Samantha Filoso - Growing Carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes) Indoors - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #10

09/22/23 • 50 min

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #10. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of carnivorous plants with Samantha Filoso, a dedicated hobbyist with a profound passion for Nepenthes. These unique plants, known for their predatory nature, have fascinated many, and Samantha is no exception. Her commitment to sustainable and ethical cultivation practices has garnered attention and admiration from fellow plant enthusiasts.

In our conversation, Samantha unravels the mysteries of Nepenthes, from their alluring trap mechanisms to their dietary preferences. She shares insights into her innovative approach, ensuring these carnivorous wonders thrive and flourish indoors.

Our discussion with Samantha covers a myriad of topics, including:
• Samantha's introduction to the world of Nepenthes.
• The intricacies of setting up an indoor environment tailored for Nepenthes growth.
• The fascinating process of how she feeds these carnivorous plants.
• Samantha's daring experiment of tasting the nectar herself and her thoughts on its flavor!
• Overcoming challenges and misconceptions associated with growing Nepenthes.
• Techniques and tips for successful Nepenthes propagation.
• Integrating her love for Nepenthes into broader educational and artistic pursuits.
• Samantha's personal favorite Nepenthes and the stories behind them.
• Future aspirations for her Nepenthes collection and the roadmap to achieve them.

For those keen on diving into the world of Nepenthes or looking to enhance their existing knowledge, Samantha's insights are invaluable. To witness the beauty of her indoor-grown plants and perhaps catch a glimpse of their prey-catching moments, follow her on Instagram @nepenthesodyssey.

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.

Now Get Up & Grow!

Taylor Schaberg

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.

Now Get Up & Grow!

Taylor Schaberg

Previous Episode

Albert Tamashausky - Growing Orchids in a 19th Century Brewery Cave - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #9

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #9. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Albert Tamashausky, joining us from Oxford, NJ. Albert has ingeniously transformed a 250-year-old brewery cave into a mesmerizing cloud forest environment, thriving with over 800 orchids and 100 bromeliads. Leveraging the cave's natural attributes, Albert's creation showcases his engineering prowess and dedication to his plants.

Albert discusses his journey into orchid cultivation, from his initial interest to the unique concept of using an ancient brewery cave as a growth space. He delves into the design process behind the plastic greenhouse within the cave, which recreates the ideal conditions for orchids to flourish. With a background in engineering, Albert shares how he applies his expertise to enhance his orchid growing methods.

Our discussion covers a range of topics, including:

· How Albert's interest in orchids began.
· The inspiration behind utilizing an old brewery cave for orchid cultivation.
· Designing and constructing the plastic greenhouse in the cave.
· The engineering principles applied to orchid care.
· Essential factors for successful orchid growth and maintenance.
· Balancing humidity, temperature, and airflow in the underground environment.
· Challenges faced and solutions developed for maintaining the orchid garden.
· The positive impact of transitioning to LED lighting.
· Albert's commitment to sustainability in orchid cultivation.
· Future plans for expanding and improving the underground orchid garden.
· Albert's approach to selecting orchids and his personal favorites.
· Advice for beginners venturing into orchid cultivation.

Interested in joining Albert's miniature orchid club and exploring his unique underground orchid garden? Find more information on his Facebook group. Join the community and discover the captivating world of orchid cultivation!

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.
Now Get Up & Grow!
Taylor S.

Next Episode

Raffi Meyer - Growing Fresh Microgreens Under LED Grow Lights - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #11

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #11. In this episode, we're shining a light on the vibrant world of microgreens with Raffi Meyer, the visionary owner and cultivator behind Meyer Micros. Situated in the scenic realm of Cardiff by the Sea, Raffi has harnessed the power of LED grow lights to nurture these "nutritional superheroes," bringing a fresh perspective to sustainable farming practices.

With a unique backstory rooted in a log cabin in Idaho and a vegetarian upbringing, Raffi's journey into the world of microgreens is as inspiring as it is green. Through his innovative approach and dedication to sustainability, Meyer Micros has emerged as a leading advocate for environmentally friendly agriculture.

Join us as Raffi delves into the origins of his passion, the intricacies of growing microgreens, and his commitment to making organic food accessible to everyone.
Highlights from our conversation include:
• A glimpse into Raffi's childhood in Idaho, how it shaped his love for nature, and its influence on his vegetarian values.
• The nutritional powerhouse of microgreens, what makes them stand out, and Raffi's approach to preserving their nutritional integrity.
• A breakdown of Raffi's farming techniques, highlighting his custom-blended organic seedling mix and the pivotal role of premium filtered water.
• An exploration of the sustainability of microgreens, comparing their water and energy footprint to traditional farming methods.
• Insights into the integration of LED grow light technology at Meyer Micros, its benefits, and the journey towards becoming a zero-waste company.
• The challenges faced in the early days of Meyer Micros, overcoming them, and the impact of the Cardiff by the Sea community on the business.
• Balancing affordability with quality and sustainability in providing organic food to the community.
• Raffi's vision for the future of Meyer Micros amidst growing awareness of sustainable food sources and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the field of sustainable farming.

Raffi's story is a testament to the potential of innovative agricultural techniques and the importance of community in fostering sustainable food sources. To learn more about Meyer Micros and follow their journey in revolutionizing microgreen farming, check out their initiatives and connect with them online at his website https://meyermicros.com/ and his Instagram @meyermicros

We're dedicated to supporting growers and innovators like you, so we value your feedback to enhance our podcast for the grower community.

Now, let's Get Up & Grow!

Taylor Schaberg

The Get Up & Grow Podcast - Samantha Filoso - Growing Carnivorous Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes) Indoors - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #10

Transcript

Taylor (00:04.01)
Hi, Samantha. Thank you so much for joining the podcast today. How are you?
Samantha Sharp (00:07.806)
I'm doing really well, thanks. How are you today?
Taylor (00:10.378)
I'm great, I'm great, thank you. So you are an expert in apenthes grower, is that correct?
Samantha Sharp (00:18.822)
Expert might be a stretch, but I definitely consider myself a very experienced hobbyist, let's call it that.
Taylor (00:27.222)
You said pro hobbyist. That's one w