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

Today’s episode is about exactly what the title says: our brains… on plants, and what happens in our brains when we become plant people. When I was starting to move from plant killer to crazy plant lady, I noticed there were a few months at the beginning of my plant collection where I felt like the love for plants kind of took over my life. I was constantly buying new plants, going to plant shops, and researching plants on the internet. I was having so much fun with this new hobby, but for a moment, it felt like I couldn’t stop. Billy had to have a little intervention with me to slow me down and make sure we had the space and knowledge of the plants we already had. With his help (or maybe insistence), I put myself on a plant pause, which helped snap me out of that obsessive moment. But I’ve always thought about that particular phase in my life when I couldn’t stop. Enter Dr. Caitlin Vander Weele, the answer to my “plant-iest” and “expert-iest” of dreams. Caitlin is not only an awesome listener of Growing Joy but also a neuroscientist and author with over 10 years of expertise in understanding how emotions and brain chemistry influence decision-making. She is also the founder of Interstellate, a movement that blends science and art with visual imagery to promote science education. Caitlin is really, really smart. And she is also a crazy plant lady, and this conversation blew my mind. IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * How Caitlin became a crazy plant lady * Maria gets real with Caitlin and explains the addictive behaviors she experienced early into plant parenthood. * Caitlin breaks down what exactly was happening in Maria’s brain in those first few months of buying as many plants as possible * What causes our brain to release dopamine and what it is * What compulsive behavior is * What our brain on dopamine does * What neurotransmitters, synapses and receptors are * The difference between endorphins and dopamine * Why we feel bonded to our plants: enter oxytocin * How these things are measured in our brains * 4 phases of compulsive behaviors to look out for * How to cope with compulsive urges when growing your urban jungle LOOKING FOR MORE REASONS TO JUSTIFY YOUR PLANT ADDICTION? Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how your brain responds to plant care! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/brain/] Follow Caitlin: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/caitvw/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/caitvw] Follow Stellate: Website [https://www.stellatecomms.com/] Twitter [https://twitter.com/stellatecomms] Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

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! IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [00:00] Why Pothos might be the most underrated plant in your collection * [02:14] Meet Justin Hancock from Costa Farms! * [03:09] Justin’s lifelong plant passion and career path * [04:37] What Justin does at Costa Farms * [05:20] Why Pothos is having a comeback moment * [07:45] Where do pothos come from? * [08:16] Pothos or Epipremnum or... something else? What makes a pothos a pothos? * [09:17] Why pothos is called "Devil's Ivy" * [09:46] Pothos vs philodendron vs scindapsus * [11:50] How do we care for pothos? * [13:05] Indirect light and what plants actually want * [15:24] Moss poles vs. fence planks * [16:03] How to make Pothos look so lush and full * [17:35] What’s the #1 problem with pothos care? * [18:19] What are the different pothos varieties? * [20:19] How do you specifically care for variegated pothos? * [22:26] How Costa Farms discovers new varieties around the world * [24:24] How Shangri-La and Champs-Élysées came to be * [27:18] The trend of fenestrated Pothos is here * [27:49] Rapid-fire matchmaking: which Pothos fits your personality? * [29:57] What is Costa Farms and where to find their plants * [31:04] Where to follow Justin and Costa Farms online MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * Trending Tropicals® Collection  [https://costafarms.com/collections/trending-tropicals-collection]– [https://costafarms.com/collections/exotic-angel] Costa Farms [https://costafarms.com/collections/trending-tropicals-collection] * Exotic Angel – Costa Farms [https://costafarms.com/collections/exotic-angel] * Blog: A Plethora of Pothos Varieties [https://costafarms.com/blogs/get-growing/a-plethora-of-pothos-varieties] * Golden Pothos [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/small-pothos-parent] * Albo Pothos [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/medium-albo-pothos] * Lemon Top Pothos [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/medium-lemon-top-pothos-parent] * Global Green Pothos [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/medium-epipremnum-aureum-global-green-parent] * Pothos Manjula [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/medium-pothos-manjula-parent] * Pothos Neon Joy [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/medium-pothos-neon-joy-parent] * Jessenia Pothos [https://costafarms.com/collections/all/products/medium-jessenia-pothos-parent] FOR POTHOS RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON YOUR PLANT PARENT PERSONALITY, check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/pothos] Follow Costa Farms: Website [https://costafarms.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/costafarms] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CostaFarms/] YouTube [https://www.tiktok.com/@costa.farms] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@costa.farms] Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/costafarms/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/costa-farms] Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Houseplants are celebrated for their amazing foliage, but I think we overlook another amazing ability, a specific subcategory our favorite indoor plants have — the ability to bloom! Some people say we are intrinsically connected to flowers because, way back when, they signified fruit. Personally, I just think they are joyful as hell with their bright colors, and let's be frank, we all need a little more joy and color in our lives. To give us a better grasp of this beautiful subcategory, I've invited back Lisa of The Houseplant Guru to talk about the must-knows of houseplants that bloom and how reconnecting with this group of plants can help us reconnect to generations we might never know.   IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [01:13] Maria’s garden updates * [04:15] Introducing Lisa, a beloved Growing Joy guest * [06:38] African violets and their underrated beauty * [08:27] What are the differences in plant care between foliage houseplants and blooming houseplants? * [13:25] How long should grow lights stay on for flowering houseplants? * [14:13] How does photoperiod affect the bloom cycle of a plant? * [15:42] Can you put orchids under grow lights? * [16:59] Do blooming houseplants need fertilizer? * [20:24] What to do when your orchids don’t bloom * [25:10] How to get orchids to re-bloom * [26:26] Maria and Lisa share their thoughts about collecting plants and moving homes * [29:51] Best blooming houseplants for beginners * [30:59] Why do you need to turn your holiday cactus all year round? * [31:53] What is the trick for beautiful and healthy African violets? * [33:36] Best blooming houseplants for beginners (continued) * [36:17] Best blooming houseplants for intermediates * [38:38] Are Gerbera daisies appropriate houseplants? * [39:37] How to make blooms last longer * [40:37] Should you fertilize your plant while it is in bloom? * [41:04] Lisa’s favorite blooming houseplants * [41:44] Where to get Lisa’s latest book! * [43:27] Maria’s personal story on how blooming plants connected generations of their family * [48:17] Closing remarks MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * GJ Episode 133: How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant Lady [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/animals/] * GJ Episode 30: Orchid 101 With Chris [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/orchid101/] * GJ Episode 84 : African Violets 101 With Lisa [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/africanviolets/] * Order Lisa’s book “Bloom: The secrets of growing flowering houseplants year-round [https://amzn.to/3wkwYAh]” DO YOU THINK BLOOMING HOUSEPLANTS ARE TOO TRICKY? Check out the full show notes and blog for easy-care options that bloom beautifully [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/bloom/]! Follow Lisa:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thehouseplantguru/] Website [https://thehouseplantguru.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HouseplantGuru/] Books [https://thehouseplantguru.com/#book1] Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

This year, I had the joy of hosting a live Growing Joy popup at the Southeast Plant Show [https://www.southeastplantshow.com/]. 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. IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [03:16] Erica Parker, founder & creator of Southeast Plant Show! Southeast Plant Show [https://www.southeastplantshow.com/] | @southeastplantshow [https://www.instagram.com/southeastplantshow/] * [05:49] Wade Richards - Plants by Wade Lee [https://www.plantsbywadelee.com/] | @plantsbywadelee [https://www.instagram.com/plantsbywadelee/?hl=en] * [09:18] Jeannie Tejeda - @urbnflockr [https://www.instagram.com/urbnflockr/] | Urbnflockr | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@urbnflockr?_r=1&_t=zt-8xajbr5gjxu] * [13:17] Ben - Trapped Nursery [https://www.trappednursery.com/] | @trappednursery [http://instagram.com/trappednursery] * [16:43] Ara - Propagation Diaries [https://propagationdiaries.com/] | @propagationdiaries [https://www.instagram.com/propagationdiaries/?hl=en] * [20:03] Adam Golan - @pourednh [https://www.instagram.com/pourednh/?hl=en] | @pouredllc | YouTube [http://youtube.com/@pouredllc] * [23:49] Jenni - @gazinggreen [https://www.instagram.com/gazinggreen/?hl=en] * [26:35] Jocelyn Ho - Rare Plant Fairy [https://www.rareplantfairy.com/] | @rareplantfairy [https://www.instagram.com/rareplantfairy/] * [29:41] Leslie Patton - @_lottap [https://www.instagram.com/_lottap/] | Not Your Average Sansevieria [https://www.facebook.com/lottaluvdesigns] * [32:42] Carlos Nieto - @carlosalocasias_leafandreef [https://www.instagram.com/carlosalocasias_leafandreef/] | Leaf and Reef Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Leaf-and-Reef-LLC/61574200852005/] * [35:35] Colah B Tawkin - @blackinthegarden [https://www.instagram.com/blackinthegarden/?hl=en] | Black in the Garden - Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-in-the-garden/id1488463073] * [39:36] Cass Marion - @plantaddicted_cass [https://www.instagram.com/plantaddicted_cass/?hl=en] * [43:20] Davida Freeman (CPMG Studio Press) - @condoplantmama [https://www.instagram.com/condoplantmama/?hl=en] * [45:38] Lakeisha Jones - @pinkpothosatl [https://www.instagram.com/pinkpothosatl/?hl=en] | @pinkpothosatl | TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@pinkpothosatl] * [48:27] Jess Gaston - @live.glow.grow [https://www.instagram.com/live.glow.grow/] | liveglowgrow | TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@liveglowgrow] * [52:00] Joshua Hite - Plant Zaddy [https://www.plantzaddy.club/] | @infinite_hite [https://www.instagram.com/infinite_hite] * [53:54] Lauren (Lauren's Fairy Garden) - @stufflaurendoes_ [https://www.instagram.com/stufflaurendoes_/] | @stufflaurendoes_ | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stufflaurendoes_] * [58:33] Carley Crutchfield - @theproblemplant [https://www.instagram.com/theproblemplant/?hl=en] | @theproblemplant | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@theproblemplant] * [59:49] Derek Haynes - @thechocolatebotanist [https://www.instagram.com/thechocolatebotanist/?hl=en] | The Chocolate Botanist [https://www.facebook.com/thechocolatebotanist/] * [01:02:37] Angelina - Palmstreet [https://palmstreet.app/] | @palmstreetapp [https://www.instagram.com/palmstreetapp/] MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * Growing Joy 147: How to Care For Carnivorous Plants Indoors [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/carnivorous/] Special Thanks to: Ara (@propagationdiaries [https://www.instagram.com/propagationdiaries/?hl=en]) and Scott (@top_cut_plants [https://www.instagram.com/topcutplants/]) for coordination of the podcast Josh (@plantzaddyclub [https://www.instagram.com/plantzaddyclub/]) and Marcus (@plantdecoatl [https://www.instagram.com/plantdecoatl/]) for the production and design of the podcast lounge) FOR YOUR FAVORITE INFLUENCERS' HOTTEST PLANT TAKES, check out the full show notes and blog here! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/sps] THANK YOU TO OUR EPISODE SPONSOR: ESPOMA ORGANIC Visit espoma.com [https://www.espoma.com/] to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront [https://www.amazon.com/shop/bloomandgrowradio]. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

I feel like there comes a time in every plant parent's life when we start to get really curious and excited about having a dedicated space for all of our plants. If you are an outdoor gardener, the promise of a greenhouse for seed starts and overwintering plants is even more promising! I’ve had several different moments in life where I’ve Googled greenhouse kits but never crossed the finish line due to the overwhelming and somewhat intimidating aspect of installing them properly (and the price tag). Hopefully, this episode will set you up for success if you feel like you’re ready to take the leap of installing a greenhouse!   IN THIS EPISODE, WE LEARN: * [11:35] Things to consider before planning a greenhouse * [12:28] Why do you need a license for your personal greenhouse? * [15:00] What direction should a greenhouse face? * [16:44] Pros and cons of different greenhouse materials * [20:29] DIY greenhouse vs greenhouse kit * [25:07] What to consider for your greenhouse flooring * [30:52] Different types of greenhouses and ventilation settings * [33:08] How to calculate greenhouse heating and ventilation requirements * [34:31] Different types of fans and vents for greenhouse ventilation * [39:16] How much does a good beginner greenhouse cost? * [43:37] How greenhouses help in pest control and management * [45:45] Troubleshooting greenhouse ventilation and humidity issues * [46:40] What is the ideal temperature for a greenhouse? * [50:12] Greenhouse #1: Amy’s apartment-deck greenhouse in cold Massachusetts * [53:27] Greenhouse #2: Tiffany’s indoor greenhouse for 200+ plants * [59:28] Greenhouse #3: Kristin’s fully-customized permanent greenhouse from a kit * [01:05:48] Greenhouse #4: Eric’s Instagrammable East Nash Greenhouse with recycled windows MENTIONED IN OUR CONVERSATION: * Patrick's other blogs: Sublime Succulents [https://www.sublimesucculents.com/] & Self-Sustaining Ecosystem [https://www.selfsustainingecosystem.com/] * Domino Magazine article: How a Stylist DIY-ed Her Dream Greenhouse From a Prefab Kit [https://www.domino.com/content/greenhouse-design-tips-kristin-guy/] INTERESTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GREENHOUSES? Check out the full show notes and blog for the best beginner tips! [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/greenhouse/] Follow this episode's guests:  Patrick / greenhouseinfo.com: Greenhouse Info [https://greenhouseinfo.com/] | Email [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/greenhouse/patrick@greenhouseinfo.com] Andi and Eric / East Nashville Greenhouse: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eastnashgreenhouse/] Kristin / Tending West: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tendingwest/] | Newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/d41b4e24d31c/dinexdesign2022] | Website [https://dinexdesign.com/] Tiffany / plantmahmah: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/plantmahmah/] | Email [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/greenhouse/hello@plantmahmah.com] Amy Lefavour: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ourfirstgreenhouse/] Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) [https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-joy/] by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/] AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here [https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/plans/240978?bundle_token=93c10c1568fcdb1e6ff95529f22ca502&utm_source=manual]! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz [https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality] (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio]! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria [http://www.instagram.com/growingjoywithmaria] Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.tiktok.com/@growingjoywithmaria?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc] Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria [https://youtube.com/@growingjoywithmaria] Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com [http://www.growingjoywithmaria.com/] Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria [https://www.pinterest.com/growingjoywithmaria/] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]