Explore the fascinating world of tropical plant breeding through the expert lens of Dr. Jeff Block, an anaesthesiologist and passionate anthurium breeder. Find out why slow pokes get the heave-ho in the breeding process, why naming a plant after your wife has hidden benefits, and why water quality matters when it comes to velvet Anthuriums.

Many thanks to Grow Tropicals for hosting this interview. You can buy Anthurium 'Michelle' from them here.

Dr Jeff Block is a Miami-based physician-botanist best known for breeding tropical plants including Anthuriums.

• You can find him on Instagram as @therealdocblock and do check out his YouTube channel.

• Doc Block Anthuriums are available for sale in North America here and 'Michelle' is available from Grow Tropicals in the UK.

• Find out more about Anthurium 'Michelle' on RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year.

• Read more about Anthurium 'Dark and Handsome'.

• See more of Doc Block's Anthurium creations in this video.

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/anthuriums-doc-block

Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge

Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box here.

Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.l.perrone

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Have you ever thought about growing deadly nightshade indoors? Me neither! But Kenny Moiane aka @ambientflora on Instagram is here to tell us all how it's done - and why we should be captivated by these incredible plants.

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/poisonous-plants-indoors

Poisonous plants deserve our respect and understanding. The information in this podcast is for entertainment only - please keep poisonous plants well away from children, pets and anyone who may not know the dangers of ingesting them. Seek professional medical help before using any plant medicinally.

Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge

Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box here.

Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.l.perrone

Follow Jane Perrone on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.l.perrone

Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/houseplantfans

Want to ask me a question? Email ontheledgepodcast@gmail.com. The more information you can include, the better - pictures of your plant, details of your location and how long you have had the plant are always useful to help solve your issue!

I visit Houseplant Studios at the Chelsea Flower Show and chat to some of the designers behind the plants.

For full show notes visit https://www.janeperrone.com/on-the-ledge/houseplant-studios-chelsea-2026

Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge

Check out The Atlas of Deadly Plants, Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants and my houseplant cards Houseplant Gardener in a Box here.

Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.l.perrone

Follow Jane Perrone on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.l.perrone

Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/houseplantfans