. And in Meet The Listener, we hear from Rose.

Take a tour of my Hoya collection to find out how they are getting on and why I love them all! And I answer a question about a leggy aralia.

I plant some Hippeastrums - the monster bulbs of the indoor gardening world - and I answer a question about a mushrooms growing in houseplant pots. 

I talk African violets with fellow podcaster and AV grower and judge Annie Rieck, answer a question about variegated Ctenanthe leaves and introduce part two of the #OTLsowalong.

Rob Stacewicz’s London home is stuffed with gorgeous houseplants, but most of them are planted in groups. He gives me a tour, and explains why planting more than one specimen in the same container really works. Plus I answer a question about a bird of paradise.

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.

Hoyas are shooting up the houseplant popularity charts, and so they should: these climbing and trailing vines have lovely foliage and flowers that are otherworldly and sometimes heavenly scented. Doug Chamberlain of Vermont Hoyas joins me to discuss how to care for these enchanting plants.

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 find out how to look after moth orchids properly from watering to repotting, and take a visit to a British orchid nursery, to find out about the latest developments in orchid breeding. Plus, an extended Q&A with orchid expert Susanne Masters.

Houseplant doctor Darryl Cheng explains why instructions to grow a plant in ‘bright indirect light’ don’t help growers, an we discuss the dangers of anthropomorphising plants. And a question about a Hoya that’s dropping flowers.

Coleus may be better known as outdoor bedding plants but they also make wonderful houseplants. Find out how to grow them with Kelly Norris of Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.  Plus a question about an Abutilon that refuses to flower.

I chat to expert Dale Martens of the Gesneriad Society to find out how to look after African violets, Streptocarpus and more. Plus a question about the parrot plant.

When days are short, gloomy and cold, there's a lot to be said for fixating on your indoor plants. And Christmas is a great excuse to treat yourself to some new plants: be it something traditional such as poinsettias and Christmas cactus, or something a bit more, well, trendy, like terrariums and succulents.