Ologies with Alie Ward: Domestic Phytology (Household Plants) with Tyler Thrasher

Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Ologies with Alie Ward, host Alie Ward welcomes Tyler Thrasher, a renowned domestic phytologist, artist, educator, and author. Tyler brings his extensive knowledge of houseplants, hybridization, and plant conservation to the forefront, offering listeners insightful discussions on plant care, ethical gardening, and the intersection of mental health and botany.

Guest Background and Journey into Botany

Tyler Thrasher's passion for plants began in his childhood, deeply influenced by his father, a landscaper who transformed their home garden into a serene oasis. Growing up amidst lush foliage and aquatic installations, Tyler developed a profound love for chemistry and botany. This early exposure fueled his creativity, leading him to hybridize plants, create new cultivars, and experiment with unique plant creations such as glow-in-the-dark flowers and opalized blooms.

"I was the kid that would go out in the garden, pluck flowers and leaves, put it in a bowl and mash it up and make potions... There's magic out there."
— Tyler Thrasher [04:51]

Houseplant Basics: Choosing the Right Plants

Tyler emphasizes the importance of selecting houseplants that match one's lifestyle and environment. He debunks the myth of the "black thumb," asserting that with the right knowledge and willingness to learn, anyone can successfully cultivate plants.

• ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Ideal for beginners due to their hardiness and low maintenance. They thrive in medium to low light and are forgiving if occasionally neglected.

  "ZZ plants are very hardy, they're very tough, they are somewhat drought tolerant... they give you a long runway to reverse what you're doing."
  — Tyler Thrasher [10:44]

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Known for their trailing vines and ease of propagation. They can be easily grown from cuttings placed in water.

• Succulents: Contrary to popular belief, succulents require specific care and can be more challenging than they appear. They vary widely in water and sunlight needs based on their species and origin.

"Succulents are more delicate than they appear. And one routine does not work for every succulent."
— Tyler Thrasher [15:01]

Soil and Watering Techniques

Proper soil composition and watering practices are crucial for plant health. Tyler advises against using generic soil mixes and highlights the benefits of customizing soil based on plant needs. He recommends using high-quality soil brands like Fox Farms and incorporating ingredients like pumice and horticultural charcoal to enhance drainage and aeration.

"Preferably you want to pick a soil where you are in control of the fertilizer regimen... I don't get to pick. They don't always nail it."
— Tyler Thrasher [24:54]

Variegation and the Plant Market

Variegated plants, characterized by multiple colors on the same structure due to chloroplast mutations, have surged in popularity. Tyler discusses the economic dynamics behind variegated plants, likening the market surge to a Ponzi scheme where initial high prices plummet once mass propagation occurs.

"Variegated plants blew up, and it's a bubble. I tried warning people that this was a bubble."
— Tyler Thrasher [37:00]

He cautions listeners about the volatility of the variegated plant market and encourages ethical purchasing to support conservation efforts.

Plant Poaching and Ethical Gardening

Plant poaching poses significant threats to endangered species, particularly in the cactus and succulent communities. Tyler outlines how to identify poached plants and stresses the importance of purchasing from reputable nurseries to support sustainable practices.

"If you're in the market and you see a conifeytum that's like a huge clump... there's a good chance it's poached."
— Tyler Thrasher [52:21]

He also explains tissue culture as a sustainable method for propagating plants without harming wild populations.

Pests and Fungi: Maintaining Plant Health

Houseplants are susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Tyler provides practical solutions for managing these issues:

• Fungus Gnats: He recommends coiling sticky flypaper around the soil surface and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to reduce gnat populations.

  "I'm just gonna tell you the number one teaching tool for plants... kill them all, throw the whole pot away."
  — Tyler Thrasher [18:03]

• Mealybugs and Spider Mites: Quarantining new plants for at least three weeks can prevent the spread of pests to established collections.

"Always quarantine your plants for maybe a minimum of three weeks to a month."
— Tyler Thrasher [63:56]

Mental Health and Plant Care

Tyler explores the therapeutic benefits of plant care, highlighting how nurturing plants can combat depression and foster a sense of responsibility and hope. However, he warns against overcommitting, which can lead to plant-related stress and exacerbate mental health issues.

"Your mental health is priority before plants. It is. You're not gonna care for plants if you don't have the capacity to care for yourself."
— Tyler Thrasher [69:35]

Listener Questions and Expert Advice

Alie and Tyler address a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering tailored advice on topics such as:

• Low-Light Plants: Recommendations include ZZ plants and Pothos, which can tolerate low-light environments.

  "ZZ plants don't need a whole lot of light. That's a low light plant."
  — Tyler Thrasher [43:27]

• Grow Lights: Tyler confirms that grow lights are effective when properly utilized but advises considering the energy trade-offs.

  "Grow lights do work. You gotta have the right grow lights."
  — Tyler Thrasher [46:13]

• Ethical Purchasing: Emphasizing the importance of buying from reputable sources to avoid supporting plant poaching.

• Fungus Management: Detailed strategies for identifying and eliminating harmful fungi from houseplants.

• Pet-Safe Plants: Guidance on choosing non-toxic plants for households with pets, such as avoiding common toxic varieties like Monsteras and Jade plants.

Conclusion and Upcoming Projects

Towards the end of the episode, Tyler shares his upcoming projects, including live science creative journals on Patreon and participation in the Curiosity and Oddities Flea Market in San Diego. He also showcases his unique creations, such as opalized flowers and plush cicadas, blending art with botany.

"Everything else is bullshit. You're gonna buy that yellow sticky paper... my rule of thumb for succulents is drainage, drainage, drainage."
— Tyler Thrasher [68:30]

Alie reflects on her personal experiences with houseplants, humorously sharing the emotional ties and superstitions she developed through plant care.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "ZZ plants are very hardy, they're very tough..."
  — Tyler Thrasher [10:44]

• "Succulents are more delicate than they appear..."
  — Tyler Thrasher [15:01]

• "Variegated plants blew up, and it's a bubble..."
  — Tyler Thrasher [37:00]

• "Always quarantine your plants for maybe a minimum of three weeks to a month."
  — Tyler Thrasher [63:56]

• "Your mental health is priority before plants. It is."
  — Tyler Thrasher [69:35]

• "Grow lights do work. You gotta have the right grow lights."
  — Tyler Thrasher [46:13]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Ologies with Alie Ward offers a comprehensive exploration of houseplant care, blending scientific knowledge with personal anecdotes and ethical considerations. Tyler Thrasher's candid advice and passionate discourse make this episode a must-listen for both novice gardeners and seasoned plant enthusiasts.

For more information on Tyler Thrasher, his books Grow a Damn Plant Journal and The Universe in 100 Weird and Wondrous Colors from Nature, visit his website and follow him on Instagram.

Note: The podcast episode is available on all major podcast platforms. Visit alieward.com for additional resources, show notes, and links mentioned throughout the episode.