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

Calathea is one of the most gorgeous and often most disappointing houseplants a new plant parent can bring home. If you've ever taken a beginner plant shopping, you already know: they walk straight to the calatheas. Can you blame them? These plants look like they were literally hand-painted by Mother Nature.

But calathea care is pretty tricky. The leaves curl. The edges go crispy and brown. The humidity demands feel impossible. Suddenly, your most beautiful plant becomes your most dramatic one.

That's why I brought Mark Hachadourian, Director of Glasshouse Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, to cover how to care for calatheas and prayer plants, troubleshoot the most common problems, and actually keep them alive.

In this episode, we learn:

What Marc does for the NYBG

What plants fall under the Marantaceae Family

Prayer Plant, Calathea and Stromanthe- their differences and similarities

Why do the leaves fold up and down as in “prayer”

Why the bottoms of many Marantaceae are purple

Why the tips brown and how we help avoid this

Why humidity is so important for the Marantaceae family

Marc answers a collection of listener questions

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

New York Botanical Garden

 

What do you think is the #1 reason calatheas are so hard to keep alive?

Check out the full show notes and blog for Mark's expert Calathea troubleshooting guide!

 

Follow Marc & NYBG:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

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

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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Does this design decision bring me closer to nature? When I started renovating our new home a few months ago, I wasn’t going to make a single design choice without asking this question. This lens is called biophilic design, and I actually had an episode about it before! But to talk about it more, I’ve invited Oliver Heath, an architect, designer, and thought leader in biophilic design. Oliver is based in England, studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture, runs his own biophilic design consultancy, and has spent decades translating this science from large-scale commercial buildings into something the rest of us can actually use. He also wrote a book called Design a Healthy Home. Let's dive in!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[02:46] How did Oliver discover biophilic design?

[05:30] Is biophilic design taught in architecture school?

[07:34] How Oliver’s consulting firm applies nature to large commercial spaces

[10:05] Why happy people are more productive

[11:47] How biophilic design is trickling down to residential housing and communities

[13:52] What is the true definition of biophilic design?

[15:10] Espoma Organic

[17:31] The "always on" urban environments

[19:09] How nature affects property values, crime rates, and education

[24:41] The three key elements of biophilic design

[27:04] The true foundation of designing a space

[29:41] How to approach indoor airflow, fresh air, and scent

[31:32] Moving beyond technical checklists to the sensory quality of a building

[32:31] How to make your home more biophilic

[34:31] Tips for managing artificial light and circadian rhythms at home

[40:00] Picking colors based on positive nature experiences? (Ecological Valence Theory)

[44:02] Incorporating ‘haptic invitations’ and natural materials into your spaces

[45:34] How an autistic school in London used biophilic niches to create a safe sensory environment

[48:22] How to safely incorporate the sound and feel of water indoors

[51:55] Check out Oliver’s book ‘Design a Healthy Home’

[53:45] Check out Oliver’s online course!

[55:36] Oliver’s favorite biophilic features in his own home

[57:08] Where to find Oliver, his book, and the Biophilic Design School!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Design A Healthy Home by Oliver Heath

Oliver Heath Design School

The Hackney Garden School Project

International WELL Building Institute

Seattle Spheres

Lumie® | Wake-Up Light Alarm Clocks for Better Sleep + Waking

 

Incorporate nature into your home with easy but key biophilic tips from Oliver,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Oliver:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Espoma Organic

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

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy YouTube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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What if your houseplants are doing so much more than just looking pretty on your windowsill? What if they’re actually communicating, sensing their environment, and responding in ways we’re only beginning to understand?

In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I sit down with Paco Calvo and Natalie Lawrence, co-authors of Planta Sapiens, to explore plant intelligence, plant behavior, and the big question: do plants have feelings and some form of plant consciousness?

We talk about how plants sense their surroundings, how they “decide” where to grow, and what our human-plant connection can teach us about slowing down and reconnecting with nature.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your plants notice you, or what’s really going on inside your favorite vining houseplants, this conversation will totally change how you see every plant in your home and garden!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[06:32] Who is Professor Paco Palvo?

[07:01] Why is MINT Lab in the philosophy department instead of the plant science department?

[09:28] Who is Natalie Lawrence? 

[10:00] The relationship between animals and plants: biophilia

[13:34] What is anthropophilia?

[16:26] What role do houseplants play in our relationship with nature?

[18:04] How humans have shaped the phenotype, or characteristics, of plants through agriculture

[20:09] What special message would you engrave on your wind chime?

[22:40] The best way to sleep better and feel calmer naturally in no time!

[25:58] Different types of intelligence displayed by plants

[26:39] How do we see from a plant’s perspective?

[27:27] Tip 1: Observe the plants’ behavior through time-lapse photography

[27:45] Tip 2: Monitor the plants’ electrophysiological states

[28:14] Tip 3: Observe the plant holistically through naked eyes (the most important!)

[32:41] Melatonin synthesis in plants: what we can learn 

[34:57] How vines (climbing plants) have evolved to locate host trees through senses like “sniffing”

[36:59] Where to get the best quality and variety of seeds for ease of planting experience this year!

[38:35] Sourcing a wide variety of high-quality soil, fertilizer, potty mix, and more!

[40:24] What are some of the ways vines (climbing plants) can find their host trees?

[42:04] Are plants smarter? (Hint: It’s not what you think!)

[44:07] What are the limits of technology when it comes to understanding plant intelligence?

[46:56] Do plants have feelings? 

[50:24] Do plants understand music?

[53:35] What is plant blindness?

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Planta Sapiens: The New Science of Plant Intelligence, book by Paco Calvo and Natalie Lawrence

MINT Lab / Minimal Intelligence Lab

How society makes monsters, TEDx talk by Natalie Lawrence

BBC Wildlife – Natalie Lawrence 

BBC Woman's Hour “The unicorn – a symbol of our times?” with Natalie Lawrence

Natalie Lawrence on Aeon Magazine

 

Do you think your houseplants can actually sense what’s happening around them?

Check out the full show notes and blog for a deeper look at plant intelligence and consciousness!

 

Follow Paco:

MINT Lab

Follow Natalie:

Website

X

Linkedin

 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

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

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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Do you have the guts to release beneficial insects in your home? I recently invited Jamie, the co-founder of DMV Beneficials, into my studio to do exactly that. We spent the afternoon performing a professional consultation on my green wall. We examined my alocasia, philodendron, hoya, and more under a microscope to see what was really going on. We found broad mites, spider mite eggs, and a possible infestation starting on my rabbit's foot fern. It was a little scary, but probably the best way to recreate nature right in our living rooms is to release these beneficial insects.

You can watch the full video of our release on my YouTube channel if you want to see these bugs in action!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[02:03] What to expect from this unique live-audio episode

[07:04] Meet Jamie from DMV Beneficials and what her company offers!

[08:46] What are beneficial insects?

[09:53] How Jamie conducts a live pest diagnostic check

[12:27] What kind of microscope should you use to look for pests?

[14:05] Why we start diagnostics with plants like Alocasia and Philodendron

[15:35] Manukora

[17:20] How to identify eggs vs. dust

[19:45] Is it normal to see pests on your plants?

[22:12] Checking for thrips on a philodendron

[24:24] Are beneficial bugs safe to use in a home with birds and pets?

[24:49] Identifying broad mites and how they get inside your home

[27:40] What to look for when checking Hoyas for flat mites

[29:48] Checking my fern for pests

[32:58] How to use keystone plants to assess your plant population health

[33:26] How to release soil predators (Stratiolaelaps) to your pots

[35:22] How to aesthetically place and hang beneficial insect sachets

[39:02] Treating ferns and hoyas with the beneficial insects!

[43:21] How to safely release lacewings to your plants

[46:44] How to use a hex cell to treat 60 plants with one release

[49:19] Where to find Jamie, DMV Beneficials, and local bug chapters!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Growing Joy 272: Beneficial Insects For Effortless Houseplant Pest Management with Jamie of DMV Beneficials

The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Pests

DMV Beneficials Shop

Neem Oil

Lacewing Larvae in Hexcell (400 Count)

Cryptolaemus Larvae in Bottle (250 Count)

Stratiolaelaps Mites in Bottle (12500/25000/125000)

 

If you're curious to know which beneficials work for your houseplants,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow DMV Beneficials:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
X
YouTube

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Manukora

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

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy YouTube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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To me, a hedge of hydrangea is one of the most iconic things you can do for your garden. They're epic, gorgeous, and yes, they have a reputation for being a little high maintenance. But once you set them up for success, hydrangeas can be one of the easiest flowering shrubs to grow.

In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I'm sitting down with Ryan McEnaney aka @ryanplantsplants a fifth-generation member of Bailey Nurseries and the face behind the best-selling Endless Summer Hydrangeas collection. Ryan breaks down everything from the 4 main hydrangea varieties and the number one pruning mistake killing your blooms, to soil pH secrets for changing your flower color, fertilizing tips, and how reblooming varieties can flower every month.

If you already have a hydrangea in your garden, it's going to be so much happier this year. And if you don't have one yet? You just might be inspired to bring one home!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[06:13] What has Ryan’s plant parent journey looked like?

[09:54] What are the 4 main species of hydrangea?

[13:42] Understanding bloom cycles for pruning

[16:56] Say goodbye to balcony watering stress this summer with self-watering planters!

[17:23] Learn how to create the perfect cutting garden for bouquets with The Cut Flower Handbook

[18:25] What is the blooming cycle of hydrangeas?

[20:09] When should you prune hydrangeas?

[22:40] How does soil affect the color of Hydrangea macrophylla blooms?

[28:58] What should you know about planting hydrangeas in the ground?

[30:12] What’s the general light guideline?

[30:42] Common mistakes people make with planting hydrangea

[31:23] Get everything you need, from containers to raised beds, with Gardener's Supply Company

[32:40] Check your hydrangeas’ soil acidity with Espoma Organics

[34:30] Why is it important to choose hydrangeas with flower buds?

[42:42] How to extend the length of hydrangea blooms

[48:26] Where can you find Ryan on social media?

[48:43] Where can you get Ryan’s book ‘Field Guide to Outside Style’?

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Northwest Flower and Garden Show

Bailey Nurseries

First Editions

Youtube: 210 How to Grow Citrus Indoors

Pop Star® Reblooming Hydrangea

Endless Summer Hydrangeas

Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier

Espoma Organic Garden Lime

Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer

Espoma Organic Rose-tone Organic Fertilizer

‘Limelight' – Panicle Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata

Vanilla Strawberry™ Panicle Hydrangea

 

Have you been struggling to get your hydrangeas to bloom?

Check out the full show notes and blog for everything you need to know about hydrangea care, pruning, and soil!

 

Follow Ryan

Website

Instagram

Book

 

 

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

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

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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