Podcast
plant care
Hosted by Unknown Author · EN
A podcast & Youtube channel to educate, empower, & inspire plant people around the world to grow their plant collections & cultivate more joy in their lives.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Water Saving Techniques for Your Garden with Noelle Johnson, Ep 275
Feb 3, 2025Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/6735e96f-6ad8-4b15-b831-fa801c892d9b/stream.mp3 How can we conserve water while maintaining healthy, attractive gardens, no matter what climate you're in? Record-breaking heat waves, devastating droughts, wildfires scorching millions of acres, floods turning streets into rivers—we've seen it all this year. As climate extremes test our resilience, our gardens are feeling the impact too. How do we ensure our gardens not only survive but also grow in these unpredictable conditions? In this episode, let’s talk about water-saving techniques and strategies to keep your garden lush and sustainable with Noelle Johnson, aka the “Arizona plant lady.” She’s a horticulturist, landscape consultant, and the author of the new book, ‘The Water-Smart Garden.’ In this episode, we learn: [02:53] How Noelle became a plant expert [04:36] Why water conservation is important [07:27] What does water conservation look like? [08:27] Identifying drought conditions [09:56] Water-saving tips for renters [10:49] What are the plants great for different plant zones? [13:43] How to choose drought-tolerant Plants [15:28] Support a sustainable future for your garden and planet with Espoma Organics’ premium gardening products! [17:47] Why you should go to a local nursery [19:28] How do you make soil more efficient at water retention? [22:27] How do mulch and ground cover help with water retention? [25:30] What are ollas for water saving? [29:41] What are different ways of capturing rainwater? (rain barrel, swale, creek beds, etc) [35:27] What is xeriscaping? [39:27] How can you reduce the water your lawn needs? [43:08] Smart irrigation controllers [44:24] Beginner tips for water conservation [46:14] Advanced water conservation strategies [48:08] Get Noelle’s new book, ’The Water-Smart Garden’ Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! The Water Crisis in Our Own Backyards Would you believe that 30% to 70% of your household water use goes to watering your plants outside? This statistic varies dramatically based on location—if you're in an area with plenty of rainfall, you might be on the lower end, but head west, and that percentage climbs significantly. Noelle shares her story: “I moved to Arizona from California, and I was very excited to plant a garden… six months later, everything was dead. Even the beautiful rose bushes that my garden had come with, I managed to kill them while keeping them alive.” Choosing the Right Water-Saving Plants Noelle explains that plants are made up of approximately 95% water. During the day, when the sun comes out, plants lose water through the surface of their leaves. So when it comes to selecting drought-tolerant plants, you have to be more selective. Look for plants with: Smaller leaves (less surface area for water loss) A grayish cast (indicating tiny protective hairs that act like sunscreen) Native or climate-adapted characteristics Don't just go to a big box store because there are certain types of plants they put out there as eye candy, but some are not suitable for that particular climate. The Soil Secret Soil is our biggest bank, meaning it's the best place to store moisture. She shares a simple test to understand your soil type: Dig a hole one foot deep and wide Fill it with water and let it drain Fill it again and time the drainage: 3 hours = sandy soil 12 hours = clay soil Now, the best way (and solution) to improve the texture and water-holding capabilities of your soil is compost. Mix one-third compost with two-thirds existing soil for optimal results. For sandy soil, it allows it to hold on, keeping the water there a little bit longer. And for clay soil, it's going to allow the water to drain and permeate more effectively. Getting Creative with Water Conservation One of the most intriguing techniques discussed is the use of ollas (pronounced “oya”). “This is an example of an ancient practice that still works to this day. These clay vessels are buried in the ground, filled with water, and slowly release moisture directly to plant roots. “You can make your own,” Noelle shares. It's two terracotta pots. It's the simplest thing to use. Cost only around 2-3 bucks. What is Xeriscaping? Xeriscaping, from the Greek word for “dry landscape,” isn't about creating a barren wasteland—it's about smart design that maximizes water efficiency while maintaining beauty. The strategy involves strategic grouping of plants based on their water needs—a concept called hydrozoning. If you have some plants that need a lot of water, put them together so they can all share of that water. If you have plants that are more drought tolerant, put them in their own section. A successful xeriscape also incorporates efficient irrigation practices, typically using drip systems for trees, shrubs, and ground covers. The approach also calls for seasonal adjustments to watering schedules—a detail many gardeners overlook. This comprehensive system, when properly implemented, can reduce outdoor water usage by 50-75% while still maintaining a lush, vibrant landscape. The Lawn Debate Lawns consume the most water outdoors in the country, and instead of encouraging complete removal (though you can do that), Noelle offers smart management techniques. Let your lawn grow to about three inches tall. That shades the roots of your lawn. So less water is lost. She also emphasizes the importance of proper watering depth: “You want to water to a depth of six to eight inches each time. Most people water their lawn too frequently and not deeply enough.”...
Transcribe →Easy Houseplant Care, Houseplant Pest Control, and Motherhood and Plants with Channy Gray Home, Ep 273
Jan 20, 2025Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/6735e96f-6ad8-4b15-b831-fa801c892d9b/stream.mp3 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? [11:00] Moving with plants [13:18] Have her plant preferences evolved over time? [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? Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! A Full Circle Plant Friend Moment Two years ago, I met Channy in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a sweaty, last-minute meet-up at the Botanical Garden. I was in town for just 48 hours, juggling a conference and squeezing in a podcast recording. I frantically DMed Chantel, asking if she could join me—and she did! We had the most amazing time creating content and touring the gardens together. What makes this moment even more special is that Chantel was actually a longtime listener to my podcast when it was still Bloom and Grow Radio, back when she was struggling with plant care. It gives me all the feels after knowing that my podcast helped her turn things around. Balancing Plant Parenthood with Motherhood As a mom to three kids (ages 4, 6, and 8), Chantel sees beautiful parallels between raising plants and children. “ I feel like they're both so parallel to each other. I feel like the way my kids grow and my plants grow is all a reflection of the care that I give them.” Easy Houseplant Care Tips Chantel's committed to making plant care convenient and enjoyable. As she puts it, “The moment plant care feels inconvenient is when it's no longer fun.” Here are some of her top tips: Choose the right plants: Most houseplants like Monstera, ZZ plants, snake plants, philodendron, and hoyas can go completely dry between waterings. Try hydroponic growing: About 25% of her collection is hydroponic, which she finds incredibly low-maintenance. Use propagations strategically: She'll place cuttings in water in rooms with less light, treating them like long-lasting bouquets. Pest Prevention Chantel firmly believes in preventing pests rather than dealing with infestations. When she brings a new plant home, she goes to repot it immediately, treats it with her own plant soap, and adds systemic granules to the soil. She basically treats every new plant as if it has pests, and this routine has saved her countless headaches. Her plant soap, a product she created after struggling with mealybugs on her variegated Hoya compacta, has become a fan favorite because it’s like giving your plants a bubble bath by how it lifts pests off the leaves and prevents infestations. DIY and Plant Care Chantel loves DIY projects, and she’s very creative and full of restless energy. She’s known for turning spaces with earthy tones and plant-friendly designs inspired by the desert. Moving to Iowa is a fresh start, and she’s brimming with ideas for her new home. One of the things she's most proud of is her aesthetic catch trays for hanging plants. What's Next for Channy Gray Home? Exciting things are coming in 2025! Chantel's going to start selling plants on her website, with collections specifically curated for different spaces in the home (so that these plants can grow even in low light spaces). As a self-proclaimed “Hoya head,” she's particularly excited about offering collections of easy-blooming Hoyas. So if you're new to this game or have an indoor jungle of your own, it's all about making plant care work for you. As she shows us, sometimes the simplest approaches are the most successful! 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 Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic 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 an amazing gift that can help you or your loved ones grow joy and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect option. Plus, you can engrave the wind sail on the wind chime with meaningful dates, names, or phrases! Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to recei...
Transcribe →I Grew 40 New Plants in 2024: Ranked from Favorites to Flops, Ep 271
Jan 6, 2025Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/772af12c-9619-4bc7-baeb-7f3880bb1c07/stream.mp3 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? Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! Lessons From 2024: My High-Level Takeaways After moving to Florida, I realized I needed plants that could live with less attention. I’m now a low maintenance plant parent. And you know what? That's totally okay! Maybe I’ll circle back to my mindful plant parenting days in the future. Ficus stole my heart this year (they get such a bad rap because of fiddle leaf figs), but hidden gems like the Ficus ‘Belize' and Ficus ‘Tineke' are resilient, rewarding, and perfect for anyone willing to give them some light and love. I tried SO hard with Calatheas. I wanted to love them and their stunning leaves, but they just weren’t the right fit for my current lifestyle. Sensitive and demanding, they need more attention than I can give right now. I actually fell in love with Alocasias and thick-leaved Anthuriums! I was totally worried they'd be super high-maintenance, but they've surprised me in the best way, especially in my green wall setup. Philodendrons reign supreme. While they might not be my absolute top favorites, they're consistently the genus I'll keep coming back to. My Favorite Plants of 2024 Anthurium brownii – extremely drought tolerant Ficus elastica ‘Belize’ – I love growing pink plants, and these grow vigorously Alocasia cuprea – surprisingly hardy, even without a humidifier Alocasia longiloba – they grow bigger with every new leaf that pops out Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ – cream variegated leaves Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’ – dark green leaves Philodendron atabapoense – has long heart-shaped leaves Alocasia ‘Stingray’ – a very prolific grower Anthurium plowmanii – very hardy, thick leaves Birds nest fern – great for low maintenance plant parents Staghorn fern – I actually grew it in soil instead of mounting it Philodendron nangaritense – beautiful coloring on their leaves Philodendron hastatum (Silver Sword) Carnivorous plants – Venus fly trap/pitcher plants/sundews Variegated philodendrons – orange smooth, white wizard, pink princess, splash dash Ficus benghalensis or banyan fig – it's a rather slow grower but it’s beautiful Phlebodium aureum (Rabbit's Foot Fern) – I haven't been as successful with this but I love its shape Monstera adansonii – it's fun to have a fenestrated trailing plant Hoya latifolia & Hoya quinquenervia – beautifully growing on a trellis Hoya ‘Rangsan’ – has a rain variegation that looks like water droplets all over it My Least Favorite Plants in 2024 Ficus benjamina or weeping fig – I was just unimpressed this year but will try another year Ficus cyathistipula or Afrigan fig tree – also slow grower. I just wouldn't buy it again Hoya callistophylla – it was a much finickier Hoya than any other Hoya I've ever cared for Thin-leafed anthuriums – mine ended up getting a lot of crispiness on the edges Monstera deliciosa Thai Constellation – it didn’t grow fast and it didn't do much for me in my plant collection Plants That Didn’t Make It Calathea orbifolia – I grew that thing under glass. I put moss on the top. I ran a humidifier. I did everything in my toolkit and wheelhouse to make this thing happy. And it just didn't cut it. Calathea makoyana Ctenanthe <span style="font-weigh...
Transcribe →The Role of Nature in Personal Growth with Garden Marcus, Ep 270
Dec 30, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/7598bf0b-8c5a-4031-8f87-9639f2f360f1/stream.mp3 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 Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! Humans and Plants Every single second, we're in a reciprocal relationship with our plants. Marcus calls this the “constant exchange” that happens between us and plants. We're breathing out what they need, and they're breathing out what we need. But we've become so disconnected from this relationship in our modern world. We've created these boxes we call buildings, where plants are often seen as potential “infection risks” rather than the life-giving beings they are. Institutions literally have entire departments dedicated to infection control, which essentially translates to “no plants allowed.” How did we get here? How did we create a world where we're actively pushing away the very things that help us grow? Plant Awareness Marcus said, “Awareness takes practice, and practice takes persistence.” This reminded me of my past. Until I was 27, I was completely plant blind. I literally didn't see the trees on my New York City street until I started caring for houseplants. So this awareness isn't just about seeing plants—it's about understanding our place in the natural world. We've created a world where we're paying attention to things we don't like while disrespecting the things that give us life. But when we start redirecting our attention, when we begin respecting (which simply means paying attention to) the living world around us, everything starts to shift. Reconnecting with Earth's Wisdom How do you stay grounded? This isn't just some trendy wellness practice. How do you reconnect with the earth's natural electrical current? Marcus literally sleeps on a grounding mat and tries to go barefoot as much as possible. I used a grounding mat during my melanoma recovery last year, and it made such a difference in my healing process. We wear rubber-soled shoes all day, live in high-rise buildings, and rarely touch the earth. We've insulated ourselves from the planet's natural healing frequency. It's no wonder so many people aren't healing the way they should because our beings literally aren't circulating energy the way they're designed to. Learning from the Seasons Do you not notice that society kind of expected us to always be in summer mode? Where we’re always growing, producing, blooming. But trees don't work that way, and neither should we. Marcus’ new journal, “Seasons of Growth,” is built around this knowledge. Just as a tree has leaves, stem, and roots (corresponding to our mind, body, and spirit), we need to honor all parts of ourselves. And just as trees move through different seasons, we need to recognize that each season offers a different opportunity for growth and engagement with life. Why are we afraid of our winter seasons, our times of rest and renewal? No wonder burnout is such a huge issue in our culture. How Green Spaces Can Help These aren’t just parks (though those are great), but it’s also about our personal connections with plants. Do you have plant collections? Studies actually show that depression rates are higher in cities with limited access to green spaces. So this relationship with plants can change us. It teaches us patience and mindfulness in a way that simply visiting a park can't quite match. A Call to Action for Plant Parents We plant parents have an important role to play in the rehabilitation of humanity. As Marcus said, “We need more plants.” We need more spaces designed for people to simply be with plants. We need to restore our connection to the natural world. Let’s change how we relate to them. Let’s see them as living beings we're in relationship with (and not just as decorative objects). When we nurture our plants, we're also nurturing ourselves. This conversation reminded me why I do what I do. Why I'm so passionate about helping people connect with plants. Because it's not just about keeping plants alive—it's about coming alive ourselves. About remembering who we are as part of this incredible circle of life. 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) Follow Marcus: Website Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok Follow Mari...
Transcribe →Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny Coogan, Ep 269
Dec 23, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/8eb0032d-fd1b-42c4-bb8a-a73afd93e344/stream.mp3 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? [03:26] Check out Verdant Lyfe! [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 [23:10] How to care for carnivorous plants [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 Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! What Makes a Plant Carnivorous? I’ve been getting so many requests for more episodes about them, and I completely understand why. They’re gorgeous, they eat fungus gnats, and they immediately make me start singing the score from Little Shop of Horrors. It's only been 40 years since we've had a definition of what makes a plant carnivorous! Kenny explained that there are three things they need to have: They need to lure and attract their prey They have to be able to digest their prey (either with their own enzymes or with beneficial bacteria) They have to benefit from the digestion of the prey (measured in reproduction and seed quantity) There are about 1,000 species of plants that have carnivory as an adaptation. But they've evolved about 8 different times separately in different geologic time spans on different continents. They're not even closely related to each other! The Big Secret About Venus Flytraps Kenny shared that when you go to a big box store or grocery store, he can guarantee they haven't given those Venus flytraps rainwater or distilled water. They might have also allowed them to dry out, and they're not going to bounce back from that. Venus flytraps also go dormant from around Halloween to Valentine's Day. They'll die back completely, and you'll just have this little rhizome in a pot. People often throw away the bulb that would come back in spring! Beginner-Friendly Carnivorous Plants While Venus flytraps are what people usually look for, they're actually not the best choice for most houseplant parents. I know that watching them snap shut is super satisfying, but for indoor growing, you might want to consider these instead: Cape Sundews (Drosera capensis): Kinda like living flypapers, but way prettier. These look like they’re covered in dew, but that sticky stuff is what traps bugs. Mexican Butterworts (Pinguicula): Can live on a bookshelf or plant shelf and snack on pests. Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes): These are Kenny's favorites, and I can see why! They can handle typical indoor conditions better than most carnivorous plants (aka don’t need as much light) Caring for Carnivorous Plants Note that they’re different from your typical houseplants. Water: Only use distilled or rainwater. No tap water, no filtered water, no well water. The minerals will kill your plant. Soil: No regular potting soil here. Use a lighter soil mix with long fiber sphagnum, perlite, and maybe some orchid bark. Light: Most of these plants need a lot of light. If you're growing temperate species like Venus flytraps indoors, you're probably going to need grow lights. Feeding: You don’t need to hand-feed them—they can catch bugs on their own. But if you insist, then you can feed them a bug or two every month. Please also don't try feeding them hamburger meat. If you want to supplement their diet, Kenny suggests using freeze-dried bloodworms from pet stores. Containers: Don’t use terracotta pots. The minerals in the clay will leach into the soil and kill your plants. Use plastic or glazed ceramic pots. Try Some Carnivorous Plants If you're inspired to add some carnivorous plants to your collection, head over to carnivorousplants.org. The International Carnivorous Plant Society has great resources, including animated videos that Kenny and his team made on YouTube. And if you want to see how I'm putting all this knowledge into practice, head over to my YouTube channel! 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 Thank you to our episode sponsors: Soltech Solutions As winter and shorter days approach, ensure your plants are stil...
Transcribe →Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office, Ep 267
Dec 9, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/c8e8a324-8a3d-47f2-959e-5b4e8314c18e/stream.mp3 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 Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! What is Biophilia? Biophilia, made popular in the ‘70s by E.O. Wilson, explains that humans have an innate connection to nature and living things. Our ancestors evolved in the natural world. They weren't in office settings or sterile homes and instead had huts made of natural materials. They also walked barefoot on earth. But now we've become very disconnected from it (it’s pretty evident from our very boring office design.) So this idea of biophilic design, or bringing the outdoors in, is increasingly becoming popular. Just look at Singapore's amazing green city! We can very much apply these principles on a smaller scale too in our office spaces. Other Elements of Biophilic Design Plants are amazing, yes. But why stop there? Here are some biophilic designs I recommend that you can incorporate into your workspace: Nature sounds: I often underscore my workday with 8-hour tracks of nature sounds from YouTube or Spotify. Instead of the humming of fluorescent lights, try listening to nature sounds like a birdsong during your workday. I've taken it to the next level with my little parakeet Frankie, who tweets and sings to me all day! Natural materials: Seeing wood or something green is better than having a more sterile white office environment. So if your office doesn’t allow plants, you can add wood textures with contact paper, small decor, or framed dried moss like I created for my husband. Choosing the Right Plants for Your Office If you’ve been listening to me for a long time, you already know that not all plants are created equal, especially for offices. That’s why I always recommend drought-tolerant, low-light tolerant plants. We’re not in our offices seven days a week, and there’s also very little light that reaches our desk (especially if you’re not close to a window), so you need plants that can handle those without wilting. Think Pothos, Philodendron, Dracaena, ZZ Plants, Snake Plants, or Holiday Cactus. A special shoutout also to the Proven Winners leafjoy® H2O® collection (aka plants grown in water). They’re practically foolproof and perfect for desks because all you need to do is top off the water when it gets low. They are hardy, low-light tolerant, and available in stylish glass containers that look amazing. Strategic Plant Placement Here are a few ways I’ve enjoyed adding plants to my workspace: Put plants on either side of your monitor This isn't just for aesthetics—it's about your eye health. There's an epidemic of myopia these days from staring at screens at the same depth all day. Having plants at different distances gives your eyes natural break points. I love using plants with beautiful leaf variegation for this purpose. If desk space is tight, go vertical! Use wall space with macrame plant holders or create a green wall like I have in my office. Not only does it look amazing on Zoom calls as a natural backdrop, but it's also a great conversation starter. If you have a low-light office, pop a grow bulb in a desk lamp Swap your desk lamp's regular bulb for a grow light. I did this with a collection of tiny Hoya pots, and they grew so well! Why This Matters Plants are the best co-workers. They don't talk back, bring smelly lunches, or send passive-aggressive emails to you. They just sit there and cheer for you, making your workday a little easier to get through. So I recommend you to pick a plant, put it on your desk, and start enjoying the benefits. 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 Thank you to our episode sponsor: Proven Winners If you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two t...
Transcribe →Vacation Proof Your Plants, Ep 264
Nov 18, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/0a1be073-1f26-4a59-90b5-30d2df2818d6/stream.mp3 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 Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! Know Your Magic Number First, you've got to understand what your magic number is—the magic amount of days that you can leave your plants and have them be okay. Your magic number will depend on your plants and your plant-parenting style. I’d say mine is around 7 to 10 days, but I keep it low-maintenance with hardy plants like monsteras and pothos. If you’re more of a mindful plant parent and have ferns, calatheas, or other high-maintenance plants, your number might be closer to three or four days. Basic Plant Care for 7-10 Day Trips If you're taking a week to 10 days of vacation, you're probably better off than you think. Here are the key steps to take before you leave: Deep Watering: Sometimes we're giving a little bit less water because we know that we're going to come back to them, but that shouldn’t be the case. Give your plants a deep watering before you go. Moss on Top: I like to dampen some moss and place it on top of the soil. This helps slow down water evaporation and keeps the soil nice and moist for way longer. Move Away from Windows: If you give plants less light, they will use less water, so placing them away from windows can keep them from drying out too fast. Plus, it prevents any shock from drafty holiday weather. Group Your Plants: Put all your plants together in one general place to create this little microclimate as they transpire. (I swear by this trick!) Prune Before You Go: Cut off any yellowing or browning leaves before you leave. This way, when you get home, if you see leaves that have yellowed or browned, you know it happened while you were gone and can troubleshoot accordingly. Self-Watering Hacks For those longer vacations or if you’re someone who travels a lot, here are a few self-watering options that are game-changers: Self-Watering Planters: These are a lifesaver! I used Crescent Garden TrueDrop planters for my outdoor herbs this summer, and they made it so much easier to enjoy my travels without constantly thinking about my plants. DIY Water Wicking: Grab some cotton rope, put one end in a water glass, and the other end in the soil. The string absorbs the water and slowly releases it into the soil. Watering Globes and Stakes: These are little ceramic or glass stakes that slowly release water into the soil over time. For Extended Travel (10+ Days): Should You Get a Plant Sitter? If you're traveling for longer than 10 days, don't just abandon your plants! A lot of us have invested hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars into our plant collection. So it makes sense to pay a plant sitter $20 a week to come in and water. Here’s what I’ve learned about prepping a plant sitter: Be Clear About Watering: Explain the difference between plants in cachepots and those with drainage holes. I had a friend overwater some of mine once because I wasn't able to point out the difference. Group the Plants: This simplifies things for the sitter. Put all your plants in one spot, so they’re easy to find and water. Create a Simple Guide: You don’t need a whole manual, but leaving a few basic notes can really help. Label plants by care needs if that makes it easier for your sitter. After Care: What to Do When You Get Back If you've grouped your plants and covered your plants in moss, you're going to undo whatever you did before your vacation and check for any signs of stress (yellowing/wilting/etc). Put them back in their original spots and make sure they’re back in the light if you reduced the light while you were gone for them to start photosynthesizing again. Also, trust that if you have a plant loss, life goes on. You can take cuttings. You can ask for cuttings of plants you've lost from plant friends, and know that it's important to get out there and enjoy a vacation and travel. Plants are amazing additions to life, but if you have to choose between living your life and keeping your plants alive, I hope you choose the former. And I hope wherever you're going, it's filled with so much love, so much joy, and so much support. Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? TruDrop self-watering planters – Crescent Garden Watering Globes...
Transcribe →Give the Gift of Growth // Holiday Houseplant Gift Guide, Ep 263
Nov 11, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/92870c40-27cf-4b23-b157-8fa6deb6f890/stream.mp3 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 Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! Avoiding Common Pitfalls The biggest mistake I see people make is not understanding the lighting environment and the lifestyle of whoever you're gifting a plant to. If you're gifting a plant to someone who's never had one before, they're not going to reorganize their whole life around it. If you’re gifting someone you’ve never met before and you don’t know if they’re going be the type to water it only once a month, it’s going to be really hard to pick the right plant to give to that person. So, you need to be thoughtful about this by getting to know their plant parent personality! Fun Ways to Gift Plants Here are some of my favorite ways to make plant gifts extra special: Personalized Terrariums Personalized terrariums are so easy to do! You can check out my Youtube video where I walk you through how to make one if you’re curious. In it, I made a terrarium for my sister-in-law who's obsessed with gnomes and works as an elementary school teacher. I filled it with cute little gnomes, fairy garden elements, and some gorgeous humidity-loving plants like fittonias. Kokedama Magic If you’re somewhat crafty, try wrapping your plant's roots in moss to create a kokedama. It's an ancient plant art from Japan. You can hang it or sit it as a centerpiece—it doesn’t matter because it’s gonna look aesthetic either way. Level Up Your Presentation No need to go all out – even just finding a pot that matches your friend's style or making a cute care card can totally make the gift feel more special. And if you really want to go all out, you create a plant parent starter kit with a cute watering can, some fertilizer, and maybe even a copy of my book. Perfect Plants for Different Personalities Which plants would make the best gifts? Here’s a quick rundown by personality type to help you pick the perfect gift for everyone on your list: For Mindful Plant Parents If they're a mindful plant parent, you must give them ferns. They're low light tolerant and they love to be watered. The Bird's Nest Fern, especially the Hurricane variety from Proven Winners, is gorgeous and relatively forgiving. For Curious Collectors If you have a curious collector in your life, aka someone who’s already into plants and is kinda the geeky type, I am recently falling in love with this new variety of philodendron called Prismacolor Splash Dash. It’s a variegated plant that will surely add something special to their collection. For Design-Based Plant Parents If you have a design-based plant parent, a terrarium could be really cool, or like a Monstera adansonii. They would probably appreciate one big cool statement plant. For Low-Maintenance Plant Parents For low-maintenance plant parents, if you're really just shot in the dark and not sure what to gift, go with pothos, philodendron, dracaena, or something that you know is really, really hardy that can still grow with minimal care and lower light levels. For Urban Farmer Plant Parents These are people who grow indoors, but they want to grow food or things that they can use. They want their plants to get even more bang for their buck than just aesthetics. They're all about that plant-to-table life, even if their “farm” is just a sunny windowsill! Something like Anthurium andraeanum would be perfect for them. Final Thoughts Plant people are kind people—and the world could use more of us. Start them young, gift plants to kids in your life, gift plants to non-plant people in your life, and maybe your plant gift will inspire a new plant parent to stay connected, send...
Transcribe →Poinsettia/Christmas Cactus/Norfolk Pine Care with Farid of Mahoney’s Garden Center, Ep 262
Nov 3, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/d70eb151-26ab-4b5f-8e10-91844eed9bdf/stream.mp3 Christmas and the holiday season are coming! Which “festive” plants should you grow and how can you help them stay alive? For many people, nothing makes the holidays lovelier than getting a beautiful poinsettia or holiday cactus during this time. But there’s absolutely nothing worse than seeing the holiday plant that you fell in love with just wither before your very eyes because they need a different care than you’re used to. So today we’ll talk about how to care for classic holiday plants with horticultural expert Farid Khalil from Mahoney's Garden Center. In this episode, we learn: [04:32] Who is Farid Khalil from Mahoney’s Garden Center? [08:04] What do the holidays look like at Mahoney's? [10:20] What is a poinsettia and how do you care for it? [14:48] Give your plants the light they deserve this winter with Soltech Grow Lights! [16:12] Pre-order Square Foot Gardening, 4th Edition now and get new plans, tips, and updates! [19:21] How to care for poinsettias successfully? [25:52] Are poinsettias toxic to pets and children? [27:24] What are some poinsettia alternatives? [30:04] Repot your holiday plants with Espoma Organic’s premium quality products! [31:20] Why Cyclamen is a nice holiday plant [32:51] How Cyclamen become associated with Christmas [34:39] How should you care for Cyclamen? [38:35] Christmas cactus vs easter cactus [40:20] How to care for a Christmas cactus [44:19] How to care for a Norfolk Island Pine [49:30] Why Lemon cypress is a good holiday plant [51:46] Get to know about Mahoney's Garden Center! Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! How to Care for Poinsettias Poinsettias are probably the most recognizable holiday plant. In warmer climates, they are outdoor plants, sometimes growing up to 8 feet tall! The red, white, or pink leaves you see aren’t flowers—they’re actually bracts (colored leaves)—and the shorter days of fall and winter cause these leaves to change color. Care Tips for Poinsettias: Keep them warm and away from drafts (cold drafts or even close to heat sources) Let the first 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again (not too dry, not too wet) They like bright, indirect light areas. You don’t need to feed it right away. Fertilizer is needed when the weather warms up, and the plant becomes active again. Note: Poinsettias are not toxic to pets and children. The white milky sap they produce may cause a little stomach upset if consumed in large amounts, but it’s not poisonous at all. How to Care for Holiday Cactus Holiday cacti (Christmas cactus or an Easter cactus) are fun plants because they’re often passed down from generation to generation. They’re long-lasting, and I’ve seen people come into stores with their great-grandmother’s Christmas cactus asking for help repotting because it’s become so large. Care Tips for Holiday Cactus: Treat it like a succulent so let the soil dry completely between waterings Bright, indirect light works well. Don’t overfeed them — this promotes more leaves rather than flowers. To get your cactus to bloom, keep it drier, give it a cool environment, and reduce light exposure in the fall to encourage the flowering process. Note: Holiday cacti are adaptable so don't worry if they stay in the same spot for years – they actually prefer not being moved around! How to Care for Norfolk Pine This plant usually breaks hearts during the holiday season because while it looks like a mini Christmas tree, it’s actually a tropical plant, so it grows up to 200 feet and not ideal indoors. Care Tips for Norfolk Island Pine: Give bright light but not direct sunlight because they can get limp and lose their fresh appearance. Keep the soil consistently moist! They love humidity. Repot regularly so the root system has room to grow. How to Care for Cyclamen In the last five years, Cyclamen has become a major item in the houseplant world. It's gaining huge popularity right now, not only in the States but in Europe in particular. What makes cyclamen special is its timing—they thrive during fall and winter when other plants struggle. Care Tips for Cyclamen: Water them from the bottom (not on the leaves/flowers) or pour water at the outer rim of the pot to avoid damaging the bulb. They need bright, indirect light. After blooming, cyclamen go dormant. Don’t toss them! Let the leaves die back, reduce watering, and store them in a cool plac...
Transcribe →The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces, Ep 261
Oct 28, 2024Tap to summarize https://stream.redcircle.com/episodes/02ba57b5-65b9-4070-bf92-9eac377afbce/stream.mp3 What plants are great in low-light homes? That’s one of the most common plant questions that I get asked a lot. It’s popular because a lot of us don’t have those floor-to-ceiling windows that we often see on Pinterest and Instagram. The majority of us just have normal, low-light homes. Even my new house in Florida is actually extremely low-light! But of course, we all want our indoor garden to grow well, no matter what our lighting circumstances are. So here’s another Proven Winners episode to teach you how to choose the right low-light plants for your space and all the tips you need to know to make sure you’re taking good care of them. In this episode, we learn: [02:34] What is a low light (tolerant) plant? [03:30] Why low-light plants are popular [04:07] Why you should check out snake & ZZ plants! [05:25] How we overestimate the amount of light in our homes [08:13] Take my Plant Parent Personality test [08:35] Importance of rotating pots for low-light plants [10:01] Keep your plant's leaves clean [11:02] #1 Ferns [14:54] #2 Prayer plants [17:00] #3 Monstera [17:33] #4 Photos [19:13] #5 Dracaena [19:52] #6 Philodendron [21:20] Check out Proven Winner’s H2O Line! [22:41] Tips for “no light” situations Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! What is a Low-Light Plant? Is a low-light plant even real? Low light ≠ a plant that grows in no light. That’s a misconception that most people have. Every plant needs just a little bit of light because how would photosynthesis happen if they don’t get the energy they need to create their food? This is simple middle school biology if you remember. So if light = food for plants, no light = no food for plants (aka very unhappy or probably dead plants). So low-light really means a low-light tolerant plant—a plant that can grow with just a little bit of light to make their food. Why Low-Light Plants Are Amazing Low-light plants are some of the best houseplants on the market because they are so versatile. When you buy a low-light tolerant plant, it means that it tolerates low light, but many actually love high light. It’s a great gift to someone if you have zero knowledge about their indoor environment. It’s also a plus if you just want to redecorate your home and move things around (and be able to move your plants). Take the snake plant, for example. They’re quite infamous as the plant that’s hard to kill. While it's famous for surviving in dark corners, I have seen them used as hedges in full sun in California, and they’re even blooming—something rarely seen indoors. So it turns out that they actually love bright light. So they’re low light tolerant (hardy), but they grow so much in bright light. Top Low Light Plant Recommendations: For Mindful Plant Parents (people who often like to take care of plants): Ferns (like Blue Star Fern and Bird's Nest Fern) Prayer plants (like Ctenanthe lubbersiana) For Low-Maintenance Plant Parents: Monstera (including the Swiss cheese variety) Pothos (like Off to Oz Pothos) Dracaena Philodendron (with over 400 species!) And if you want more information, you can check out Proven Winners leafjoy® H2O® Collection Tips for Caring for Low-Light Plants There are two things I want you to keep your eyes out for when you bring your low-light plant home. Rotate your pots: Every couple of weeks, every month, rotate your pot a quarter of a circle around (aka phototropism). This prevents plants from leaning too far toward light sources and will help the plant stay upright. Keep your plants’ leaves clean: It’s important for those leaves to be clean because if dust covers a leaf—often we’re putting low-light plants in corners or in darker areas that we’re not spending as much time in—they can get really dirty. Tips if You Don’t Have Light If you're dealing with a truly dark space like a windowless bathroom, I suggest two things: Use grow lights: Corners really tend to be the low-light areas of homes because the window light basically surpasses them, so you can check out the grow lights that I use. Try the swapping method: Rotate plants between light and dark areas every two weeks. For example, put one pothos in the bathroom with no windows, and put the other one on a windowsill where it can get light. Every two weeks, swap the two plants. Take My Plant Personality Test Just because you have low light doesn’t mean that you can’t take care of plants! Remember that no matter what your home condition is, even if you're living in a basement and you got very little light, there are plants that will grow in your home. If you’re not sure which plants are best for you, I invite you to take my Plant Parent Personality Test. It’s fun, quick, and will give you a curated list of plants perfect for your personality and home environment. Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? Understanding Natural Light 9 Tips for Greening Up Your Work From Home Office Set UP Living Lace® Davana Blue Star Fern Living Lace® Victoria Bird's Nest Fern Living Lace® Hurricane – Bird's Nest Fern Twirly Whirly Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) Sweet Dreams® NeverLand – Ctenanthe lubbersiana Beautifall® Off to Oz Pothos <a href="https://w...
Transcribe →