Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness

Do you ever look around your home and wonder if your houseplants are getting enough light to thrive? Without the right amount and type of light, even the most pampered plant will struggle to survive. Yet many of us wing it when it comes to taking care of our houseplants. We stick that new fiddle leaf fig in a corner and wonder why its leaves droop. Or we assume a windowsill equals “bright indirect light” without really knowing what that means.
I know it’s time to bring attention to this overlooked aspect of being a plant parent! That’s why I invited my OG plant friend, Darryl Cheng of House Plant Journal, to explore an engineer's approach to understanding light for houseplants.

In this episode, we learn:[05:50] Check out Darryl’s previous and upcoming books![08:51] Why is light so important for houseplants?[12:18] What does it mean to have an “engineering mindset on a plant”?[14:00] What are the different types of lights?[16:41] Why it’s hard to measure light with your eyes[18:43] Discover the best seeds for your 2024 garden at Territorial Seed Company[20:05] Find easy-care and quality plants perfect for any room from Proven Winners Leaf Joy[23:15] How can beginners assess their light situation without using a meter?[25:00] How to differentiate between direct light and indirect light?[27:12] How does understanding and measuring light exposure affect the care of houseplants?[30:38] Difference between foot candles, lux, and lumens[34:26] How do houseplants adjust to indoor light from natural light, and what are the challenges?[36:56] What is the first step that you should take in measuring light?[43:16] What was Darryl's motivation for creating his LTH meter?[44:22] How has Darryl’s light meter been inspired by more complex light meters?[50:26] How to gather the best data using your light meter[55:27] Darryl's light meter development process[01:02:46] Where can you find Darryl on social media?
Mentioned in our conversation:How to Make a Living Succulent Wreath - Succulents and SunshineMichaels Greenery Terrarium17" Living Wreath Sphagnum Moss FormGreening PinsGrowing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism With Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineGrowing Joy Ep 178 The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101Growing Joy Ep 183 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Functional Mushrooms In Your GardenGrowing Joy Ep 191 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors
Want an easy and comprehensive guide on all things light?Check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed CompanyIt's never too early to start thinking about your 2024 garden! Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy plants right to your door. They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. Whether you are looking for leafy veggies, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back.
Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy - discount applied at checkout.
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!

The holiday season is officially here! As much as I love this festive time of year, gift-giving can be stressful for me. I always struggle to find meaningful, budget-friendly presents that make my loved ones happy. But this year, I'm spreading holiday cheer by gifting my friends and family homemade plant-inspired presents. Not only is this a budget-friendly idea—it also allows me to share my plant passion with the special people in my life. Plus, don’t you agree that plants make wonderful gifts, plant friends?
In this episode, I'm sharing 5 DIY planty holiday gift ideas from simple to more advanced. Of course, I’m going to make sure there’s something for every skill level and budget. Let's get crafting!

In this episode, we learn:[00:00] What are some affordable DIY plant-themed holiday gift ideas?[04:58] #1 Thrifted propagation station[08:10] #2 Windowsill herb garden[10:30] #3 Stylish Kokedama[15:07] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift?[16:35] Looking for the best plant genetics and tailored care for your garden?[18:52] #4 Succulent Wreath[25:06] #5 Personalized Terrarium[31:20] Accompany your DIY crafts with my book!
Mentioned in our conversation:How to Make a Living Succulent Wreath - Succulents and SunshineMichaels Greenery Terrarium17" Living Wreath Sphagnum Moss FormGreening PinsGrowing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism With Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineGrowing Joy Ep 178 The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101Growing Joy Ep 183 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Functional Mushrooms In Your GardenGrowing Joy Ep 191 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors
For a more detailed description of each DIY gift,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 this holiday season!
Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.
Proven WinnersIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!
Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:
Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung
Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!
Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)
Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!
Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria
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Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria
Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com
Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria


Our Sponsors:
* Check out Quince and use my code joy for a great deal: https://www.quince.com/
* Check out Quince: https://www.quince.com/


Adv

The peak gardening season may be over, but there are still important tasks to do in the garden before winter arrives. As we enter fall and approach winter, it's time to start prepping our garden beds to go dormant. Properly putting your beds to rest sets your garden up for success when it awakens refreshed in spring. In this episode, gardening expert Resh Gala (@reshgala) tells us everything you need to know to properly put your garden to bed for the winter! This episode is a bit of a plant geek fest, so prepare yourselves, plant friends!

In this episode, we learn:[05:19] Resh's gardening journey and how understanding soil quality led to her success[07:53] How does Resh balance gardening, extending the growing season, and self-care in her small backyard garden?[09:37] Creating a greenhouse effect in snowy conditions with bent metal or PVC pipes[11:24] Why preparing and "putting to bed" gardens for winter is important[13:20] What are the sustainable gardening practices for winter that you should know about?[16:57] Importance of adding compost to garden beds before winter to improve soil health[19:13] What should be done in spring to prepare the soil for planting?[20:18] Nourish your garden with Espoma Organic's diverse range of organic composts[22:19] Gift a touch of harmony this holiday with Wind River Wind Chimes[25:10] Why cover crops are a valuable addition to regenerative gardening and soil enrichment[28:54] Why it’s easy to grow garlic during winter (keeps pests away, resilient, and is a gardener’s favorite!)[32:09] Why is it important to reflect on the gardening season as part of self-care in plant care?[34:09] Resh’s favorite list of what to grow in preparation for the next garden season (tomatoes and cucumber varieties)[39:59] What kinds of flowers does Resh like to grow in her garden to attract pollinators?[48:19] Pre-order Resh's upcoming book Vegetable Gardening Made Easy later this year[50:52] Where can you find Resh on social media?
Mentioned in our conversation:Building and Installing a Low Tunnel Hoop House — Resh GalaGrowing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro To Herbalism With Juliet Of Chestnut School Of Herbal MedicineGrowing Joy Ep 199 How To Grow Garlic With Jill WingerGrowing Joy Ep 200 Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And MealybugsSundried Cherry Tomatoes — Instagram ReelTomato cropsCucumber cropsPre-order Resh Gala’s book, Vegetable Gardening Made Easy
For more of Resh's winter prep tips,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 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.

Follow Resh:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Hundred Tomatoes

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 Communit

Have you ever wandered through the citrus section of a nursery, inhaling the sweet scent of Meyer lemons and key limes, and thought “Oh my, I want one”? As someone who impulse purchased a struggling lime tree years ago—which I named Limey, by the way—growing citrus indoors is possible with the right care and conditions. Citrus plants can be great houseplants if you set them up for success, and they present a unique opportunity to engage all five senses! In this episode, I invited my long-lost dear friend Danny Trejo from Via Citrus to share with you everything you need to know to cultivate your own indoor citrus plant, from choosing the right variety to proper care for growth and fruiting.

In this episode, we learn:[00:00] What citrus varieties has Maria grown over the years? [11:59] What is Danny's background with citrus?[15:01] Try Soltech's high-quality grow lights and get 15% off with code BLOOM15[17:23] Where can you get the best citrus soil mix and citrus tone fertilizer?[19:39] What citrus varieties does Danny recommend for beginners?[21:20] Other citrus varieties Via Citrus are growing[24:13] What conditions do citrus plants need to thrive indoors?[28:01] Grow light specifications for citrus (a crash course)[31:28] Why you should have a proper watering schedule[34:09] Soil care and drainage hole for your citrus[35:52] How often should you fertilize citrus?[37:11] How to prepare your citrus in the winter[38:37] When is the best time to prune your citrus plants?[41:40] How to increase humidity for citrus in the winter[42:53] What are some common citrus troubleshooting tips?[44:08] Can you grow citrus from seeds?[45:28] What is grafting?[49:53] How to ensure that your plant's buds develop into fruit[51:52] What exciting new sustainable pot line is Danny creating?[55:06] Where can you find Danny on social media? (use code ‘GROWINGJOY' for 10% discount!)
Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 206 The History Of Italian Gardens And Italian Citrus With Helena AttleeGrowing Joy Ep 203 How To Bring Your Plants Indoors For The WinterYouTube video Limey’s Grand Adventure // Flying My Lime Tree To FloridaHelena Attlee’s book, The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus FruitWe The WildSoltech Aspect Lights CollectionEspoma Organic Citrus ToneEspoma Organic Citrus Food
For a deep dive into Danny's expert citrus grower tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsEnsure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.
Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".
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.

Follow Danny:
Website
Instagram
Repots
Facebook
Email

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

Do you ever wish you could invite a little more magic into your life? As fall approaches and the spooky season of Halloween is upon us, many of us long to connect with something… mystical. But magic doesn’t have to be complicated or even supernatural, plant friends. The energy of nature that surrounds us every day provides plenty of opportunity for wonder, spiritual connection, and manifestation!
To guide us, I’ve invited my dear friend Rachael Cohen, who is a wonderful example of a modern green witch. While terms like "witch" can carry a stigma, Rachael shows how nature offers a portal to our intuition, healing, and inner wisdom.

In this episode, we learn:[07:25] Rachael’s journey to becoming the “Green Witch”[12:54] How did making art with succulents help Rachael find peace?[15:18] Get a free engraving with code 'growingjoy' at Wind River Chimes[17:08] Explore diverse, flavorful garlic varieties for your garden at Territorial Seed Company [19:29] Complex history behind the term “witch”[21:54] How does Rachael define a witch?[27:24] What is magic?[29:21] What does it look like to be a “Green Witch”?[30:30] Where can you find top-tier houseplants grown in the state-of-the-art European greenhouse?[33:09] Connection between seasons, menstrual cycles, elements, and spirituality[36:48] How do green witches use the cycles of the moon?[39:06] New moon vs full moon and the different energies they release[42:00] Try to read The Farmer’s Almanac to learn more about the moon[47:37] How does Rachael work with plants as a green witch? (active plant magic vs passive plant magic)[48:31] Different energies and creation of herbal teas[52:41] How to identify the uses of herbs[55:57] What makes people choose tinctures over teas?[57:41] Spells can include rhymes, but intention matters more than words[01:01:27] How do you create a spell bag for financial abundance?[01:04:18] Should planting intention spells align with the new or full moon?[01:05:50] Strategic plant placement impacts energy flow based on Feng Shui and yin/yang qualities (aka passive plant magic)[01:11:58] Working with seasons and elements[01:16:26] Where can you find Rachael on social media?
Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 60: Live Taping! DIY Succulent Crowns With Infinite SucculentGrowing Joy Episode 165: Everyday Plant Magic With Rachael Of Infinite SucculentRachael’s book Everyday Plant Magic: Change Your Life Through the Magical Energy of NatureRachael’s book Infinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or ShareJulia Cameron’s book The Artist’s WayArin Murphy-Hiscock’s book The Green WitchJuliet Diaz's booksThe Farmers’ Almanac
For a deeper dive into plant magic and natural energies,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.
Territorial Seed CompanyAre you ready for the fall gardening season? Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy plants right to your door. They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. Whether you are looking for leafy veggies, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back.
Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy - discount applied at checkout.
Proven WinnersIf you want to have success w

Caring for houseplants often means dealing with pests, diseases, or cultural issues at some point. Having a houseplant first aid kit prepared allows you to quickly treat problems and nurse your plants back to health. In this episode, our favorite horticulturist Leslie Halleck shares must-have items to include in your DIY houseplant first aid kit so you can effectively treat plant problems as soon as they pop up!

In this episode, we learn:[00:17] What is a Houseplant First Aid Kit?[09:46] What is horticultural oil, when is it used, and how does it differ from neem oil?[12:57] Neem vs neem oil[15:03] How to brighten up your home and keep your houseplants happy all year with high-quality grow lights[17:28] DIY houseplant first aid kit essentials: Fungus Gnats Death Drop and neem oil![19:44] Is neem oil safe as a leaf shine for plants, or does it potentially harm them by clogging stomata or pores?[22:58] Why should you include fungicide/bio-insecticide in your first aid kit for houseplants?[25:52] Does fungicide reverse leaf damage?[27:46] Sanitizing vs sterilizing (plus products you should use while pruning)[28:48] What is insecticidal soap?[30:18] What are systemics, why do they work, and when should they be used? (heavier chemical)[32:18] Where can you find the best houseplants with scientific care guides and color-coded collections?[34:15] Where can you find high-quality organic fertilizers and potting mixes?[40:50] How do hydrogen peroxide and BT work in dealing with houseplant pests?[41:43] What is a "drench" in systemic pesticide application?[44:16] Why should you have rooting hormone in your first aid kit?[45:19] Best tools/gears for your first aid kid![45:20] What are sticky traps? (monitoring tool)[47:07] Rubber gloves Leslie recommends![50:15] Why should you use separate snippers/tweezers/pruners for gardening tasks?[51:57] Folding potting mat![53:58] Hygrometers/glass domes[57:31] Grow lights[01:00:19] PAR Meter (for professionals)[01:03:36] Maria’s favorite—magnifying glass![01:16:17] Moisture meter[01:08:49] Check out Leslie’s books!
Mentioned in our conversation:Amazon storefront for all products mentionedPhysanLeslie Halleck’s BooksEpisode 204 How to Identify Houseplant DiseaseEpisode 200 Common Houseplant Pest Identification and How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies and MealybugsEpisode 196 Overwatered Vs Underwatered Plants, How Much Light Do Indoor Plants Need and More Common Houseplant ProblemsEpisode 46: Understanding Natural Light: General RulesEpisode 47: Understanding Natural Light: Measuring ToolsYouTube How to Save and Revive a Dying Houseplant: Saving My Prayer Plant from the Brink of Death!Vita Grow Light
For a complete list of houseplant first aid kit must-haves,Check out the amazon storefront with links to many of the products discussed today
Grab the Fungus Gnat Death Drops and/or neem oil at happyhappyhouseplant.com and get 10% off with code GROWINGJOY at checkout!
check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsEnsure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.
Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".
Fungus Gnats Death Drops by Happy Happy HouseplantCan't seem to get rid of fungus gnats? Happy Happy Houseplant knows how annoying it is to see fungus gnats take over your plants, so they created Fungus Gnat Death Drops! Backed by science, tested by their founder Mandi, and loved by their customers. Keep fungus gnats at bay with this microbial insecticide with the active ing