Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature

Have you ever felt a sense of worry, fear, or anger when you think about climate change and the state of our planet? If so, you may be experiencing what's called "eco-anxiety." As plant lovers who are so connected to nature through our gardens and houseplants, it makes total sense that eco-anxiety could affect us. We care deeply about the Earth because we are part of it. So, let us spend some time with my dearest friend and resident green witch, Rachael Cohen, to better understand this concept.In this episode, we learn:[03:33] What is eco-anxiety?[07:14] Rachael’s personal story of identifying/managing eco-anxiety[09:45] Coping with eco-anxiety[11:21] How perspective affects happiness[12:16] What is the environmental impact of our actions, and how does it relate to our well-being?[15:21] Fill your homes with the most ethereal sounds with the new Wind River Eclipse Collection (use code GROWINGJOY)[17:26] Discover gardening tips, kitchen tricks, and family activities to reduce waste and save money with ‘Simple Country Living’ by Annette Thurmon[18:39] What is Rachael's book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety, all about?[20:01] Is corporate responsibility being misdirected, with consumers unfairly blamed?[22:30] How to shift from fight/flight to parasympathetic rest and digest mode[24:18] Somatic practices to release severe negative feelings associated with eco-anxiety[29:01] Finding neutrality and managing anxiety[30:10] What is the concept of “the mother tree” in Rachael’s book?[32:25] What is the mycelium network?[36:42] What are some ways we can give back to Mother Nature?[41:37] Rachael’s favorite strategy for bringing oneself back from an eco-anxiety spiral[43:23] How is the book constructed?[46:55] Where can you get the book?Mentioned in our conversation:Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, book by Suzanne SimardThe Overstory: A Novel, book by Richard PowersGrowing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring EquinoxSelf-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature, book by Rachael CohenGrowing Joy Ep 223: Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite NatureGrowing Joy Episode 209: Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael from Infinite SucculentFor a list of simple ways that you can give back to Mother Nature,check out the full show notes and blogs here!Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Quarto: Simple Country Living by Annette ThurmonGrab Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond by Annette Thurmon at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

You may have heard that compost is the key to a healthy garden, and feeding the soil is more important than feeding your plants. And if you don't garden, you've probably heard about composting as an eco-friendly way to live more sustainably and support the planet. That is why I dedicate an entire episode explaining what composting is and how it works.My guest, Michelle Balz, is a true composting guru who has written, not one, but two incredible books solely focused on this amazing soil amendment. By the end of our conversation, you'll understand exactly what compost is made of, how it benefits your garden's soil, why it's so great for the environment, and best of all—how to successfully compost both indoors and out.In this episode, we learn:[06:49] What has Michelle’s journey been in composting?[09:24] How many different composting systems does Michelle have in her home?[10:20] Compost vs soil vs potting mix[12:02] What makes compost so special?[13:53] How does composting benefit the environment, ourselves, and our gardens?[14:31] Carbon sequestration[15:40] Discover the secrets to attracting birds to your garden with 'Bird Friendly Gardening'![17:44] Skip the hassle of making your own compost with this organic Compost Blend![20:51] How does composting impact gardeners?[26:42] How does compost help support the mycorrhizae?[27:20] What can and cannot be composted?[29:52] Is the composting ratio important?[32:18] What do we need to know about anaerobic/aerobic composting?[34:17] Indoor composting[35:07] How does vermicomposting work?[36:55] How can compost be extracted without worms?[40:30] Bokashi composting[42:57] Terracotta pot composting[45:22] What are the best composting options for outdoor gardeners? (bin and in-garden systems)[49:27] How do you know when the compost is finished/ready?[50:13] What is the life cycle of composting, how long until the first batch, and how can you nurture it effectively?[01:01:23] What is Hügelkultur?[01:02:45] What is an African keyhole garden?[01:05:14] Where can you find Michelle's books and social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Lomi tabletop composterNo-Waste Composting: Small-Space Waste Recycling, Indoors and Out. Plus, 10 projects to repurpose household items into compost-making machines (No-Waste Gardening), book by Michelle BalzComposting for a New Generation: Latest Techniques for the Bin and Beyond, book by Michelle BalzFor Michelle's recommended composting methods,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Michelle:LinkedInInstagramXAmazonThank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: Bird-Friendly Gardening by Jen McGuinnessGrab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

If you're a houseplant lover like me, chances are you already have a philodendron or two in your collection. These awesome tropical plants are some of the most popular and beloved houseplants for good reason—they come in tons of different shapes, colors and sizes, and they're relatively easy to care for too! In this episode, I'm going to give you the full rundown of everything you need to know about growing these amazing plants at home. We'll cover the basics of their natural habitat and key care requirements, and I'll introduce you to some of my current favorite philodendron varieties.In this episode, we learn:[03:50] Philodendron high-level overview[09:38] Care #1: Light[13:43] Care #2: Water[15:38] Care #3: Soil[16:05] Care #4: Humidity[17:08] Care #5: Fertilizer [17:39] Troubleshooting philodendron issues[19:10] Thank you Proven Winners leafjoy™ for sponsoring this episode![21:01] Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)[22:21] Philodendron 'Brasil'[22:37] Philodendron 'Lemon Lime' (as seen on my podcast art!)[24:13] Prismacolor™ Brandtianum[25:16] Philodendron atabapoense[26:05] Philodendron 'Silver Sword' (Philodendron hastatum)[27:11] Prismacolor™ Philodendron Fozzie™[28:38] Philodendron 'White Wizard' (Philodendron erubescens)[30:18] 'Prince of Orange' Philodendron[32:08] Prismacolor™ Sun Red Philodendron[32:33] Philodendron 'Pink Princess'Mentioned in our conversation:Prismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Atabapoense - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Brandtianum - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Florida Green - Climbing PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Fozzie - Fuzzy Petiole PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Gloriosum - Creeping PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Hastatum - Silver Sword PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Pink Princess - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Rojo Congo - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ White Wizard - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Lemon Lime - Philodendron hybridFor a list of my current Philodendron favorites,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor: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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

If you interact with the houseplant community online at all, you've definitely felt the impact of The Sill on our plant niche. I honestly can't believe that it took me a whopping 230 episodes to finally have Eliza Blank, founder of The Sill, grace the Growing Joy with Plants podcast! Her female founder story of recognizing a need for a houseplant brand and building it into a million-dollar company would make you feel empowered, as it did me.In case you didn’t know, The Sill was one of the OG plant brands that helped start the houseplant craze before the pandemic. And when I first started my podcast, they were also the first to reach out and show their support! So I want to take this opportunity to show you the story behind the success of The Sill live on stage at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle.In this episode, we learn:[00:30] The Sill and its impact on the houseplant community[05:23] How did Eliza get into houseplants?[07:28] How exciting/challenging is it to launch a houseplant brand early on?[11:20] How did The Sill come about?[13:13] How Eliza built a multimillion-dollar brand[14:25] Why “fake it till you make it” mindset works WONDERS![15:47] Create the perfect Danish hygge atmosphere with Wind River Chimes[18:57] What was the struggle for The Sill during COVID? [20:34] Navigating challenges in the plant industry[22:23] What’s the process of sourcing and acquiring plants?[24:14] What’s Eliza’s definition of success (and has it changed over the years?)[25:10] What it feels like being a woman in a male-dominated industry[26:56] Trends and customer preferences in 2024[29:01] What’s next for The Sill? [30:01] Eliza’s personal life and hobbies beyond plants[32:30] Eliza’s favorite client story!Mentioned in our conversation:Northwest Flower and Garden FestivalTropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)Growing Joy Ep 18: Prepping Your Houseplant For Spring and the Science Behind Fertilizer With Chris Satch from The SillGrowing Joy Ep 30 Orchid 101 with Chris from The SillGrowing Joy Ep 38: Transitioning Your Plants Back Indoors for Winter with Chris from The SillFor a deeper dive into The Sill's story,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesTurn your home into a relaxation oasis with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. They are launching a new collection of chimes called Eclipse, which are Corinthian bells uniquely tuned to the Lydian mode, a scale that creates an ethereal atmosphere of enchantment that matches the mystery and wonder of the solar eclipse and of outer space. Plus, these chimes make for amazing personal gifts to your loved ones!Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Follow Eliza:WebsiteFacebookInstagramXYouTubeLinkedInFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Climate change is real, plant friends—and it’s impacting our world too fast! Because of that, it’s becoming extremely important for us plant parents/gardeners to adapt our practices to ensure our gardens can withstand the challenges that lie ahead. In fact, it’s already impacting our gardens in SO many ways—from unpredictable weather to increased pest infestations. So in this episode, I invited a new plant friend, Kim Stoddart, who is a passionate gardener, climate advocate, and author of "The Climate Change–Resilient Vegetable Garden," to discuss strategies for building a climate-resilient garden.In this episode, we learn:[03:39] How Kim became a passionate climate activist and gardener[11:44] The Resilient Gardener vs. The Resilient Garden[15:06] Deepen your meditation practice with the Wind River Meditation Chime[16:49] Grow a thriving, climate-resistant vegetable garden with Espoma Organic![19:03] What are the climate issues to consider when building a resilient garden? (doom & gloom)[20:44] What are the effects of soil erosion and flooding on gardens?[22:56] What does “no-till” gardening mean?[24:59] What helps the soil become more resilient?[33:52] What is rainwater harvesting and what are the strategies for building water resiliency?[38:45] What is the importance of seed sovereignty in creating a more secure and sustainable garden?[44:01] What specific steps can you take to strengthen your garden's pest resistance?[46:08] What is polyculture?[49:57] What is Kim’s current garden practice? (aka what her homestead looks like)[52:12] Where can you find Kim on social media?[52:55] Where can you get her book, Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 227: Homesteading Basics with Kevin of Epic GardeningGrowing Joy Ep 191: The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Mushrooms IndoorsGrowing Joy Ep 189: Companion Planting Basics with the Garden Managers of The Lodge at Woodloch, Ep 189Growing Joy Ep 183: The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your GardenGrowing Joy Ep 178: The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Plus the Answer to "What is the Mushroom Growing in My Houseplant!"Growing Joy Ep 123: How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant LadyThe Woodchip Handbook: A Complete Guide for Farmers, Gardeners and Landscapers, book by Ben RaskinThe Climate Change Garden, UPDATED EDITION: Down to Earth Advice for Growing a Resilient Garden, book by Kim StoddartThe Climate Change–Resilient Vegetable Garden: How to Grow Food in a Changing Climate, book by Kim StoddartFor a more detailed list of Kim's resilient gardening tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesTurn your home into a relaxation oasis with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. They are launching a new collection of chimes called Eclipse, which are Corinthian bells uniquely tuned to the Lydian mode, a scale that creates an ethereal atmosphere of enchantment that matches the mystery and wonder of the solar eclipse and of outer space. Plus, these chimes make for amazing personal gifts to your loved ones!Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Espoma OrganicIf you want a garden that provides, set it up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mix and more! 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.Follow Kim:WebsiteInstagramXKim Stoddart | The GuardianThe Climate Change GardenFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What are your plans this Spring Equinox? Spring equinox is like a special day when light and dark are balanced just right. As it draws closer, it comes with a reminder that nature has its own patterns that repeat over and over, and this particular event shows us that winter is ending and spring is starting… bringing new life and growth. Tuning into the Earth's frequencies during this season can help us grow and feel refreshed too. In this episode, I’m so happy to welcome back our residential green witch and my dear plant friend, Rachael of Our Infinite Nature! She’s here to celebrate the upcoming Spring Equinox, share her insights on what's happening in the earth, sky, and ourselves during spring, and offer practices for connecting deeply with the powerful changes that happen in spring.In this episode, we learn:[01:58] Connecting with nature and the seasons[04:18] Cultivating intuition with plants[05:58] Why “awe” is a spiritual emotion[09:15] The importance of “seasonal living”[12:16] What is happening to the earth during Spring Equinox?[15:48] Brighten up your plants this spring with Soltech's grow lights![18:01] Learn modern, low-maintenance approach to home food gardening with "The Layered Edible Garden" by Christina Chung[20:34] How external stimuli trigger personal growth/development[25:15] What are the astrological insights for the Spring Equinox?[29:33] In case you don’t know, I’m an Aries baby![30:15] Why new moon in Aries = start of the new year (astrologically)[32:34] What are the positive aspects of the eclipse season?[35:09] Gardening tips for different moon phases[37:52] What are the best practices to nurture growth and vitality during spring?[45:51] Plants that embody spring energy[55:25] How to create your own seasonal bowl/altar[58:10] Spring awakening (a guided meditation)[01:08:10] Where can you find Rachael?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 265 Everyday Plant Magic with Rachael of Infinite SucculentGrowing Joy Ep 225 Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief with Perla Sofía Curbelo-SantiagoGrowing Joy Ep 223 Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite NatureGrowing Joy Ep 219 How to Care for AlocasiasGrowing Joy Ep 209 Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael from Infinite SucculentGrowing Joy Eo 182 Spring Houseplant Care, Ep 182Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, book by Robin Wall Kimmerer ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life: 30 Projects to Nurture Your Passion for Plants and Find Your Bliss, book by Perla Sofía Curbelo-SantiagoPre-order Rachael’s new book Self-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature by Rachael CohenFor a deeper dive into Rachael's guided spring meditation,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsEnsure your plants are ready for the spring sun when you supply them with 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".Quarto: The Layered Edible Garden by Christina ChungSay goodbye to long, straight rows of vegetable plants lined up and prone to pests and diseases, and say hello to taking your cues from nature and creating a garden filled with layers of food-producing plants with the new book The Layered Edible Garden. Food gardening pro Christina Chung of @fluent.garden introduces a modern approach to home food gardening that follows nature’s lead by growing plants in mixed communities, instead of in agriculture-centric monocultures. Learn how to build a mini “food forest” of 8 different layers that will produce food for years to come and require less work and fewer resources.Grab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, quarto.com, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Calatheas have a bit of a reputation among plant parents for being dramatic "divas." And I'm not going to lie—they can be particular about their care. But don't let that scare you off! If you try to understand their preferences, you can totally grow lush, vibrant prayer plants at home. That’s what we’re going to talk about in this episode!In this episode, we learn:[01:44] Understanding calathea (now also called Goeppertia)[02:21] Why calathea isn’t for everyone (so set your expectations)[05:46] Why calatheas are the perfect statement plant![06:17] Understanding the natural habitat of Calathea[06:51] Why calatheas are called “prayer plants”[07:41] High-level overview of Calathea[08:41] Calathea Care #1: Lighting[11:10] Calathea Care #2: Watering[14:42] Top tip: Calathea enjoy filtered water [15:28] Enjoy superior quality and a variety of plants from Proven Winners Leaf Joy![17:14] Mindful goal reflection through daily plant check-ins[18:13] Calathea Care #3: Humidity[21:04] How do you create a microclimate for your plants?[22:02] Why Calathea are resilient[23:42] Calathea Care #4: Fertilizing[24:08] Calathea Care #5: Troubleshooting[24:46] Tip: Trim the brown edges off your Calathea![28:20] Different Calathea species[28:43] #1 Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis) = low maintenance[30:01] #2 Calathea majestica Diamond Dazzler White Star[31:30] #3 Calathea picturata = drama queen[32:38] #4 Calathea orbifolia = Instagram favoriteMentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 224: Everything You Need to Know About FicusGrowing Joy Episode 219: How to Care for AlocasiasUnderstanding Natural Light WorksheetPotting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicTerracotta PotsCeramic PotsPlastic PotsFor my personal ranking of popular calathea varieties,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor: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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Is homesteading your ultimate dream? Because mine too, plant friends! Like most gardeners, I've always dreamed of someday creating a homestead and being more self-sufficient. I very much enjoy growing my own fruits, veggies, and herbs, but starting homesteading seemed a little scary. That’s why I was so excited to speak with gardening influencer Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening, who has spent the last few years turning his suburban property into an enviable homestead. Kevin shared his advice for transitioning from gardener to homesteader, one step at a time.In this episode, we learn:[04:43] Managing multiple projects and Kevin’s homestead building[04:51] What got Kevin interested in homesteading?[07:59] Homesteading vs gardening[09:14] What are the aspects/elements of homesteading?[11:15] What is “greywater” and its potential for water recycling?[14:17] Different uses of rainwater (and why you should start collecting them!)[15:22] Experience cozy mindfulness with Wind River Chimes![16:53] Learn actionable steps to build resilience in your garden with ‘The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden’ by Kim Stoddart[18:40] Kevin’s rainwater harvesting system (which gauges the amount of rainfall one can capture over a year)[21:59] How solar energy works and how the net metering system operates[26:47] What is the role of a pond in homesteading?[28:53] Creating an aquaponic system[31:30] Switch to Espoma Organic's soil, compost, and plant food for a healthier homestead garden.[33:24] How has Kevin's experience raising chickens been?[36:51] Chicken care tips![39:12] Can you do homesteading indoors?[40:53] What was the inspiration for Kevin's orchard?[42:30] What are the various fruits grown by Kevin?[43:47] What is the food forest approach to growing food?[45:47] What is Kevin’s favorite way of preserving food?[46:55] What’s next for Kevin?[48:08] Check out Kevin’s book, Epic HomesteadingMentioned in our conversation:Book by Kevin Espiritu, Epic HomesteadingDr. Bronner's SoapBAR SOAP – OasisAquascapeCarolina CoopsChickenGuardGrowing Joy Episode 210: How to Grow Citrus Indoors With Danny of via CitrusGrowing Joy Episode 206: The History of Italian Gardens and Italian Citrus With Helena AttleeFor a list of homestead components that you can start with,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 Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden by Kim StoddartOur gardens can face a lot of concerns with this changing climate, from water-usage restrictions, extended heat waves, disastrous flooding, “super weeds,” or prolonged pest life cycles, there’s daunting challenges ahead for food growers around the world. Author Kim Stoddart outlines a clear path toward building resilience in your vegetable plants, your soil, and yourself with their new book The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden. With actionable tasks that reduce resource use, stabilize the garden’s ecosystem, and offer regenerative solutions to the most challenging issues faced by gardeners, this book provides advice to help you weather these storms with ease. Grab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Espoma OrganicIf you want a garden that provides, set it up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mix and more! 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.Follow Kevin:Personal WebsiteEpic GardeningShopFacebookYouTubePodcastInstagramTikTokTwitterDiscordFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Do you know that repotting and potting up mean different things? As our houseplants grow happily under our care, eventually they will outgrow their current pots. Determining whether your plant needs to simply have its soil refreshed (repotting) or be shifted to a larger container (potting up) can be challenging for new plant parents. In this episode, I will walk you through when to pot up versus repot, proper techniques for both, tips to avoid issues, and how to turn repotting into an uplifting self-care ritual by really tuning into your plants' needs and creating an environment that allows them to thrive.In this episode, we learn:[02:30] Things I learned about repotting in the last couple of years[03:34] Some personal plant care routines[04:59] Do some spring cleaning![06:28] Repotting vs potting up vs potting up water-rooted cuttings[09:04] Some rules to remember in potting up[10:43] Do the two-inch “bump up” rule when potting up[11:59] When should you pot up?[13:08] What is repotting and why is it important?[14:36] How do you repot a plant?[15:03] Get stylish, minimalist grow lights your plants will love with Soltech![17:16] Give your plants the love they deserve with Espoma's organic, eco-friendly potting mixes![19:08] Common mistake people make when repotting/potting up[19:30] How do you pot up water-rooted cuttings?[21:02] General steps for repotting/potting up/potting up water-rooted cuttings[27:31] The best time to repot or pot up houseplants[29:05] Why you should not pot your houseplants in dirt from outside[32:00] Make sure that you saturate the soil![32:35] Pay attention to the type of container or pot you are using[34:08] Use repotting as an opportunity for mindfulness[37:16] A letter to my pepper plant going into transplant shockMentioned in our conversation:How to Repot Plants // A Step By Step GuideGrowing Joy Ep 182: Spring Houseplant CareGrowing Joy Ep 192: How To Overcome Burnout Through The Healing Power Of NatureGrowing Joy Ep 200: Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs: Grow BetterPotting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicCactus Potting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicAfrican Violet Potting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicOrchid Mix - Coarse Bark Mix by Espoma OrganicFor repotting dos and don'ts,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".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 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.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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 BreakKidsGardeningFor 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 - SpanishWebsite - EnglishInstagramFacebookTwitter/XFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 PlantsFor 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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 TestFor 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 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.Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 interviewFor 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: WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 GrowlightFor a more detailed look into seed starting fixes,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Joe: WebsiteInstagramFacebookPodcastTwitterPinterestFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 NurseryFor 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:InstagramLinkedInLinktr.eeFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 WorldFor 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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 composterFor 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 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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:WebsiteInstagramTwitter/XFacebookYouTubePinterestTikTokFollow 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 TapeFor 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 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: @growingjoywithmariaOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefinedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands