Episode Details

Where did our houseplants come from and what’s the history behind them? From Babylonian gardens to the healing power of herbs, houseplants have been used for centuries to cultivate joy in our lives. In this episode, I spoke with Jane Perrone, OG planty podcaster and author of the newly released Legends of the Leaf. Jane has spent years researching and collecting stories, lore, and surprises about our beloved house plants, and is here to enlighten us about their history. Let’s learn all about the monstera, the spider plants, and more that have been in homes for generations!

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:26] Meet Jane Perrone and learn about her latest book Legends of the Leaf
• [11:38] Insight into Jane's book and its structure
• [14:13] What was Jane’s research process in writing her book?
• [16:47] Was aloe vera part of Cleopatra's beauty routine?
• [18:19] What is the impact of plants on air quality?
• [20:13] Where can you find quality indoor and outdoor gardening products?
• [22:19] Where can you get flower and vegetable transplants to create an effortless garden?
• [24:13] What is the cultural significance of the Aspidistra plant throughout history?
• [28:37] How did Aspidistra become a popular houseplant?
• [30:32] History of the spider plant and its cultural significance
• [34:23] Are you looking for a book to start your first container garden?
• [36:23] What is Colonial botany and why was it an important field of study?
• [39:37] Dark history of Dieffenbachia
• [46:23] History of the Boston fern and why it became popular
• [51:40] Why is the monstera plant a must-have for any plant lover?
• [54:48] Who worked on the illustrations for Jane's book?
• [58:07] Where can you purchase Jane's book?
• [01:05:46] Where can you find Jane Perrone on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Jane Perrone’s book Legends of the Leaf
• D.G. Hessayon’s book The House Plant Expert
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• George Orwell’s book Keep the Aspidistra Flying
• Gracie Fields’ song The Biggest Aspidistra In The World
• Netflix film Enola Holmes
• German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• American Sitcom Will & Grace
• Noel Kingsbury’s book The Story of Flowers

For a listicle of our favorite houseplants and their history,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Gardening is made easier with flower and vegetable transplants! Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy plants right to your door. They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. Whether you are looking for leafy veggies, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back.

Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy - discou