• Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of
    Dec 24 2024
    Plant friends, did you know your houseplants can double as pest control? Carnivorous plants don’t just survive—they hunt. Venus flytraps can snap down on unsuspecting flies, while pitcher plants lure bugs into their slippery traps. These carnivorous plants themselves are nature’s own pest management system.So I’ve brought on a guest who knows everything there is to know about them: Kenny Coogan, the head of education at the International Carnivorous Plant Society.Kenny has been growing carnivorous plants for about 20 years, and about five years ago, he joined the ICPS as the education director. He quit his day job and turned his passion into his profession, running a carnivorous plant nursery in Florida. As he puts it, "Carnivorous plants are my life."In this episode, we learn:[01:47] What’s not to love about carnivorous plants?[04:52] Who is Kenny?[08:01] Some facts about Venus flytraps[09:57] What is a carnivorous plant?[12:54] Where do we find carnivorous plants outdoors?[15:36] Don’t let your houseplants wither this winter with Soltech Growlights![16:57] Nourish your houseplants with Espoma Organic’s gentle and premium fertilizers![18:57] What triggers carnivorous plants’ dormancy?[19:57] What carnivorous plants do to their prey[24:17] Specific care for temperate carnivorous plants[27:31] Specific care for tropical carnivorous plants[32:43] Can you feed carnivorous plants hamburger? (how to hand-feed them)[36:41] Trigger mechanism of Venus flytraps[38:48] How much light do Venus flytraps love?[42:58] What are the best houseplant-friendly carnivorous plants?[48:26] Watering and potting tips for carnivorous plants[50:30] Common mistakes and troubleshooting Mentioned in our conversation:International Carnivorous Plant SocietyICPS Classroom GrantsVerdant LyfeVenus Fly Traps & More Carnivorous PlantsFlorida's Carnivorous Plants: Understanding, Identifying, and Cultivating the State's Native Species by Kenny CooganLittle Shop of Horrors (1986) - IMDbCarnivorous Plants Animated Series by ICPSCarnivorex 3D printer model programs | ICPSFor carnivorous plants' care basics and feeding tips,check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".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: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • How to Work with The Winter Equinox
    Dec 17 2024
    As the winter solstice–or the longest night of the year–approaches, how does it reflect and represent you? This is the season of dormancy, a time when plants, the earth, and even we are drawn to rest, recharge, and prepare for growth. In this final installment of our 2024 seasonal sessions, on the pod once again is my dear friend and our resident green witch, Rachael of Our Infinite Nature. She shared with me how the winter solstice can help us honor cycles of rest and renewal. It was a lovely way to end a year of seasonal explorations, covering everything from the practical ways we can live in harmony with the season to what the quiet time of winter can teach us.In this episode, we learn:[03:55] What is the cyclical nature of life?[05:38] How to rebrand winter inside ourselves[10:38] How does the earth respond to winter?[13:48] How to prepare your winter garden[15:25] Give your plants the sunlight, even on the coldest days, with Soltech Grow Lights![16:47] Find peace in the chaos with personalized Wind River Chimes![19:26] Why focus on your inner growth[23:06] Astrological guide to winter solstice (Capricorn season)[29:39] Shop exclusive garden gifts and essentials at Gardener's Supply Company![30:45] How to honor the winter solstice[37:08] What is the role of our nervous system?[39:19] Rest and digest[42:02] Winter solstice visualization/meditation[55:53] Where can you follow Rachael?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring EquinoxGrowing Joy Episode 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer SolsticeGrowing Joy Episode 256: What You Need to Know About the Autumnal EquinoxGet Rachael’s book, Self-Care for Eco-AnxietyJoin the 2025 Intuitive Magic Group CoachingFor Rachael's insightful recommendations on navigating the new season,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.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! /growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    1 hr
  • Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office
    Dec 10 2024
    According to a Human Spaces report, “workers in office environments with natural elements, such as greenery and sunlight, are 6% more productive at work and 15% more creative.” Personally, they’ve been my number one most useful tool for increasing joy throughout my workday, and they help me reduce eye strain from staring at my computer all day. So in this episode of Growing Joy with leafjoy® miniseries, we’ll be talking about biophilia, common problems of office plant care, and some practical tips to make your workplace more “green.”In this episode, we learn:[04:03] Why plants are helpful in office spaces[04:16] What is biophilia?[05:37] What is biophilic design?[06:51] How does biophilic design affect productivity?[08:58] What’s our relationship with sounds?[10:11] Impact of natural materials (eg. wooden contact paper)[11:19] What’s the right type of plant for your office?[12:50] Lowest entry: Proven Winners leafjoy® H2O Line[14:46] How to arrange plants in your office (to reduce eye strain)[17:06] Vertical plant solutions[18:57] What are some office plant care tips?[20:18] What to do when your office doesn’t allow plantsMentioned in this conversation:Human Spaces: The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplaceleafjoy H2O® Collection | Proven WinnersGrowing Joy Episode 261: The Best Low Light Plants for Dim SpacesMy $10 Biophilic ArtFor my complete suggestions on how to add nature to your office,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 carefree houseplants in cute containers that you only have to refill once the water level is low!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: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    25 mins
  • CaliKim on "10 Time Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden"
    Dec 3 2024
    How do you have a life and a garden? Between busy schedules, family time, and pretty lengthy to-do lists, how can we fit gardening moments into our lives without sacrificing precious time? As we close out our 2024 gardening season, it’s a great time to reflect on what worked, what flopped, and how we can make our gardens even better for 2025. This is exactly where CaliKim shines the most, and her new book, The 10-Minute Gardener, helps us become more efficient gardeners who can, as she says, “have a garden and a life.”In this episode, we learn:[03:48] What is Kim’s gardening background?[06:30] What does her garden & garden zone look like?[09:16] Why raised bed gardening is the best option in Florida[13:04] Why efficiency is important in gardening[14:33] Gift yourself or a loved one the gift of peace and joy with a personalized Wind River Wind Chime![16:03] Bring simplicity into your garden with Kelly Norris's new book, Your Natural Garden.[17:34] 3-minute gardening tasks[27:21] 5-minute gardening tasks[30:51] Simplify your gardening experience with Espoma Organic’s high-quality products![38:03] How to plan your garden for dormant season[40:15] How to break down your garden tasks[43:13] 8-minute & 10-minute gardening tasks[49:06] 30-minute gardening tasks[51:00] Where can you find Kim on social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Pre-order 10 Minute Gardener by CaliKimThe First Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening by CaliKimCaliKim's Smart Pots Fabric PlantersCaliKim's Seed CollectionsCaliKim's Garden KitsCrescent Gardens TrueDrop plantersOrganic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy by CaliKimCaliKim Backyard at nightFor CaliKim's time-saving gardening tasks,check out the full show notes and blog here!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: Your Natural Garden by Kelly D. NorrisGrab a copy of Your Natural Garden by Kelly Norris at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, quarto.com or amazon.com to get inspired and take action on your garden.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: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    57 mins
  • Winter Houseguest Plants: Outdoor Plants That Can Grow Indoors This Winter (and go right back outside next summer!)
    Nov 26 2024
    What if there’s a way to enjoy your favorite outdoor plants year-round, save money, and keep them inside as houseplants during the winter? The answer lies in overwintering outdoor plants indoors, which is a brilliant technique I talked about with my friend and gardening expert, Janey Santos from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat. Janey is a master gardener, YouTuber, and just an all-around plant genius, and she shared five incredible plants that can grow successfully indoors over winter and head right back outside next summer.In this episode, we learn:[03:27] Gardening in different climates[06:13] Plant swap announcement![08:25] Why atrium is an ideal plant[10:31] Why coleus is the easiest plant to propagate[11:35] What are geraniums?[15:07] Why you should invest in grow lights[16:12] How to get personalized Wind River Chimes[17:42] Gardening solutions for your indoor and outdoor plants[21:05] Geranium vs. pelargonium[21:57] How versatile are begonias?[25:25] Caladiums—the up-and-coming plant[31:50] Why Alyssum is a special plant![34:01] Find the perfect holiday gifts for gardeners and plant parents[35:06] Hypoestes (the Polka Dot plant)[38:15] Is gardening a budget hobby or not?[40:04] Watch our plant swap next week![40:34] Where can you follow Janey on social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates with Janey of Dig Plant Water RepeatThe Florida Gardener PodcastSoltech Aspect™ LED GrowlightBegonia FeroxHeart to Heart® 'Snow Flurry' - Shade CaladiumHeart to Heart® 'Hot 2 Trot' - Sun and Shade CaladiumHippo® Rose - Polka Dot PlantHippo® White - Polka Dot PlantProven Winners🌱 Surprising My Pregnant Sister with a Dream Raised Bed Garden! | Emotional Baby Shower Gift Reveal!For Janey's recommended houseguest plants and their proper winter care,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Janey:WebsitePodcastYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTokThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.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: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    45 mins
  • Vacation Proof Your Plants
    Nov 19 2024

    How do you vacation-proof your plants before going away? The holiday season is fast approaching, which means many of us have already booked out-of-town trips that would require us to be away from home for a longer period of time. So how would you keep the plants back home alive while on vacation? It's not like we could water our plants while away, right? So in this episode, I want to make sure that stress never happens to you. I'm going to set you up with all that you'll need to know so you know your plants are content while you enjoy your holiday.


    In this episode, we learn:
    • [02:01] Join my Patreon for amazing goodies
    • [02:38] How to holiday proof your plants
    • [03:34] What’s your magic number? (the number of days you’re gonna be gone)
    • [05:57] Plant care tips for short trips (7 to 10 days)
    • [10:30] Why self-watering planters would be perfect for you
    • [11:30] Some DIY water-wicking system
    • [12:11] Try watering globes/stakes
    • [13:11] Plant care tips for longer trips (over 10 days)
    • [15:25] Give your plants the light they deserve this winter with Soltech!
    • [16:59] Gift peace and joy this season with personalized Wind River Chimes!
    • [19:32] How to prep your plant sitter


    Mentioned in our conversation:
    • What's Your Plant Parent Personality?
    • TruDrop self-watering planters - Crescent Garden
    • Watering Globes


    For all of my proven and tested vacation plant care tips,

    check out the full show notes and blog here!


    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech Solutions

    Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

    Wind River Chimes

    Visit 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 Leung

    Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

    Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

    Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

    Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

    Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

    Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

    Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

    Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria



    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Give the Gift of Growth // Holiday Houseplant Gift Guide
    Nov 12 2024
    Why are plants the perfect holiday gift? Plants symbolize so many things such as growth, life, and connection, so it only makes sense that we want our giftee to feel this. And unlike typical presents, if you pick just the right plant for whoever you’re gifting it to, trust that this will continue to grow and evolve long after the holiday season is gone—making them think of you every time they look at it. But if you’re not careful (and well-informed), that gift could turn into a time bomb of wilting leaves and shattered dreams. And before you know it, your giftee is calling themselves a plant killer. So this episode is all about a holiday houseplant gift guide that avoids the classic plant gifting pitfalls.In this episode, we learn:[03:45] Why do plants make the best gift?[04:52] What’s the biggest issue about gifting plants?[06:37] Why choose low-light plants as gifts?[07:21] How can you make plant gifting fun?[07:35] #1 Personalized terrariums[10:28] #2 Kokedama[12:33] Perfect plants to gift to your loved ones![12:44] Perfect plant gift for mindful plant parents[13:38] Perfect plant gift for curious collector plant parents[14:36] Perfect plant gift for design-based plant parents[15:16] Perfect plant gift for urban farmer plant parents[16:09] Perfect plant gift for low-maintenance plant parentsMentioned in our conversation:Proven Winners leafjoy™ H20 CollectionWhat's Your Plant Parent Personality? - Growing Joy with MariaGrowing Joy Ep 261: The Best Low Light Plants for Dim SpacesYoutube video: HOW TO MAKE A TERRARIUM - Step-by-Step DIY Terrarium Tutorial!Proven Winners FittoniaYoutube video: How to Make a Kokedama // Perfect Plant Gift for All Occasions!Living Lace® Hurricane - Bird's Nest FernLiving Lace® Victoria - Bird's Nest FernLiving Lace® Twirly Whirly™ - Boston FernPrismacolor™ Splash Dash™ - Red-leaf PhilodendronPrismacolor™ White Wizard - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Pink Princess - Philodendron hybridArching Amour™ Follow Your Heart™For my complete houseplant gift guide,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersFind 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: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    20 mins
  • Holiday Plant Care: Poinsettia/Christmas Cactus/Norfolk Pine Care
    Nov 5 2024
    Christmas and the holiday season are coming! Which “festive” plants should you grow and how can you help them stay alive? For many people, nothing makes the holidays lovelier than getting a beautiful poinsettia or holiday cactus during this time. But there’s absolutely nothing worse than seeing the holiday plant that you fell in love with just wither before your very eyes because they need a different care than you’re used to. So today we’ll talk about how to care for classic holiday plants with horticultural expert Farid Khalil from Mahoney's Garden Center.In this episode, we learn:[04:32] Who is Farid Khalil from Mahoney’s Garden Center?[08:04] What do the holidays look like at Mahoney's?[10:20] What is a poinsettia and how do you care for it?[14:48] Give your plants the light they deserve this winter with Soltech Grow Lights![16:12] Pre-order Square Foot Gardening, 4th Edition now and get new plans, tips, and updates![19:21] How to care for poinsettias successfully?[25:52] Are poinsettias toxic to pets and children?[27:24] What are some poinsettia alternatives?[30:04] Repot your holiday plants with Espoma Organic’s premium quality products![31:20] Why Cyclamen is a nice holiday plant[32:51] How Cyclamen become associated with Christmas[34:39] How should you care for Cyclamen?[38:35] Christmas cactus vs easter cactus[40:20] How to care for a Christmas cactus[44:19] How to care for a Norfolk Island Pine[49:30] Why Lemon cypress is a good holiday plant[51:46] Get to know about Mahoney's Garden Center!Mentioned in our conversation:Mahoney's Garden CenterThe history of the Morel company, creator of cyclamenSchoneveld BreedingFor Farid's garden center-tested holiday plant care tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Mahoney’s Garden Center:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestXThank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".Quarto: Square Foot Gardening, 4th EditionGrab the 4th edition of Square Foot Gardening at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, quarto.com 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: https://manukora.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    1 hr and 2 mins