If you’re a plant lover, you’ve probably come across Chantel, the brilliant mind behind @channygrayhome on Instagram. Over the past few years, she has built a community of over half a million plant enthusiasts. But there’s so much more to her than her incredible follower count.

In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my chat with Channy—where we talked about her plant history, her love for DIYs, her big move from the Arizona desert to lush Iowa, and how she juggles being a plant mom and a mom to three kids.

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:15] How Channy and I met at a Botanical Garden
• [07:28] What has Channy’s plant journey been like?
• [15:14] Add serenity to your life in 2025 and beat the winter blues with Wind River Chimes!
• [16:56] Start your kitchen garden today by grabbing a copy of Kitchen Garden Living by Bailey Van Tassel
• [19:10] What does pest prevention mean for Channy?
• [21:12] Channy’s new plant soap for pest control!
• [23:57] What does a bubble bath for plants look like?
• [25:07] How to balance motherhood and plant care
• [28:17] Top tips to make plant care easy and fun!
• [30:06] Decorating with plant cuttings
• [32:03] Lechuza pon vs LECA
• [33:54] How did Channy get into DIY projects?
• [35:30] Moving to Iowa and preparing for changes
• [38:02] What does Channy’s family think of her plant collection?
• [40:38] What it feels like to have 500k+ followers
• [43:00] What are her future plans for Channy Gray Home?
• [44:30] Where can you find Channy on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Ep 240: How to Move with Houseplants with Becca De La Plants
• Growing Joy Ep 226: How to Repot Houseplants
• Growing Joy Ep 109: Passive Hydroponics 2.0 and the LECA VS PON Debate
• Plant Soap by Channy Gray Home
• LECHUZA-PON Plant Substrate
• LECA

Learn more about Channy's top houseplant care tips,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Channy Gray Home:

Website

Shop

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

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

Quarto: The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson

Grab a copy of Kitchen Garden Living at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Quarto.com, or Amazon.com to get inspired and grow organically.

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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When I visited the Seattle Spheres and saw the famous green wall with its 40,000 plants, I was mesmerized. But what really caught my eye were these strange little plastic baggies hanging off some stems. I wondered if they were hurting the plants at first. But then I looked closer, I realized those bags were filled with insects. Beneficial insects, to be exact. And they were there to manage pests naturally.

So if you’re like me and have struggled with pests like spider mites, thrips, or mealybugs on your plants, this episode with Jamie Stanton from DMV Beneficials should show you how beneficial insects work in deterring pests naturally.

GET THE FREE HOUSEPLANT PEST CONTROL DOWNLOAD HERE

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:34] Download my new houseplant pest guide for free!
• [03:37] Meet Jamie from DMV Beneficials
• [06:59] What is a “beneficial insect” and what makes it beneficial?
• [09:59] Why not just use pesticides?
• [12:01] How do these beneficial predators work with your houseplants?
• [13:42] What are the risks of releasing beneficial insects in your home?
• [14:38] Can beneficial insects sting us?
• [15:19] Never worry about water restriction ever again by picking up a copy of "The Water Smart Garden" by Noelle Johnson
• [16:32] Discover high-quality organic gardening products with Espoma Organic
• [18:22] Stay away from these beneficial insects!
• [20:42] How to get started
• [28:10] Can we see the mites we release?
• [29:35] Beneficial insect against scales
• [29:46] Effective thrips management
• [33:44] Can you use beneficials in tandem with pesticides?
• [34:51] Top houseplant pests that give the most headaches
• [41:31] How does sustainability play into beneficials?
• [48:19] Where to find DMV Beneficials near you

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Monterey Horticultural Oil
• What's Your Plant Parent Personality?

GET THE FREE HOUSEPLANT PEST CONTROL DOWNLOAD HERE

Learn how to use beneficial insects to protect your houseplants,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Jamie

Instagram

Facebook

Follow DMV Beneficials

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter/X

Youtube

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

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

Quarto: The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson

Grab a copy of The Water-Smart Garden by Noelle Johnson at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, quarto.com, or amazon.com to get inspired and take action on your 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 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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

I can't believe we're already in 2025, but I am SO excited to spill all the tea about my wild plant experiment from last year. In 2024, I totally went for it and added over 40 new plant species to my collection—and it was quite the adventure! Some of these plants thrived, some flopped, and yes, some didn’t make it. So in this episode, I’m sharing it all—from my favorites to my fails—and what I learned along the way.

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:51] Reflecting on 2024
• [04:31] What’s your plant parent personality?
• [06:38] Why I now consider myself a low maintenance plant parent
• [09:08] How I fell in love with Ficus (and fell out of love with Calathea)
• [11:52] My success with Anthuriums and Alocasia
• [13:37] Why my most repurchased plants are philodendrons (+ pothos)
• [15:19] Start 2025 with soothing premium chimes with Wind River!
• [17:00] Grow your best garden yet with the AHS Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening!
• [19:39] Why there is less light in your house than you believe
• [20:50] My top favorite plants in 2024
• [33:44] My least favorite plants in 2024
• [37:56] Plants that didn’t make it in 2024 :(
• [42:53] What's in store for my 2025 houseplant collection?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• What's Your Plant Parent Personality?
• Growing Joy Ep 147: How to Care For Carnivorous Plants Indoors with Damon of California Carnivores
• Growing Joy Ep 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny Coogan
• Growing Joy Ep 247: Growing Joy "After Dark": Spilling the Planty Tea with Kamili Bell Hill and Agatha Isabel
• How Carnivorous Plants Can Be Used for Pest Control // Indoor Carnivorous Plants
• Full Soltech Highland Light and Wallygrow Eco Wall Planter Greenwall Set Up and Review
• ÅKERBÄR greenhouse, in/outdoor/white, 45 cm - IKEA

For a complete list of my 2024 plant collection ranked,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Quarto: American Horticultural Society Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening

Grab a copy of the Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, quarto.com or amazon.com to start growing organically.

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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What role do you think nature plays in your life? For me, it has always been a deeper way to improve my mental, physical, and emotional health. In fact, it’s not just me who thinks this way. The minute I hopped into the digital recording studio, I knew that my guest was someone very similar to me! I’ve been following Marcus Bridgewater, better known as Garden Marcus, for years, and I’m so happy to say that he surpassed my dreams of what this conversation on plants and wellness could have been.

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:12] Who is Marcus from Garden Marcus?
• [04:49] Something we have in common!
• [09:03] How did Garden Marcus get started?
• [12:50] How did Marcus first start gardening?
• [17:01] Our crazy plant parent stories
• [18:56] Community and isolation
• [20:37] Why we need more green spaces
• [27:41] How to be a more “grounding” person
• [30:08] How disconnected is the world from nature?
• [33:08] Exploring plant life parallels
• [36:37] How to understand “feelings”
• [39:35] How to awaken to nature’s presence
• [43:27] How Marcus’s book came to be
• [46:11] Mind, body, and spirit
• [47:32] What it means to be “community loyal”
• [48:23] Garden Marcus vs. Marcus Bridgewater
• [51:04] Check out Seasons of Growth: The New Journal
• [53:30] Where to follow/find Garden Marcus

Mentioned in this conversation:

• How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself by Marcus Bridgewater
• Seasons of Growth: A Journal for Well-Being Inspired by Marcus Bridgewater
• Choice Forward
• Redwood National and State Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

For more plant-life parallels,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Society
• ICPS Classroom Grants
• Verdant Lyfe
• Venus Fly Traps & More Carnivorous Plants
• Florida's Carnivorous Plants: Understanding, Identifying, and Cultivating the State's Native Species by Kenny Coogan
• Little Shop of Horrors (1986) - IMDb
• Carnivorous Plants Animated Series by ICPS
• Carnivorex 3D printer model programs | ICPS

For carnivorous plants' care basics and feeding 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".

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

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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Equinox
• Growing Joy Episode 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice
• Growing Joy Episode 256: What You Need to Know About the Autumnal Equinox
• Get Rachael’s book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety
• Join the 2025 Intuitive Magic Group Coaching

For Rachael's insightful recommendations on navigating the new season,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Rachael:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

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.

Gardener's Supply

Discover 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 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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 plants

Mentioned in this conversation:

• Human Spaces: The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace
• leafjoy H2O® Collection | Proven Winners
• Growing Joy Episode 261: The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces
• My $10 Biophilic Art

For 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 Winners

If 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 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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 CaliKim
• The First Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening by CaliKim
• CaliKim's Smart Pots Fabric Planters
• CaliKim's Seed Collections
• CaliKim's Garden Kits
• Crescent Gardens TrueDrop planters
• Organic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy by CaliKim
• CaliKim Backyard at night

For CaliKim's time-saving gardening tasks,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Quarto: Your Natural Garden by Kelly D. Norris

Grab 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 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

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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Repeat
• The Florida Gardener Podcast
• Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight
• Begonia Ferox
• Heart to Heart® 'Snow Flurry' - Shade Caladium
• Heart to Heart® 'Hot 2 Trot' - Sun and Shade Caladium
• Hippo® Rose - Polka Dot Plant
• Hippo® White - Polka Dot Plant
• Proven 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:

Website

Podcast

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

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

Gardener's Supply

Discover 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 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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 parents

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Proven Winners leafjoy™ H20 Collection
• What's Your Plant Parent Personality? - Growing Joy with Maria
• Growing Joy Ep 261: The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces
• Youtube video: HOW TO MAKE A TERRARIUM - Step-by-Step DIY Terrarium Tutorial!
• Proven Winners Fittonia
• Youtube video: How to Make a Kokedama // Perfect Plant Gift for All Occasions!
• Living Lace® Hurricane - Bird's Nest Fern
• Living Lace® Victoria - Bird's Nest Fern
• Living Lace® Twirly Whirly™ - Boston Fern
• Prismacolor™ Splash Dash™ - Red-leaf Philodendron
• Prismacolor™ White Wizard - Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Pink Princess - Philodendron hybrid
• Arching 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 Winners

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

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Graza: https://graza.co/MARIA
* Check out HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/bloom10fm
* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out Ollie: https://ollie.com/MARIA


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands