PODCAST · leisure
The Houseplant Coach
by Veronica Oh Happy
Get to the root of your houseplant problems with The Houseplant Coach! Whether you're a new plant parent or have a decades-old indoor jungle, you'll learn fabulous things. Join 'professional plant nerd' Veronica as she explores the not-so-common answers to many common houseplant maladies.
Episodes
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Episode 327 - Compensatory Photosynthesis
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 :)
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Episode 326 - Dissecting the parroted “stop fertilizing in winter” advice
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....
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Episode 325 - Which Bark is Better?
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,...
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Episode 324 - Not all soil recipes make sense!
Dig into the reasoning behind soil ingredients, plus: DrySoils will be on sale soon!
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Episode 323 - Just a sale announcement because I’m behind :)
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 :)
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Episode 322 - Dirt thoughts and small business coaching
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...
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Episode 321 - Q&A! Leaf length, peperomia yellowing, repotting with wicks, and more!
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!
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Episode 320 - Light for succulents and “How often should I water?”
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?
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Episode 319 - What hoyas can go in self-watering pots?
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!
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Episode 318 - How to move plants outside for the summer ☀️
Here are some tips to give your plants their best summer yet :)
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Episode 317 - What’s in a Name? BS, Sometimes!
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!
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Episode 316 - Q&A: Should I root cuttings in perlite, pumice, or vermiculite?
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 :)
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Episode 315: Beautiful Chaos: Understanding Variegation (pt2)
In this second part, we dig into the different types of variegation, understanding why it occurs and how to encourage more of it!
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Episode 314 - Beautiful Chaos: Understanding Variegation :) (pt 1)
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!
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Episode 313 - The Fully Stocked Pantry Method (part 2): Ditch the Seasonal Starvation Diet
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.
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Episode 312 - The Fully Stocked Pantry Method (part 1): Ditch the Seasonal Starvation Diet
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 :)
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Episode 311 - Time to plan summer haircuts!
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 :)
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Episode 310 - On “giving up houseplants” 🤣
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...
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Episode 309 - The most ridiculous episode yet!
Cabbage water pH testing and grain-urine pregnancy tests today, folks! WTF, you ask? ME TOO. 🤣
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Episode 308 - Nitrogen!
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…
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Episode 307 - How to Use a “Watering Schedule”
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
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Episode 306 - Mitigating allelopathy with charcoal!
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 :)
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Episode 305 - Hoya blooming variables and what actually counts as science
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...
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Episode 304 - Herbs for self-nourishment so we can keep fighting the good fight.
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...
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Episode 303 - Asking Good Questions and Drought Recovery
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! :)
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Episode 302 - Cuetlaxochitl care! (aka poinsettia - Euphorbia pulcherrima)
This was one of the hardest plants to care for during my time in interiorscape, and a lot of the dead ones were due to shipping issues! Learn more about the cuetlaxochitl (aka poinsettia) here! Also, free gifts with every order through December 2025! Https://ohhappyplants.shop
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Episode 301 - Changing Dirt? Change your care!
Have you ever potted a plant up in a super chunky mix and watched it go downhill? It may be the wrong substrate for your watering style! But here’s how to prevent that :) Also, holiday freebies are going into every box from Oh Happy Plants through the end of December (2025)! Get your plant care…
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Episode 300 - How to avoid $10,000 compost
Ever import super expensive plants, only to have them rot? Here are some tips! Tip #1: take a deep breath. None of this is urgent :)
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Episode 299 - Potted Yule Trees, part 2 :)
I got some questions about bringing potted evergreens indoors in terms of issues with breaking winter dormancy, so I did some more research and is still encourage you to get one - if only as an experiment! Also, sale on now - free $49 bag of V’s Mix with every $200 spent at...
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Episode 298 - Magical Variegation!
Explore variegation with me! We’re talking types, colors, flavors (well, maybe not that one!), and causes of variegation :) Plus, check out the sale - for every $40 spent at https://OhHappyPlants.shop, get a FREE quart of Tropical Climber soil!
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Episode 297 - Christmas Tree Sustainability
I’ve heard a lot of folks say they choose an artificial tree so they wouldn’t be cutting down a live one. Let’s dig into the sustainability of the whole thing before we make a choice this year :)
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Episode 296 - PSA: Houseplant Loneliness Epidemic
Don’t separate your houseplants! PSA on the plant loneliness epidemic (yes, yes, I made that up 🤣 tell the others! 🤣). Last two days of the sale! Spend $50, get a free quart of either V’s Mix or B*tches Love Hoyas soil! Https://ohhappyplants.shop
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Episode 295 - Time is fake, but timing is everything.
SALE! Spend $50, get a free quart of V’s Mix or B*tches Love Hoyas! Now through 11/5/25 This episode is about grief journeying, community building, vulnerability, and self-forgiveness in plant care. Bonus: puppy snores.
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Episode 294 - Perlite and fluoride toxicity: continuing the conversation.
Recently(ish) someone brought a video to my attention from a soil scientist who was talking about the concern with perlite and fluoride toxicity. There were a few issues with the data and the points presented, and while the studies I found that line up with this video do show little cause for...
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Episode 293 - Being a helper when feeling helpless (and hoya info!)
Hi folks! This is a “how to stop feeling so damn helpless” episode, plus interspersed info about hoyas and a sale announcement. For Doc Tenzin’s work including his comic book A Capacity to Change, see https://doctenzin.com Want great dirt? Https://ohhappyplants.shop - and remember, if you share…
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Episode 292 - Pruning trees, ranting, and treating mealybug on rope hoyas :)
It’s a WHOLE rant today, in a number of directions, but we’re also talking upcoming tree pruning and mealybug treatment, as well as the current sale at ohhappyplants.shop
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Episode 291 - Nobody puts baby in a corner - grow light edition!
Have you fallen for the old “plants slow their growth in the winter because of dormancy” BS? For our houseplants, this is usually counter to their natural cycles! Listen in for more :)
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Episode 290 - Permission to half-ass plant care :)
Here’s my current nonsense: plants in a jar! Plus: sale announcement, and the sewer rat of hope :)
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Episode 289 - It’s time! Bringing your plants indoors for winter :)
What temperature is the nightly low in your area? It might be time to bring your houseplants in for the season! Here’s a guide to temps, pest treatment, and more!
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Episode 288 - It’s Autumn! Fall repotting, powdery mildew, and more!
I’m about to try a a few new-to-me home remedies for powdery mildew - stay tuned for updates! Also, a discussion about repotting plants as the seasons change.
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Episode 287 - Solving Garden Pest Issues
Got pests in your garden? Plant more flowers! Here’s the most legit excuse EVER to plant a zillion flowers and turn your veggie garden into a beautiful, half-edible, half-ornamental paradise 🥰
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Episode 286 - Making houseplants ‘civilized’
Are your plants taking over your home, or looking super scraggly? Here’s an episode about propagating all those crazy beasts :)
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Episode 285 - Why your spider mites keep “coming back“
Here’s the thing: they never left. But this is a trick that folks don’t tell you - another piece of the treatment process that will ACTUALLY lead to complete eradication. PSA: this treatment is a leaf spray ONLY - do not pour onto roots!
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Episode 284 - Tips for soil ordering :)
How much soil do you need? How do you figure that out when you’ve completely forgotten high school math class? And what’s a better deal, using the OHP 30% off sale on 5 ‘generous quarts’ or buying a 2-gallon bag? (Hint: it’s the 2-gallon bag if you’re getting one type of soil!) Answer all those...
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Episode 283 - Rejecting propriety and embracing “dirt” :D
This episode is about how education works better when people are relaxed about it, how gatekeeping is a capitalist ploy to keep us separate, and how communication is my goal - not “proper” language. Trigger warning: mention of an unpleasant bodily function - skip from 7:20ish to 8min.
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Episode 282 - The importance of nitrogen :)
Trigger warning for vegans - we’re talking outdoor gardening and blood meal. But this is all relevant to indoor plants! Today it’s a discussion of the importance of feeding your plants so they can bust out some awesomeness for you :)
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Episode 281 - How to Get Your Plant to Branch
Want a bushier houseplant? Here are some scientifically proven tips for branching, plus info about light, holding off on repotting a plant, and more! For soil and other incredible houseplant supplies, check out ohhappyplants.shop!
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Episode 280 - Midsummer Plant Dreams…
What are your plants dreaming about right now? Is it a new moss pole, repot, or pruning job? Maybe they’d just like you to notice the spider mite issue that has suddenly become a real problem due to higher temps? Here’s a discussion of plant behavior, summertime considerations, and more!
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Episode 279 - Consistency in plant care (when neurodivergent)
The ONE thing that made the biggest difference to my plants across nearly 30 years of houseplant tending is consistency - and when you have late-diagnosed AuDHD, it’s extra apparent. Listen in for practical tips to get you more consistent, plus extras: discussion of subirrigation, spider mite...
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Episode 278: Orchid Mastery Starts Here - with Raffaele DiLallo
Think orchids are too fussy to keep alive — let alone get to bloom again? Think again. In this episode, Veronica is joined by the incredible Raffaele DiLallo of Ohio Tropics, creator of “Become an Orchid Master." He’s here to break down the myths, mistakes, and surprisingly simple techniques…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Get to the root of your houseplant problems with The Houseplant Coach! Whether you're a new plant parent or have a decades-old indoor jungle, you'll learn fabulous things. Join 'professional plant nerd' Veronica as she explores the not-so-common answers to many common houseplant maladies.
HOSTED BY
Veronica Oh Happy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Houseplant Coach have?
The Houseplant Coach currently has 327 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Houseplant Coach about?
Get to the root of your houseplant problems with The Houseplant Coach! Whether you're a new plant parent or have a decades-old indoor jungle, you'll learn fabulous things. Join 'professional plant nerd' Veronica as she explores the not-so-common answers to many common houseplant maladies.
How often does The Houseplant Coach release new episodes?
The Houseplant Coach publishes regularly with 327 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Houseplant Coach?
You can listen to The Houseplant Coach on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Houseplant Coach?
The Houseplant Coach is created and hosted by Veronica Oh Happy.
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