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

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of information about indoor plants, wondering which tips to trust? You're not alone! Join me on this enlightening episode of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I chat with Tanner, the creative mind behind Tanner the Planter. Tanner's journey into the world of plants began in his childhood in Oregon, and he’s here to share his passion for plant care and how he navigates the challenges of caring for indoor plants in the age of social media. 

As Tanner recounts his transition from Oregon to Texas, he reveals how his early love for plants blossomed into a mission to provide realistic plant care advice online. We discuss the conflicting information that often leaves plant parents feeling lost and frustrated. This episode is packed with valuable insights on understanding the basic needs of your plants, such as light and water, to prevent common issues like scale insects and plant pests. Tanner emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations in plant care, helping you avoid the disappointment of plants dying or struggling due to mismanagement.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the impact of social media on the perception of plant care, exploring how idealized images can create unrealistic standards for plant enthusiasts. Tanner's upcoming book aims to demystify plant care, offering practical guidance for joyful living with your indoor plants, encouraging you to embrace the process without the pressure of perfection. We also delve into essential topics like humidity for plants, watering tips, repotting plants, and propagation tips that will elevate your plant parenthood journey.

Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just starting your gardening adventure, this episode is an invitation to cultivate wellness rooted in nature. Tune in to learn how to nurture your indoor plants with confidence and joy!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[02:54] Meet Tanner the Planter

[04:05] How Tanner’s relationship with plants evolved

[06:51]  Where did Tanner get his information while learning?

[08:03] AI, Google, and other confusing sources

[09:31] Why “just put ice on it” is a perfect example of bad internet plant care!

[11:56] How Tanner and Erica built a viral plant brand

[16:46] Manukora

[18:33] Espoma Organic

[22:32] How Tanner approached writing his plant care book!

[24:15] Why you should focus on mastering the basics in plant care

[30:34] How to give yourself more grace when plants die

[32:15] My Hoya heart wedding favors!

[34:12] Why florist planters with no drainage are set up to fail

[35:47] Did millennials change the emotional relationship we have with plants?

[37:27] Why modern plant culture got way too complicated after COVID

[39:41] Why “intuition” is overrated when you’re learning plant care

[40:54] How understanding light makes the rest of plant care easier

[42:03] Skipped generations, lost skills, and why killing plants isn’t your fault

[44:22] How older generations were naturally more connected to plants than we are now

[45:42] What Tanner means by “social media is killing your plants”

[47:45] The cycle of overcorrecting, overspending, and stressing plants to death

[52:21] How much joy even one plant can bring to you

[54:50] Where to find Tanner, Erica, their shop, and his new book!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Pre-order Tanner’s new book: For the Love of Houseplants: Caring for & Keeping Plants with Confidence

Growing Joy 327: Growing a Plant Business, A Marriage and A Community of Plant Parents with @mrstannertheplant

Google Scholar

Maria's Espoma Storefront

 

For Tanner's correct and well-researched plant care advice,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Tanner the Planter:

Website
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2026 is the year of ease, joy, and low-maintenance plant care! It’s time that plants make us feel good instead of dread every time we walk past them. Something’s off if plants are stressing you out. So I invited my friend Cassidy Tuttle from Succulents and Sunshine back on the podcast because if there’s anyone who embodies easy plant care, it’s her! We talked about what’s actually happening in our plant lives right now: having too many plants, letting some go, and redefining what our collections look like. Listen in!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[03:49] Meet my friend Cassidy from Succulents & Sunshine!

[04:50] Cassidy’s latest projects: the Cheerful Plants app and Snappy Pots

[06:28] How her relationship with plants changed over the years

[08:39] What other low-maintenance plants is she experimenting with?

[09:45] Cuttings vs established plants

[11:25] My unexpected reality of growing plants in Florida!

[13:30] Why we now concentrate plants in specific zones of the house

[15:30] Get 3x the antioxidants of regular honey with Manukora!

[17:11] Post-pandemic shifts in plant culture

[19:41] Why whimsical is the 2026 plant trend at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show

[22:11] What does plant number mean to Cassidy?

[25:43] Pros and cons of grouping succulents in arrangements

[28:26] Reducing your plant collection

[31:59] Choosing how you want your collection to grow (fewer big plants vs. many small ones)

[33:59] How Cassidy reworks her watering systems and setups to save time and effort!

[37:03] What tools are worth upgrading for your plant care?

[40:08] Why you should cull your plant accessories too!

[44:02] Where you keep your plants in your house matters

[44:42] Why you should stop buying more plants when you don’t need them

[45:55] Comparison & social media plant envy

[48:15] What is the Cheerful Plants app all about?

[51:11] Why AI plant care apps often fail

[54:06] Breakdown of Cheerful Plants app features!

[56:59] Where to try the app and how the pricing works

[58:18] Where to find Cassidy, her course, and future offerings!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Succulents and Sunshine

Succulents (Idiot's Guides) by Cassidy Tuttle

Cheerful Plants app

Snappy Pots

Bonsai Jack Succulent Gritty Mix

Maria's fave: Espoma Organic Cactus Potting Soil Mix

Blossom Effect talks about watering tips (including the backpack spray!)

Using the 20/20 rule to make decluttering decisions

Growing Joy episodes:

330: 2026 Garden and Houseplant Trends: My Main Takeaways from Northwest Flower and Garden Festival

267: Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office

246: What is Regenerative Gardening and Permaculture? with Stephanie Rose of Garden Therapy

171: What To Do When A Plant Dies with Cassidy from Succulents and Sunshine



 

For Cassidy's other low-maintenance plant care tips,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Cassidy:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Pinterest
Books
Membership

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts! 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you ask me, the secret to being everyone’s favorite neighbor or friend is always having a handful of blooms ready to share. And the best way to do that is to grow your own cut flower garden so you can step outside, snip a few stems, and instantly make someone’s day.

In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations with flower farmer and friend Brooklyn Sherri, a Denver-based urban flower farmer and founder of the Cool Choice Plant Studio for kids. We break down cut flower gardening for beginners and talk through the best flowers for a cut flower garden, including easy annuals, reliable perennials, and beginner-friendly blooms that bring beauty, pollinators, and joy into your space.

We also cover the flower gardening basics that make all the difference, like annuals vs. perennials, pinching, deadheading, and how to confidently grow flowers with less fear and more fun.

 

In this episode, we learn:

[00:02:23] Maria’s garden update

[00:05:40] Who is Brooklyn and how she became a flower farmer

[00:08:31] Why everyone should have flowers in their garden

[00:09:15] Brooklyn shares the personal connection she feels when growing flowers

[00:12:08] Things to consider before growing flowers in your garden

[00:14:06] The best flowers to grow for beginners: sunflowers, zinnias, strawflowers, and more

[00:17:05] A quick recap on annuals vs perennials

[00:18:32] The best perennial flowers to grow for blooms year after year

[00:21:22] How to plan your flower garden so you have blooms all year long

[00:25:48] Brooklyn’s favorite ‘cut and come again’ flowers

[00:27:16] How to make the best soil mix for your flowers

[00:29:30] When to use fertilizers on your flowers

[00:31:04] Where to get the best potting mix, compost and fertilizer for your garden

[00:32:41] Where to order your garlic for this season

[00:35:03] Why you want to fertilize your flowers (and some signs that they need it!)

[00:36:12] Determining how much light your flowers need

[00:37:30] Maria shares her experience with her first garden and reading seed packets

[00:41:17] How to transplant your flowers and harden them off

[00:44:27] How to pinch flowers, what is it for, and when you should do it

[00:48:04] What should you do with your flower’s first bud?

[00:48:25] What is deadheading and how to do it properly

[00:51:03] Brooklyn’s growing tips for peonies

[00:52:43] How to grow flowers from corms and bulbs

[00:57:33] Brooklyn’s top five favorite flowers (and greens) to grow

[00:59:34] A little heartwarming story about Mama Failla and her garden gifts

[01:03:22] Maria shares her newfound interest and joy in flower gardening

 

Have you ever wanted to start your own cut flower garden?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn which flowers are easiest to grow for beginners!

 

Follow Brooklyn:

Instagram

The Cool Choice

Petal and Herb Farm

Ya Grandma's Garden and Houseplants on Clubhouse

 

 

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered how the trees around you might hold stories of spirits and ancient traditions? Join me, on this enchanting journey into the heart of Finnish mythology, as I chat with the incredibly talented Nina, an illustrator and researcher from Finland. Nina's profound connection to nature, rooted in her upbringing in a forestry village, brings an enlightening perspective on tree worship and the animistic beliefs that celebrate trees as living entities with their own spirits or 'väki. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the rich tapestry of Finnish folklore, exploring how the relationship between humans and nature is woven into the very fabric of their mythology. Nina shares fascinating insights into the concept of spirit trees—those special trees that families adopt to symbolize their connection to the land. You’ll learn about the rituals surrounding offerings to these trees, which serve as a beautiful reminder of our bond with the environment.

As plant lovers and plant parents, we often seek ways to connect with nature, and this episode offers practical tips on how to foster relationships with trees in our own communities. From hugging trees to making thoughtful offerings, Nina encourages us to embrace acts of reverence that deepen our connection with the natural world. Plus, we touch on the resurgence of interest in folklore amidst modern environmental concerns, highlighting how these ancient beliefs can guide us in our gardening practices and home-based wellness.

Join us for this joyful living exploration of Finnish mythology and the healing power of nature. Whether you're looking for watering tips, battling plant pests, or simply seeking a mindful gardening experience, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your plant parenthood journey. Tune in to discover how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with the trees around you and bring more joy into your life through holistic plant care.

 

In this episode, we learn:

[02:26] Meet Niina and her life growing up in Finnish forests!

[03:39] How she went from “weird” folklore kid to researcher

[04:50] Why Finnish mythology centers on “animism” and not on heroic gods

[05:48] A bit of Finnish history!

[07:45] What is the concept of väki?

[09:24] What does Finnish tree mythology represent in daily life?

[11:36] Why spirit trees are seen as guides, healers, and places to seek advice

[12:41] What is the story of "The Giving Tree”?

[13:03] How are these beliefs practiced socially vs individually?

[15:45] Experience rich and antioxidant-packed Manukora honey!

[17:28] Start your seed starting season with Espoma Organic’s premium gardening products!

[19:58] How Finland’s month names followed seasons

[21:54] What are some tree-centered traditions tied to birth, death, and life cycles?

[23:40] Offerings and sacrificial trees!

[25:33] What “tree spirits” are and how they’re imagined in Finnish lore

[27:41] Hunting rituals and making offerings to forest deities

[28:31] Favorite stories about  Mielikki and Tapio

[30:07] Is there a resurgence of interest in Finnish folklore and old names?

[31:40] Tree hugging, forest bathing, and tourists seeking Finnish woods!

[32:33] What are some practices to start building your own relationship with trees?

[34:28] Modern rituals: offering, gratitude, and everyday connection

[35:01] What is Niina’s personal relationship with trees?

[36:48] Where to find Niina online and how to get her illustrated tree folklore book!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Growing Joy Episode 322: From Plant Care to Nature Therapy: A Solo Heart to Heart

Growing Joy Episode 298: Tree Communication 101: Science, Spirit, and Synchronicity with Rachael of Our Infinite Nature

Little Book Of Finnish Tree Magic (Finnish Mythology With Fairychamber) by Niina Niskanen

 

To learn more about the vast world of Finnish mythology,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Niina:

Website
Instagram
All her products
Courses

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront. 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if you could grow 300+ indoor plants without hauling watering cans to the shower every weekend… and without even dealing with soil?

In this episode of the Best of Growing Joy series, we’re revisiting one of the most amazing approaches to plant care: passive hydroponics, often called semi-hydro. My friend Kay from @inrootedlove is back for what we’re calling Passive Hydro 2.0, and we’re diving into the real-life details of growing plants this way. We talk about LECA vs Pon, root pruning, reservoirs, fertilizer concerns, and what happens when life gets busy and you forget about your plants for a while.

If you’ve experimented with LECA, are curious about Pon, or want to better understand passive hydroponics for indoor plants, Kay is the perfect person to learn from. This conversation will help you troubleshoot common issues, understand the method more deeply, and grow your plants with greater confidence.

 

In this episode, we learn:

What Kay's Plant Number is

How Kay manages to keep 200+ plants in her home happy and healthy with NO grow lights

The home characteristics Kay looked for when buying a home so her plants could thrive [9:00]

What Maria secretly dreams of for the next home (it's not what you think) [10:00]

What is Semi or Passive Hydro [10:55]

Reasons for why you should try Semi or Passive Hydroponics [12:52]

Kay's experience having small children and a large plant collection [12:37]

Maria's main takeaways from a year of experimenting with semi-hydro: what she is doing great and where she still needs help [13:50]

How do net pots work when roots start to grow out of the pot [15:43]

How to handle orchid roots in LECA [17:0]

How to handle aroid roots in LECA [17:20]

Root pruning [17:50]

The story behind Kay's gorgeous Albo Monstera [19:30]

Is it bad for plants roots to touch the water in a Semi Hydro or Passive Hydro set up? [20:00]

When to repot your plant in semi hydro [21:00]

What happened when Maria forgot about her plants in LECA for 2 months [22:40]

How can you avoid root rot when using semi hydroponics or passive hydroponics? [24:25]

Nutrient troubleshooting deep dive [27:25]

Kay elaborates on how she uses Azomax to manage pests in her large collection [31:19]

What are the signs of a healthy plant in semi hydro [34:30]

What does a healthy root look like in LECA

How dry can you let your reservoir get before you kill your plant [37:16]

How to gage water levels with opaque pots [37:50]

What's an appropriate transition time for a plant to go through transplant shock? [41:26]

Kays product she uses to help plants transition more efficiently [42:15]

LECA VS PON: their differences, pros and cons [43:58]

What PON lechuza is made up of [44:20]

What plants Kay chooses to put PON in over LECA [45:00]

Why Kay doesn't put all her plants in PON [45:01]

What plants Kay plants in PON [45:20]

Why Kay grows anthurium in PON [46:48]

Does a PON set up look different than a LECA set up? [47:26]

Why fertilizing with PON will look very different than fertilizing in LECA

Are there any plant your shouldn't put in passive hydro? [49:10]

How Kay uses PON completely different on her arid plants to help better replicate their natural environments [49:37]

My Raphidophora tetrasperma propagation experiment

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Episode 77 Semi or Passive Hydro 101 with Kay! (Maria and Kay's first episode together)

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

Heating Mats for plants (Kays Amazon Affiliate Links to the ones she uses) Large Option and Small Option

Maria's youtube video on her first passive hydro set up

Maria's youtube video on her 8 month passive hydro update

Kay and Maria's youtube video potting up in LECA VS PON tutorial

Kevins Green Pets (Kay's friend who intro'd her to Anthurium's in PON)

 

Have you experimented with LECA or Pon yet?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how passive hydroponics works and how to get started!

 

Follow Kay

Instagram

Facebook

 

 

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.