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Discussion thread: Domestic Phytology (HOUSEPLANTS) with Tyler Thrasher is published! (Patreon)

Published:
2025-03-26 18:28:30
Edited:
2025-03-26 19:49:55
Imported:
2026-06

Content

*This episode is up and published, and ready to listen to wherever you get podcasts.*

He’s here. He’s on the show. He’s Tyler Thrasher – a houseplant expert, author, and artist – and we’re going to fix your plant problems. Folks have been clamoring for this for YEARS and we finally got to chat about everything from fungus gnat fixes to fiddle fig failures. 

Why do you keep killing cacti? Can basement dwellers have plants? How can you keep your cats from whizzing in them? Do orchids hate you? Also: mental health and plants and crimes I have committed against my own plants. 

I love this episode. Please do enjoy. 

Bad plant dad,

Alie Podfather Ward

Ps: did you already know about Tyler Thrasher? Or was this your intro to his work?

Pps: I'm on a plane from NYC to LAX after 3 weeks away from home for the iHeart Awards, visiting family, and a quick trip to Ireland! So chime in and I'll be chatting on this thread as I fly.

Files

Domestic Phytology (HOUSEHOLD PLANTS) with Tyler Thrasher - alie ward

Fungus gnats. Overloved cacti. Fiddle fig failures. $20,000 specimens. It's house plants - and it's wild, folks. Widely beloved author, artist, house plant expert and Domestic Phytologist Tyler Thrasher joins to talk about root rot, what to grow in a dark basement, the rarest plants in the world, th

Comments

Aoife Holmes

Omg YES please, can somebody tell me what is best plant baby to grow on a small apartment windowsill that has to be shared with a cat? I want to make sure my cat is safe but I would love to bring some life to the apartment please and thank you

Drew J

Not only are all of these podcast, so Flippin educational, but the way you and him interacted I felt like I was listening to two childhood best friends sharing a common interest. It was simply heartwarming and encouraging. I also now feel as if I need to buy plants for my apartment.

Megan R

This episode brought me so much new knowledge about something I'm already passionate about, I love it!! Aside - is anyone else's ZZ plant growing like crazy? I was surprised when he said that they're notoriously slow growers. My plant is currently shooting out 3 new stalks and does this about two or three times a year.

Chris Eff

After listening to the episode, I feel so wronged by succulents’ willful deception of would be plant parents seeking a low maintenance plant crony.

Colby Evans

off topic - any chance you're back at WonderCon this weekend? I had no idea you were there last year till the recent episode...

The Deal with Animals- Podcast

I did not know about Tyler! I'm definitely going to have to listen to this episode because I am a mass murderer of plants and orchids really do hate me. Except for the one orchid that I really didn't like seems to just hang on and never die...

Leah Rose

Aaaahhhh I'm so excited that you interviewed Tyler Thrasher. He's amazing.

Alie Ward

It's such a funny and wild ride. And the most fucks ever in any Ologies interview. Enjoy.

Alie Ward

Oh you will LOOOVE this one. We specifically delve into orchid hatred and my many plant failures.

Isabela

Spider plants are pet safe and relatively low maintenance!

Mo

How was there no aside about the fact that Monstera have a fruit?!?! That you can eat?!?! Was this common knowledge that I was ignorant of. 🤯

Alie Ward

Thank you! the Wondercon recording was actually from 2023, right before i got really sick that summer! So I haven't been in a few years -- usually the Cons will reach out if they want you on a panel and you do it as kind of a favor to whomever is being spotlighted. So maybe in the future; I'm definitely open to it! Oh while in SD, Tyler will be at the Oddities Flea Market! https://theodditiesfleamarket.com/events/ofm-sd2025

Alie Ward

THANK YOU ME TOO. I thought they were foolproof but they are high maintenance little bitches who exist to wither your self-esteem. (Unless you dedicate a lot of research to them, which I respect.)

Alie Ward

I always rolled my eyes to the point of aching when I saw posst about that but hello BLOOD MEAL. So bonkers. Apparently pretty legit. And free. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Espoma-3-lbs-Organic-All-Purpose-Organic-Blood-Meal-12-0-0-Dry-Plant-Food-100532324/314063558?g_store=123&source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D28O-028_002_FERTILIZERS-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PMAXONECLICK_JControl24&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D28O-028_002_FERTILIZERS-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-PMAXONECLICK_JControl24-20410423155--&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy46_BhDOARIsAIvmcwNmhuBpzm38BS_PbTz2ml5SM53YvA-fy1e1GAQgsfXsJ0LyiTpcAoUaApx_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Alie Ward

isn't he the greatest? We had such a fun chat -- just cackling about plants forever. Love his work.

Megan R

Oops 🫢 if I figure out any tips I'll report back

Alie Ward

Maureen there are SO MANY PLANTS. We didn't get to that but it's a good fact -- I don't think it's common knowledge at all because only ONE question in 48 pages was about it. (Props to Heather Ehrgott.) if only this episode was a 6-part series

Lizzy Martinez

I LOVE his advice about the fly tape trap to do for a month if we run into that issue. Very, very helpful!

Mo

Makes sense, I mean obviously it was an amazing episode. I was really excited when you announced Tyler coming on and was not the least bit disappointed. 💚

Lady_Marzipan

This episode filled a hole in my life I never even realised was there. 10/10.

Scott Hanley

Hope you loved Ireland and will go back for more someday?

Alie Ward

I hope we will, too! We actually ended up recording 2 episodes there: an expert in AI ethics at Trinity and a Field Trip to Birr in the Midlands to learn more about a great 19th-century scientist and distant relative Mary Ward! https://lithub.com/on-mary-king-ward-19th-century-celebrity-scientist/ Also by total co-incidence this article was written by Phallology (PENISES) guest Dr. Emily Willingham; it's a great read and we're both obsessed with Mary Ward

Alie Ward

I'm so glad you liked it. I hope your butt enjoyed all the tiny imperceptible butt dances.

Alie Ward

I never would have guessed that. I wish I knew that for my last therapist.

Lady_Marzipan

Oh, they were whole body shoogles!

Alie Ward

Ahaha, okay good!! Have you ever eaten Monstera fruit? How did you hear about it?

Alie Ward

I'm so kidding -- I applaud that growth and my ZZ and I are both inspired!

Lady_Marzipan

Oh sorry, my Scottish is showing. Strange how we don't realise words are dialect until we write them down and think '... that doesn't look right'. To shoogle is to... shake, wiggle or sway?

Mo

Well, just now when I listened to the podcast. 😂 When you guys were talking about cats and plants. Tyler was talking about salicylic acid tasting bad and then said 'if you have ever eaten Monstera fruit that isn't ripe it burns' and I was like what fruit?! Which is why I was kinda expecting an aside but you guys just moved on so I thought maybe that's just something people know about but not me.

T Noz

My sister inherited some indoor figs from her mother-in-law. Currently doing OK in a West facing window in PDX.

Spencer Parks

I'm not a plant person but I've shared this to a number of people already! I know it's going to help so many people.

Scott Hanley

No way! I have an ancestor w/his homeopathic science on display in a museum, not sure which museum, but his gift was healing rabies in humans if caught early in the infection, side effect being routine euthanization of victims too far gone, “between two ticks,” (mattresses) we heard from an elderly storyteller, in Cavin, near paternal grandmothers home.

Megan Younce

I've been following Tyler on instagram for years, I'm very excited about this one!!

Neal Greenstein

I have a Christmas cactus which is healthy and thriving. I have a pothos that isn’t very happy. The leaves are curled up otherwise it’s a healthy green color but hasn’t had any new growth in a long while

Alie Ward

I hope some of the tips in the episode will help! Tyler talks about how strict or one-size-fits-all "watering schedules" can be a death trap for plants

Alie Ward

Oh yay! Are you at all inspired to adopt a plant? May I suggest not a succulent?

Alie Ward

aahahahahaha! This is a word I didn't know i needed

Neal Greenstein

I’m in Massachusetts. I have the heat on between 60/65. I don’t think it’s enough to dry it out. I usually water when it feels dry. I’m most of the way finished with the episode. I stopped for Wendy’s 😎

Alie Ward

Oh yes yes yes, oh dear my brain is tired. Yeah, this one had over 40 asides and clocked in at 1 hour and 40 minutes as it was and I had so many side quests I could have covered -- it was maddening to hold back!

Neal Greenstein

Oooooh I lied. The next cast started already. Lol. I’ve got chili cheese baked potato brain 😎

Between Dumplings

“Calathea killer” 🥰 SO finicky. After swearing the princesses off for good, I stopped by a plant pop up and Said “oh there’s Chinese evergreen, they’re hardy and it’ll be fine…” ended up with a Calathea that was next to it. 🙄 So far. No mites. No drama. Even new leaves!

Zuleika Pevec

The one and only plant I’ve named is Jezebel, and I was literally thinking the name when Tyler said it aloud! And, I happen to have a calathea (didn’t know what it was when I bought it), and luckily it doesn’t have spider mites. And! I am bringing an orchid back from the depths for the first time; it has four precious new buds! Love this episode!!

Nathalie Jones

Granddaughter of an orchid lady here (and lowkey a confident orchid grower myself?). If you are my grandma, you 1. Live in Hawaii 2. Grow your orchids only in loose orchid bark in literally whatever pot calls to you and leave them outside in the shade 3. Give them a good watering every now and again but mainly they get rain whenever it decides to rain. Now, if you don't live in Hawaii (as I currently do *cry*) some things have to shift but the general principles of watering them well and then forgetting about them still applies. I plant my orchids in mainly orchid bark but with a little bit of sphagnum moss to help maintain humidity. Orchid pots (the ones with holes in the side) are really cool but literally whatever you have works too. I would err on the larger side though so you don't cramp those pale spaghetti roots. Pro tip if you get them from the grocery store, after they stop blooming, take them out of the pot and inspect those roots. Chop off anything that is squishy or yellow or gross. It's ok if the haircut is a bit drastic I promise. Most important thing is to eliminate your chances of root rot. Repot in new material bc as Tyler said most greenhouses aren't setting you up for success. And then water them whenever you remember or the leaves get droopy. Mine typically bloom once-ish a year. I try to fertilize when I notice new green shoots coming up so that they have a little extra to make nice pretty flowers for me. Those are my tips, thank you to anyone who read this lol. Loving the episode so far Alie!

Nathalie Jones

Also my grandma isnt a snob for the record she is literally an angel lady who loves her garden and probably has adhd thus her unorthodox watering schedule.

Brianne Vanderwal

As a nursery manager, horticulture degree owner I am so juiced for this episode!!! At one point I maintained over 70 houseplants in my tiny condo. I have since reeled back to about 30. My mental health thanks me greatly.💚

Susan G

As a serial plant killer this episode has given me freedom. To not actually try for real plants anymore. lol Maybe not what intended, but I can accept they are too much work for me right now and possibly ever and I don't have the right conditions for them to thrive and also with cats so many of the easier ones to keep alive are toxic so are no goes. I feel free! I feel happy! I love my lego orchid, it's pretty and it never dies! I will get it some equally permanent friends for the other sadly empty pots in my bedroom.

Spencer Parks

You may suggest not a succulent because they sound so friggin picky, but no, I don't believe we will be adopting any plants. We have a cat and sometimes it's too hard to just take care of myself, let alone a cat AND a needy plant! :)

Keerat Singh

Wow the energy of this ologist was so fun, perfect for a mid-week pick me up. I recebtly moved and got two house plants and his tips are so helpful!

Mo

Understandable, I can only imagine how challenging it must be to keep track of so much information and turn it into a coherent episode. Thanks for doing all that work Alie, this podcast truly makes my day everytime an episode comes out. I didn't mean for my initial comment to come across as a serious complaint, I was just excited about finding out about Monstera fruit. 😅

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Can you imagine Tyler and Casey roasting calatheas and apple trees together hahahahaha

Lauren R

Such a great episode! Thanks for asking my question. I (try to!) use grow lights to supplement the light from the window for my succulents when I have to bring them inside for high or low temperatures. It sort of works. 😆

Aimee Ford

Another tip for fungus gnats! Bt crystals! Bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in soil that kills larval forms of flying insects. Especially mosquitos and fungal gnats. Mix some into water and use that water on your plant. Then it lives in the soil and kills the eggs when they hatch but *before* they mature into an adult. And it reactivates every time you water, aka every time the eggs rehydrate and can hatch. I never, ever have fungus gnat in my soil since using a dose of Bt water.

Connor they them

Great episode Alie! I've had the exact opposite experience with calatheas. They are some of the most resilient plants I own. I have two of them and my cats have knocked them over, eaten them, and just generally messed with them so much. But not only are the still living they are actively growing new leaves. I've had them for almost two years now. It's so interesting to hear that is unusual.

Between Dumplings

Did I forget to send a question about the “butt chug” method for watering what is my second or third “last calathea ever” guess what…it’s working. I don’t find them insipid just too finicky for my tastes if this one lasts so be it!

BolognaShoes

OKAY-- my brain just EXPLODED. I have followed Tyler on Instagram for ages and love all of his weird and wonderful work AND we have the cicada plushie BUT I just realized it's all the same amazing person. For the record: my 3 year old daughter sleeps with the cicada and a roly poly finger puppet every night. Which <3 <3

bug in a rug

I LOVE TYLER THIS IS A DREAM COLLAB

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

I wish I had someone like that to come take care of my plants 😂 Because I really don't understand them, especially in the past year. I used to have a great green thumb for orchids and even nursed one back to life (I stole it from work, because they were killing it with overwatering 😆) - I had bloom all the time on at least one of the three I had. But some months ago one decided to die, even though nothing changed and I'm still angry about that 😅 My husband's Christmas Cacti also left us - it bloomed for the first time in years and died in couple of weeks after. My Pelargonium doesn't look great either 🤷‍♀️ I clearly need a gardener 😂

Neries virens

What a great episode! I loved the “fertilizer language”! Great guest, great host, great show!