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

 What is it that makes hoyas so irresistible that buying your first hoya often leads to having 40 in the few months to follow? In this listener favorite of the Best of Growing Joy series, I am bringing back a conversation with Doug Chamberlain of Vermont Hoya. Doug is one of the most beloved Hoya experts online, and we dive into their dazzling diversity, surprising care quirks, and intoxicating flowers.Doug makes a very strong argument that every person in the world should care for Hoyas and know all the specifics that you need to know in order to get your Hoyas thriving and ideally blooming. So whether you're new to Hoya or you're already knee-deep in gorgeous leaves and peduncles, this conversation is going to leave you inspired to grow joyfully and with confidence. In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Doug's Plant Parent History and introduction to Hoya and his Ideal Hoya Setup[11:11] Where hoyas live in nature[14:00] Why are hoyas called “the wax plant”[15:20] Where Hoya got its name[15:40] General Care Guidelines for All Hoyas[16:29] Doug's Setup Up (and humidity hacks)[19:50] What does a sunburn look like on a Hoya leaf?[21:00] Best Watering Practices for Hoya[24:00] Words of encouragement from Doug when you have a hoya fail[25:30] If Hoyas like to be potbound[26:26] How to pot up a hoya[27:50] Best potting mix for a Hoya[32:00] What is a peduncle?[33:50] What is bud blast?[34:27] Why does a hoya bud fall off before it blooms?[35:15] How to get your hoya to bloom[38:00] How frequently does a Hoya bloom[39:00] Is there a hack to force Hoya to flower?[39:30] 5 Easiest Hoyas to Care for[44:20] Rarer Hoya's for Advanced Plant Parents[47:10] Matchmaking for the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personalities![53:00] How to fertilize hoyas[54:00] Propagation tips[57:00] Tips for stimulating leaf growth Mentioned in our conversation:See photo gallery for names and pictures of all Hoyas mentionedKLN Concentrate Rooting Hormone Struggling to keep your Hoya blooming all year round?Check out the full show notes and blog for expert tips on making your Hoyas grow successfully! Follow Doug:WebsiteYouTube  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 why your hoyas or pothos sometimes send out those long and wild tendrils that seem to have a mind of their own? I certainly have a windowsill full of hoyas doing this right now. There really isn’t a super “secret” technique. Most of our houseplants are just natural climbers that grow up trees in search of light and use those tendrils for support. So I invited over my new plant friend, Ara from Propagation Diaries, to share her best tips about everything you need to know about indoor houseplant trellises, whether it be choosing the right style and material or getting it secure in your pot and training those vines without breaking a leaf! Let's tidy up! In this episode, we learn:[02:45] Ara’s plant care journey[03:35] How Ara fell in love with Hoyas![06:59] What trellising really does for your houseplants[08:22] What are the benefits of trellising a houseplant?[09:44] Spotting tendrils: your sign it’s time to add a trellis[10:34] Getting even light exposure by growing vertically[11:30] How (and when) to attach your plants to the trellis[12:06] Creative trellis hacks[13:05] What are the different types of trellis?[15:03] Espoma Organic[16:49] Choosing the right material and shape for your plant’s needs[18:10] Best practices for establishing a plant with a trellis[20:34] When to add a trellis[23:20] How do you upgrade to a bigger trellis without hurting your plant?[24:35] What’s the #1 mistake people make when trellising Hoyas?[26:44] What’s the mysterious “counterclockwise rule” for trellising Hoyas?[27:46] How to gently guide delicate Hoya tendrils[28:25] Tips to get a hoya to bloom (light, humidity, and airflow)[30:54] What type of hoyas should you get?[31:54] Pest prevention tips for your hoya[34:10] Where can you find Ara’s aesthetic trellises and accessories? Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 299: Houseplant Trends, Tips & Hot Takes: Live from the Southeast Plant ShowGrowing Joy 272: Beneficial Insects For Effortless Houseplant Pest Management with Jamie of DMV BeneficialsMake Your Own Moss Pole for Indoor Climbing PlantsHouseplant SOS Mini Course A little nervous about installing your trellis and tying your plants?Check out the full show notes and blog here for Ara's easy-to-follow guide! Follow Ara:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTok 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.

Did you know that brightness has nothing to do with how much energy your plants actually receive from light? In this episode, I’m joined by horticulturist and author Leslie Halleck, who literally wrote the book Gardening Under Lights. Together, we’ll break down the science of indoor grow lights in a simple, approachable way—so you can confidently choose the right setup to keep your plants thriving all winter long (and beyond). In this episode, we learn:What Leslie’s personal grow light set up isWhat photosynthesis isWhy light is important for plantsWhat the different colors of light do for plants and why “full spectrum” grow lights are so importantLumens vs PAR vs Kelvin = how to measure lightWhat the best choice of grow lights for indoor houseplants areDefining “bright indirect” for a grow lightPatreon Plant Friend and listener Questions! Mentioned in our conversation:Leslie's books: Gardening Under Lights and Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make New HouseplantsSoltech Solutions: soltechsolutions.com Modern Sprout: modernsprout.com Bloom and Grow Amazon Grow light Storefront: http://bit.ly/growlightep Wondering if your plants need a grow light this season?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to actually make them work for your plants! Follow Leslie:WebsiteInstagramTwitterPinterestFacebookYouTube  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.

Where do you even start if your dream is to turn that blank slate into a gorgeous garden? You’ve just moved into a new house. The keys are in your hands, you’re staring at your front door and also at a lot of lawn and maybe some unappealing landscaping. Good thing, plant friends, that I got to dive into this question with ecologist, writer, and new author Becky Searle (@sow_much_more), who just wrote Grow a New Garden! The book is all about how garden design can work with instead of against nature, so you can create the most low-maintenance, balanced garden possible. Let's get started! In this episode, we learn:[02:49] How Becky’s background in ecology shaped her gardening style[03:45] Writing Grow a New Garden during lockdown[06:03] Becky's different homes and the changes to her garden[07:37] What’s the one rose that follows Becky to every home?[09:16] Propagating roses: soil vs. water cuttings[11:23] Native vs. diverse plantings: what really helps pollinators prosper?[12:47] Why is biodiversity important?[14:28] How I let nature lead instead of controlling it[15:24] Give your plants the best with Espoma Organic's chemical-free soils, fertilizers, and plant foods![16:36] Move from overwhelm to action with the Square Foot Gardening Planner![18:05] Why you shouldn’t design a garden like an interior space[19:09] How to survive the pest invasion phase?[20:46] What steps should you take to get your garden functioning as an ecosystem?[24:18] How to track light and shade before you plant[25:41] The LEGO hack to visualize sunlight throughout the year[27:25] What to build first? (sheds, ponds, greenhouses, and compost areas)[28:37] Why potted plants help you “test-drive” your design[29:39] How to choose the right plants for your soil, light, and climate[31:28] What are plant communities?[32:55] Becky’s favorite combo: rudbeckia, grasses, and alchemilla mollis[34:37] Common beginner mistakes in garden design[38:38] Where should you look for inspiration to design your garden? (beyond Pinterest)[40:46] Why talking to local gardeners beats Googling every question[42:16] Becky’s advice for first-time homeowners starting their first garden![43:19] Where can you find Becky and her book Grow a New Garden? Mentioned in our conversation:Grow a New Garden by Becky Searle For beginner gardening tips from gardening expert Becky Searle,check out the show notes and full blog here! Follow Becky:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeFacebook Thank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Quarto: The Square Foot Gardening PlannerPre-order The Square Foot Gardening Planner (coming October 21, 2025) at quarto.com or find it wherever you buy gardening books — and start transforming your blank space into a flourishing garden. 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 caring for a tiny tree could teach you patience, presence, and even a new way of looking at life? That, my friends, is the magic of the art of Bonsai. It is a very specific practice that requires very specific care that I often get questions about. And so today I've decided to re-release an old episode where I interviewed Bonsai master, Bjorn from Eisei-en Bonsai.You might know him from his incredible YouTube videos all about Bonsai basics: what makes Bonsai different, their growing media, how you care for them, the fascinating history, and the philosophy behind Bonsai. I am so excited to re-release this episode because I just gifted my husband his first Bonsai, so I can't wait to send him this episode so he can support his bonsai that he's keeping in his office.  In this episode, we learn:[00:04:44] How Bjorn became the bonsai expert he is today[00:05:35] How long does a bonsai apprenticeship take? What are typical duties for a bonsai apprentice?[00:07:31] Bjorn shares his experience in Japan and being an apprentice[00:09:16] How to properly pronounce ‘bonsai’ and what it means[00:09:40] What is a bonsai? How do you classify a tree as a bonsai tree?[00:10:56] Can you turn any tree into a bonsai?[00:11:54] Apical dominance vs lateral dominance[00:14:14] How to measure bonsais and the different bonsai size classifications: shohin and chuhin[00:16:03] Where did bonsais originate from?[00:17:43] How do you differentiate between indoor bonsais and outdoor bonsais? What are great plants for both types?[00:19:29] How much light do bonsais need?[00:20:25] The basic bonsai potting mix: pumice, lava rock, and akadama (yes, it’s Japanese!)[00:22:01] How much fertilizer does your bonsai need? What kind of fertilizer should you apply to your bonsai?[00:23:26] Bonsai and teabags: how to ‘tea’ your bonsai when adding fertilizer[00:24:19] Why growing bonsais is about practicing control[00:25:00] How to take care of sick bonsai trees and what the long-term goal is for growing bonsais[00:26:02] What bonsais can teach us about patience[00:26:20] Where to get the best soil mixes for all plant needs[00:27:36] How to keep deer and wildlife from your garden[00:29:27] Do you want your bonsais to bloom?[00:30:51] How often should you water bonsais? Bjorn gives us the how-to and why’s on watering bonsais[00:34:32] Bonsai and shade cloths: where should you place your bonsai? What is a bonsai’s ideal light situation?[00:36:20] Bonsai pruning 101[00:37:32] Plant nerd facts: what are the growth hormones auxin and cytokine and what do they do?[00:40:05] Why are bonsai trees in small and shallow pots?[00:41:20] How much of a bonsai tree’s roots should you prune?[00:42:48] Why spring is the best time to prune your bonsai[00:43:41] Root galls and how to properly remove them00:45:58] How do you prune bonsai shoots? When and how do you use copper or aluminum wires to shape your bonsai?[00:49:32] The concept of mochikomi[00:50:28] The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to bonsais[00:52:08] Bjorn’s recommendations for beginner bonsai growers[00:55:39] Where to get the best bonsais online[00:56:43] Winterizing your bonsai tree[00:58:27] What is the best bonsai tree pest treatment?[01:00:10] Why everyone should try bonsai! Mentioned in our conversation:Knoxville Bonsai SocietyBrussels BonsaiEisei-en Bonsai's YouTube video Sekka Hinoki from Simple MaterialBloom and Grow's YouTube video Top 5 Bonsai Trees (Indoor and Outdoor Options) with Bjorn from Eisei-en Bonsai Ready to learn how a tiny tree can grow your joy?Check out the full show notes and blog for the philosophy and basic care principles that make Bonsai a beautiful, lifelong practice! Follow Bjorn:WebsiteInstagramYouTube  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.

Interested in joining Maria on a retreat like this? Join the waitlist! http://growingjoywithmaria.com/retreatThree days with no phone, no laptop, no social media notifications buzzing in my ear. It’s just me, the forest, and goats that became some of my best friends! And I achieved all of this when I visited Hemlock Neversink in Castskills last month to commit a full digital detox. I swapped screen time for barefoot hikes, yoga, forest bathing, goat cuddles, painting under the trees, and even a little moss-gazing. And my nervous system hit reset in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.So I really encourage you to try it, but you don't have to run away to the woods for three days to feel these benefits. I'm going to share what I learned during my retreat and how you can create your own digital detox at home, even if you've only got 15 minutes. Let's plunge in!Interested in joining Maria on a retreat like this? Join the waitlist! http://growingjoywithmaria.com/retreat Here is a referral link for the Opal app (not sponsored): http://growingjoywithmaria.com/opal Get 15% off a stay at Hemlock Neversink of your own with code GROWINGJOY at http://growingjoywithmaria.com/hemlockIn this episode, we learn:[03:28] 3 days, no phone, no social media (my digital detox in Hemlock Neversink!)[03:59] Behind the scenes: burnout, grief, and moving to Florida[06:30] How life changes (and Florida's climate shift) increased my digital consumption[09:00] What makes Hemlock Neversink the perfect nature reset?[10:03] Themed retreat days: release, realign, reimagine[10:55] How does time in nature reset your nervous system? sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system[11:24]  What is Attention Restoration Theory?[13:47] Goat hikes! Meet my new goat best friend![15:22] Give a gift that celebrates their love with every gentle breeze with Wind River Chimes![17:11] Find rooted joy and gentle beauty in your everyday life with A Year of Garden-Inspired Living by Linda Vater![18:37] Painting in nature, crafts, and screen-free creativity![21:29] How I released stress through daily yoga, hikes, and massage[22:42] Restoring with books, moss gazing, and barefoot grounding[25:36] How addicted are we really to our phones?[29:58] My interview with Ryan, Hemlock’s Director of Wellness and Spa![31:35] Why is the nature component so important for healing?[34:23] What are some interesting guest transformations at Hemlock?[37:22] Why intentional resets in nature are so powerful[38:27] What are the most popular activities on Hemlock? (dance hikes, sound baths, breathwork)[42:00] How do you build your own retreat at home? (+Hemlock discount for you!)[50:56] Here’s my gratitude meditation through a song! Mentioned in our conversation:Hemlock NeversinkActivities & Experiences | Hemlock Neversink Hotel & SpaGrowing Joy 255: I Moved 80+ Plants Across the Country: Here's What I LearnedGrowing Joy 267: Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your OfficeGrowing Joy 307: Earthing Explained: The Science of Grounding for Better Sleep, Less Pain, and More Energy with Dr. Gaétan ChevalierGathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall KimmererOpal Want to do a digital detox but don't have the time?Check out the full show notes and blog here for my time-friendly tips!  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: A Year of Garden-Inspired Living by Linda VaterPreorder A Year of Garden-Inspired Living at quarto.com today or pick it up wherever books are sold, and let the seasons bloom in your life. 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 running out of space for your plants? Growing your plant collection can be quite the challenge when all your countertops, tablespace and even floorspace have been populated with your plant babies. Don’t fret any longer, plant friends, as we got the most beautiful and mess-free DIY projects for you to make the most out of your vertical space at home! In this episode, learn alongside me as Erin Harding of @houseplantclub and @cleverbloom gives us step-by-step tutorials on three amazing yet easy DIYs for your vertical garden. In this episode, we learn:[00:25] Maria’s eureka moment for this episode![01:53] Updates on country living and hummingbirds[05:06] Welcome, new Garden Party members![06:57] The easiest way to compost your food scraps[11:06] Who is Erin and how did Clever Bloom and Houseplant Club get started?[15:14] On the importance of evolving with your plant collection[18:26] Erin and Morgan’s brilliant first and second books[22:12] How Erin curated her personal aesthetic and developed her passion for DIY[24:56] Why accessibility and variety encourage people to DIY[27:22] Why you should use vertical space for your plants[31:40] How to make a modern beaded macrame plant hanger[35:15] The best and most stylish grow lights for your home[37:14] Where to get humidifiers for your home and for your health![39:37] Different ways to customize your macrame plant hanger[44:41] Step-by-step tutorial of DIY air plant driftwood piece[48:03] Watering your air plants in your DIY driftwood plant accessory[50:09] What is a kokedama and how does it work?[52:04] What are ideal plants to use in a kokedama?[53:38] How to make your own kokedama[55:59] Bringing natural beauty into your home through DIY projects[01:00:12] Erin’s favorite DIY project in her latest book[01:03:20] Where to find Erin (and Morgan!) online[01:04:53] A friendly reminder for this fall season Mentioned in our conversation:How to plant a room: and grow a happy home, by Morgan Doane and Erin HardingGrowing Joy Episode 16: Mounting Epiphytes And The Creation Of Cleverbloom.Com Love DIY projects and houseplants?Check out the full show notes and blog for Erin’s smart DIY solutions! Follow Erin:House Plant Club InstagramClever Bloom websiteClever Bloom InstagramPlanting Pink EtsyPlanting Pink websitePlanting Pink Instagram 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, if you’ve hung around the plant community for any amount of time, you know some sub-groups go deep, and one of the most passionate is the Alocasia lovers/enthusiasts. These people are ferocious about their alocasias, and one of their most controversial topics is corm propagation.If you’ve never heard of it, I hadn’t either until Instagram kept showing me those little plant “nuggets.” So I called in backup: my friend Lindsay Sisti, aka the Alocasia Queen behind All The Plant Babies and the author of the book The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation. She’s been here before in our Fluval Stratum episode. She breeds both Alocasias and Anthuriums and has made it her life's work to create new species and perfect propagation techniques. Let's dive in! In this episode, we learn:[02:30] Meet Lindsay Sisti, aka the “Alocasia Queen”![04:15] What are some facts about Alocasia?[06:02] Why is Alocasia popular?[08:41] Plant anatomy 101: leaves, stems, rhizomes, roots, stolons, and corms![15:18] Manukora's premium New Zealand Manuka honey[16:55] Do corms ever appear above the soil? Leaf-litter vs. pots[21:58] When is the right time to go “corm spelunking”?[26:52] Step-by-step: how to harvest Alocasia corms safely[30:09] Snapping corms, clean hands, and why scissors are optional[34:20] Should you peel corms before planting? (The “onion layer” trick)[37:33] Which medium works best (perlite, sphagnum, fluval stratum, or water?)[40:41] How deep should you plant the corms in the media?[41:26] How long does it take for corms to sprout?[43:09] The “puddle method” in water[45:38] Hardening off: acclimating cormlings[49:41] Common mistakeswith corms[55:17] Can a rootless Alocasia be revived?[56:20] Where to find Lindsay, her book, and her propagation resources Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 289: How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum with Lindsay SistiBook: The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant PropagationWhy Did My Alocasia Corm* Die?Alocasia Enthusiasts | FacebookLECHUZA-PON Plant Substrate 12 liter For all corm propagation methods,check out the full show notes and blog for Lindsay's step-by-step! Thank you to our episode sponsor:ManukoraGo to manukora.com/bloom to get 25% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook.  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.

The monstera might just be the most iconic houseplant of all time. Those bold, split leaves show up everywhere in logos, restaurant décor, and home goods, making it instantly recognizable. But bringing a monstera home and helping it thrive so it grows big, beautiful, and full of those signature splits takes a little know-how. Today, we’re revisiting one of my very first 20 episodes of Growing Joy in our Best of series with my plant friend Scott Cain, an Australian plant enthusiast with over 200 plants, including an incredible monstera collection. He’s the creator behind Boys With Plants on Instagram and Tropical Loco, and in this episode, we dive into care tips, design ideas, and strategies to help your monstera flourish. If you’ve got a monstera, listen in because your plant is about to get a whole lot happier. In this episode, we learn:How family traditions inspired his current collectionScott breaks down the 200 plants that fill his apartment that are featured on his Instagram account, @tropicalocoHow Scott has turned Instagram friends into #plantfriendsIRLHis care secrets for dealing with the Australian summer/winterWhy people who work from home should have plantsMonstera care 101: light, watering, fertilizingMoss poles, what they are and why/if we need themAerial roots, what they are and can we trim them?What fenestrations areWhat the difference is in deliciosa/borsigiana/adansonii/obliquaScotts pruning practices for his Monstera collectionHow to take cuttings of your Monstera to make your plant look more fullTroubleshooting for yellow and brown leavesWhy the Monstera is such an sought after plantWhat’s up with variegationHow and why he created @boyswithplants and why he is letting us know that he is the creatorHow to get featured on @boyswithplantsThe scoop on the new Boys with Plants Book! Mentioned in our conversation:Australian Houseplant Community Facebook GroupStackwood@mickmitty@jamesipy Want your monstera to grow beautiful leaves?Check out the full show notes and blog for Scott's top care tips and design ideas! Follow Scott:Personal InstagramInstagramEtsy shopScott's Graphic Design Company  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 I told you that the most dominant plant in your garden isn't the rose that you love or the towering sunflower, but the little clover, the little guys creeping along the ground? They're called groundcovers, and they fight weeds, save water, prevent erosion, and can even replace your lawn. I had an amazing conversation with Kathy Jentz, author of “Groundcover Revolution,” and we talked about how these humble plants can change your space and make it much more eco-friendly and beautiful. In this episode, we learn:[01:52] How Kathy became the plant lady she is today[02:44] Kathy’s background before she became a full-time plant lady[04:47] Why Kathy ditched turf for groundcovers[06:41] Why else should you think about groundcovers?[08:11] Clovers and pollinators[09:26] Bee lawns and flowering yards for pollinators[10:01] Is there a trap crop groundcover for birds?[12:04] Why artificial turf is bad for soil and trees[13:54] Can kids and dogs play on groundcovers?[15:15] Give your groundcover the best start with Espoma Organic’s lawn soil and Bio-tone starter![16:50] Protecting tree roots and trunks with groundcovers[17:35] How tall do groundcovers get?[18:29] How to choose the right groundcover for you using Kathy’s charts[19:59] Mixing turf and groundcovers for family yards[21:39] What is Kathy’s “patchwork” groundcover method?[23:02] Step-by-step: converting a lawn with the lasagna method[26:52] Plugs vs. seeds (pros, cons, and budget tips!)[29:02] What are some mulching tricks + annual flowers for your groundcover?[30:54] How to sow groundcover seeds for a full summer lawn[32:42] Are there any groundcovers that require the cold?[33:37] What are Kathy’s favorite groundcovers?[35:52] Common mistakes rookies make with groundcovers[37:47] Where to find Kathy, her book Groundcover Revolution, and her Garden DC podcast? Mentioned in our conversation:Groundcover Revolution: How to use sustainable, low-maintenance, low-water groundcovers to replace your turf by Kathy JentzGardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening Ready for low-maintenance garden plants?Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Kathy:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeX 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.

I'm thrilled to be sharing this planty conversation with my #plantfriendIRL, Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening! Kevin and I recently met IRL in San Diego and clicked immediately. He is a wonderfully curious Botanical Bro who has the most incredible Urban Gardening setup in his home in San Diego. Our journeys to plant parenthood are very similar but revolve around different passions: indoor (mine) and outdoor (his). Today we talk about our different interests, the similarities and differences between indoor and outdoor gardening, and container gardening for those of us who might want to try gardening outdoors! I hope you find it inspiring to grow your own food in your outdoor space! Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, was just released and would be the perfect companion for anyone curious to learn more about urban gardening and growing your own food! In this episode, we learn:[04:40] Kevin's somewhat unsuccessful intro to growing food, and how he became the amazing gardener he is now[13:09] Differences in our experiences growing indoor and outdoor plants[22:47] Outdoor container gardening 101- it's the growing season Plant Friends! Let's learn this together![24:24] Best plants to start with[29:47] Best pots, soil and fertilizer to use as a newbie Mentioned in our conversation:Buy Kevin's book: Field Guide to Urban GardeningVisit my Amazon Storefront for the items mentioned Want to grow basil, tomatoes, or herbs right on your balcony?Check out the full show notes and blog for Kevin's simple starter guide! Follow Kevin:WebsitePodcastYouTubeFacebookTwitterPinterestInstagram 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.

You've probably heard the phrase, “Go touch grass.” It's usually thrown around online when someone needs to log off and reconnect with reality. But the act of touching grass, literally putting your bare feet or hands on the earth, is scientifically proven to reset your mood. It's known as earthing (or grounding), and it's been proven to reduce inflammation, boost your energy, improve sleep, and even help your body heal. So I specifically sent Dr. Gaétan Chevalier an email to have him on the show to explain everything we need to know about earthing. With 15 years of experience, he’s one of the leading experts in this field, and he’ll explain how our bodies literally need that natural connection to the Earth’s energy. In this episode, we learn:[01:49] Meet Dr. Gaétan Chevalier![03:23] How Clint Ober introduced earthing in 2003[07:46] What is earthing?[09:09] The Earth as a living battery[12:20] Why is inflammation the root of disease, and how does grounding help?[19:01] The natural cure for jet lag: 30 minutes barefoot[19:34] Are earthing and grounding the same practice?[20:45] How modern life disconnects us from the Earth’s charge[24:17] What are the benefits people report from daily earthing?[25:18] Grounding as a bioelectrical reset for the immune system[28:30] Can grounding be measured? How testers work[32:28] Grounding houseplants and even cut flowers[34:12] Grounding indoors[35:57] PMF devices vs. grounding[37:00] What are the two things needed for a good home ground system?[39:29] Why hugging a tree bark won’t ground you (but leaves might)[40:06] What is the Schumann Resonance?[42:40] How grounding shields you from electrical “frenzy”[44:30] Can grounding help offset EMF and cell phone exposure?[46:59] Where can you learn more about grounding? Mentioned in our conversation:Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever!Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing LiSchumann resonancesMike Levin on electrifying insights into how bodies form To learn more about the benefits of earthing,check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Earthing Institute:WebsiteInstagramFacebook GroupResearchCoursesVideo Testimonials 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: Revered Roots: Ancestral Teachings and Wisdom of Wild, Edible, and Medicinal Plants by LoriaAnn BirdGrab your copy of Revered Roots at quarto.com and wherever books are sold, and let your next garden walk become a sacred walk with your 'plant teachers'.  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.

Today I welcome Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, otherwise known as the “Houseplant Guru,” to the show for an enlightening conversation about how to care for plants in low-light environments and what the best beginner, advanced, and interesting low-light-tolerant plant choices we can make. We discuss how to truly understand if we have low light and several hacks to capitalize on the light we have, and she suggests some really interesting plants besides your normal pothos, dracaena, and snake plants we know so well. Lisa is the author of Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low Light Houseplants and Houseplants: The Complete Guide. I love her books, and I love her! In this episode, we learn:How Lisa became “The Houseplant Guru”How to measure low light with no fancy toolsHow to “hack” your way to capitalizing on all the hacks you haveHow low light affects your plant care routingWatering for a low light plantPhototropismHow Variegated plants are affected by low lightStandard low light plantsLisa’s 5 more rare and unknown low light plants for advanced plant parents looking for something new!Patreon Plant Friends and Listener Questions! Mentioned in our conversation:Help Your Houseplant Acclimate To The Light It Is ReceivingYes, The Sun Can Burn Houseplants Inside. Who Knew? Got a dim corner calling for plants?Check out the full show notes and blog to see Lisa’s top low-light plant picks and care tips. Follow LisaWebsiteInstagramFacebook  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, I have to tell you about someone who has completely blown my mind this gardening season! Her name is Lily, and she happens to be my brother's girlfriend, which means I've had a front-row seat to watch her absolutely blossom as a first-time gardener. She nailed it on her first try, and I mean that she has had the most incredible success I think I have ever seen from a beginner. In this episode, you're going to hear about how she and my brother were pretty much harvesting and eating from her garden every single day for the entire summer! In this episode, we learn:[02:40] Meet Lily and her garden obsession![04:15] What childhood memories inspired Lily’s love for gardening?[06:16] When did Lily decide to start her first backyard garden?[06:53] Why did Lily start almost everything from seed?[09:54] Lily's creative dining room seed-starting setup[15:00] Refresh your fall garden with ease using Espoma Organic[16:25] Bring your farmhouse garden dreams to life with The Vintage Farmhouse Garden[18:46] How did Lily handle pests, heavy rains, and a mosquito invasion?[22:01] Exploring composting to solve the pear tree problem[22:58] What surprised Lily the most about gardening?[24:26] How to freeze tomatoes and preserve the harvest for winter[25:30] Ice cube tray preservation tricks[26:06] My ramp butter memories from the Catskills[27:33] Is canning worth a full day's work?[28:45] Garden harvest tour: What did Lily grow?[31:30] Adding a pollinator garden with pest-deterring plants[33:26] Which medicinal and edible flowers should you try growing?[36:36] How to use AI in growing plants[37:17] Lily’s biggest lessons: labels, sunlight, and spacing[39:04] How gardening brought peace, joy, and connection to Lily’s life[40:14] Southern tomato pie: Lily’s star garden recipe[41:25] How Lily used garden-fresh rosemary and pears in her baking[42:34] Lily’s favorite ways to use her bounty[43:44] What will Lily focus on growing next year? Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 202: How to Can and Ferment Vegetables and Fruits from Your Garden with Stephanie ThurowGrowing Joy Episode 195: Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow Gardening for the first time?Check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Quarto: The Vintage Farmhouse Garden: Your Guide to Creating a Vintage-Inspired Outdoor Space by Rhonda KaiserGrab your copy of The Vintage Farmhouse Garden at 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.

Garlic is a staple in so many savory dishes, but if you've only ever cooked with the sad grocery store bulbs, it's time to see garlic's true potential by growing your own. The depth of flavor and variety that homegrown garlic offers blows store-bought out of the water. Lucky for us, plant friends, growing our own garlic at home is so easy! In this episode, homesteader extraordinaire Jill Winger walks us through how to grow garlic step-by-step, select varieties, grow, harvest, and store your own garlic for a steady supply of flavorful garlic all year long. In this episode, we learn:[03:09] Garden Society shoutout[05:17] What led Jill to embrace homesteading?[07:01] Check out Jill’s blog and podcast![09:29] How Jill's garden has evolved over the years[11:23] Jill’s early years of homesteading and its long-term evolution[13:18] Why homesteading involves continuous trial and error[13:54] How long has Jill been growing garlic?[14:59] Homegrown vs. store-bought garlic[15:57] How to select the right garlic to grow[16:08] Choosing a reputable garlic seed source[17:24] Softneck vs. hardneck garlic[24:05] What else is needed to grow garlic besides cloves?[25:37] When is the best time to plant garlic?[26:41] Why garlic is low maintenance[27:28] What steps should be taken to prepare garlic for planting?[28:32] How deep should you plant the clove under the soil?[29:21] Why garlic doesn't rot or freeze despite delayed stalk growth in winter[30:32] What’s the next step after planting garlic?[32:39] How does the harvest timing affect the taste and texture of garlic scapes and bulbs?[33:52] How do you know the garlic is ready to harvest?[35:03] How do you “cure” fresh garlic?[37:01] Tips for storing garlic for a long time[38:35] Common garlic growing issues and how to address them[39:36] Jill’s favorite garlic recipes[41:35] How did Jill’s homestead slowly evolve?[43:48] How reconnecting with nature and sustainable living creates a natural ecosystem Mentioned in our conversation:Garlic Scape Pesto RecipeHow to Braid GarlicHow to Plant GarlicHow to Braid OnionsLomi Tabletop ComposterTerritorial Seed Garden Garlic CatalogueUpcoming Book by Jill Old-Fashioned on PurposeGrowing Joy Episode 123 How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant Lady Think you want to grow garlic this coming season?Check out the full show notes and blog for garlic growing tips from an expert! Follow Jill:WebsitePodcastInstagramTwitterYouTube 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 love your dog as much as you love your monstera or other houseplants, you’ve probably run into this dilemma: how do you keep your plants alive without putting your pup at risk? This has been a problem for plant parents who are also pet parents. Some plants are toxic, some dogs are curious nibblers, and sometimes it feels like your plants and your pets are destined to clash. To figure this out, I talked with Dudley, the plant lover behind Pablo’s Plants on Instagram and TikTok. His brand centers on his golden retriever, Pablo, and he’s here to share with us how to keep both plants and pets safe at home.In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Can dogs and houseplants really live in harmony?[02:06] What does Dudley’s plant setup look like[02:53] Who is Dudley (aka Pablo’s Plants) and his golden retriever (Pablo)?[06:45] Who handles the plants better: the cats or Pablo?[08:18] How do you actually train a dog to “leave it”?[09:38] Which common houseplants are secretly toxic to pets? (Lilies, pothos, philodendrons)[12:10] Living with toxic plants: know your pet's personality[13:20] Bitter apple spray and other deterrent tricks[14:53] Wind River Chimes[16:39] Non-toxic plants for pet parents[18:07] Dudley’s gardening journey[19:15] Pablo's one toxic plant incident![23:06] How did Dudley’s plant business evolve?[25:59] The hoya love-hate relationship[28:24] Fragrant orchids (coconut-scented orchids)[29:31] What does Pablo’s Plants look like today?[31:55] Craziest deals buyers have taken during auctions on Whatnot & Palmstreet[33:05] How plant shows turned into a global friend network[34:57] Plant show strategy: shopping vs. selling vs. networking[36:16] Where to find him next: PlantCon NYC & IAS Miami[39”02] Where to shop Pablo’s Plants and join his “coffee & swiping” lives[40:13] Visit growingjoywithmaria.com/palmstreet and save on your first purchase!Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 9: Double Joy: Plants and Cats and Poisonous Plants to Avoid with @Plant_Lady_is_the_New_Cat_LadyBarrina ledASPCAGrannick's Care Dogs Bitter Apple No Chew Spray 8ozWhatnotPalmstreetFor more pet and plant care tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Dudley:WebsiteInstagramStoreTikTokWhatnotThank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen 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: @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’re an edible gardener, chances are you’ve found yourself staring at a heaping bowl of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or carrots, wondering how on earth you’re going to eat them all before they go bad.In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m revisiting my conversation with Stephanie Thurow, a certified master food preserver and bestselling author of several books on canning and fermenting. Stephanie shares everything you need to know to get started with home canning while making the whole process feel safe, approachable, and fun.In this episode, we learn:[06:06] How Stephanie got into canning and fermenting[07:42] What's the strategy behind the timing of canning? [09:53] Difference between canning and fermenting[11:53] Is fermentation a shelf-stable process like canning, or does it require refrigeration?[13:37] Why is it advised to consume a spoonful of fermented food each day, such as sauerkraut?[14:31] What is the storage setup for Stephanie's canned and fermented goods?[15:22] Materials you need for water bath canning[16:43] Why is a rack required when using your 4th burner pot for canning?[19:00] Where can you find premium, handcrafted wind chimes that are perfect for gifting?[20:32] Where can you find potting mixes, composts, and fertilizers for indoor and outdoor gardening?[23:05] Steps to prepare for a canning session[28:28] Common mistakes beginners make when canning[31:11] What are the basic requirements for fermenting vegetables?[32:16] Why “The Cottage Garden” is your ultimate resource for understanding the history, evolution, and stunning modern interpretations of cottage garden design[33:47] Difference between dry salting and brining in fermentation[35:44] Are there any precautions or cleanliness practices to follow during fermentation?[36:25] What do you need to know about fermenting basics?[38:31] What is the recommended timeline for fermenting different types of foods?[39:36] Common troubleshooting tips for fermenting to avoid issues like mold?[40:24] Should you follow recipes?[41:01] Where can you find trusted online recipes for fermentation and canning recipes?[42:15] What are Stephanie's favorite fermentation and canning recipes?[46:12] Unique or unusual items Stephanie has tried pickling[49:12] Where can you find Stephanie’s books online?[51:30] How do you break the seal on the tightly sealed jars?[52:35] Where can you find Stephanie on social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 195: Homesteading For Beginners With Michelle Bruhn And Stephanie ThurowNational Center for Home Food PreservationBall Mason Jar Lids & BandsSpritz Society Pickle by Claussen®Food Preservation Cookbooks by Stephanie Thurow:Can It & Ferment It: More Than 75 Satisfying Small-Batch Canning and Fermentation Recipes for the Whole YearWECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreWECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreEver thought about making your own tiny ecosystem?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to create your own unique terrarium world!Follow Stephanie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow 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 do a theater kid, a Venus flytrap, and a million TikTok followers have in common? Abundance… and my new plant friend Brian from Redleaf Ranch! Brian is the viral TikTok gardener you've probably come across if you spend any time in plant social media. He's the guy who makes you say "abundance!" out loud, and he’s here to talk about his approach to abundance and gratitude, plus how he used gardening as a tool for personal growth and community building.In this episode, we learn:[01:42] Meet Brian from Redleaf Ranch![02:47] How long has Brian been a theater kid and a plant person?[04:09] Why carnivorous plants have super tall flowers[05:06] Growing abundance: winter squash, potatoes, and food that preserves well[06:20] How Redleaf Ranch began[09:01] The “vision” moment that made Brian feel at home in the soil[11:24] Redleaf Ranch + Redleaf Exotics[14:48] Extend your growing season with Espoma Organic[16:23] Learn 75 plant facts with the book Plants with Superpowers by David Domoney[21:21] What Kevin from Epic Gardening taught us[22:53] Plant blindness to plant awakening[25:43] How “abundance!” became Brian’s signature catchphrase[29:24] Why abundance is a mindset, not just volume[31:34] How to find abundance during dark times[34:58] What is his mindfulness practice?[36:29] Why hand watering the garden is Brian’s meditation[37:49] Content creation vs. market farming[42:28] Strategic content creation with seasonal boundaries[42:49] What’s next for Redleaf?[44:17] Nature's rule: plants live/thrive in community[45:46] Where to find Brian and his book "Gardening for Abundance" and connect with Redleaf RanchMentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny CooganGrowing Joy 147: How to Care For Carnivorous Plants Indoors with Damon of California CarnivoresRedLeaf ExoticsGardening For Abundance — Redleaf RanchSony Alpha ZV-E10Kevin from Epic GardeningInterested in adapting the abundance mindset?Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Brian:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokFacebookThank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Quarto: Plants with Superpowers by David DomoneyPick up Plants with Superpowers at your local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, quarto.com, 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: @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 next plant project wasn’t just a container of soil and greenery—but a living, breathing world? In this Best of Growing Joy episode, we revisit a wonderful conversation I had a couple years back with terrarium expert Patricia from Doodle Bird Terrariums to explore the captivating art of creating terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums—miniature ecosystems that blend plants, animals, water, and even mist into magical displays. Because let's be real, in times like these, we need a little more whimsy in our lives. So get ready to get inspired to build your own thriving little universe, no matter your experience level.In this episode, we learn:[00:47] The magic of terrariums[05:22] How Patricia became the plant lady she is today[06:33] Why Patricia loves terrariums[07:03] How terrariums can have restorative effects on people[09:02] What are the differences among terrariums, vivariums, and paladariums?[11:56] What are the benefits of growing plants in terrariums?[12:32] What are common terrarium problems and how do you solve them?[14:36] How do you put isopods in your terrarium?[15:55] Maria’s first terrarium story[17:45] How different is it to set up a terrarium, a vivarium, and a paladarium?[18:39] What materials do you need for a basic terrarium?[20:30] Open terrariums vs closed terrariums[21:45] Where can you source terrarium containers?[23:25] Which plants are NOT recommended for terrariums?[25:56] Can you use beneficial insects in an open terrarium?[27:19] How much soil is needed in terrariums?[31:22] How to plant up a terrarium[32:21] Patricia’s recommended drainage layer setup[34:06] How do you water a terrarium? What water should you use for terrariums?[36:21] How often should you open a closed terrarium?[37:23] Patricia’s most recommended plants for terrariums[39:38] How do you set up a vivarium?[42:03] Can you use driftwood in a vivarium?[42:58] The best starter pets to put in a vivarium[45:05] Bigger plants to use in a vivarium[46:42] How to feed your vivarium animals[48:19] Where to get tiny and cute terrarium figurines[49:18] What is the biggest must-know when installing paladariums?[51:16] Do you clean the water in paladariums? Do you change it?[52:47] The most common terrarium care mistakes and questions[57:26] Where to find Patricia online[59:26] Maria and Billy’s terrarium plans![01:00:08] Thank you so much for the pre-orders, plant friends!Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 19: Terrarium 101 with @teenytinyterraA Family Guide to Terrariums by Patricia BuzoEver thought about making your own tiny ecosystem?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to create your own unique terrarium world!Follow Patricia:WebsiteInstagramBlogShopFollow 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 ever watched your fiddle leaf fig drop all its leaves, battled fungus gnats that fly into your ear, or poured water on your plant only to watch it run straight through the pot without soaking in, this is your wake-up call. I called in the big guns for this one with my plant friend Mandi from Happy Happy Houseplant. Between our two communities, these are the plant problems we get asked about the most, and she’s got science-backed fixes for each of them. We’re going to be talking about failing fiddle leaf figs, fungus gnats that refuse to leave, and that dreaded “gap of death” in your soil. So let's get to it!Get my new Houseplant SOS course here! In this episode, we learn:[02:26] Get to know my “Plant SOS” mini-course![05:29] How Happy Happy Houseplant began[09:51] How did Mandi grow a million-follower plant brand on IG?[15:16] Wind River Chimes[17:03] The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation[27:35] Problem #1: Why people kill their fiddle leaf figs[28:24] The #1 factor in fiddle leaf success[31:08] How to trigger growth for fiddle leaf figs[34:32] Fertilizing and leaf cleaning tips for fiddle leaf figs[36:50] Problem #2: The gap of death (hydrophobic soil)[37:30] Hydration Renew product for soil rehydration[39:23] Large plant repotting challenges[43:39] Problem #3: Fungus gnats[44:12] How fungus gnats show up[46:06] How do you treat fungus gnats?[46:45] What are death drops?[47:12] Does cinnamon work for fungus gnats?[54:43] What’s the biggest surprise in Mandi’s plant journey?[56:30] Who does Mandi look up to in the plant space?[59:59] Where to find Happy Happy Houseplant and their products?Mentioned in our conversation:Plant SOS: The Houseplant First Aid & Pest Survival GuideVintage RevivalsFungus Gnat Death DropsHydration RenewSoil RefreshKiller SmilesPlant FoodMelani Sanders (@justbeingmelani)Dana Carpenter (@fancyplantsclub)Chantel Gray (@channygrayhome)Diatomaceous Earth: Uses, Benefits, and SafetyDMV BeneficialsTaffy ShopGrowing Joy 289: How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum with Lindsay SistiHaving a hard time getting rid of those fungus gnats?Check out the full show notes and blog here for Mandi's tips!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 Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation by Lindsay SistiGrab your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation at 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.