PlantRx

Costa Farms
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Grow and enjoy beautiful houseplants! In each episode of Plant Rx, the Costa Farms houseplants podcast, hosts Justin and Michelle answer common questions about plants and plant care, tackle common myths, and share their combined decades of experience with indoor plants. Michelle is an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Manger at Costa Farms in North Carolina, where she oversees pest control. She has a passion for natural options, particularly beneficial insects which she helps raise and deploy on Costa crops as a part of the farm's sustainability efforts. Justin is a Horticulturist at Costa Farms and is based out of his home in rural Oregon. A passionate plantsman, he has a degree in horticultural science and has experience growing indoor and outdoor plants across the country, including the Pacific Northwest, Miami, and the Midwest. Tune into each episode to hear the duo solve houseplant dilemmas. And ask your own questions by submitting them at questions@costafarms.com!

  1. Holiday Plants 101: Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, Norfolk Island Pine, and Amaryllis

    12/19/2025

    Holiday Plants 101: Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, Norfolk Island Pine, and Amaryllis

    It's our special holiday episode of Plant RX, and we're talking about the four stars of the season: Poinsettias, Holiday cactus, Norfolk Island pine, and amaryllis. Justin, Michelle, and Marcos break down what makes these plants "holiday plants" in the first place, plus the behind-the-scenes details that make them showstoppers. You'll learn why the red on a poinsettia isn't actually the flower, how to spot a fresher plant by checking the tiny yellow blooms, why holiday cactus can become a passed-down family heirloom, how Norfolk Island pines are grown from seed (yes, it takes years), and what's really going on with wax-dipped amaryllis bulbs if you want to keep them growing after the holidays. Stick around to the end and tell us: what's your favorite holiday plant? 🌿🎄

    49 min
  2. Pothos Naming Debate, Spider Mites vs. Spiders, Fast-Growing Houseplants

    11/19/2025

    Pothos Naming Debate, Spider Mites vs. Spiders, Fast-Growing Houseplants

    Justin and Michelle talk about the common name confusion around Epipremnum species — is it always "Pothos," or should we be more precise? Listeners will learn why common names can be messy, how Costa Farms approaches naming for plant parents, and why philodendrons add another layer of confusion. The hosts cover how to tell the difference between a spider mite infestation and a regular spider. They share practical tips—from spotting tiny moving specks to using your phone camera or magnifying glass — plus a simple check for leaf damage that gives spider mites away. Finally, Justin and Michelle discuss their favorite fast-growing houseplants. From Monstera deliciosa and fiddle leaf figs to Albo Pothos and Monstera Peru, they offer plenty of inspiration for plant parents who love quick, rewarding growth.

    13 min

  3. 10/31/2025

    Overwatered Plants, Variegated Leaf Browning, Golden Crocodile Care

    Justin and Michelle talk about what to do when you bring home a houseplant that's been severely overwatered. From simple drying tricks to "root surgery," listeners will learn practical steps to save their plants and what warning signs to look for. The hosts cover browning on Thai Constellation variegated leaves. They share how to tell if it's stress, disease, or just the plant adjusting to a new environment, plus helpful tips for monitoring and recovery. Justin and Michelle discuss the growth habits of Philodendron Golden Crocodile. They explain whether it needs a moss pole, how it can be grown self-heading or climbing, and why it's a versatile addition for plant parents.

    18 min
  4. PlantRx Podcast from Costa Farms: Monstera deliciosa, Fruit & Fenestrations, Easy-Care Plant Draft

    10/06/2025

    PlantRx Podcast from Costa Farms: Monstera deliciosa, Fruit & Fenestrations, Easy-Care Plant Draft

    Marcos, Justin, and Michelle talk about Monstera deliciosa—from how to pronounce it, to where it comes from, to why its leaves develop those iconic fenestrations. Listeners will also hear the truth about its fruit: what it tastes like, how to ripen it safely, and whether it's worth the hype. The hosts cover Monstera care tips, including staking, light levels, watering, and dealing with aerial roots. They share practical tricks for getting that showroom look at home without stressing your plant. Finally, the team drafts their top easy-care plants, from classics like snake plant and pothos to left-field picks like orchids and ponytail palms. You'll walk away with inspiration and confidence to expand your collection.

    56 min

  5. 09/29/2022

    PlantRx Podcast from Costa Farms: Watering Xanthosoma, Pruning Monstera, and Growing Pothos Faster

    We love houseplants. And we want you to, too --- so we've put together this podcast where we answer common questions and share tips to help you be successful. Michelle, Senior Integrated Pest Manager, and Horticulturist Justin answer questions from the houseplant community. In this episode they cover: 1) Michelle and Justin talk about watering Xanthosoma (aka Caladium lindenii, aka Phytotaenium lindenii). How much is too much, and what's not enough? Picking it up can be one of the best ways. We talk about it --- as well as other factors that can cause brown leaf tips/edges. 2) Pruning Little Swiss Monstera (Monstera adansonii) so the vines don't get too long and scraggly. Good news: You can prune this plant any time without worry. Bonus: Michelle talks about how you can propagate the pieces of your Little Swiss Monstera you prune off! 3) Pushing as much growth from your Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'). The biggest thing for this plant is enough light. While Pothos tolerate low light, they grow best and fastest in bright conditions (and a warm environment). Also check to make sure it's not too rootbound...being rootbound can stunt growth. Plus, they tackle the myth that you can use iron supplements to fix chlorotic (yellowing) houseplants. Enjoy this episode? Then dig in to our others. We've covered topics like getting rid of fungus gnats, spider mites, and other pests, pruning and repotting tips, and more. Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhoGaaEXGU0PrZS8_nd1ClCEsNMAfVu4D Do you have questions for Michelle and Justin that you'd like to hear covered on a future episode of the podcast? Drop them in the comments below or email us at Questions@CostaFarms.com. And, if you enjoyed this video, press the like button and subscribe so you know when our next episode of Plant Rx is out.

    26 min

  6. 09/15/2022

    PlantRx Podcast from Costa Farms: Pruning Pothos, Spiders & Plants, Growing Aloe Vera, & Fertilizing

    We're passionate about plants --- and helping you enjoy your houseplant experiences. Can't get enough about houseplants? Dig into Plant Rx, the official Costa Farms podcast focused on talking about indoor plants. Michelle, Senior Integrated Pest Manager, and Horticulturist Justin answer questions from the houseplant community. In this episode they cover: 1) Michelle and Justin talk about pruning Baltic Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum Baltic Blue), including the best time of year to trim it and how much you can (or should) chop it back. Plus, they talk about using the pieces you prune off as cuttings to start new plants. 2) They go over spiders and houseplants, and whether your houseplant collection attracts spiders. Tip: Having plants won't specifically attract spiders, but may provide habitat for the spiders to reside. 3) Growing Aloe Vera. It has a reputation for being super-easy to grow because it has low water needs, but that doesn't mean it will be happy in low-light conditions. The biggest thing for success is to to make sure this plant gets lots and lots of light, and doesn't get too much water. Fertilizing houseplants --- and whether you need specialized/boutique fertilizers. The truth is you don't --- just about any general-purpose fertilizer labeled for use on houseplants will do just fine. They also cover using organic vs. synthetic fertilizers. Don't miss out our other episodes for more fun houseplant care tips. Do you have questions for Michelle and Justin that you'd like to hear covered on a future episode of the podcast? Drop them in the comments below!

    22 min

  7. 09/01/2022

    PlantRx Podcast from Costa Farms: Propagating Pothos, Predatory Mites, & Houseplants in Heatwaves

    Can't get enough about houseplants? Dig into Plant Rx, the podcast from Costa Farms dedicated to talking about indoor plants. Michelle, Senior Integrated Pest Manager, and Horticulturist Justin answer questions from the houseplant community. In this episode they cover: 1) Michelle and Justin share tips for propagating Pothos (Epipremnum) and whether they like to start Pothos cuttings in water, sand, perlite, potting mix, and other media --- and if rooting hormone is necessary. (Tip: In most cases, rooting hormones aren't necessary with Pothos because these plants propagate so readily.) 2) Using beneficial mites to eradicate spider mites instead of neem oil or other control methods. Thinking about using predatory mites against your two-spotted spider mites, one of the things Michelle recommends considering is the number of plants you have. 3) Protecting houseplants from summer heatwaves. Justin recommends watching the watering really closely --- in excessive heat, check to make sure your plants aren't drying out fast, but also that they're not slowing down and not drinking much. The truth about dioecious plants (those where plants are either male or female and can't produce seeds on their own). While male and female plants are needed if you want seeds, having both genders is not necessary (nor does it have any impact) on the plant's ability to bloom. Be sure to check out our other episodes for more fun houseplant care tips. Do you have questions for Michelle and Justin that you'd like to hear covered on a future episode of the podcast? Drop them in the comments below!

    30 min

  8. 08/18/2022

    PlantRx Podcast from Costa Farms: English Ivy, Bacterial Leaf Spot & Pothos + Flowering Houseplants

    Attention houseplant lovers! Check out Plant Rx, the podcast from Costa Farms dedicated to talking about indoor plants. Michelle, Senior Integrated Pest Manager, and Horticulturist Justin answer questions from the houseplant community. In this episode they cover: 1) Michelle and Justin share tips for growing English Ivy (Hedera helix cultivars) as a houseplant. (Neither recommend growing it as an outdoor plant because of its potential as an invasive plant). Like most indoor plants, English Ivy likes a bright spot (as much light as it can get indoors). It's a spider mite magnet, unfortunately. But the duo shares tips for combatting spider mites here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD9Zggcu9D0 2) Identifying whether your Pothos (or other indoor plants) have bacterial leaf spot, and tips for discerning if leaf spotting is bacterial or fungal in nature. 3) Top indoor plants you can grow for flowers. Since indoor light levels are typically pretty low, you don't tend to see a lot of houseplants that have attractive flowers. Among the duo's picks are Anthurium, Spathiphyllum, and African Violet. Tune in to hear about a dozen more! The truth about soil mites. Good news --- you don't need to repot your houseplants, do any special sprays or drenches, etc. Dig in to discover why and what they do recommend. Tip: Some soil mites will actually attack fungus gnat larvae! Be sure to check out our other episodes for more fun houseplant care tips. Do you have questions for Michelle and Justin that you'd like to hear covered on a future episode of the podcast? Drop them in the comments below!

    29 min
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About

Grow and enjoy beautiful houseplants! In each episode of Plant Rx, the Costa Farms houseplants podcast, hosts Justin and Michelle answer common questions about plants and plant care, tackle common myths, and share their combined decades of experience with indoor plants. Michelle is an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Manger at Costa Farms in North Carolina, where she oversees pest control. She has a passion for natural options, particularly beneficial insects which she helps raise and deploy on Costa crops as a part of the farm's sustainability efforts. Justin is a Horticulturist at Costa Farms and is based out of his home in rural Oregon. A passionate plantsman, he has a degree in horticultural science and has experience growing indoor and outdoor plants across the country, including the Pacific Northwest, Miami, and the Midwest. Tune into each episode to hear the duo solve houseplant dilemmas. And ask your own questions by submitting them at questions@costafarms.com!

Information

  • Creator
    Costa Farms
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    PlantRx