Rough Around the Hedges

Haworthias may be small, but they’ve got a big story to tell. This week, we’re joined by our special guest Machi to explore the fascinating world of these little succulents.Together we’ll talk about where Haworthias come from, what makes them collector favorites, and how to care for them at home. Plus—Machi walks us through the often-overlooked world of pollinating Haworthias, sharing tips and tricks for anyone curious about taking their plant hobby to the next level.

Not all plant tips are created equal—and some can do more harm than good.In this episode, we’re breaking down the red flags that signal bad plant advice, from outdated care myths to clickbait “hacks” that make us cringe. We’ll talk about why certain tips keep circulating, how to tell if a source is trustworthy, and the questions we ask before trying something new.Whether it’s overcomplicated watering schedules, miracle cures that don’t work, or advice that ignores a plant’s natural needs, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you sort fact from fluff so your plants (and your sanity) can thrive.

Join us for a plant chat!

Think you know your houseplants? Time to put that leafy knowledge to the test.In this episode, our friend Julian takes over as trivia host and puts us through the ultimate houseplant quiz—complete with fun facts, friendly competition, and a few humbling surprises. From Latin names and care tips to weird plant history and “wait, that’s not a real plant” moments, nothing is off-limits.Grab your favorite planty beverage and play along with us—just don’t be mad if your pothos knows more than you do.

Every plant has a story—and in this episode, we’re sharing ours. From the clearance rack rescues to the gifted cuttings that grew into something special, we’re telling the origin stories of the plants that fill our homes and hearts.Some were impulse buys. Some came with heartbreak or healing. Others just appeared in our lives at the exact right moment. And somehow, they all tell a little piece of our own stories, too.Come sit with us for a cozy, reflective chat on the roots (literally and emotionally) of our favorite leafy companions.

Let’s be real—nobody warned us how fast this hobby can spiral. One minute you're picking up a pothos at the grocery store, the next you’re knee-deep in rare plant auctions and budgeting for grow lights. In this episode, we're talking about the 10 things we wish we knew before we started our plant journeys—beyond the basic care tips. From the hidden costs of plant care and the pressure of social media trends, to the way your collection can quietly take over your home (and your wallet), we're breaking down the real-life lessons we’ve learned along the way. This one’s for anyone who’s ever said, “I’m just getting one plant.”

Join us as we hang out with Kaylin and poke around her plant shelf, checking for scale (the dreaded plant pest) and getting into some real talk along the way.

That’s right — we spend this entire episode shaming our plants. We air the grievances, call out the divas, and roast the green freeloader who’s been sitting in the same pot for three years doing absolutely nothing. No one is safe. But beneath the drama, there’s a real conversation about expectations, projection, and what it means to care for something that doesn’t always give back the way we want. Come for the petty plant rants, stay for the subtle self-reflection.

In this episode, we dive into the Epipremnum genus—home to some of the most popular and beginner-friendly houseplants, like the golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and its dazzling variegated cousins. Learn how to distinguish between cultivars, what makes them so adaptable indoors, and how to help them thrive in your space. Whether you're a new plant parent or a seasoned collector, this deep dive into Epipremnum will leave you seeing pothos in a whole new light.

In this episode, we're getting to the root of a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential—pots for houseplants. From terracotta to plastic, self-watering to decorative cachepots, we break down the pros and cons of different materials and styles, and how your choice of pot can affect your plant's health, growth, and even watering needs. Whether you’re team drainage hole or just want your plants to look cute on the shelf, we’ve got practical tips to help you choose the best pot for every plant in your collection.

It's a plant chat!

Is dry air the silent killer of your houseplants? In this episode, we’re diving into the world of humidity—what it is, why it matters, and how to tell if your plants are craving more of it. From crispy leaf edges to stubborn brown tips, we break down the telltale signs of humidity stress and share practical tips for boosting moisture in your plant space. Whether you're a misting enthusiast or wondering if a pebble tray actually does anything, we've got you covered. Show art courtesy of @Plantflix

Ever wondered how your leafy friends survive the journey through the mail? In this episode, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of shipping houseplants—from packaging tips and seasonal precautions to choosing the right carriers and keeping roots happy in transit. Whether you're a seller, swapping with a fellow plant lover, or just curious how your online plant orders make it to your door, this episode has all the leafy logistics you need.

Are you running out of space for new plants but just can’t stop collecting? We get it! In this episode, we explore smart and stylish ways to maximize your plant space—without feeling overwhelmed. From vertical gardens and hanging planters to multipurpose furniture and unexpected nooks, we’ll share creative solutions to help you fit more greenery into your home. Whether you're in a small apartment or just looking to optimize your plant display, this episode is packed with tips to help you expand your indoor jungle.

In this episode of Rough Around The Hedges, we’re tackling one of the most stubborn houseplant pests—scale! These tiny, sap-sucking insects can wreak havoc on your favorite plants if left unchecked. We’ll break down how to identify scale infestations, the best methods for treatment (from natural remedies to chemical solutions), and how to prevent future outbreaks. Whether you're dealing with a minor infestation or a full-blown plant rescue mission, we’ve got the tips you need to fight back. Tune in and let’s get those plants scale-free!

It's time for a plant chat!

In this episode of Rough Around The Hedges, we're joined by houseplant expert Darryl Cheng to break down his approach to diagnosing plant problems. Darryl shares his structured form for troubleshooting issues like yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and pest infestations—helping plant parents move beyond guesswork to real solutions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower, this episode will give you the tools to understand and care for your plants with confidence! Tune in for practical advice, expert insights, and plenty of plant talk!

In this illuminating episode of Rough Around The Hedges, we’re joined by the brilliant Darryl Cheng, creator of House Plant Journal and author of The New Plant Parent, to break down the science of plant lighting. From bright indirect to full sun, grow lights to window direction, Darryl simplifies the complexities of light and how it truly affects our plants. If you’ve ever struggled to understand what “low light” really means or whether your plants are getting enough energy to thrive, this episode is for you. Tune in for expert advice, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on lighting that will transform the way you care for your plants!

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, it’s time to shake off winter and get your houseplants ready for spring! In this episode of Rough Around The Hedges, we’re diving into everything you need to do to help your plants thrive in the new season. From repotting and fertilizing to adjusting light and watering schedules, we’ll cover essential spring plant care tips. Plus, we’ll discuss common springtime plant issues and how to prevent them. Get ready to refresh your indoor jungle and give your green friends the best start to the growing season!

Some plants just aren’t worth the struggle. In this episode, we’re talking about the species we’ve officially sworn off—whether they’re too fussy, too pest-prone, or just not a good fit for our growing conditions. From humidity divas to rapid spreaders that take over your space, we’ll share the plants we’ve had to part ways with and why we won’t be going back. Plus, we’ll chat about how to make peace with plant breakups and find better matches for your collection. Because not every plant deserves a second chance!