Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care
Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness
▶ Webplayer
Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness
▶ WebplayerLooking for free, natural ways to decrease stress and increase joy and calm in your life? The answer might be simpler than you think: houseplants, gardening and nature. On Growing Joy with Plants, learn alongside Happy Plant Lady, Maria Failla to care for plants, engage with nature, and use them to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and experience happiness and calm you thought was only available on vacation.Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjoywithmaria
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Nov 13, 2026 · 19:38
Check out the gift guide with 37 items perfect for plant lovers and lots of exclusive discounts! https://growingjoywithmaria.com/gifts-for-plant-lovers/ Hosted by Simplecast, an…
Nov 10, 2026 · 58:35
This week I chat with my plant friend Jennifer Gulizia, a passionate cut flower farmer who transformed her childhood dream into a thriving 20-acre property in the Hood River…
Nov 3, 2026 · 45:41
Join us as Corinne shares her powerful journey to kitchen garden wellness and herbal healing. Facing chronic health issues like MCAS and severe migraines, Corinne found answers…
Oct 27, 2026 · 59:26
Is a plant ever really just a plant? I don't think so. I went from former plant killer to a house full of green in about three months. And somewhere along the way, my plants…
Oct 22, 2026 · 49:36
When winter sets in and our gardens go dormant, that 'green itch' doesn’t go anywhere! In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m revisiting my conversation with returning guest…
Oct 20, 2026 · 55:09
You probably spend most of your day inside. Most of us do... about 93% of our time, actually. Not to mention you’re definitely on your phone all the time. This is a health risk!…
Oct 13, 2026 · 48:51
Have you ever picked up a plant at the garden center and wondered how the houseplants even get here? I didn't think about it much until I was invited to speak at Cultivate, one…
Oct 8, 2026 · 46:13
If you're already dreaming about your 2027 garden, I fully support you! But I also want to encourage you to take a beat ... because the best thing you can do for next year's…
Oct 6, 2026 · 29:11
This might be uncomfortable to ask you, plant friends, but when was the last time you had an original thought? Meaning, it shouldn’t be something you heard from a podcast,…
Sep 24, 2026 · 41:49
The first time I visited Arizona, I could not believe my eyes. I could not believe that, as someone who spent my life growing up in the Northeast, an arid desert like Arizona…
Sep 22, 2026 · 23:31
So, plant friends… all my plants are dead. Well, not all of them. But MANY of them. I had a baby in June, and my houseplants did not survive my postpartum era. What’s interesting…
Sep 15, 2026 · 1:02:54
Did you know that Becca from Becca De La Plants and I delivered our babies 24 hours and 3 minutes apart?! We didn't plan that. We've been friends for almost 10 years now, and the…
Sep 10, 2026 · 47:13
Have you ever wandered through the citrus section of a nursery, inhaling the sweet scent of Meyer lemons and key limes, and thought “Oh my, I want one”? As someone who impulse…
Sep 8, 2026 · 1:00:59
Have you fallen down the greenhouse rabbit hole yet, plant friends? If you've had plants for more than a year, you're probably like me, who's started Googling "how to put a…
Sep 1, 2026 · 44:15
How can we use flowers to further connect with nature and with the world? My mom once photocopied an entire flower dictionary for me from the thick pages of The Language of…
Aug 25, 2026 · 51:14
What if the fewer the plants, the bigger the impact? Right now my house is a construction zone, and my plants are on their own. I have an eight-week-old baby, a '70s house we…
Aug 20, 2026 · 1:11:32
When I got engaged, I figured choosing wedding flowers would be the easy part. I'm a plant person, right? Wrong. Wedding florals are an entire world of their own, and I was lucky…
Aug 18, 2026 · 47:51
Is it possible to tell time with your garden? Apparently, birds and plants can tell us what time of day it is! When we recorded this episode, I was in my third trimester, so…
Aug 11, 2026 · 56:29
We're going back to basics today on how to propagate pothos, plant friends! It's one of the simplest things you can do as a plant parent. And pothos is probably the easiest plant…
Aug 6, 2026 · 48:20
When it comes to killing plants, it's not a matter of if... it's a matter of when. And killing a plant doesn't mean you're bad at plants. It just means you're a plant parent. But…
Aug 4, 2026 · 1:06:19
We often talk about garden-to-table, but what about garden-to-glass? AKA how to grow plants for garden inspired cocktails, and all the ways to turn a harvest into something…
Jul 30, 2026 · 54:36
If you're looking for a large, tree-like plant, a pop of color, or a cool, structural statement piece for your home, might I suggest the rubber plant ? Ficus elastica is one of…
Jul 28, 2026 · 1:14:40
Propagation is your best friend as a plant parent. It's a free way to make more of the plants you already have, and watching new roots grow is so much fun! But there's more to it…
Jul 21, 2026 · 46:16
Have you ever thought about growing your own luffa? Someone sent me a packet of luffa seeds about four years ago. I think I won them in a giveaway, and they just... sat there. I…
Jul 16, 2026 · 34:21
Philodendron might just be the most underrated genus in the houseplant world, and plant friends, it's completely beginner-friendly! This isn't a plant you bring home from the…
Jul 14, 2026 · 1:07:07
What if your backyard could feed you for decades with way less work than a tomato patch? You can achieve this with fruit trees! I met arborist Allen Taylor at the Northwest…
Jul 9, 2026 · 35:23
Did you know plants for your home office can do more than just look nice? Office or work from home, they can boost your focus, spark creativity, lift your mood, and cut your…
Jul 7, 2026 · 45:03
What if the most relaxing time for you in your garden isn't during the day, but after dark? In those cool summer nights when garden chores aren't practical because you can't see…
Jun 30, 2026 · 49:38
What if herbs go beyond the small, contained, and kitchen-window plants we use them for? Herbs could do so, so much more! In this episode, I sit down with Sue Goetz , a garden…
Jun 25, 2026 · 51:00
Ferns are some of the most gorgeous houseplants you can grow... and one of the oldest plants on the planet. They're basically living dinosaurs. But if you've ever watched a…
Jun 23, 2026 · 47:12
What if we don't design or control our gardens, but instead collaborate with them? I moved from the lush woods of Zone 5B to a front yard full of sand in Zone 10B Florida and…
Jun 16, 2026 · 57:01
We’ve likely all had some run-in with a carnivorous plant. I brought one of those little Venus flytraps home from the hardware store, even though I had no idea how to care for…
Jun 11, 2026 · 34:56
If you are just starting out as a plant parent, there comes a moment when you realize your plant has outgrown its pot and you need to figure out how to repot it. And in learning…
Jun 9, 2026 · 1:01:09
Aren't flowers just the perfect little pockets of joy? I have been following Claudia from In the Garden with Claudia on Instagram for over a year now, and I live for her cut…
Jun 4, 2026 · 55:11
If you're looking for your garden to be a little more curated, calm, and cohesive (put together in a way that just feels right) what if you've been looking for advice in the…
Jun 2, 2026 · 48:32
Have you ever heard of the hügelkultur gardening method? I first heard the word ‘hügelkultur’ a couple of years ago while visiting The Lodge at Woodloch's organic farm. They had…
May 29, 2026 · 42:21
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:…
May 26, 2026 · 1:01:12
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…
May 21, 2026 · 48:08
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…
May 19, 2026 · 55:15
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…
May 14, 2026 · 43:59
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…
May 12, 2026 · 53:56
Don't sweet peas have the most amazing floral scent? I remember them as a scent before I ever knew them as a flower, like the Bath & Body Works body spray that no other brands…
May 7, 2026 · 49:58
If you knew where most grocery store lettuce comes from and what it goes through before it lands in that plastic box, you’d never look at bagged salad the same way again. In this…
May 5, 2026 · 1:08:02
Why are monarch butterflies so special? If you follow me on Instagram, you already know my answer. The monarch butterfly has completely taken over my heart. I literally dressed…
Apr 30, 2026 · 56:52
Did you know your “regular” herb garden can double as a medicinal herb garden, and that the mint you grab for mojitos can actually calm your nerves and your digestion? I used to…
Apr 28, 2026 · 40:35
I’ve always wanted to make gardening a lifelong hobby because I plan to have dirt under my nails well into my 80s or 90s , but I never really thought through HOW to make that…
Apr 23, 2026 · 56:42
Did you know mushrooms aren’t actually plants, but a completely different kingdom that plays a huge role in soil health, plant health, and the success of your indoor and outdoor…
Apr 21, 2026 · 54:39
Did you know that your bulb garden doesn't have to be high-maintenance? One of my earliest memories is my mom planting what felt like endless tulip bulbs—500 of them, in fact.…
Apr 16, 2026 · 1:02:32
Did you know that you can actually grow edible gourmet mushrooms in your garden right alongside your tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, herbs, and veggies? You can! And by doing that,…
Apr 14, 2026 · 47:27
My goal this year is to find more ease and joy in my garden! I love my plants, but I don’t want my yard to feel like another job. And when I realized that was a theme that was…
Apr 9, 2026 · 51:18
What if your next houseplant could double in size overnight and end up on your dinner plate? Today we’re talking about how to grow mushrooms indoors and why it might be one of…
Apr 7, 2026 · 58:22
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of information about indoor plants, wondering which tips to trust? You're not alone! Join me on this enlightening episode of "Growing…
Mar 31, 2026 · 1:01:21
2026 is the year of ease, joy, and low-maintenance plant care! It’s time that plants make us feel good instead of dread every time we walk past them. Something’s off if plants…
Mar 26, 2026 · 54:30
If you ask me, the secret to being everyone’s favorite neighbor or friend is always having a handful of blooms ready to share. And the best way to do that is to grow your own cut…
Mar 24, 2026 · 40:11
Have you ever wondered how the trees around you might hold stories of spirits and ancient traditions? Join me, on this enchanting journey into the heart of Finnish mythology, as…
Mar 19, 2026 · 48:52
What if you could grow 300+ indoor plants without hauling watering cans to the shower every weekend… and without even dealing with soil? In this episode of the Best of Growing…
Mar 17, 2026 · 1:15:22
I'm getting certified as a forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)! Every single time, though, people’s response is the same. "Oh my God,…
Mar 12, 2026 · 37:04
Welcome back to part two of our Understanding Natural Light series . We’re bringing this conversation back as part of our Best of Growing Joy episodes because it’s one of the…
Mar 10, 2026 · 51:03
This is my third year attending the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle, and I come back with all the plant tea! Every year, this festival just keeps getting better. The…
Mar 5, 2026 · 48:53
Natural light for indoor plants is one of the most misunderstood parts of plant care. Most plant parents think their homes are bright enough for houseplants… but the truth is, we…
Mar 3, 2026 · 37:04
Are you tired of the boom-and-bust cycle of traditional gardening? Imagine a world where your garden is a source of joy and sustenance all year round! Join me, in this…
Feb 26, 2026 · 35:05
Hands down, without a doubt, incorporating indoor plants into my office has been the single best thing I’ve done for my mental health during the workday. And at this point, plant…
Feb 24, 2026 · 39:05
I’ve been waiting a very long time to write these words. I’m pregnant!!! And we’re having a baby boy! His nickname is Polpettino (which means ‘little meatball’ in Italian)…
Feb 19, 2026 · 46:26
When I first started gardening, the second someone mentioned hardiness zones or frost dates, my eyes would immediately glaze over. I had no idea what my USDA hardiness zone was.…
Feb 17, 2026 · 1:05:07
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion for plants into a thriving business? Join me as I sit down with Erika, the incredible wife of Tanner the Planter, to…
Feb 12, 2026 · 45:32
Have you ever been scrolling Instagram before and seen a picture where it looks like plants are planted in Cocoa Puffs, like little brown balls, or gravel? Maybe as you've been…
Feb 10, 2026 · 52:41
Are you ready to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary without breaking the bank? Join me, as I chat with the incredible Stephanie Rose, also known as the Garden Lady.…
Feb 5, 2026 · 31:14
So what if instead of feeling mysterious, kind of weird, and sometimes dramatic, begonia care was actually much simpler than it seems? Begonias are such a beautiful and diverse…
Feb 3, 2026 · 50:06
Have you ever felt the weight of the world lift as you dig your hands into the soil? Join me, in today's episode of "Growing Joy with Plants" as I sit down with the incredible…
Jan 29, 2026 · 51:08
If you’re new to gardening, seed starting indoors can feel scary and overwhelming. I know it did for me. For a long time, I stuck to buying seedlings because starting seeds felt…
Jan 27, 2026 · 48:50
Did you know that the quality of water you use can be just as crucial for your plants as it is for your health? 🌱 Join me on this enlightening episode of Growing Joy with Plants…
Jan 22, 2026 · 1:05:07
What if low waste plant parenthood began with just one houseplant? In this episode, I’m joined by urban farmer and plant coach Nick Cutsumpas (aka Farmer Nick) to explore how…
Jan 20, 2026 · 48:54
Have you ever stopped to consider the stories that trees could tell if they could speak? In this episode of Growing Joy with Plants , I’m thrilled to welcome the incredible…
Jan 15, 2026 · 46:40
African violets often get a bad reputation as fussy, old-fashioned houseplants, but what if they’ve just been misunderstood? In this African violet care guide, we’re bringing…
Jan 13, 2026 · 29:10
Are you ready to transform your relationship with nature and unlock the secrets to true wellness? Join me in the first episode of Season 11 of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I…
Jan 8, 2026 · 47:23
I’ve been on an eight-year campaign to bring more attention and love to the plant we’re doing a deep dive on today, as you’ll find out. Because this plant, the snake plant…
Jan 1, 2026 · 42:03
I’m so excited to bring you today’s child-friendly episode with a dear friend of mine, Joe Dombrowski. You might know him as @mrDtimes3. He’s the classroom teacher who went viral…
Dec 30, 2025 · 50:29
Have you ever wondered how a single pothos plant could change your entire life? Join us in this inspiring episode of "Growing Joy with Plants" as we engage in a heartfelt…
Dec 18, 2025 · 1:07:39
Air plants don’t get nearly enough love in the houseplant community. They’re an incredible low-maintenance, low-light-tolerant option, and one of the most fascinating plant…
Dec 16, 2025 · 42:08
Have you ever wondered how the vibrant colors of flowers can transform your wardrobe? Join us in this episode of Growing Joy with Plants as we dive into the enchanting world of…
Dec 11, 2025 · 35:23
As we move into the winter season and you notice the days are getting shorter, you might also notice that your plants start looking a little sleepy. Maybe they start growing a…
Dec 9, 2025 · 47:15
Have you ever wondered how a simple vegetable garden can transform into a thriving source of joy, health, and sustainability? Join host Maria Failla in this inspiring episode of…
Dec 4, 2025 · 34:07
Did you know that you can have a living Christmas tree in your home that can be planted and live long after the ornaments come down? I didn't know this until seven years ago when…
Dec 2, 2025 · 47:17
Plant friends, today let’s talk about the Sonoran Desert , one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. As a former New Yorker turned Florida plant parent, I will never…
Nov 27, 2025 · 27:27
I am so tickled to bring you this episode, a very special episode in the Best of Growing Joy series. This is the fifth episode I ever published in my over 300 episodes on this…
Nov 25, 2025 · 1:05:58
Did you know that the water we drink and use in our gardens isn’t in its most natural, optimal form? That simple idea cracked open one of the best conversations I’ve had in my…
Nov 20, 2025 · 47:27
Plant friend, I'm so excited to bring you this Best of Growing Joy series, a throwback episode to 2020. In the pandemic, I let my plant nerd freak flag fly extremely high. New…
Nov 18, 2025 · 42:06
If you’ve been hanging around the planty corners of the internet lately, you’ve probably noticed something: there’s a particular surge in interest in Anthuriums in our community…
Nov 13, 2025 · 30:43
What if your holiday gifts didn't just look beautiful, but they kept growing long after the season ended and reminded the giftee of you and what an amazing person you are? In…
Nov 11, 2025 · 54:58
We all love plants, right? We give them names, talk to them like they’re our friends, and basically treat them like family. However, a lot of plants out there can actually really…
Nov 6, 2025 · 43:32
If you want to grow fresh herbs, greens, edible flowers, maybe even vegetables, right in your apartment, but you don't want to deal with soil, hydroponics is the answer to your…
Nov 4, 2025 · 42:01
In a time where it feels like the weather is getting more and more volatile no matter where we live, making sure that you can capture rainwater is so important for so many people…
Oct 30, 2025 · 1:02:46
Have you ever dreamed of turning a simple fish tank into a lush underwater jungle? Or maybe you're like me, and you have a partner who isn't really into houseplants but is…
Oct 28, 2025 · 54:45
Happy Leave the Leaves Month , plant friends! Did you guys know that was a thing that plant parents celebrate in October? It's actually one of the simplest, most low-maintenance,…
Oct 23, 2025 · 53:08
What is it that makes hoyas so irresistible that buying your first hoya often leads to having 40 in the few months to follow? In this listener favorite of the Best of Growing Joy…
Oct 21, 2025 · 37:29
Have you ever wondered why your hoyas or pothos sometimes send out those long and wild tendrils that seem to have a mind of their own? I certainly have a windowsill full of hoyas…
Oct 16, 2025 · 59:01
Did you know that brightness has nothing to do with how much energy your plants actually receive from light? In this episode, I’m joined by horticulturist and author Leslie…
Oct 14, 2025 · 46:47
Where do you even start if your dream is to turn that blank slate into a gorgeous garden? You’ve just moved into a new house. The keys are in your hands, you’re staring at your…
Oct 9, 2025 · 58:16
What if caring for a tiny tree could teach you patience, presence, and even a new way of looking at life? That, plant lovers, is the magic of the art of Bonsai. It is a very…
Oct 7, 2025 · 54:50
Interested in joining Maria on a retreat like this? Join the waitlist! http://growingjoywithmaria.com/retreat Three days with no phone, no laptop, no social media notifications…
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
