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

• Indoor Houseplant Trellis 101: How to Train Your Vines

  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.

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• Grow Lights 101 with Leslie Halleck: Best of Growing Joy Replay

  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.

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• The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Garden from Scratch

  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.

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• Intro to Bonsai: Best of Growing Joy Replay

   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.

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• Digital Detox: What 3 Days in Nature Taught Me (and How You Can Recreate It at Home)

  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.

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