All Consuming

Houseplants

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Episode notes

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala go mushy for houseplants in this episode of All Consuming where they explore our culture of consumption. Philodendrons, Hoyas, Monsteras - the list of plants available to consumers is now almost endless and these green companions became a crucial part of our home during lockdown when we craved the outdoors. In recent years, our love for houseplants has seen the plant market explode - but at what cost? Charlotte and Amit meet Jacob James, a seller of rare plants at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, who reveals that there’s been a recent crash in rare houseplant prices. We check in with historian Catherine Horwood to find out how houseplants first entered the home and ecologist Dr Adam Cross gives us a fly’s eye view of a rare carnivorous plant. Amateur biologist Sebastian Cocioba tells us how he hacks orchids for a special Mother’s Day present. Presenters: Amit Katwala and Chalotte Stavrou Producer: Emily Uchida Finch A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4