The Houseplant Coach

Did you know that your plant works harder if you hack a bunch of its leaves off? It’s true, and there’s science to back it up! Learn more in the episode :)

Should you stop fertilizing in winter? You've probably seen this advice all over the internet and even on popular houseplant blogs, but repetition doesn't make something true - it just makes us believe it more. Instead, let's look at WHY this advice formed, and how we should actually apply it. Logic and science work better than "because I heard it on the internet" every single time :)

We’ve all seen the claims that Pinus radiata bark (commonly called “orchid bark”) is superior to other types of bark. The main claim is about longevity - but I took another look, and have officially debunked this myth. Let’s start using more local bark instead of shipping it here from Australia, eh? More info inside!

Dig into the reasoning behind soil ingredients, plus: DrySoils will be on sale soon!

Hi! The point of this is to announce the sale that technically is already over but I extended it for my podcast listeners - use code HUNGRY20 to get 20% off the Hungry Plant System. That’s all :)

Hi everyone! This episode is more on the business coaching side of things and takes a look into my thought process, but if you’re a customer it’s for you too! I’ve been thinking about a full revamp for a while now and I want your input! Also, if you need some houseplant coaching - specifically of the “I have dead leaves too” variety - listen to this one :)

It’s time for member questions! Today we’re talking leaf length hypotheses, auxins, repotting with existing wicks, V’s Mix soil, peperomia yellowing, and more!

This is a two-parter! First we’re talking grow lights for cacti, then we go into the most-often-asked question: how often should you water your plant?

Here’s another episode on hoyas - and another episode on learning to look at specifics rather than making generalizations. The human urge to generalize is STRONG, but it only actually saves us time when it’s relevant, and in this case it’s far less helpful than we think!

Here are some tips to give your plants their best summer yet :)

Have you ever purchased a plant with one of those cutesy tags that gives you literally ZERO useful information? If so, you know what I’m talking about. The main takeaway from this episode: the first thing to do when you bring a plant home is to actually know what it is!

We’ve all seen a beautiful prop box - but do we have to use perlite or sphagnum? What else is an option? Or do we need a prop box at all? Learn more in this episode :)

In this second part, we dig into the different types of variegation, understanding why it occurs and how to encourage more of it!

Here’s part one on our full breakdown of variegation! This one gets into terminology and has a few related tangents - part 2 coming soon!

For the first half of the episode, check out the previous one - got cut off mid recording :) This one covers the nutrient deficit we often assume is a good idea for houseplants during the winter, and why that assumption doesn’t fit with their evolution in the tropics.

This one is a two-parter because my audio cut out halfway through :) This answers the “should we fertilize in winter” question with a more elegant solution, and also speaks to covering all the bases and giving your plants the ability to be more self-sustaining :)

Do you have an overgrown jungle in your house? It’s time to plan the annual crazy haircut-and-propagate project! More info in the episode :)

Has an internet jerk ever told you to give up on houseplants because you clearly suck at the hobby? Well, after 30 years with my own plants and 12+ years in the industry, apparently it’s time for me to quit. Or it would be if I listened to advice from some rando. So here’s me telling you not to quit - even after you killed the third philo brandi and swear you’ll never try again. Even after your wh...

Cabbage water pH testing and grain-urine pregnancy tests today, folks! WTF, you ask? ME TOO. 🤣

In this episode we go into all things nitrogen: the overall function within plants (it’s everywhere!), plus symptoms of deficiency and toxicity. Plus: announcing the monthly OHP gift card giveaway! Share your product recommendation or a helpful podcast or social post from Of Happy Plants on social media (either to your profile or in a plant group - whoever would find it useful!) to enter to win a...

Okay folks, PLEASE keep in mind that both the words “watering” and “schedule” should be held EXTREMELY loosely! In this episode we cover watering, light, the myth of the slow-growing hoya, and more! Find the Hungry Plant System, V’s Mix, and B*tches Love Hoyas soil at https://ohhappyplants.shop

Here’s one for the outdoor gardeners - a study on mitigating allelopathic chemical release with biochar remediation! Study will be added to resources in the OHP Member Community :)

Today’s plant chat is about plant care variables, specifically how to determine if someone’s prescriptive advice is actual fact or if it’s based on insufficient information. Unless advice is based on repeat instances of a plant’s behavior (like blooming, wilting, etc) with many plants of that particular species, all variables are accounted for, AND the result is repeatable (i.e. you can make any p...

Today I ran across someone feeling hopeless and helpless - feeling that their small impact wasn’t enough. We ALL can move the needle if each of us keeps up the work. So it was time for a chat about herbs that can help us keep our heads up. As always, check with your doctor (and pharmacist!) for advice and interactions before using any herb. If you want to skip straight to the herbs, go to the 33.5...

Two-parter this time! We’re talking about how to recognize good advice as well as a thorough examination of a Christmas cactus’ drought issue and how to remedy it. Also, 40% off sale on DrySoil gallons through 1/1/2026, because I’m turning 40 this week! :)