Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature

Advertise on podcast: Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature

Rating
4.8
from
820 reviews
This podcast has
253 episodes
Language
Date created
2017/11/14
Average duration
48 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

The answer to a happier, more connected life could be simpler than you think: learning to care for plants and connect with nature. Houseplants and gardening do more than beautify our homes and lawns - the act of caring for them helps us reduce stress, increase joy and cultivate connections with ourselves, others and the earth. Deep, right? On the Growing Joy Podcast, learn alongside host and author Maria Failla to not only care for plants, but how to simply and affordably use plants to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and stress and live a happier, more connected and calm life. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @bloomandgrowmaria

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Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief
2024/02/20
Do you feel a little sad or bored being stuck inside this winter (at least those in the northern hemisphere)? I hope the winter months haven’t got you down too much because I know we’re all feeling a bit cooped up lately. That’s why I brought on a new plant friend, Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago, a gardening expert and horticultural therapist, to share some of her favorite simple DIY indoor plant projects to spark joy during these months. Note that these are all featured in her new book ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life, which celebrates little plant-inspired passion projects to nurture our creativity! In this episode, we learn:[01:53] Rebranding of my YouTube Channel[02:43] Introducing Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago aka Agrochic![04:24] How did Perla develop her passion for gardening and plants?[07:05] How did Agrochic start?[09:38] How did Perla balance Spanish and English content?[11:32] What does her plant collection and garden look like?[15:08] Make meditation more relaxing and meaningful with Wind River’s Meditation Chimes![16:51] Learn how to grow cut flowers with The Cut Flower Handbook’s beautiful illustrations![18:41] Why are people drawn to nature and plants right now? [21:08] Seeking simplicity to escape social media overstimulation[22:08] Perla’s interesting success stories about bringing plants into clients' lives[29:17] What is nature’s role in mood and healing?[30:42] Concept of gardening as a means to reconnect with one's inner child[34:18] Rediscover a sense of "awe" and childlike wonder[38:21] What is Perla’s barefoot garden project all about?[45:02] How do you create a miniature garden for yourself?[50:34] Get Perla’s book and follow her on social media! Mentioned in our conversation:Book by Perla ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life: 30 Projects to Nurture Your Passion for Plants and Find Your BlissBook by Florence Williams The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More CreativeGardenCommMy Garden BreakKidsGardening For step-by-step tutorials on these indoor plant projects,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesBring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes. Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M ZieglerOne of the most joyful things you can do in the garden is to grow flowers! If you are interested in upping your cut flower game, make sure to grab The Cut Flower Handbook by professional flower farmer Lisa M Ziegler. It is the bouquet-building bible gardeners have been waiting for! Included in The Cut Flower Handbook are 50 extensive flower profiles, planting tips, instructions, and images on how to pinch plants, how to make your cuts, how to dig a planting bed, and more. Plus, there are over 200 photos of the best cut flowers for home gardeners to grow and advice on caring for a cutting garden. Pre-order now online or in-store, and if you're checking out this episode after February 27th, pick it up at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes &Noble or amazon.com. Follow Perla: Website - Spanish Website - English Instagram Facebook Twitter/X Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, pr
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Everything You Need to Know About Ficus Care
2024/02/13
I am completely obsessed with ficus! Over the last few months, I've been slowly collecting different ficus varieties and learning how to help them thrive. There's just something about the colorful leaves, sculptural shapes, and tree-like growth that makes me love this plant genus. I love my ficus collection and feel like this genus has been overlooked, with the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) getting most of the hype. But there are so many gorgeous, easy-to-grow ficus species that make excellent houseplants. I have spent the last few months cultivating a variety of ficus so you can grow these beautiful plants at home. This episode is made in partnership with Proven Winners leafjoy houseplants. In this episode, we learn:[00:43] We’re all about ficus today![02:49] Reasons to love ficus[04:03] Did you know Michael Scott from The Office has a Ficus benjamina in his office?[05:06] How about a Boston fern in Will & Grace?[05:48] Why Ficus elastica is a good beginner plant[07:08] How do you care for ficus?[08:09] Ficus care #1: Light[09:11] Story about Figaro, my Ficus lyrata, before and after grow lights[11:11] Variegated/color = more light[12:27] Ficus care #2: Water[13:40] Why it’s important to make sure their leaves are clean[14:58] Ficus care #3: Humidity[15:56] Ficus care #4: Fertilizer[16:34] Ficus care #5: Pruning[17:52] Why you should wear gloves when pruning ficus[18:07] How to troubleshoot your ficus[18:15] Troubleshoot #1: Leaf drop[19:35] Troubleshoot #2: If it's not growing, it needs more sun[20:12] Get quality ficus plants that are resistant to leaf drop from Proven Winner Leafjoy![22:37] Ficus lyrata[23:09] Ficus benjamina[24:00] Ficus benjamina ‘Twilight’[24:27] Ficus benjamina ‘Anastasia’[24:40] Ficus cyanthistipula[26:07] Ficus elastica[26:32] Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’[27:22] Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’[27:50] Ficus elastica ‘Chloe’ Mentioned in our conversation:Office Ladies PodcastGrowing Joy Episode 51: How To Live With A “Crazy Plant Person”Growing Joy Episode 125: Palm Care 101 With Chris SatchSoltech Aspect™ LED GrowlightCling-On® Anastasia - Weeping Fig - Ficus benjamina | Proven WinnersPlant Tour of Mickey Hargitay Plants For a list of my favorite ficus species,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Proven Winners leafjoyIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in! Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Our Sponsors: * Check out HelloFresh and use my code bloomfree for a great deal: https://www.hellofresh.com/ * Check out Manukora an
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Cultivating Intuition with Nature
2024/02/06
How can we use plants to connect with intuitive energy? If you're anything like me, simply being around plants makes you feel happier, calmer, and more like your true self. I've always felt plants have some extra special magic that goes beyond their pretty leaves. That's why I was so excited to welcome back our resident “green witch" Rachael from Our Infinite Nature (formerly Infinite Succulent—yes, she just rebranded!) on the podcast this week to talk about how plant care can open up our intuition and help us reconnect with our own inner magic! In this episode, we learn:[02:46] Infinite Succulent just rebranded to Our Infinite Nature![03:27] Check out Rachael’s Intuitive Magic Group Coaching[07:57] A little bit about Rachael’s background + certifications[08:53] When did she discover her mediumship and intuitive talent?[09:31] Reiki certification and intuitive coaching[10:53] What is intuition?[11:30] Understanding energy, spirit, and nature[12:35] Why is learning intuition similar to learning a language?[15:13] Experience mindfulness and coziness with personalized Wind River wind chimes![16:54] Make gardening easy with Tony O'Neill's Simplify Vegetable Gardening book![18:19] What is the symbiosis that happens when we get in tune with nature and with plants?[19:25] What is the importance of cultivating intuition in harmony with nature?[20:05] Impact of nervous system on intuition[21:20] Is instinct similar to intuition?[22:57] Take your Human Design personality![24:50] How can we use plants to connect with intuitive energy?[26:17] Intuition is figuring out one's next step, not predicting the future[27:36] How to recognize subtle communication with nature[30:14] Get high quality potting mixes, fertilizers, and more at Espoma Organic[33:41] It's your choice to live life through magical lens or see it as trivial[34:50] What is the role of energy in our lives?[35:56] How working with plants allowed Rachael to experience life force energy[38:34] What are some activities that can help you connect with plants and your intuition?[44:12] How to connect with a tree? (a step-by-step guide)[50:34] Where can you sign up for Rachael’s Intuitive Magic course? Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 209: Plant Magic: How To Be A Green WitchGrowing Joy Ep 165: Everyday Plant MagicGrowing Joy Ep 60: DIY Succulent CrownsRachael’s BooksRachael's Intuitive Magic Course: A 10-session Group CoachingHuman Design Personality Test For a closer look into magic and nature,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesBring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes. Quarto: Simplify Vegetable Gardening by Tony O'NeillSimplify Vegetable Gardening by Tony O'Neill of YouTube's Simplify Gardening is a plant nerd's dream: integrating botany, biology, and earth science concepts into the subject of food gardening. Read through an exciting approach that uses science to grow more food and utilizes the interconnectedness of Earth’s many systems to help your plants thrive. This book offers a deep dive into the science of growing a robust and sustainable home garden that will empower you to have your best garden yet. Pick Simplify Vegetable Gardening up at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, quarto.com, or amazon.com. Espoma OrganicIf you want plants that thrive, set them up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mix and more! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor
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Humidity and Houseplants
2024/01/30
Do I really need a humidifier? Why do my plants get crispy leaves when I crank the heat? When it comes to houseplant care, humidity is right up there with water and light as one of the most important factors. I’ve spent years stressing about humidity levels. Fortunately, I invited my dear plant friend and humidity expert, Leslie Halleck, for another session of Grow Better. Understanding the science behind humidity has helped me stop freaking out and keep my plant collection happy. In this episode, we learn:[04:44] Beware of random blogs you find online![05:43] Why is humidity important and how does it affect the plants?[08:57] Important role of transpiration in a plant's health[13:32] The three terms you need to know (relative humidity, absolute humidity, vapor pressure deficit)[14:49] Grow your indoor garden like never before with Soltech's grow lights![17:10] Cold air vs warm air[20:54] Is your hygrometer relative or absolute humidity?[22:45] Why is it so much drier in the winter?[25:18] How elevation affects vapor pressure deficit[31:00] Methods for increasing humidity[31:48] Why misting doesn’t work[33:36] Why pebble trays also don’t work[35:04] Why grouping plants together work[37:40] Is growing plants under glass effective?[40:25] Leslie’s obsession with glassware and mushrooms[41:26] What is burping?[42:07] What are Wardian cases?[42:50] What are Orchidariums?[49:13] How Leslie maintains the humidity in her house[51:01] Check out Leslie’s Tiny Plants[52:14] Sign up for Leslie’s courses![54:37] Where can you find Leslie on social media? Mentioned in our conversation:Botany for Gardeners Course, UCLA ExtensionIndoor Plants: Care and Maintenance Course, UCLA ExtensionLeslie’s Book Tiny PlantsGrowing Joy Ep 169: How To Prep Your Houseplants For WinterGrowing Joy Ep 107: How To Care For A Large Plant CollectionHow to Care for Alocasia // My Favorite Alocasia Varieties! // Alocasia Care GuideLeslie’s Architectural Digest interview For a deeper dive into humidity basics and light principles,check out the full show notes and blog here!   Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsWith shorter days and colder days upon us, ensure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions offers grow lights with full-spectrum white light that mimics the sun to keep your plants happy and healthy: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a multi-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions. Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15". Follow Leslie:  Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Our Sponsors: * Check out HelloFresh and use my code bloomfree for a great deal: https://www.hellofresh.com/ * Check out Manukora and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: https://manukora.com * Check out Quince and use my code joy for a great deal: https://www.quince.com/ * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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Top 5 Seed Starting Mistakes with Joe Gardener
2024/01/23
It’s almost that glorious time of year again...seed starting season! I don’t know about you, but this is hands-down one of my favorite times in the garden. There’s just something touching about growing those tiny pieces of potential life into healthy plants and vegetables. However, I’d be lying if I said I’ve had perfect success right off the bat. Seed starting has a bit of a learning curve, but making mistakes is all part of the fun and learning in the garden! As long as you don’t lose an entire flat of precious tomato seeds (guilty!), then it’s fair game. To help you avoid disappointment and heartache in your seed starting endeavors, I brought back renowned gardener Joe Lamp’l to share the top mistakes he sees people make. With years of seed starting expertise, including creating his online Master Seed Starting Course that I absolutely love, he’s seen it all. Get $100 off Joe’s Master Seed Starting Digital Course!Discount only applies through January 29th, 2024 so grab it while it’s live! In this episode, we learn:[05:13] Joe’s OVG Course and adding flowers to his garden[08:25] How long has Joe been growing his garden from seed?[08:51] Understanding the nuances of seed starting[09:17] What is the educational value of the seed-to-plant process?[11:56] What are the challenges and differences in seed starting compared to caring for houseplants?[12:49] How did Joe come up with the top 5 seed starting mistakes?[14:09] Misconceptions people have when it comes to starting seeds[15:35] Seed starting mistake #1: Your seeds don’t germinate![15:53] #1.a Soil temperature is not appropriate [16:37] #1.b You plant them too deep or too shallow[19:05] #1.c They’re getting either too much or too little water[22:52] Seed starting mistake #2: Maintaining proper soil moisture (weigh your soil!)[26:47] You can use a moisture meter![29:12] Seed starting mistake #3 Light requirements[30:42] Blue and red light frequencies promote growth more than other light frequencies[34:18] Why Joe recommends investing in a grow light[35:24] Seed starting mistake #4 Gardeners often don’t read seed planting guidelines[40:08] Older seeds may not be viable for planting (so check the sell date!)[41:25] #5 Process of “hardening off” (preparing seedlings for outdoor life)[48:21] Where can you enroll in Joe’s seed starting class?[53:18] Sign up for Joe's Master Seed Starting Course before January 29 and get $100 off![54:01] Where can you find Joe on social media? Mentioned in our conversation:Joe's Master Seed Starting Course -- Get $100 off with this link!Online Gardening AcademyOrganic Vegetable Gardening WaitlistBook by Joe Lamp’l The Vegetable Gardening BookGrowing Joy Ep 173: Seed Starting Basics With Joe Lamp’lGrowing Joy Ep 114: Seed Starting 101 With Joe Lamp’lSoltech Aspect LED Growlight For a more detailed look into seed starting fixes,check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Joe:  Website Instagram Facebook Podcast Twitter Pinterest Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Our Sponsors: * Check out HelloFresh and use my code bloomfree for a great deal: https://www.hellofresh.com/ * Check out Manukora and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: https://manukora.com * Check out Quince and use my code joy for a great deal: https://www.quin
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Attract Pollinators with a Tiny Meadow in Your Yard
2024/01/16
When I think of the word “meadow,” I imagine a glorious landscape filled with grasses and wildflowers swaying in the breeze. While beautiful, these meadows also seem completely out of reach for most home gardeners. But in this episode, meadow expert Graham Laird Gardner, author of ‘Tiny and Wild: Build a Small Scale Meadow Anywhere,’ is here to show us that we can recreate tiny meadows, even on the smallest scale. In this episode, we learn:[03:40] How Graham became the “meadow man”[06:27] Living off-grid in Puerto Rico[07:54] Why did he write a book about meadows?[11:34] We are nature![13:22] What makes a meadow a “meadow”? (and why it’s better than cut flower garden)[15:31] Treat yourself to a comforting, soothing moment with Wind River Chimes[17:01] Learn self-sufficiency and homesteading with Kevin Espiritu's book: Epic Homesteading[18:27] What are the benefits of adding a meadow to your yard or local community garden?[21:10] What makes a native plant native, and how much of your meadow should be native plants?[24:11] Are all native plants perennials?[26:10] Are shrubs and trees what distinguish a meadow from a forest?[26:27] How little of a lawn could be converted without significantly affecting the overall effect?[27:52] What are the components of a meadow?[31:30] Consider seasons and species when planning your planting[32:26] Understanding meadow maintenance[35:04] What are the basic design elements that you need to think about in a meadow?[35:23] Site Selection[36:17] Layering and plant selection[38:40] Is there an ideal sun exposure for a meadow?[39:56] How do you balance the wild and the chaotic when designing a native plant meadow?[43:18] Seeds vs plants[48:08] Why should you have a meadow?[50:04] Where can you find Graham on social media? Mentioned in our conversation:Book by Douglas W. Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native PlantsBook by Graham Laird Gardner, Tiny and Wild: Build a Small-Scale Meadow AnywhereBook by Kevin Espiritu, Epic Homesteading: Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency on a Modern, High-Tech, Backyard HomesteadHomegrown National ParkCatskill Native Nursery For a complete list of meadow gardening basics,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesThis new year, bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes. Quarto: Epic Homesteading by Kevin EspirituTake the first step towards self-sufficiency with Epic Homesteading, an accessible, beginner-friendly guide to starting a modern, high-tech homestead with advice on growing and preserving food, raising chickens and bees, utilizing solar power, harvesting rainwater, and so much more. Follow large and small step-by-step DIY projects to power up your homestead quickly, as well as advice on more complex subjects, such as investigating local zoning regulations and permitting requirements, staying organized, understanding your limitations, and designing your homestead for efficiency and beauty. Grab Epic Homesteading at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, quarto.com, Barnes & Noble, or amazon.com.  Follow Graham: Instagram LinkedIn Linktr.ee Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Per
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Everything You Need to Know about Alocasia
2024/01/09
If there is one genus of plants that has captured my imagination for years but repeatedly evaded me, it’s Alocasia. These tropical plants with their large, alien-esque leaves and jewel-toned undersides have long obsessed me. I’d often pick them up from the garden center, only to watch them rapidly decline in my dry, temperate home. But after lots of trial and error, I’ve finally cracked the code to make them thrive! In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about growing Alocasia houseplants, including care tips, troubleshooting, and some of my new favorite varieties that are thriving in my home. In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Maria’s experience with Alocasia[02:21] Why Alocasia is not difficult to care for—it just requires very high standards of care![02:43] Why Alocasia are called alien-like plants[03:34] Characteristics and other common names of Alocasia[05:02] Where do Alocasias grow naturally?[06:31] Alocasia Care #1: Light requirements (bright indirect light)[09:06] Light is very independent of every person's own environment![10:30] Alocasia Care #2: Soil moisture (keep them in evenly moist soil)[11:58] 2 different ways that you can measure soil moisture[13:34] What types of pots can you use for your Alocasia?[14:47] Alocasia Care #3: Humidity[15:28] Why you should use a humidifier[17:20] Other tricks to increase humidity in your home[18:19] Alocasia Care #4: Fertilizer (fertilize when you see growth)[19:13] Alocasia Care #5: Dormancy (aka quiescence)[20:11] Use plant-life parallels for your personal growth[20:50] Alocasia troubleshooting tips[21:24] Understanding your Alocasia's needs[22:25] How to save a plant from dying[24:20] Find the best Alocasia varieties for your plant collection with Proven Winners LeafJoy![26:41] What are the different Alocasia species?[27:11] Alocasia 'Ninja'[27:46] Alocasia cupraea[28:49] Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale'[30:08] Alocasia longiloba[30:46] Alocasia watsoniana[31:33] Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Stingray' Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 46: Understanding Natural Light: General RulesGrowing Joy Ep 47: Understanding Natural Light: Measuring ToolsGrowing Joy Ep 74: Grow Lights 101 With Leslie HalleckGrowing Joy Ep 92: Begonias With Marc From NYBGGrowing Joy Ep 200: Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And MealybugsGrowing Joy Ep 213: How Much Light Do My Houseplants Need?Free Download: Understanding Natural LightMoisture Meter and Hygrometer Review / Humidity Products for Houseplants HaulHow to Save and Revive a Dying Houseplant: Saving My Prayer Plant from the Brink of Death! For my favorite alocasia varieties,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Proven WinnersIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in! Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and edu
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2024 Goals for My Houseplants and Garden
2024/01/02
Happy New Year, plant friends! And you know what that means—time for some serious reflection about the previous year and thinking about how we want to step into 2024! I'm all about assessing what worked and what didn't across all areas of life. But today, let's talk about plants and how you and I can use them to cultivate as much happiness as possible in the coming year. When we show up consistently for our plant hobby, I firmly believe it can help us feel better, more peaceful, and more grounded. So I carved out some time to get clear on my goals based on what 2023 taught me. The name of the game is joy, calm, and some nervous system regulation from our plants! In this episode, we learn:[03:31] Let's talk about what our community aims for in 2024![05:55] Here’s a framework to help you set your own goals.[06:50] #1 Look back at how 2023 treated you and your plants (what brought you joy and what didn’t?)[07:53] #2 Set goals for 2024 (think about how your plants will fit into that)[10:01] #3 Don't forget to write them down! (as accountability for yourself)[10:59] Exciting news—Billy and I are heading south! 3[13:45] Goal #1: R&D (Research & Development) year[15:05] Try the new Wind River Meditation Chimes for ultimate relaxation![16:48] Grow your best vegetable garden ever with the all-in-one guidebook[18:00] I want to make new plant friends (and get familiarized with the area)[19:31] Goal #2 figure out sustainable routines[21:08] What is habit stacking?[21:42] Take a quick 3-minute break from work [22:38] Goal #3: Reconnect with the first-year plant parent Maria[25:13] Follow me on my social media![25:40] Exciting new content coming your way - expect episodes on houseplants, gardening, and finding wellness through nature's lens! Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep. 165 Everyday Plant Magic With Rachael Of Infinite SucculentEp 217 Plant Audit episode (not yet published)Book by Maria Failla Growing Joy™: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)Plant Parent Personality QuizBook by Cal Newport Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World For a deeper dive into creating sustainable routines,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: Gardening Know How – The Complete Guide to Vegetable GardeningLooking for a new gardening book to add to your collection? Snag this all-encompassing guide to growing your own food, filled with creative tips and practical advice from the editors of the world’s most-visited gardening website. Gardening Know How is an indispensable handbook for vegetable gardeners and includes not only the essential information you need to succeed but also a wealth of expert tips and real-world advice to smooth the many inevitable bumps on the road to a productive edible garden. There are detailed plant profiles with specific cultivation information and unique growing tips for each vegetable crop, allowing you to pick and choose which crops to grow based on your climate and personal preference! Pick it up at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, quarto.com, Barnes & Noble, or amazon.com. Wind River ChimesThis new year, bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Ge
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I killed a bunch of plants this year, here's what happened: How to Do a Plant Audit
2023/12/26
Happy almost New Year, plant friends! For my last episode of 2023, I wanted to get a little reflective about the joy and growing parts of “Growing Joy.” This year, I bravely held a funeral for many of my houseplants that were no longer bringing me joy. Yes—I lost a LOT of houseplants this year. Some of the plants I said goodbye to weren’t even fully dead yet. They just weren’t happy in my home anymore, and I took it upon myself to consciously let them go in a ritualized way that released me from guilt. This is a taboo subject for some plant parents. But I believe we need to openly discuss “plant loss” to release guilt and make space for more plant joy. So I’ll be walking you through my plant funeral experience, and how you can perform your own plant audit to grow even more joy in 2024! In this episode, we learn:[00:00] I recently held a funeral for my dead houseplants this year[01:21] Why I performed a plant audit of my entire collection![03:47] Let’s celebrate plant loss together[04:09] An excerpt from my book about plant death[04:41] Two options when a plant dies[04:52] Option A: Let it confirm you're a failure, then give up[05:21] Option B: Allow it to make you more curious and a better plant parent[06:33] Why I had such dramatic plant loss this year (I was diagnosed with melanoma!!)[08:52] Allow your plant collection to grow and change as much as you will in your lifetime[09:40] Why I felt guilty about failing to care for the Hoya plants Marcia gave me[10:25] Learn 30 simple and budget-friendly gardening projects with ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life[11:45] Find your perfect houseplant with Proven Winners LeafJoy's high-quality, diverse selection[13:53] Steps for performing your own plant audit[14:26] #1 Give yourself a nice amount of time, play music, clear table space[15:33] #2 Walk through your entire collection and assess its state[17:09] #3 Revisit neutral plants - do they spark joy or not?[18:20] #4 Gratitude ritual[19:20] #5 Figure out the highest vibe way to discard your plants[19:56] #6 Donate your healthy plants[20:19] You’re still a good person![20:56] Consider "life audit" too - are aspects that need culling?[22:05] Where can you find me on social media? Mentioned in our conversation:Book by Maria Failla Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)Book by Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden LifeBook by Marie Kondō Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up (The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up)Lomi’s tabletop composter For a detailed list of ways to do a plant audit,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life by Perla Sofía Curbelo-SantiagoCelebrates the power of adding more green to your life with 30 simple and budget-friendly gardening projects that promote well-being through plants. Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago of Agrochic.com has put together 30 projects found in ¡Verdura! to transform the initial spark of joy from plants into a healthy habit that enhances your life in many ways. ¡Verdura! is available January 2nd so preorder at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble or amazon.com. Proven WinnersIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in! Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwin
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Being Organic Before Organic Was Cool: The Story of Espoma Organic
2023/12/19
I still clearly remember the first time I used an Espoma product—their liquid indoor plant food to be exact. I had struggled so much with trying to find the right fertilizer for my houseplant collection, leading to a huge mess all over my kitchen from failed mixing attempts. But when I tried their simple liquid formula, I finally had the answer to my search, and healthy, thriving plants with gorgeous growth. And I became a lifelong Espoma convert! Little did I know then about the impressive 95-year history behind this organic garden brand. Espoma has been family-owned for four generations, starting way back in 1929. As my passion for gardening expanded over the years, Espoma continued to be my go-to for quality potting mixes, organic fertilizers and magical “tones” to feed all my container plants and garden beds. I’ve loved learning more behind the scenes over the past several years while partnering with Espoma on the Growing Joy podcast. The Brunner family leading this company today truly feels like family themselves in how they’ve supported my own budding planty business. In this episode, I wanted to highlight their heritage, expertise, and products that have nourished gardens for nearly a century. In this episode, we learn:[04:48] An overview of what four generations of Espoma’s 95 year-history looked like![18:03] How was Jeremy's first 10 years at the company after he graduated?[18:25] How they address each other at work[20:07] How has the family business influenced their company culture and relationships with employees?[22:51] Where can you find the best-quality cultivated indoor plants?[24:49] What does being “keepers” of the company mean for Jeremy? (Stewardship model)[27:02] What is the Bank of Espoma?[29:27] What's the history of their famous Holly Tone?[33:19] How do they approach Espoma’s product development?[38:43] On expanding and building a new facility![44:07] Why Espoma hid its sustainability approach? (organic before organic was cool!)[49:10] How do they navigate the complexity of different certifications?[52:05] On solar-powered facilities and sustainability commitments![53:50] Their greatest accomplishments as a family-run company[01:00:40] How the Espoma brand has evolved on social media[01:05:43] What does Jaime enjoy most about the business and working with her family?[01:08:11] The story of how my lime tree Limey was successfully shipped to Florida![01:09:38] Where can you find Espoma? Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 193: War Gardens, Victory Gardens Or Pandemic Gardens: The History Behind Why People Grow Plants In Hard Times With Maggie StuckyGrowing Joy Episode 205: Houseplant Styling Tips, How To Be A Professional Houseplant Stylist And All Things Maryah GreeneSoltech Grow LightsSummer Rayne OaksHolly Society of AmericaEspoma Product LinesCDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) For a deeper dive into Espoma's sustainability commitment,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Proven WinnersIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in! Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials! Follow Espoma Organic: Website Instagram Twitter/X Facebook YouTube Pinterest TikTok Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plan
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4 Things You Need to Know about Winter and Houseplants
2023/12/12
The winter can be challenging for indoor tropical houseplants that thrive in hot, humid environments. While our houseplants do not experience the true dormancy of outdoor deciduous plants (plants that drop all their leaves at some point in the year), they can enter a period of slowed growth known as “quiescence.” During this time, they require adjusted care to stay happy and healthy. After keeping houseplants for many winters and making my share of mistakes, I want to share the knowledge I’ve gained about their winter care needs in this episode. In this episode, we learn:[04:05] Dormancy vs quiescence[05:47] Why winter is a great time to explore your inner quiescence[06:25] #1 The light levels are going to change[07:14] Why some plants might have more light availability during winter (exception to the rule)[08:29] Few things to do to help your plants survive the winter when there is less light available[10:13] #2 Your houseplants are going to hate your heaters[12:18] Tips for dealing with dry heat[15:05] Where can you find quality products for your indoor and outdoor planting needs?[16:43] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift?[18:48] #3 Winter is the time that pests like to show up[19:51] How to deal with plant pests[21:41] #4 Fertilize if you see new growth[23:28] I just got a Monstera Thai constellation![24:26] Bonus Tip #1: Don't freak out that much about dropping leaves[25:36] Bonus Tip #2: If you’re dying, force bulbs inside![27:14] Key insights you can learn to experience quiescence in your life! Mentioned in our conversation:GJ Ep 158: Grow and Make Essential Oils With Chris SatchGJ Ep 200: Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs: Grow Better With LeslieGJ Ep 208: Diy Houseplant First Aid Kit With Leslie HalleckSoltech Aspect™ LED GrowlightEspoma Liquid FertilizersPainters Tape For additional tips on winter plant care,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicMake sure your plants are all set for the new season! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront. Wind River ChimesThis holiday season, bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones this holiday season! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Our Sponsors: * Check out HelloFresh and use my code bloomfree for a great deal: https://www.hellofresh.com/ * Che
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9 Jobs in Horticulture
2023/12/05
Have you ever wondered, “Could working with plants really be my full-time job?” Well, dear plant friend, the answer is a resounding yes! There is a whole world of opportunities waiting for you in the horticulture industry should you decide to turn your plant passion into a career. In this episode, we’ll dig into 9 jobs in horticulture with my dear friend, Daniel Fuller. Daniel is a national council member for the Australian Institute of Horticulture, host of the “Plants Grow Here” podcast, and a writer for publications like the Hort Journal Australia.  With over a decade of experience as a maintenance gardener, he offers a valuable perspective on helping people find meaningful careers in horticulture. In this episode, we learn:[04:06] How Daniel built his career in horticulture[09:32] What's the easiest way to quickly enter the horticulture industry and gain experience?[09:49] #1 Maintenance gardening[10:11] #2 Retail nurseries[13:14] What's the best way to learn maintenance skills when you're just getting started?[15:28] Where can you find sleek, minimalist grow lights that complement your home decor?[17:22] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift?[18:50] #3 Production nurseries[20:47] Why Cert 3 is important in Australia[21:33] #4 Plant breeding[24:06] What’s the difference between breeding and production?[28:37] What’s the difference between garden designers and landscape designers?[30:18] Where can you find quality products for your indoor and outdoor planting needs?[36:26] #5 Landscape construction[38:34] #6 Leadership and management[43:50] #7 Sales[46:02] #8 Education[47:26] #9 Media and content creation[55:41] Where can you follow Daniel Fuller? Mentioned in our conversation:TAFE NSWAustralian Institute of HorticultureNew York Botanical GardenHort Journal AustraliaHort PeopleGrowing Joy Ep. 208: DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit With Leslie HalleckGrowing Joy Ep. 80: Plant Laws And Plant PatentsCrimes Against Horticulture on FacebookBook by Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat LastPlants Grow Here Episode 160 with Bruce DurantPlants Grow Here Episode 178 with Scott SmithHort People Blogs For a complete list of plant-based jobs you can explore,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsWith winter just around the corner, ensure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions. Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15". Wind River ChimesThis holiday season, bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition to your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones this holiday season! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes. Espoma OrganicMake sure your plants are all set for the new season! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Am
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Podcast reviews

Read Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
820 reviews
M-hondo 2023/11/17
So informative and inspiring
I absolutely love this podcast. All the content has been so helpful in not only caring for my plants but truly in self care and educating others! I li...
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LAlovesMusic 2023/10/12
So helpful information
I enjoy Listening because there’s so much helpful information. I just listened to the episode on bringing your houseplants in for the winter again so ...
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Plants by Wade Lee 2023/10/03
Growing Joy is just what I needed
I’ve been struggling finding Joy lately. I tuned into How to Overcome Burnout and I’m taking the practice of looking at a plan before I look at a scre...
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Tina Bolor 2023/05/22
Happy plant lady
I love this podcast and all the fun guests Maria has on. Inspires me to garden and care for my plants. I’ve learned so much. Please don’t go political...
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Alexa.B.16 2023/06/11
(:!
Hi I’m 11 years old and I love your podcast! I use your tips and my large amounts of indoor and outdoor plants are doing great. So thanks!!!!! 🌵🌲🌳�...
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foodscientist_bridget 2023/04/19
Falling in love with podcasts
I discovered Maria’s podcast summer of 2019. I was going through a tough time, and planty podcasts were so healing and relaxing. I didn’t know why at ...
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LVWillis 2023/03/01
Planty Driving :)
I love Bloom and grow so much! I am a traveling pediatric therapist in Denver and this podcast fills my drives with planty joy! Maria I loved the epis...
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LeslieSunshine 2023/02/28
Love it and grateful!
I have recently gotten into plants to help with relieving stress and anxiety. This podcast has helped me with my love for plants, and with redirecting...
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Nia Ita 2023/02/28
New here and I love it!
I’ve been listening for under a year but I have found so many valuable nuggets and am really enjoying the ride. It’s a JOY to have found a podcast tha...
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DevDev yay me 2023/02/28
10/10 highlights recommend
Maria is a fabulous human. She loves plants and she loves humans. Each episode feels like it was curated just for you. It is apparent she goes out of ...
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