THE PURSUITS OF A MAD BOTANIST
In a world where overpriced plants reign down like flame soaked arrows of demise…
Amongst Tyler’s never-ending list of curiosities lies PLANTS.
After hundreds of emails asking “Tyler, where can I buy a variegated Monstera that doesn’t cost $1,000?” He set out to answer that question.
This sort of mutation is rare and completely random. Shortly after sharing his plant online, THOUSANDS of growers flocked to get their hands on a piece, signaling to Tyler that this may be something special. After speaking with some experts and working botanists, Tyler learned that his Monstera mutation was unusual to say the least. While most variegated Monstera on the market are stable in terms of patterning and chimeral distribution, this particular plant was unpredictable.
Every leaf was unique and different from the last. Given the nature of the mutation, this meant every new growth was a pleasant surprise- yielding random patterns and coloration. This was known as a sport. While this means that a single pattern most likely can’ be stabilized, that only further adds to the charm- each plant and leaf contained its own unique genetic personality. After fending off scalpers, flippers and vultures, Tyler had the idea to share this plant with enough people to dissatisfy the former demographics and please the majority.
One of Tyler’s favorite past times is sifting through plant benches at big box stores and wholesale nurseries for these very mutations, also known as sports. The same ones that go for thousands, and in typical mad man fashion, Tyler created a guide on specifically how he does it…and its free.
You can view the guide right HERE
Some of the plants I’ve made so far
Drosanthemum ‘sticky fingers’
This particular Drosanthemum is a hybrid between a Drosanthemum albiflora and an unnamed Drosanthemum species collected from Southern Africa. Coated in tiny sparkling epidermal bladder cells typical of the Drosantemum genus, this hybrid also boasts some unusual traits. The leaves are longer and more narrow than either parent. This hybrid will casually throw up a fused leaf pair with the appearance of antlers or sparkly candy coated digits. At only 8 months old, this hybrid stands at 2'“ tall and 1” wide forming a sprawling clump of intertwining leaves.
Drosanthemum ‘lemon curl’
Offspring of the same parents as the ‘sticky fingers’, however its VARIEGATED. While this hybrid contains many of the characteristics of ‘sticky fingers’, the variegation yields another interesting effect! The yellow and white sections on ‘lemon curl’ cause the plant to contort and twirl as the green sections outgrow the variegated sections. The results are long slender leaves that are constrained at the areas of variation forcing the plants to curl and twist.
Crassula ‘Thrashula’
Tyler’s first successful hybrid. A mix between Crassula ausensis v. ausensis and Crassula deceptor. Tyler’s original goal was to name the hybrid after his son, Nova. However, the latin language is not allowed when naming cultivars or hybrids. As a self humoring conciliation prize, Tyler decided to play off of his last name. Crassula ‘thrashula’ contains the fuzzy epidermis of Crassula ausensis while exhibiting the gray textured dimples of Crassula deceptor. During summer, this plant slows in growth and puts out a blush of soft red and pink. Crassula ‘thrashula’ flowered for the first time at 3 years old.
Crassula ‘thrashula dracula’
Continuing down the tunnel of absurdity, this particular clone contains the exact same lineage as Crassula ‘thrashula’. One of the main differences are the heightened levels of anthocyanins which yields the more red and purple pigments. This clone also appears to have stunted and dwarfed growth.
Unnamed hybrid (Crassula pubescens X Crassula suzannae)
A fuzzy leafed hybrid and a favorite of menacing slugs. This is the second attempt at this hybrid with some very successful germination. This hybrid is currently 1 month old and is already exhibiting traits from the seed parent, Crassula pubescens.
More Creations
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Flat Work
A series of illustrations and drawings that capture elegance and meticulous details of the natural world. A majority of Tyler’s illustrative work finds fascination within nature.
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Moonbeam Flora
Moonbeam Flora is Tyler’s lifelong goal of filling your home with wonder. These dried flowers are preserved and coated in vibrant glowing pigment mixed right in his studio/lab. Explore these vibrant and fantastical plants for yourself.
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Photography
Occasionally Tyler picks up a camera! Explore different collections of his photography.
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Plushies
On top of everything else I do, I decided to get into the plushie and toy market as well. There is a void of engaging, scientific and multifaceted toys and plushies out there and I want to add my drop to the bucket!
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Alchemy Bugs
Welcome to “Alchemy Bugs”, a series of collectible transmuted bugs imbued with a wide range of alchemical and arcane secrets. Alchemists work together to unravel and create these wondrous creatures through customized and commissioned transmutations.
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Published
I have a few published books including “The Wisdom of the Furnace”, “Grow a Damn” and my next upcoming book “The Universe in 100 colors”.
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Crystallized
A collection of work that delves into the art of synthesizing crystals, specifically on dead shit. This body of work explores the idea of combining molecular geometry and crystalline structures with organic surfaces as an homage to ancient and esoteric alchemy.
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Opalized
Prepare to dive deep into the world of synthetic opals, one of Tyler Thrasher’s latest obsessions. After years of experimenting, Tyler found a way to grow opals in as little as 5 days in his lab. This gallery is a collection of some of the pieces he’s grown.
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Plants
Nature is our collaborator. In this series you’ll explore the various plants Tyler has hybridized, created, and cultivated including various Crassula, mesembs, and even his spontaneously variegated Monstera deliciosa.
