I am completely obsessed with ficus! Ficus is the most overlooked genus in the plant kingdom for indoor plant parents, in my oppinion. Over the last few months, I've been slowly collecting different ficus varieties and learning how to help them thrive. There's just something about the colorful leaves, sculptural shapes, and tree-like growth that makes me love this plant genus. I love my ficus collection and feel like this genus has been overlooked, with the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) getting most of the hype. But there are so many gorgeous, easy-to-grow ficus species that make excellent houseplants. I have spent the last few months cultivating a variety of ficus so you can grow these beautiful plants at home.

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

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Ficus are one of the best bets for having a tree inside your house. Many people want a large, sculptural plant taller than a typical houseplant, and ficus is the perfect choice! Properly cared for, they grow quickly into huge plants.

I'm also a huge fan of The Office, and Michael Scott's Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) in the corner of his office inspired me to create my own workplace tree. Now my goal is to grow mine as tall and full as the one on the show!

I'm obsessed with the gorgeous variegation and colors available in the rubber plant (Ficus elastica). I currently have varieties that are cream, pink, lime green, and dark green—so much texture and personality. My favorite is the bright pink Ficus elastica ‘Belize' that looks like it was dipped in Kool-Aid!

Light – Ficus thrives in bright light—or at least bright indirect light. Variegated varieties may need a bit more light (since they have less chlorophyll). If you decide to use grow lights, keep an eye out for leaf scalding.

Water – These trees don't like wet feet, so water thoroughly until it drains freely from the pot, then allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again. Wipe dust off the big leaves to maximize light absorption.

Humidity – Humidity between 60-80% is ideal. Luckily, they tolerate average indoor humidity quite well too. I try to keep my humidifier running to create a tropical environment but have found Figaro, my Ficus lyrata, survives my dry office conditions too.

Fertilizer – I fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Pushing out new leaves and branches takes a lot of energy, so supplementing with fertilizer really helps.

Pruning – You can train ficus like bonsai trees for desired shape by strategically pinching and pruning new growth. I’m training my ficus belize into a bushy shrub. But beware—they ooze a toxic, latex-like substance when injured, so wear gloves when pruning. That ooze can irritate skin and harm pets, so handle with care!

Ficus drop leaves easily if conditions change, like light level, temperature, location, etc. My Ficus Benjamina is dropping leaves currently because it dried out when I was away – but I just have to fix the cause and it will recover. 

No growth means it likely needs more light. Brown spots usually indicate too much light. Be mindful where you place your ficus and keep an eye on it in case you need to make an adjustment. 

Ficus lyrata: This fiddle leaf fig remains one of my favorites. It's fussy but worth it! Mine has survived my slight neglect for years and grows quickly with enough light.

Ficus benjamina: This comes in gorgeous variegated varieties like Ficus benjamina ‘Anastasia' (white splashed leaves) and Ficus benjamina ‘Twilight' (minty variegation). I'm shaping some into small bushes while allowing others to grow into trees.

Ficus cyathistipula: This lesser-known “African fig” has huge, dark green leaves that contrast beautifully with my more colorful plants. It's also quite hardy – an unfussy, sturdy addition to my ficus family.

Ficus elastica: I cannot believe I never had a rubber plant until now! The leaves of Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan' are almost black with a bright red sheath—very goth! I also love the multicolored Ficus elastica ‘Tineke' and the subtle pink leaves of Ficus elastica ‘Chloe'. And of course, the bright pink diva that is Ficus elastica ‘Belize'. Obsession! These plants are so easy to care for and come in a rainbow of colors.

So there you have it – everything you need to know to grow glorious ficus trees right in your home. I hope all these tips help you succeed with growing ficus indoors!

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 color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!

Find plant joy in leafjoy. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

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The post Everything You Need to Know About Ficus, Ep 224 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

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Did you know that some of our favorite houseplants are actually toxic to pets? I was able to interview Anastasia from Leaf & Paw about Pets and Plants and how to be both a pet parent and a plant parent. Anastasia has a blog dedicated to her passion for collecting plants while caring for her two cats and a hedgehog. In this episode, she walks us through what we need to know about toxicity, how to style with pets in mind, and the top 10 best and worst plants for our pets. Let's dive in!

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For responsibly made, fabulous indoor and outdoor organic soils, fertilizers, pest control sprays, and more, visit espoma.com to find your local dealer or check out my Amazon storefront of my favorite Espoma products here.

Allagash Brewing Company is an amazing brewery and b corporation out of Portland, Maine that has just come out with Fine Acre: an organic beer that’s the perfect accompaniment to your indoor and outdoor gardening practices this spring and summer! Fine Acre’s launch supports organic gardening and farming, so we are celebrating with the Beer Gardening with Allagash Sweepstakes! The prize is insanely planty with over $3000 of gardening goodies. Head over to allagash.com for mechanics on how to join the giveaway! Fine Acre and other Allagash beers are for drinkers 21+. Please drink responsibly.

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If you love your dog as much as you love your monstera or other houseplants, you’ve probably run into this dilemma: how do you keep your plants alive without putting your pup at risk? This has been a problem for plant parents who are also pet parents. Some plants are toxic, some dogs are curious nibblers, and sometimes it feels like your plants and your pets are destined to clash. To figure this out, I talked with Dudley, the plant lover behind Pablo’s Plants on Instagram and TikTok. His brand centers on his golden retriever, Pablo, and he’s here to share with us how to keep both plants and pets safe at home.

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Dudley owns Pablo’s Plants, which he runs with his partner, Michael… but the real star is Pablo, their giant golden retriever.

Dudley's love for plants started long before Pablo. Like a lot of people, he started with a grocery store plant that quickly died. He tried again, and during the COVID lockdown, his interest really took off. He started buying rare plants online and eventually turned his hobby into a business.

Pablo became part of the brand right after he came along. Now, so many people see photos and videos of Pablo that they actually think Dudley's name is Pablo too (which he said he doesn’t mind).

Not all plants are safe for pets. Some common houseplants that can be toxic to dogs (and cats) include:

Levels of toxicity vary, but the rule is the same: if your pet eats any of them, don’t try to solve it with Google. Call your vet right away, or contact your local animal poison control hotline.

Pablo was a curious dog, way more curious than Dudley’s cats (which is surprising), but the cats didn’t seem to bother him. The bigger challenge was the plants. Since Pablo kept sniffing everything, Dudley was worried he was going to chew on them.

The most important thing he taught Pablo was the command, “Leave it.” He started with it on walks whenever Pablo would try to sniff or eat something, along with a little tug on the leash, and giving him a treat when he listened.

This positive reinforcement worked on him, but note that it doesn’t work on every animal. The training was effective, and now he doesn’t bother the plants at all.

Note that not every animal reacts the same way, so what works for one pet might not work for another. Here are Dudley’s different strategies:

For Pablo, the combination of training and food rewards was enough.

The last time Pablo chewed on a pothos leaf, he spit it out and threw up right away. Even though he seemed okay, Dudley called the vet just in case (and don’t use Google this time). Fortunately, Pablo was fine and hasn't touched a plant since.

As mentioned above, don't hesitate to call your vet right away or contact your local animal poison control hotline.

Here are a few pet-friendly options Dudley recommends:

With these plants, you won’t have to constantly stress about whether they're safe for your pets.

What started out as just a hobby for Dudley has turned into a business. He started selling plants online, first on TikTok, and then on apps like Whatnot and Palmstreet. He also started going to plant shows, which is where he met other sellers and made some great friends.

One of the best things about this community is that even though they’re technically “competitors,” they don’t treat each other that way. They share ideas and support each other.

At the end of the day, it comes down to knowing your pet and setting them up for success. Training, keeping toxic plants out of reach, and choosing safe plants when you can makes a huge difference.

For Dudley, he’s now able to live with hundreds of plants and a big golden retriever under the same roof with no problem.

Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season 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 receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

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The post Dogs + Houseplants: How to Keep Your Pup Safe (and Your Plants Intact) with Dudley from Pablo’s Plants, Ep 305 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

What do a theater kid, a Venus flytrap, and a million TikTok followers have in common? Abundance… and my new plant friend Brian from Redleaf Ranch! Brian is the viral TikTok gardener you've probably come across if you spend any time in plant social media. He's the guy who makes you say “abundance!” out loud, and he’s here to talk about his approach to abundance and gratitude, plus how he used gardening as a tool for personal growth and community building.

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Abundance is a mindset. It’s not about having a million tomatoes. It’s a lifestyle! This philosophy appeared to Brian when he was in the process of shifting away from a mentality of “lack,” especially coming from a challenging background of freelance creative work in NYC. He’d been studying Abraham Hicks when he started gardening during the pandemic.

You can look at a garden full of what might seem like dead plants and still find an abundance of lessons to learn. An abundance of compost material, an abundance of opportunities to try again. It comes down to how you choose to look at what’s right in front of you.

Gardens literally reflect back at us the ways we need to be taking care of ourselves, the environment, communities, or our planet.

For Brian, one of the biggest lessons has been learning to relinquish control. Because at some point, your garden is going to get wild, and there's only so much you can manage and maintain. His wellness practice is also deeply integrated with his gardening. Even though he has a big garden that could easily be set up with irrigation, he chooses to hand water everything.

The biggest culture shock of moving to the countryside wasn’t the lack of city conveniences or being surrounded by fewer people. It was learning what to do with all that time, all that quietness, solitude, and trying not to feel guilty about not constantly doing something.

In fact, he’s learned to set boundaries now, where, from November 15th, he’s clocking out and “hibernating.” He doesn't talk to anyone for three months. So this seasonal rhythm is what allows him to show up fully during the growing season for his garden, content creation, and community events.

Brian’s now thinking about the future of Redleaf Ranch. His vision is focused on creating physical spaces where people can disconnect from the chaos of the world and then reconnect with themselves and nature.

He and his partner host these incredible open houses twice a year, where people come from all over to tour the gardens and greenhouses. His mom busts out the grill and starts cooking for everyone. It's become this hub of love and abundance, and they're using it to plant seeds so other people can cultivate that abundance wherever they are.

1. Get comfortable with failure – You are going to inevitably kill some plants. Plants are going to die. But if they die, you can just throw them in the compost, and they become part of the life you feed back into your garden.

2. Start where you are, but actually start – Too many people get paralyzed by analysis paralysis, where they research and study so much before even trying that they never actually begin. The garden will teach you what you need to know as you go.

3. Find your own abundance practice – Maybe it's saying “abundance” when you harvest those two bean pods. Maybe it's simply appreciating whatever growth is happening, however small.

When I think about our conversation, especially in light of where we are in the growing season, I'm reminded that abundance shows up in so many forms. Maybe your tomatoes got hit with hornworms this year. Maybe your garden fell short of what you pictured. That doesn’t mean it was wasted. There’s abundance in the failures, in the compost, in the act of showing up to care for it, and in the way it connects you to something larger.

As we move from summer into fall, I encourage you to look for abundance where you are. Brian’s book Gardening for Abundance is a wonderful guide, but your own garden is the best teacher. Be thankful for what grew, what didn’t, and everything you discovered along the way.

Have the tastiest and most abundant garden when you use organic gardening products! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

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

Plants don't just gift us a wonderful hobby, they also have extraordinary capabilities! Plants with Superpowers by David Dominey features 75 different plants that each have unique abilities like snowdrops that can produce their own antifreeze, venus flytraps that have a memory and can count, and the prehistoric ginkgo tree and how it can survive an atomic bomb. David is a popular gardener in the UK and he's been a great enthusiast for the positive power of plants for a while. After considerable research into myths, legends, and scientific papers, David illustrates how the natural world has truly gifted plants with superpowers—care tips included!

Pick up Plants with Superpowers at your local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, quarto.com, or amazon.com.

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The post Cultivating Abundance and Gratitude in the Garden with Brian from Redleaf Ranch, Ep 304 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

If you’ve ever watched your fiddle leaf fig drop all its leaves, battled fungus gnats that fly into your ear, or poured water on your plant only to watch it run straight through the pot without soaking in, this is your wake-up call. I called in the big guns for this one with my plant friend Mandi from Happy Happy Houseplant. Between our two communities, these are the plant problems we get asked about the most, and she’s got science-backed fixes for each of them. We’re going to be talking about failing fiddle leaf figs, fungus gnats that refuse to leave, and that dreaded “gap of death” in your soil. So let's get to it!

Get my Houseplant SOS course here!

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

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If you’ve seen a perfectly styled living room in a magazine, chances are there’s a big, beautiful fiddle leaf fig in the corner. And if you’ve bought one, chances are you’ve also watched it slowly drop every leaf.

Mandi’s number one diagnosis: not enough light.

Fiddles aren’t “bright indirect” plants, so they want as much light as you can possibly give them. All of hers sit in 7-foot-tall south-facing windows. If you love the look of a fiddle in a darker corner, invest in a good grow light and make it part of your decor.

She’s also famous for her dramatic fiddle leaf fig chops (“the big chop”), which is a bold prune that forces branching and fuller growth. If your fiddle is just a stick with leaves at the top, you may need to cut it back hard, let it branch out, and repeat the process in following seasons.

Fiddle leaf fig maintenance checklist:

This is when your soil becomes hydrophobic. It repels water instead of absorbing it. You water and it runs straight down the sides, and the roots never get a drink.

I’m a chronic underwaterer, so I’ve met the gap of death many times. Mandi mentioned that she created Hydration Renew, a surfactant that changes how water interacts with dry soil, helping it soak in evenly again.

You can use it as an occasional rescue treatment or mix it into every watering if, like Mandi, you don’t repot often.

Nothing makes us rage faster than a fungus gnat flying up our nose. They sneak in with new plants, fresh soil, open windows (even fruit on the counter).

Mandi attacks them at two stages:

Also, forget cinnamon from your spice rack or diatomaceous earth (it hardens like concrete in soil) because according to Mandi, these don’t work. What you should do is to break the life cycle at both ends so they can’t keep multiplying.

Mandi’s products are smart, but it’s the personal touches that really make her brand special, like tucking rainbow sun catchers into starter kits so you get little rainbows in your room as a reminder that someone’s cheering you on.

She’s even releasing Monstera deliciosa fruit-flavored taffy, a candy inspired by the rare, tropical fruit the plant produces in the wild.

And she never stops finding ways to connect with her community, like her Instagram Q&As or “Dear Mandi” postcards you can mail back with plant questions or fun gossip.

If you deal with any of these plant problems or want to be ready when they show up, here’s where to start:

Even the healthiest plants hit bumps in the road, but now you’ve got real, tested solutions in your back pocket. With the right light, the right tools, and a little attention, your plants can bounce back faster than you think.

Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season 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 receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Whether you're snipping your first cutting or diving deep into air layering and seed germination, Lindsay Sisti's The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making More Houseplants . . . for Free! is your new best friend! Get to learn over a dozen propagation methods for 80+ popular houseplants, with step-by-step techniques and beautifully illustrated pages. Lindsay also included the best tools to use for different propagation techniques and tips on how to use different growing mediums, so you get the best possible outcome when propagating. Ready to level up your prop game?

Grab your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation at quarto.com and wherever books are sold.

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I thought I had a pretty deep connection with plants. I mean, this podcast is literally about talking to them (and about them). But after 300+ episodes, this is the only conversation that impacted my daily interaction with plants. My guest, LoriAnn Bird, an Indigenous Métis herbalist and author of Revered Roots, introduced a concept of “plants as our relatives.” Elders. Teachers. Sovereign beings. And once you start viewing them that way, you can’t unsee it. You will realize that we all need to take care of what takes care of us. Listen in and join the conversation!

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so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!

I really like how LoriAnn doesn’t just talk about plants. She talks with them. She sees them as beings we’re in relationship with, not objects we control. Trees, weeds, and flowers are not just background but part of our community.

That reframing of plants as family really hit me, and since our conversation, I haven’t looked at my lawn, garden, or even the sidewalk weeds the same. I walk by and think, “Hey, cousin.” It’s a wonderful reminder of the connection we have to the earth.

One of the most beautiful teachings LoriAnn shared was what she brings into classrooms and herbal work: the 5 Rs.

Respect: approach plants with care, not control. Don’t take without asking.

Responsibility: you’re part of the ecosystem. How you act impacts everything around you.

Relationship: get to know the plants in your area (not just their names).

Reciprocity: if you take, give back. Plant seeds, sing a song. Or just say thank you.

Reverence: honor their wisdom. They’ve been here far longer than we have.

LoriAnn grew up surrounded by wild forests and wildlife. But it wasn’t until later that she began reclaiming her Métis identity and stepping into her role as a teacher and guide.

She started working with schools, bringing kids outside and introducing them to wild, native, and even “weedy” plants. She helped them feel, smell, taste, and experience them.

Through that witnessing and that questioning, LoriAnn realized that without our native plants, we have a loss of biodiversity. We have a loss of insects, birds, snakes, and more wildlife. So she embraces her lineage and shares it with others for us to recognize that we’re actually the guardians.

Have you ever heard someone refer to plants as the “Rooted Nation?” Or stones as the “Stone Nation?” Or insects as “Creepy Crawlers?”

The first time I heard them from LoriAnn, I just thought she sounded so poetic. She refers to them as a different way of seeing the world. A way that centers connection instead of control. What if your garden wasn’t just a space you manage, but a place where your relatives live? What if the birds in your trees weren’t background noise, but visiting cousins?

Here’s a brief breakdown of the terms:

The Rooted Nations – our elders. They're the plants that exist with us here.

The Stone Nations – our oldest relatives, because the stones have been here the longest (river rocks, crystals, mountains).

The Creepy Crawlers – all those little insects.

The people LoriAnn considers as her teachers (Don Ollsin and Robin Wall Kimmerer) talked about the honorable harvest.

This means to only take what it is that you need. You ask permission, and you trust that the plants will guide you to what you need. And you always, always give something back.

That could be seeds, a prayer, a little bit of song. In fact, in the old days, people used their blood as an exchange. Apart from the symbolism, it’s full of minerals that can help the plants grow.

People always compliment how LoriAnn knows so much about plants, but she usually tells them that it’s because she loves them so much that she’s naturally curious. So her advice is to start with one plant. Notice what’s growing around you. What plant keeps showing up? That might be your first teacher.

Or do you have a specific illness that a plant might help with? Start with that. Make tea. Sit with it. Smell it. Notice how it makes you feel. And if you’re on meds or unsure, LoriAnn recommends connecting with your local herbalist.

We’re all from the Earth. We all live here. So even if you don’t come from an indigenous/ancestral background, this wisdom still applies. Ancestral teachings are in all of us. We’ve just forgotten. So if we change our minds, we change the world.

Plants are our relatives. They're all here to teach us something. And they're all worthy of our respect, our reciprocity, and our reverence.

Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season 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 receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Follow LoriAnn:

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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!

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The post Plants Are Our Relatives: Exploring Ancestral Wisdom and the 5 Rs of Herbalism with LoriAnn Bird, Ep 302 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

Are you looking at your basket filled with zucchini (and cucumbers) that you’ve harvested this summer? You might also be wondering what you can do with them because there’s only so much roasted zucchini and pickled cucumber one person can take. You’re in the perfect place, because in this episode, I invited one of my favorite plant people, Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide. Kaleb’s a modern homesteader, gardener, storyteller, and now a New York Times bestselling cookbook author!

He joined us to chat about all the ways to actually enjoy your zucchini harvests aside from your typical zoodles! These four recipes are from Kaleb’s book There’s Always Room at the Table, and they’re flavorful, comforting, and super doable. Time to cook!

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

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This is Kaleb’s go-to weeknight recipe when he’s got a pile of zucchini in the kitchen and no time for anything fancy. It’s the most simple one. It’s a quick sauté in a skillet that's going to really intensify the flavor of your zucchini, because it has lots of garlic and gets a nice crust on it with browning.

Just don't overcrowd the pan to avoid getting it mushy (which is not the best). Don’t salt it right away to also avoid “macerating” and more steaming to happen (instead of browning).

Kaleb grew up eating zucchini fritters during harvest season, and this version adds sweet corn and chipotle mayo for a little extra flavor. No need to drain the zucchini. You can just shred it and mix it with corn, eggs, flour, baking powder, and parmesan or cotija cheese. Then cook them in a hot pan. They become these perfect little pancakes.

Top it with a chipotle mayo for an extra kick!

This one’s like baba ganoush but with zucchini. Cut your zucchini into planks, add olive oil, salt and pepper, and put it in the oven to roast. That browning in the oven brings out all the flavor.

Then, blend it with some tahini, Greek mayonnaise, dill, and some garlic, plus feta cheese. It’s now a creamy and savory dip. You can use it as a spread on a sandwich or as a dip with vegetables, crackers, or crostini.

Yes, dessert! This is a lovely loaf cake that combines zucchini, cardamom, and orange in a sweet baked cake.

Since zucchini doesn’t have a forward enough flavor on its own, it can actually take on any flavor, really. It’s not going to compete with anything, so you can pick different flavor profiles.

Adding cardamom gives it a much more unique flavor, and it works well with orange, which completely changes the flavor profile of zucchini. Zucchini’s “main role” is to add moisture to this cake.

Kaleb likes to sprinkle turbinado sugar on top so it gets a crust when you bake it. You could have it for dessert, but nobody’s stopping you from also serving this for breakfast.

Since cucumbers are another one where you either have a billion or you have two, you can use a pickle recipe. The main difference between a quick pickle and a normal pickle is that quick pickles don't get water bathed or cooked after they're brined. You pour on a hot brine and just put them in the fridge. They usually stay much crisper, and it's much faster. It's an equal part of vinegar to water, so no need to fuss when you make this!

For any type of vine or squash, always wait until after the summer solstice. Late June is when Kaleb plants those seeds and direct sows them. They have tender roots, so transplanting them when you’ve started them indoors is always going to be more “iffy.”

Also, if you plant them late like that, you get past the first generation of vine borers, so you have a little bit more respite to start them later and not have huge issues right away.

I hope you love these zucchini recipes we talked about! I assure you that these recipes are healthy, joyful, and totally unboring. Pick one or two to try this season, and even with these great recipes, you'll still probably have plenty to share with neighbors. And that’s perfectly okay too.

Have the tastiest and most abundant zucchini harvest when you use organic gardening products! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging.

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

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The post 4 Recipes for Your Abundant Zucchini and Cucumber Harvests with Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide, Ep 301 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

Your plant parent story might have started with some humble pothos. It’s forgiving, fast-growing, and honestly, it’s probably the most underrated plant in most of our collections. But there is so much more to the pothos that you might be missing out on. So in this episode, we’re going to talk about pothos way beyond the basics with the help of my plant friend Justin Hancock of Costa Farms.

Justin started in horticultural publishing before joining Costa Farms to assist with their marketing. His role at Costa Farms now involves testing how new plant varieties hold up with different light/watering/environment conditions, and making sure the average person can be successful with them. Let’s dive in!

Plant people argue about what counts as “pothos.” Some say any plant in the Epipremnum family works. Others say only certain types count. The serious plant nerds say we shouldn't even call them pothos at all! But it’s really up to you how you call it.

People call it “Devil's Ivy” because it grows so fast that it seems evil. Or because it grows even in dark places. These plants are from Southeast Asia, where it's hot, humid, and rainy. Here in Florida, I see them growing wild on trees with huge leaves!

Pothos is really forgiving. You don't need to replicate the Southeast Asian environment the way that you do some of the other house plants, which is why it's such a tried-and-true favorite.

Most people think they don't have enough light indoors. Even my Florida house with huge windows doesn't get much light because of window treatments. So don't be scared of sunny windows!

Bonus: if you want a bushy look, use multiple cuttings in one pot. Grower trick! You can even chop one vine into 5 to 6 single-node cuttings and root them right in the soil. No water rooting needed if you keep the soil moist.

Golden Pothos and Marble Queen are just the beginning. There are so many jaw-dropping varieties that are becoming more accessible:

Did you know we now have pothos with fenestrations? Like with Monstera-style holes and splits? I’ve seen them in the wild in Florida, but now you can actually buy them.

Here are my recommended pothos based on your Plant Parent Personality:

Don't know your Plant Parent Personality yet? Take the free quiz here!

After almost 300 episodes, I can’t believe this is my first deep dive on pothos. But I’m glad I waited for the right guest and the right moment because now, I’m obsessed all over again.

If you want to see all the gorgeous varieties we talked about, head to my YouTube channel for the full video version of this chat. Let’s keep climbing, keep blooming, and keep growing joy!

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

so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!

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!

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The post Exploring the Different Types of Pothos: From Marble Queen to Albo to Climbing Giants with Justin of Costa Farms, Ep 300 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

This year, I had the joy of hosting a live Growing Joy popup at the Southeast Plant Show. I’ve been fortunate to attend a few plant events lately, but this one felt special in a way that’s hard to describe. The energy was electric! The people were overflowing with joy, and the plants were everything.

If you love to connect with plant people, discover trending varieties, and just soak up good vibes, the Southeast Plant Show is a must. It’s a plant parent’s dream, with over 120 vendors representing everything from tropical houseplants to handmade pots (even snakes). Here’s a compilation of my conversations with different plant vendors, influencers, and company owners! They share trending houseplants, expert tips, and juicy hot takes about your favorite plants.

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

so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!

The appeal of a plant show isn’t just in the leaves. It’s in the connections. If you want to meet like-minded plant parents to nerd out over rare finds, or just enjoy being around people who get it, this is the place. I got to interview 22 vendors, influencers, and fellow plant lovers in just two hours, and every single one of them brought something insightful to the table.

There’s something powerful about being in a space filled with people who share your passions. Everywhere I turned, there was a conversation happening. People were showing off their hauls, connecting over shared plant obsessions, and making real-life friends after years of being Instagram mutuals.

Erica Parker was the incredible founder of the show, and she created something that goes way beyond a typical vendor event. It’s hyperlocal but global in spirit, with vendors flying in from around the world. And despite its size, it feels deeply personal.

It actually felt like a party and didn’t feel corporate. Like a reunion of people who speak the same language. I kept hearing people describe it as “overwhelming in the best way.”

I kept my eyes and ears open to spot what’s hot right now. Anthuriums were everywhere. Variegated Hibiscus were starting to make waves. Carnivorous plants like pings and sundew pitchers were also having a moment, especially among plant parents looking for gnat control.

Color-wise, pink and purple foliage were everywhere.

People were also talking about plant accessories. Cement pots shaped like anatomy parts (like Adam’s booty pots), handmade trellises, clever fasteners, etc. There’s a wave of creativity happening right now, and it’s making plant styling just as fun as plant parenting.

Let’s just say plant people have opinions. Hoyas were one of the most polarizing topics. Some of them think they’re boring and overrated. Others are obsessed. Calatheas stirred some feelings too, because they’re beautiful, yes, but not everyone wants the drama.

One major theme that came up again and again is it’s okay to let go of plants that no longer bring you joy. People are realizing that they can make room for what truly sparks happiness for them.

Online plant communities are wonderful, but nothing compares to hugging someone you’ve only seen on social media. Many vendors and plantfluencers are connecting in real life for the first time.

There was also so much wisdom being shared. Things like keeping the basics in plant care. That it’s okay to kill a few plants. That you don’t need to be an expert. That plant parenting is trial and error. That the best thing you can do is figure out what works for you!

I walked away from the Southeast Plant Show feeling full. Plants are what bring us together, but it’s the people that keep us rooted. If you have the chance, go to a local plant show or to the next Southeast Plant Show! You might find your new favorite plant or, even better, your new plant best friend.

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

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The post Houseplant Trends, Tips & Hot Takes: Live from the Southeast Plant Show, Ep 299 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.

Have you ever felt drawn to a specific tree—and wondered why? You might already be receiving messages without realizing it.

In this episode of Growing Joy, I sat down with intuitive nature expert and green witch Rachael Cohen of Our Infinite Nature to explore one of the most fascinating and overlooked topics in the natural world: tree communication. From the underground mycelial networks to intuitive connections and bioelectrical signals, this conversation will change the way you see the trees around you.

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

so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!

Many of us have walked past a tree 1000 times and never noticed it. But then one day, something captures your eye. 

Rachel mentioned that the moment you notice a tree, you’re already in dialogue. Trees communicate in so many ways, both scientific and spiritual, such as through mycelial networks underground, chemical signals in the air (scents), and even energy exchanges that you can train your senses to feel.

Tree communication refers to the many ways trees exchange information—with each other, other plants, and even us. While the idea might sound mystical, science now backs what ancient traditions and nature lovers have long intuited: trees are alive, aware, and interconnected.

Trees communicate in multiple ways, including:

These mechanisms don’t just help forests thrive—they offer insight into how we might reconnect with the natural world on a deeper level.

For decades, trees were thought to be in competition. But ecologists like Dr. Suzanne Simard proved that forests are actually collaborative ecosystems. Here’s how it works:

Underground fungal threads connect tree roots, creating a vast internet of support and communication. Trees send sugars, water, and chemical signals through these networks—often with “mother trees” distributing resources to younger saplings.

That “fresh cut grass” smell? It’s a warning signal. When under threat (from pests or mowing), trees release volatile organic compounds to alert nearby plants. This helps other trees boost their natural defenses.

New tools like PlantWave and research from Trinity College Dublin are helping scientists translate bioelectric signals from trees into sounds, music, and even phrases. Imagine a tree saying, “I am 85 years old. I feel water rising through my roots.” Science fiction? Not anymore.

Tree communication begins with awareness. If you feel connected to a tree in your neighborhood, that's your intuition tuning in.

Place one hand on your heart and one on the tree. Feel your heartbeat. Then focus on your tree hand—many people report sensing a pulse or energy shift. Say, “Thank you for this connection. Please share what you want me to know.”

Imagine your energetic “roots” connecting underground with a specific tree. Picture your root systems intertwining and forming a connection through breath and stillness.

We all receive intuitive information differently:

Start by observing what you notice when connecting with trees—don’t overthink it.

Even without mystical belief, being near trees is scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance your mood.

But Rachael and I believe it goes deeper. Trees are intelligent beings. We share commonalities: DNA, respiration, vascular systems, and a deep-rooted need for connection. As Rachael puts it: “Trees are our still-standing elders. They’ve been here before us and will be here after.”

This week, I challenge you to slow down and notice a tree you've never truly seen before. Sit near it, lean your back against its trunk, or place your hand on its bark. Observe. Listen. Feel.

You don’t need to “believe” in tree communication to start benefiting from it. Just start showing up with openness and curiosity.

Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season 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 receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Follow Rachael:

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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!

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The post Tree Communication 101: Science, Spirit, and Synchronicity with Rachael of Our Infinite Nature, Ep 298 appeared first on Growing Joy with Maria.