Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

What if low waste plant parenthood began with just one houseplant? In this episode, I’m joined by urban farmer and plant coach Nick Cutsumpas (aka Farmer Nick) to explore how sustainable plant care can become a powerful gateway to mindful gardening and environmental action.As part of the Best of Growing Joy series, we revisit this meaningful conversation from the archives to look at plant parenthood through a holistic lens, one rooted in intention, awareness, and joyful living. Nick shares how caring for plants, even in a small apartment, can support low waste living and regenerative habits without perfection or pressure.This episode breaks down holistic plant care in a realistic, approachable way, offering plant parents simple shifts they can make to care for their plants, their well-being, and the planet. In this episode, we learn:[00:02:26] Introducing Nick Cutsumpas and episode key ideas[00:07:18] What Nick does, what started his plant journey (mothers DO know best!), and how plants served as his ‘saving grace’ when he moved into the city[00:10:38] Check out Nick in Netflix’s new show The Big Flower Fight![00:11:14] What is regenerative environmental action? Nick explains sustainability vs regenerative[00:13:22] Are houseplant people practicing regenerative methods with their plants? According to Nick, to see is to believe when it comes to taking care of our environment[00:15:01] How Maria realized she could be doing more sustainable practices[00:15:22] Maria’s current idea obsession: plant blindness — Nature Not Furniture![00:16:32] What Maria thinks of ‘zero waste’ and her reservations with the movement[00:17:17] Nick shares why he thinks plant blindness is similar to waste blindness[00:17:37] Why Nick strives for low waste consumption vs zero waste, how we as consumers can apply low waste consumption to the products we buy[00:19:45] Why the time to be more conscious is NOW more than ever and how taking care of plants reminds us that we can take action[00:20:47] Why Bloom and Grow Radio is doing an episode on low waste[00:21:45] Low Waste Beginner Tip #1: Reuse everything[00:22:46] Do you have tons of bubble wrap from your online orders? Save them for your next plant cutting gift![00:23:50] What is ‘waste’? For Nick, it’s everything that ends up in a landfill[00:24:38] Maria’s lightbulb moment on her waste consumption: New York’s composting system[00:25:11] The negative effects of plastics in our environment and how we can be smart and responsible with our plastic consumption[00:26:54] Why we should be cautious about greenwashing, waste segregation, and biodegradable vs compostable materials[00:28:24] Nick’s sustainability influences[00:29:13] Low Waste Tip #2: Buy quality over quantity (Yes, you save more money this way!)[00:30:12] Nick’s sustainability progress: he hasn’t bought anything new in more than a year! The secret? Thrifting![00:31:52] The eco-friendly furniture and mattress stores that Nick recommends[00:33:56] How the pandemic enabled more waste production[00:34:48] Why the most impact can be achieved through collective action; ‘10% is better’[00:35:14] The BEST recycled and sustainable wall planters and the BEST plant kits to give this Holiday season![00:38:56] Nick reveals the most common mistakes we all do when it comes to composting[00:39:54] How to REALLY begin your low waste journey[00:40:39] Why you need to wash your recyclables[00:41:22] Low Waste Tip #3: Find bulk stores and bring your own jars[00:41:50] How Nick manages to do zero-waste grocery shopping[00:42:25] What is ‘produce paralysis’? What is Nick’s proposed solution to packaging waste?[00:44:04] Low Waste Tip #4: Avoid single-use plastic in the produce section[00:45:24] Nick’s low waste hack: Put the jar in warm water for 10 minutes to remove the adhesive label, and reuse the jar for drinking or plant propagation![00:46:47] Low Waste Tip #5: Don’t be shy to ask if you can use your own containers for your consumables![00:47:39] Maria weighs in on the different straws from her own experiences (make sure you clean them!)[00:49:28] What do we do with our plastic nursery pots? a. bring them to a nursery, b. cache, c. make a tent for your drainage hole[00:53:38] Low Waste Tip #6: Grow something new in your used nursery pots[00:54:06] The company that Nick trusts to recycle his plastics[00:55:31] Propagating your plants can also help your recycle and upcycle[00:56:30] Low Waste Tip #7: Choose sustainable soil options[00:57:44] Low Waste Tip #8: Know your plant number! (we’re serious!)[00:59:00] Your plant consumption should be healthy AND environmentally-responsible[01:00:28] Low Waste Tip #9: Buy your plants from your local businesses[01:01:46] Plant shops that Nick and Maria recommend[01:04:05] Listener Question #1: Can you compost perlite?[01:04:49] Listener Question #2: Are there alternatives to plastic nursery pots and stickers?[01:06:28] Why you should support CSA[01:07:47] Why low waste and sustainable living is important to Nick[01:09:09] Our responsibility to our environment as plant parents![01:10:24] Maria’s realizations and future commitment to the low waste living movement Mentioned in our conversation:Produce Paralysis Blog by Nick CutsumpasBAGR Episode How to Manage a Large Plant CollectionNetflix’s The Big Flower FightPela CaseLucy Biggers of NowThisMedley FurnitureAvocado Green MattressRecover BrandsWallyGroPrecious PlasticFolia CollectiveEspomaGreenery UnlimitednoissueCrop Swap LA Which small low-waste swap could your plants inspire you to try this week?Check out the full show notes and blog for practical, beginner-friendly ideas to get started! Follow NickWebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInBook 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever stopped to consider the stories that trees could tell if they could speak? In this episode of Growing Joy with Plants, I’m thrilled to welcome the incredible Beronda Montgomery, a renowned botanist and author, as we dive deep into her groundbreaking new book, When Trees Testify. Together, we explore the profound connection between humans and plants, particularly how trees bear witness to history, including the often-overlooked narratives of black American history. This conversation is not just about botany; it’s about understanding the emotional and historical significance that trees hold in our lives.Beronda shares her enlightening journey from studying the intricate world of botany to uncovering the rich tapestry of stories that trees represent, especially in relation to African American history. We discuss the themes of land trauma, the importance of storytelling in understanding plant life, and how trees serve as living witnesses to the past. You’ll hear about Baronda’s transformative visit to a plantation that ignited her passion for exploring the historical significance of trees, and how these majestic beings can guide us toward healing and wellness rooted in nature.As plant lovers and plant parents, we often seek ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with our green companions. This episode emphasizes the need for holistic plant care, mindful gardening, and the joy of nurturing plants as a form of home-based wellness. Beronda’s insights on the intersection of botany, personal history, and cultural heritage will inspire you to reflect on your own experiences with plants and how they contribute to your mental health and joyful living.Join us as we unpack these vital themes and learn how to better care for our plants, whether it’s dealing with pesky plant pests, understanding humidity for plants, or mastering watering tips to keep our green friends thriving. Let’s dig into the stories that our plants hold and recognize the rich narratives they embody. In this episode, we learn:[02:01] Do you want to join my 2026 Growing Joy class experience?[02:53] Meet my plant friend Beronda Montgomery![05:23] Why Beronda’s work extends beyond botany into history and activism[09:23] Why When Trees Testify matters and what sparked its creation[11:29] What is land trauma?[14:27] What happened during their visit to the McLeod Plantation?[15:25] The Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening[16:51] Espoma Organic[22:03] What is plant communication/tree communication?[23:02] What are “witness trees” and their part in the collective history?[25:06] How an enslaved botanist shaped the pecan industry[28:23] How reclaiming wisdom can help heal land trauma[32:29] Why is the Willow Tree chapter the most personal to write for Beronda?[33:46] Uncovering the Elaine, Arkansas massacre through plants[35:57] How trees help identify forgotten sacred spaces[36:17] Why trees matter globally as historical indicators[37:17] What does "Sankofa" mean?[39:03] Why Apple trees have such a great impact on history[42:58] Life at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute and what’s next for Beronda[45:27] Where to find Beronda’s work, events, and future talks Mentioned in our conversation:Book: When Trees Testify by Beronda MontgomeryBook: Lessons from Plants by Beronda MontgomeryBook: An Apple for Harriet Tubman by Glennette Tilley Turner & Susan KeeterBook: All That She Carried by Tuya MilesBook: How the Word Is Passed by Clint SmithBook: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererArticle: Red Summer 1919: Tree memorializing black Americans killed in Elaine, Arkansas, cut down To learn more about how Beronda explores Black American history through botany,check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Beronda:WebsiteInstagramBooksBsky Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: Essential Guide to Ecological Gardening by The American Horticultural SocietyGrab the Essential Guide to Ecological Gardeningat quarto.com and wherever books are sold.Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

African violets often get a bad reputation as fussy, old-fashioned houseplants, but what if they’ve just been misunderstood? In this African violet care guide, we’re bringing back a favorite episode from the Best of Growing Joy series to change the way you think about caring for African violets.Lisa from Houseplant Guru joins us to bust common African violet myths and explain why these so-called “grandma plants” are actually some of the most rewarding indoor flowering plants you can grow. African violets bloom indoors with far less effort than many houseplants, including hoyas.We cover everything you need to know about African violet care, from light and watering to repotting and reblooming, so you’ll feel confident growing African violets again even if you’ve struggled with them before. In this episode, we learn:Where did African violets originate?How do African violets grow outdoors?What is a gesneriad?How to care for African violets (watering, light, soil)Best watering practices for African VioletsWhen to repot African violetsHow to Fertilize African violetsBloom Cycles: How to have your African violet stay in bloom Mentioned in our conversation:African Violet SocietyThe Violet BarnLyndon Lyon Greenhouses What African violet myth are you ready to let go of after this episode?Check out the full show notes and blog for the complete African violet care guide! Follow LisaWebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookBooksBlogs 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you ready to transform your relationship with nature and unlock the secrets to true wellness? Join me in the first episode of Season 11 of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I take you on a reflective journey through the past year of my life as a plant care educator, podcaster, and fellow plant lover. This episode is packed with insights on how nature therapy can elevate your mental health, helping you reconnect with the natural world while nurturing your beloved plants.As I share my heartfelt gratitude for each of you amazing listeners, I dive into the exciting transitions I experienced in 2025. From doubling the number of podcast episodes to launching my very own digital course, this year has been a whirlwind of growth and learning. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing; I’ve faced challenges that tested my resilience, and through it all, I’ve discovered the profound connection between caring for our plants and our personal well-being.Looking ahead to 2026, I’m thrilled to announce a fresh focus on self-care and the healing power of nature. We’ll explore how nature therapy can enhance your home-based wellness journey, moving beyond just plant care to encompass a holistic approach to joyful living. I’m also excited to share that I’m pursuing certification as a forest therapy guide! This endeavor will allow us to delve into the significance of forest therapy and its incredible benefits for mental health.Join me in upcoming classes designed to help you reflect on the past year and realign your intentions for the new one. Together, we’ll cultivate joy through nature and deepen our connection with the world around us. So grab your favorite houseplant, find a cozy spot, and let’s embark on this journey of growth and healing!Join us in the Growing Joy in 2026 2 class experience! https://growingjoywithmaria.com/2026In this episode, we learn:[00:00] A big intention shift for 2026 and a new chapter for Growing Joy![02:30] A trip down memory lane for 2025! (doubling content, launching courses, etc.)[03:25] What went into making the Growing Joy with Plants Masterclass[06:57] How I may relaunch the  Growing Joy Garden Society[07:37] Personal transitions, health challenges, and putting down roots in Florida[08:43] Why I feel like I’m outgrowing the constant “how to water plants” content[09:20] Why I want to focus on “self care through plant care” content in 2026[10:20] How to water ourselves via caring for houseplants[11:01] Why connecting with nature matters more than how you do it[12:41] What’s staying the same and what’s expanding in the podcast[13:20] Why plants have been my anchor through hard years[16:34] Becoming a sound bath practitioner and using it to create healing experiences[17:08] The big announcement: training as a forest therapy guide![17:41] What is forest therapy? (aka forest bathing)[19:12] How forest therapy awakens the senses and calms the nervous system[21:14] Remembering we are part of nature (not visitors to it)[22:11] Creating a podcast mini-series about forest therapy with the help of ANFT[23:33] Why deeper connection with nature supports planetary health[25:00] Introducing “Growing Joy in 2026,” a Lunar New Year class series![26:08] Reflecting, releasing, and composting lessons from 2025 Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy in 2026 Class SeriesForest Therapy Guide Certification | Forest Bathing TrainingWhat's Your Plant Parent Personality?Understanding Natural LightThe Foolproof Plant Picking FormulaHouseplant SOSRepot with Confidence Interested in learning more about forest therapy?Check out the full show notes and blog here! 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I’ve been on an eight-year campaign to bring more attention and love to the plant we’re doing a deep dive on today, as you’ll find out. Because this plant, the snake plant (otherwise known as the san), is often touted as a low-light plant. But it wants to soak up the sun, plant friends. It deserves so much more than it gets.So today, we’re revisiting a favorite episode of mine with guest Chris Satch, which is a deep dive on snake plants, finally giving them a full episode to learn more about them: from their African roots to why they wrinkle, flop, or sometimes even bloom. Get ready for a joyful, myth-busting deep dive into the care structure and secret strengths of one of my favorite plants.Alright, plant friends. If today’s episode convinces you to let your snake plant finally bask in some well-deserved sunshine, just wait until you see how much happier (and how much chubbier) those leaves become when you put them in the light where they deserve to be. In this episode, we learn:[00:39] Why Maria LOVES snake plants[04:55] Why snake plants are the most giftable plants[06:06] Are snake plants Dracaena or Sansevieria?[09:32] Where do you find snake plants in nature?[10:06] Are snake plants low-light plants?[11:08] The structure of a snake plant[13:43] How snake plants photosynthesize[18:02] How much light do snake plants need? Can you burn them?[19:16] How often should you water snake plants?[21:22] What your snake plant looks like when it needs watering[23:24] How do you get a snake plant to flower?[24:13] Do snake plants need fertilizer?[26:23] Where to get sustainable hanging planters[29:12] The best giftable planty products this season[32:14] Chris’ confession about the best potting media for snake plants[34:49] Maria’s confession about her first snake plants[35:57] How to divide and repot snake plant pups[38:00] How tall should a pup be before you separate them?[41:23] Why do snake plants droop? How do you strengthen their leaves?[43:33] Troubleshooting floppy snake plant leaves[46:06] How do you get snake plants to be fuller?[47:33] Chris’ favorite snake plant species[52:28] Why you should wipe the dust off your snake plant leaves[54:05] What life lessons can we learn from snake plants? Will you finally move your snake plant into brighter light?Check out the full show notes and blog for the full snake plant care guide! Follow ChrisWebsiteInstagramClassesLinkedIn 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I’m so excited to bring you today’s child-friendly episode with a dear friend of mine, Joe Dombrowski. You might know him as @mrDtimes3. He’s the classroom teacher who went viral several years ago and was featured on Ellen for doing a joke spelling bee with his kids. But Joe is actually a massive plant parent, and we became friends a couple of years ago because he listened to the podcast.When I learned that he was a teacher, I thought it would be so fun to do an episode together on child-friendly holistic plant care activities you can do with kids, whether they’re crafts or science-based activities, like teaching science, or just keeping your kids engaged and hands-on in the classroom or at home.I figured it would be a fun time to re-release this episode as part of the Best of Growing Joy series in December, when you probably have some kiddos home for vacation and are looking for a few things to do with them. Maybe one of these really creative plant projects that Joe talks about will help you out during your time off. In this episode, we learn:Joe and Maria remember their trip to the Amazon Spheres togetherJoe's opinion on kids going back to school[12:25] Project 1: Seed Germination in a Bag[19:50] Project 2: Sweet Potato Experiment and understanding the scientific processProject 3: Pothos Propagation 3 WaysProject 4: Fairy Gardens and TerrariumsProject 5: List of Interactive Plants for KidsJoe's list of his personal favorite plants in his collectionJoe's most recent plant parent win Which plant project are you excited to try first with the kids?Check out the full show notes and blog for all the kid-friendly plant activities and tips to get growing together! Follow JoeWebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTokXYouTube 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered how a single pothos plant could change your entire life? Join us in this inspiring episode of "Growing Joy with Plants" as we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Richard, affectionately known as Lord Fierce, the visionary founder of Plant Daddy NYC. We explore the vibrant tapestry of the plant community, recalling our first encounter at PlantCon in New York City and the influential figures who helped shape their passion for plants!Richard's journey from a luxury gym employee in Los Angeles to a dedicated plant consultant in the bustling streets of New York City is nothing short of remarkable. He shares how his childhood memories of gardening with his mother ignited a lifelong love for plants, leading him to create an urban jungle in his home. As Richard reveals the transformative power of plants, he discusses the pivotal moment when a humble pothos plant sparked his passion and set him on the path to becoming a plant consultant.Throughout this episode, Richard dives deep into the nuances of plant care, emphasizing the importance of understanding plants not just through academic knowledge but through hands-on experience. He recounts his evolution from a hobbyist to a sought-after plant consultant, detailing the educational journey that took him through self-study and practical experience at a local plant store. With insights on common challenges like dealing with scale insects, getting rid of gnats, and managing humidity for plants, Richard equips you with the tools to tackle plant pests and diseases effectively.As he shares his wealth of knowledge on watering tips, repotting plants, and propagation techniques, listeners will gain valuable insights into holistic plant care and mindful gardening practices. Richard's passion for joyful living through plant parenthood shines through as he discusses the creativity and resilience required to thrive in the world of plant styling and maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just starting your journey as a plant parent, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice that can enhance your home-based wellness.Don't miss out on the chance to learn from Richard's experiences and discover how plants can bring healing in nature to your life. Tune in to this episode for an uplifting exploration of the joys and challenges of being a plant consultant, and let the green journey begin!In this episode, we learn:[03:15] Meet Richard “Lord Fierce,” the NYC plant doctor behind Plant Daddy MD![05:26] Growing up with plants in a Vietnamese immigrant household[07:13] How did Richard develop his love for plants?[10:18]  What did his plant collection start as, and what has it grown into?[12:13] Why he decided to chase “difficult plants”[13:35] Reverse-engineering a UC Berkeley syllabus for self-education[14:51] Learn how to make plant care foolproof with Espoma Organic’s premium products![17:01] Experience honey with superpowers and save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts at Manukora![19:02] Why real plant expertise requires dirty hands[21:21] When did he start charging for his service?[23:03] Building an “ICU” for sick plants behind the scenes[24:29] When house calls turned a hobby into paid work[26:03] How job loss turned his life around[29:16] Learning entrepreneurship from everyday resilience[33:04] A day in the life of a NYC plant doctor[35:39] How he treats pest infestations for his clients[37:49] Corporate installs, repotting, and office plant styling[38:43] How he rescued a 14-foot fiddle leaf fig with bonsai techniques[40:56] The wildest plant call yet: a “ghost cactus” mystery (exoskeleton of scales)[45:08] The unglamorous reality of professional plant care[45:32] What’s inside a plant doctor’s kit[46:13] The signature Plant Daddy MD look[46:31] Where to find Richard, book him, and follow his work Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 250: The Business of Horticulture with Leslie HalleckGrowing Joy Episode 272: Beneficial Insects For Effortless Houseplant Pest Management with Jamie of DMV Beneficials Interested in learning how Richard made the career switch to plant doctor?Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Richard:WebsiteInstagramTikTokServices Thank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.ManukoraGo to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Air plants don’t get nearly enough love in the houseplant community. They’re an incredible low-maintenance, low-light-tolerant option, and one of the most fascinating plant species out there. They completely defy gravity, hanging from trees without soil. I appreciate them on an even deeper level now that I live in Florida, where I see air plants thriving in their natural habitat every single day, clinging to trees, bark, and branches on my walks. They’re whimsical, a little alien-looking, and endlessly fascinating. I think you’re really going to enjoy nerding out about them with me.So today, in the Best of Growing Joy series, we’re bringing back my dear friend Josh, the Air Plant Man, from an episode way, way back in the feed.Josh is a landscape architect turned Tillandsia expert, and he is truly air-plant-obsessed. Not just with caring for them, but with designing sustainable, beautiful ways to showcase these plants through his creations. This episode is a fantastic beginner’s guide to air plants, and I hope you walk away knowing something new about them by the end. In this episode, we learn:Josh’s upbring and how he connected with plants initiallyWhy outdoor gardeners say they can’t keep houseplantsWhat an airplant is, genus, family, and why it is specialWhat are trichomesHow Airplants get their nutrientsTo fertilize or not to fertilize?What airplant “blushing” isHow airplants bloom and how to care for them when they doHow to propagate airplants from their seedsAirplant Care 101Debunking watering plant mythsEverything we need to know about Airplant PupsHow to separate pups from their mother plantWhat to know about the sexy and instagram friendly Xerografica AirplantJosh’s top 5 recommendations for more uncommon airplants for the planty collector Which winter houseplant tip are you excited to try first?Check out the full show notes and blog for all the winter-prep tips! Follow JoshWebsiteInstagramFacebookX 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered how the vibrant colors of flowers can transform your wardrobe? Join us in this episode of Growing Joy with Plants as we dive into the enchanting world of botanical printing with Ceilidh, the visionary founder of the sustainable clothing line BillyNou. Together, we explore the art of natural dyeing, where the beauty of plants meets the creativity of fashion. Ceilidh shares her journey as a designer living in the picturesque Provence, France, and her passion for harnessing the power of non-toxic flowers to create stunning botanical prints on fabric.As we unravel the secrets of botanical printing, Ceilidh introduces various dyeing techniques, including the mesmerizing methods of bundle dyeing and immersion dyeing. Discover which flowers yield the most vibrant colors and learn how to safely incorporate these natural pigments into your own fabric creations. This episode is an invitation for all plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts to connect with nature through the colors and textures of their gardens.Throughout the conversation, we touch on the therapeutic benefits of engaging with plants and the mental health advantages of home-based wellness activities like mindful gardening. Ceilidh emphasizes the importance of using non-toxic materials, making this a perfect episode for plant parents who are passionate about holistic plant care and joyful living.Join us as we embark on this colorful journey of botanical printing! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from Ceilidh and explore how you can use flowers from your garden or local markets to create beautiful, sustainable pieces of art. Listen now and let your creativity blossom & grow!In this episode, we learn:[03:12] Who is Ceilidh and how did she start BillyNou?[05:07] How a Steiner/Waldorf education shaped her creativity[09:06] What is a natural dye?[12:48] Which fabrics give beginners the best results?[15:08] How to rinse and prep fibers correctly[15:30] Wind River Chimes[17:09] The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa Ziegler[18:40] Can you dye denim?[21:38] What makes bundle dyeing the ultimate beginner technique?[22:56] What are the best flowers to use as dyes?[24:11] How to dye a denim jacket[24:37] How to lay out flowers before rolling[26:43] How to steam your bundle safely at home[29:06] How modifiers shift the colors[29:53] Why pH-neutral soap matters[31:37] Biggest mistakes with bundle dyeing[32:07] Which flowers don’t work well as dyes (and why)[33:04] Dyeing with medicinal herbs for symbolic meaning[35:05] Best food scraps for dyeing[36:25] Where to find BillyNou’s clothes, tutorials, and workshops[38:11] Inside her Creative Floral Retreat in Provence Mentioned in our conversation:Viral Bundle Dyeing VideoBundle Dyeing EbookCreative Floral RetreatLookbook Excited to get started with your botanical prints?Check out the full show notes and blog here for Ceilidh's guide! Follow Ceilidh:WebsiteShopInstagramYouTubeFacebook Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M ZieglerPick up The Cut Flower Handbook at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, and wherever books are sold.  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we move into the winter season and you notice the days are getting shorter, you might also notice that your plants start looking a little sleepy. Maybe they start growing a little slower. Maybe they have some leaves die back, and this episode is created to help you not panic and learn that the plants are moving into a cozy season just like we are.So this is an old episode that we're bringing back in the Best of Growing Joy series, a solo episode where I give you the ins and outs of why our plants kind of experience this quiescence this cozy season and give you some of my tried and true tips to make sure that your houseplants are happy all winter long, from adjusting your light and humidity to finding peace in your own personal dormancy.I hope this episode gives you all of the cozy vibes and sets you up for success as we enter the dormant season for our plants and hopefully ourselves. In this episode, we learn:[05:28] The effect of light on the growth of plants[06:52] How winter impacts your plants[07:34] Why leaf drop isn’t necessarily bad[07:55] Do some people experience more light in winter?[09:15] What is quiescence and how does it affect plants?[10:09] Are all plants dormant during the winter season?[10:50] Is preemptive pruning really necessary?[11:30] Supplementing high-light plants with grow lights during the winter[13:14] How should you water your plants during winter?[14:29] Which is better? Watering routine or plant care routine?[15:47] Beware of the one-size fits all suggestions on plant care[16:41] Why you shouldn’t assume your plant is dead[18:19] Things to keep in mind with plant shopping during winter[21:30] Where to get seeds for your spring garden[22:52] The best gardening products that are safe for you, for your pets, and for thea planet[24:21] How important humidity for plants is in the winter[26:03] Using a humidifier in your household[29:03] How to protect your plants from drafty windows during winter[30:40] How to clean your humidifiers[31:46] When can you stop watering your plants?[32:42] How to deal with pest outbreaks during winter[34:21] How can you apply this concept of quiescence to yourself?[37:08] The rule of 10% less in adapting acquiesce in your life Mentioned in our conversation:YouTube video My Home Grow light Tour!YouTube video Moisture Meter and Hygrometer ReviewGrow LightsHygrometersRadiatorsHumidifiers Which winter houseplant tip are you excited to try first?Check out the full show notes and blog for all the winter-prep tips!  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered how a simple vegetable garden can transform into a thriving source of joy, health, and sustainability? Join host Maria Failla in this inspiring episode of Growing Joy with Plants as she welcomes Jeremy and Staci, a passionate husband-and-wife duo who have dedicated over 21 years to the art of gardening and food preservation. Discover their incredible journey from planting seeds in their backyard to becoming experts in preserving the bounty of their harvest, all while nurturing their six children and creating a legacy of wellness rooted in nature.In this enlightening conversation, Jeremy and Staci share their motivations for growing and preserving food, highlighting the dual goals of providing high-quality produce and reducing grocery bills. They dive deep into practical methods of preservation, including canning, freezing, and freeze-drying, while emphasizing the importance of planning and understanding the yield of different plants. Their insights not only address the challenges of plant care but also touch on the broader benefits of food security and cost savings.Listeners will be inspired by the couple's agritourism farm in Missouri, where they cultivate not only food for their family but also a welcoming space for others to learn about gardening and preservation. Jeremy and Staci encourage aspiring plant parents and gardening enthusiasts to start small and experiment with preservation techniques, offering practical tips that can lead to joyful living and holistic plant care.As you tune in, you'll gain valuable knowledge about the intersection of gardening and mental health, the joy of sharing your harvest, and the importance of nature mindfulness in our lives. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just beginning your journey into plant parenthood, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you grow joy with plants.In this episode, we learn:[02:02] Meet Jeremy & Staci Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm![03:09] Why food quality pushed them deeper into homesteading[04:15] When did they start getting into preserving their garden harvests?[04:54] What it means to be a “you-pick flower farm”[05:13] A peek at their 12-acre property and flower fields[09:02] Regular garden vs a preserver’s garden[10:22] How they calculate yearly needs: experimentation + family habits[12:05] How cooking every meal changes your relationship to food and waste[14:54] Espoma Organic[16:35] Vibrant Harvest by Sandra Mao[17:59] What are the other benefits of homesteading/preserving?[20:06] Things you need to consider with homesteading[23:27] How to preserve okra[24:29] One crop many ways vs many crops one way[26:41] Freeze-drying vs canning[28:57] Salting[29:43] Fermenting & pickling (kimchi, sauerkraut, and probiotic pickles)[32:23] Modern tools that make preserving easier[33:18] Canning[35:34] Dehydrating[41:58] DIY root cellar: the “extra fridge turned to 50°F” trick[43:05] Where to find Jeremy & Staci, their book, and their farm online Mentioned in our conversation:The Preserver's Garden: How to Grow a Garden for Fermenting, Canning, Pickling, Dehydrating, Freeze Drying, and More by Staci and Jeremy HillGrowing Joy 202: How to Can and Ferment Vegetables and Fruits from Your Garden with Stephanie ThurowGrowing Joy 195: Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie ThurowGooseberry Bridge 2026 Farm MembershipsGooseberry Bridge You-Pick Flowers Enjoy your harvest more with preserving made easy,check out the full show notes and blog here for more! Follow Staci & Jeremy:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Thank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Quarto: Vibrant Harvest by Sandra MaoGrab Vibrant Harvestat quarto.com and wherever books are sold.  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know that you can have a living Christmas tree in your home that can be planted and live long after the ornaments come down? I didn't know this until seven years ago when I interviewed Joe Lamp’l, otherwise known as Joe Gardener, all about how to have a living Christmas tree indoors that you plant in later years.It was a fascinating episode, and it is Part 2 of our Christmas Tree Series that we've brought back from way deep in the archives. Please remember this was like the fourth or fifth episode of the podcast, so sound quality might look a little different, but it's such great content, and you might be curious about adding a temporary houseplant Christmas tree to your collection that then can live on in perpetuity, that you can visit in years to come. I hope you love this episode and it gets you into the holiday spirit! In this episode, we learn:What a Living Christmas Tree actually isWhat the options are for using your tree after the holiday seasonThe entire process from selection to replanting of a Living Christmas TreeAverage length of time for a Living Christmas Tree to be indoorsThe secret to preserving moisture in your Living Christmas TreeThe experiment that might cause me to get two trees this year…The importance of mulchProper technique for replanting your treeUsing your tree as an heirloom Curious about living Christmas trees?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how you can have a lasting Christmas memory with a living tree! Follow Joe:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebookFacebook GroupPodcast 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plant friends, today let’s talk about the Sonoran Desert, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. As a former New Yorker turned Florida plant parent, I will never forget the first time I visited Arizona and that surreal feeling of standing in a place so unlike anywhere I’d ever been. And lucky for us, I have invited a new plant friend and someone who knows the Sonoran Desert ecosystem like the back of her hand. She’s called Sonoran Rosie, and she’s a herbalist, maker, and desert explorer who has dedicated her life to studying, honoring, and creating with the plants of the Sonoran Desert. Let's get started! In this episode, we learn:[02:30] How Rosie became “Sonoran Rosie”[04:14] What makes the Sonoran Desert so unique?[04:58] The 4 biomes of the Sonoran Desert[07:22] How Sonoran plants survive extreme temperature and rainfall swings[08:21] Ideal springtime desert temperatures[09:06] What is summer like in the Sonoran Desert?[10:11] What a monsoon is like in the desert[11:44] What is creosote (chaparral), aka the plant behind the desert rain smell?[13:14] What are the medicinal properties of creosotes? (especially for skincare!)[14:43] Wind River Chimes[16:22] The Preserver's Garden by Staci and Jeremy Hill[18:13] What do different seasons look like in the desert?[19:52] When is it best to plant tomatoes in the desert?[21:55] What is Rosie’s favorite spring desert plant?[23:04] What are keystone plants, and how important are they for desert wildlife?[25:39] How to make poppy tinctures[26:58] What are Rosie's favorite summer desert plants?[30:35] How Rosie harvests & preserves prickly pear fruit[31:53] What are Rosie’s favorite fall desert plants?[34:24] Jojoba (nut, oil, and skin-loving powerhouse)[37:34] Why harvesting agave destroys the whole plant[39:24] Why Brittlebush is Rosie’s favorite desert plant to work with[40:08] How Rosie's business began with a single creosote spray[42:17] Are there any Sonoran plants that we could have as houseplants?[43:17] Where to find Sonoran Rosie’s book and products Mentioned in the conversation:Seasons of the Desert book by Sonoran RosieThe Sonoran Collection Which desert plants have healing properties?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn more! Follow Sonoran Rosie:WebsiteStoreInstagramFacebook Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Quarto: The Preserver's Garden by Staci and Jeremy HillGrab The Preserver's Garden at quarto.com and wherever books are sold and enjoy your garden bounty longer! 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I am so tickled to bring you this episode, a very special episode in the Best of Growing Joy series. This is the fifth episode I ever published in my over 300 episodes on this podcast, but I figured the timing is perfect for me to bring back this oldie but goodie that even if you've been a real devout listener of the podcast, you might have missed because it's so far down the feed. It's perfect for the Best of Growing Joy season—all about Christmas trees and why you should get real cut Christmas trees instead of a fake Christmas tree.This was an interview I did back in 2017 with Mary Jeanne Packer. Back then, she was with the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, and she busted a lot of myths about real versus artificial trees, sustainable practices, and how, if you choose to get a real tree, you could keep it fresh all season long. It was a delightful little conversation and gets you in the spirit for having that beautiful, fresh Christmas tree and that scent in your home. In this episode, we learn:Why cut Christmas Trees are actually better for the environment than an artificial treeThe various ways to recycle your cut tree after the holidaysBest practices for having Cut Christmas Trees, from selecting it, to taking it home, how to position and properly care for it and how to properly recycle it after the season.Myth Busters! Are chemicals and Sprite needed to feed your Christmas Tree? Listen to find out!Shopping local to celebrate the holiday spirit. Next time you smell a rose, basil, or the forest after rain… which VOC fact will you think about first?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn what’s really behind your favorite natural scents and how plants use them to survive! Follow Christmas Tree Farmers of New York:WebsiteFacebook 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know that the water we drink and use in our gardens isn’t in its most natural, optimal form? That simple idea cracked open one of the best conversations I’ve had in my 300+ podcast episodes, plant friend! I talked to Mario Brainovic, the CEO of Analemma Water, to learn about coherent water: what it is, why it matters, and how it affects both our bodies and our plants. This conversation inspired me and made me rethink the water in my glass, my bathtub, and my watering can. Let's dive in! In this episode, we learn:[04:31] Meet Mario Brainovic, CEO of Analemma Water[05:55] What is coherent water?[09:36] Coherent (structured) vs. incoherent water[13:56] Why everything has sacred geometry, including water[15:17] Espoma Organic[17:40] Why the water we drink influences everything[19:06] Water memory, emotions & frequency[21:24] First plant studies: measuring biophoton emissions[24:06] The basil drought-resilience experiment[26:58] Soil study: restoring dead soil with coherent water[31:51] How coherent water connects plants (and humans) to circadian rhythms[33:47] First human study: brainwave harmonization in real time[38:45] Biological age study: rejuvenation of 1–12 years[40:13] Why sunlight charges coherent water[42:43] Benefits of drinking coherent water[44:15] NAD+ study: the molecule of longevity significantly rises[45:20] How to make your water coherent: the Analemma wand[48:25] Rainwater vs. coherent water[49:58] How to use the wand for houseplants[51:30] Why coherent water increases nutrient density & light emission[52:46] Important tip: keep test plants far apart (energy fields!)[53:58] Mario’s orchid resurrection story[58:45] 30%+ improvement in heart rate variability after a bath[59:22] Can you use Analemma for coffee or tea?[01:00:06] What’s the easiest Analemma bath hack?[01:00:48] Where to learn more about Analemma + 10% discount code “GROWINGJOY” Mentioned in our conversation:Analemma WandAnalemma InlayGarden AnalemmaLuxury AnalemmaWhole House AnalemmaTransform Your Water, Transform Your Life: The How and Why of Coherent H2O - almost30.comGrowing Joy 307: Earthing Explained: The Science of Grounding for Better Sleep, Less Pain, and More Energy with Dr. Gaétan Chevalier For the full list of the positive impacts of coherent water,check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Analemma:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube Thank you to our episode sponsor:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plant friend, I'm so excited to bring you this Best of Growing Joy series, a throwback episode to 2020. In the pandemic, I let my plant nerd freak flag fly extremely high. New York Botanical Garden had only in-person classes at the Botanical Garden in the Bronx, and in the pandemic they brought those classes online. I took every class they had to offer: soil science, plant science 101, and this class on tree communication with a professor I loved, Dr. Elle Barnes. She gave this fascinating class on the secret world of plant communication, particularly trees.This is the replay of the episode I did with her after taking her course because I was so fascinated. I found her entire course incredible and awe-inspiring and wanted to bring a sliver of it to our community. A couple years later, I wanted to bring it back in case you might've missed it way down the feed.In this conversation, Dr. Barnes and I explore the wild world of the "wood wide web" and how plants use fungi and VOCs—volatile organic compounds—to communicate. It's gonna blow your mind. You're never gonna look at trees the same. So buckle up. In this episode, we learn:How and why plants communicate with each otherThe “fake news” that VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are all bad for usHow plants use VOCs to communicate with each other and themselvesThe above ground plant communication systemIf plants ACTUALLY clean the air, and how and why we might have been mislead with this notionIf VOCS are all badThe difference between a VOC that comes off of a plant and one that comes off of a carpetThe truth about the scent of fresh cut grass (and why it smells that way)What the scent of a rose actually is (it's a VOC!)How plants use VOCs to attract pollinatorsMaria's OBSESSION with The OverstoryHow plants and animals have evolved together“The enemy of my enemy” theory when it comes to how plants attract certain pollinatorsThe “Wood Wide Web” and the underground plant communication systemHow fungi help trees and plants communicate with each otherDr Barnes' most “mind blowing” fact about trees and VOCWhy Monstera are conditioned to look for darkness and not lightVOCs and the Ozone Mentioned in our conversation:Dr. Barnes's first episode on Growing Joy: Mind Blowing Facts from Intro to Plant ScienceThe Science of Tree Communication Course at NYBGThe Overstory (Maria's absolute favorite book) Next time you smell a rose, basil, or the forest after rain… which VOC fact will you think about first?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn what’s really behind your favorite natural scents and how plants use them to survive!  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’ve been hanging around the planty corners of the internet lately, you’ve probably noticed something: there’s a particular surge in interest in Anthuriums in our community over the last couple of years! These beautiful and dramatic houseplants are so beautiful, and more and more plant parents in our Growing Joy community have been asking about them. So when I met the Cass, aka plantaddicted_cass, the Anthurium Queen, at the Southeast Plant Show, I knew instantly that I wanted to bring her story to you. She radiated joy. She lit up when she talked about her plants. And she’s here to share with you her obsession with anthuriums, how many thousands of plants she now grows, propagates, sells, nurtures, and laughs about. Time to prop! In this episode, we learn:[02:12] Meet Cass aka the Anthurium Queen[04:17] How she uses humor to heal and share with the world her passion for plants[05:14] How she fell in love with Anthuriums[07:19] Plant fails and the messy truth behind her collection[08:12] Experimenting with soil mixes and learning the hard way![09:01] How Cass’s plant hobby became a business[11:09] What are some anthurium care tips?[11:46] Easy Anthuriums for beginners![13:22] Why Bird’s Nest Anthuriums might surprise you![13:57] How to understand Anthurium light needs[15:09] Wind River Chimes[16:50] Manukora[18:27] How to keep Anthuriums happy and lightly moist[19:04] Cass’s “muscle milk” fertilizer secret[20:20] How to propagate Anthuriums from seed[24:32] Harvesting the berries and collecting seeds[25:23] How to germinate fresh seeds in moss or tree fern fiber[26:24] When and how to separate the seedlings[27:23] Potting up baby Anthuriums for the first time[28:25] What is Cass’s “tote life” growing system for high humidity?[29:57] How to acclimate seedlings to room conditions[32:38] What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying this at home?[33:15] How to rehab struggling Anthuriums and check for pests[34:26] What is Cass’s favorite airy substrate mix?[35:45] Where can you find Cass online?[37:11] Upcoming Anthurium Society and plant expo events![39:42] Maria’s wrap-up: Cass’s story proves plants can truly transform lives[40:02] Try Palm Street with Maria’s link for up to $55 in coupons[41:16] Free resources for plant parents and how to connect with Maria online Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 219: How to Care for Alocasias, Ep 219Enjoy up to $55 in new user savings on Palm Street!International Aroid SocietyThe BIG Plant Expo For Cass's anthurium propagation tips,check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Cass:InstagramFacebookTikTokCass's Coloring Book Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.ManukoraGo to manukora.com/bloom to get $150 off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook. Promo runs until December 2nd. 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if your holiday gifts didn't just look beautiful, but they kept growing long after the season ended and reminded the giftee of you and what an amazing person you are? In this Best of Growing Joy episode, it's a little short for you, but it's packed with really fun DIY plant holiday crafts that you can start doing now so that you can gift them over the holiday season to your loved ones and to your coworkers!This is an episode I released a couple of years ago, where I went over five creative, affordable, and joy-filled plant DIY projects that are super fun to do yourself, so you get to gift yourself a moment of zen, fun, and calm while you create these pieces. Then you get to gift them to the people that you love and spread your planty love and planty joy to them! In this episode, we learn:[00:00] What are some affordable DIY plant-themed holiday crafts ideas?[04:58] #1 Thrifted propagation station[08:10] #2 Windowsill herb garden[10:30] #3 Stylish Kokedama[15:07] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift?[16:35] Looking for the best plant genetics and tailored care for your garden?[18:52] #4 Succulent Wreath[25:06] #5 Personalized Terrarium[31:20] Accompany your DIY crafts with my book! Mentioned in our conversation:How to Make a Living Succulent Wreath – Succulents and SunshineMichaels Greenery Terrarium17″ Living Wreath Sphagnum Moss FormGreening PinsGrowing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism With Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineGrowing Joy Ep 178 The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101Growing Joy Ep 183 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Functional Mushrooms In Your GardenGrowing Joy Ep 191 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors Which DIY plant gift are you excited to try first this holiday season?Check out the full show notes and blog to explore all five projects and get the step-by-step guides, photos, and links mentioned in the episode!  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We all love plants, right? We give them names, talk to them like they’re our friends, and basically treat them like family. However, a lot of plants out there can actually really hurt you. That’s what we’re going to talk about today with my longtime friend and fellow plant podcaster Jane Perrone, host of ‘On the Ledge’ podcast and author of ‘Atlas of Deadly Plants.’ We’ll talk about poisonous plants, their chemistry, history, and their complicated relationship with us! Let's get right to it! In this episode, we learn:[02:39] How Jane became “Head of Inspiration” at Scribehound Gardening[07:11] Jane’s evolving plant passions[11:45] Her first book Legends of the Leaf… and its comeback story[13:58] Behind Jane’s new book: The Atlas of Deadly Plants[15:06] Espoma Organic[16:48] The Water Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson[18:36] What makes a plant poisonous?[19:29] The tragic tales of Victorian children[20:07] What’s the Manchineel tree?[22:31] Why ancient medicines like ayahuasca, peyote, and tobacco made the list[26:11] What are the two plants classified as biological weapons?[28:48] How do plants classify as a biological weapon?[32:39] How Arthur Conan Doyle experimented with poison on himself![34:04] Lords and Ladies: the plant of ancient Europe[37:42] The real-life dangers of giant hogweed![39:28] Lily of the Valley[42:45] The dark myths behind witches’ “flying ointments”[44:57] How women’s herbal knowledge became demonized as witchcraft[47:52] The deadly elegance of strychnine and why it’s easy to detect[49:23] How modern toxins have replaced plant poisons[49:58] Where can you find Jane’s books and Scribehound's written works? Mentioned in our conversation:Scribehound GardeningLegends of the Leaf: Unearthing the Secrets to Help Your Plants Thrive by Jane PerroneThe Atlas of Deadly Plants by Jane PerroneLegends of the Leaf: an updatePlants with Superpowers: 75 Remarkable Plants for your Garden and Home by David DomoneyGrowing Joy 292: 7 Houseplants with Superpowers with David DomoneyEpisode 90: Jane Perrone of On the Ledge Podcast - Growing Joy with MariaThe History of Houseplants with Jane Perrone, Ep 186 - Growing Joy with Maria Which common plants in your area are poisonous?Check out the full show notes and blog here to learn more! Follow Jane:WebsiteInstagramPodcastTikTokYouTubeBooksShop Thank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Quarto: The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle JohnsonGrab The Water-Smart Gardenat quarto.com and wherever books are sold.  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 If you want to grow fresh herbs, greens, edible flowers, maybe even vegetables, right in your apartment, but you don't want to deal with soil, hydroponics is the answer to your prayer. There has been so many incredible advancements in hydroponic growing that has made this. Former industry that was really reserved for large scale growers, totally available to apartment dwellers.Now, this throwback episode in the Best of Growing Joy series is a conversation that I had back in 2019 with Rob Laing. He is the author of Ditch the Dirt, a book all about hydroponic gardening, and he's also the founder of Farm One, which is a hydroponic vertical farm growing high-end produce for Michelin star restaurants in New York City.Since the interview, Rob has actually sold the company and you can now find Farm One in Brooklyn, New York. It's not just an indoor farm now, but it's also a brewery, a cocktail bar, and an event space. So if you're in the New York City area, you should definitely go check it out! In this episode, we learn:How and why Rob created Farm.OneWhat is Hydroponic GardeningHydroponic Vs Aquaponic Vs Semi Hydro GardeningWhat a basic hydroponic set up looks like for a DIY plant parentExisting systems that one can buy to just plug and growMaterials needed for a basic hydroponic set upWhy you need a “bubbler” for your hydro set upNutrients- what is important and what isn’tWhy EC and PH are important for your water supply (and what they are)How to test your waterPre-made Hydroponic Set Ups you can buy Mentioned in our conversation:Amazon Storefront for the Hydroponic Materials Do you want to learn more about aquascaping?Check out the full show notes and blog to discover how aquatic plants can bring life and joy into your space! Follow Rob:WebsiteInstagram  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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.