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

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How to Make Terrariums, Paludariums and Vivariums Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

Terrariums have played a huge role in my plant collection and life. I recently created a good luck terrarium to bring into the recording studio to record my audiobook for Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) and had such a special experience planting up this tiny mason jar terrarium, filling it with special plants, stones and crystals, and carrying it in my backpack around NYC while I fulfilled this dream of recording my audiobook. Terrarium guru, Patricia of Doodle Bird Terrariums, breaks down the differences and similarities of terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums and equips us with the knowledge you need to set your first one up after listening to this ep!

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In this episode we learn:

[00:47] The magic of terrariums
[05:22] How Patricia became the plant lady she is today
[06:33] Why Patricia loves terrariums
[07:03] How terrariums can have restorative effects on people
[09:02] What are the differences among terrariums, vivariums, and paladariums?
[11:56] What are the benefits of growing plants in terrariums?
[12:32] What are common terrarium problems and how do you solve them?
[14:36] How do you put isopods in your terrarium?
[15:55] Maria’s first terrarium story
[17:45] How different is it to set up a terrarium, a vivarium, and a paladarium?
[18:39] What materials do you need for a basic terrarium?
[20:30] Open terrariums vs closed terrariums
[21:45] Where can you source terrarium containers?
[23:25] Which plants are NOT recommended for terrariums?
[25:56] Can you use beneficial insects in an open terrarium?
[27:19] How much soil is needed in terrariums?
[28:06] Where to get seeds, flowers, and herbs to start in the summer!
[29:30] Potting mixes tailored to your specific gardening needs? Yes, please!
[31:22] How to plant up a terrarium
[32:21] Patricia’s recommended drainage layer setup
[34:06] How do you water a terrarium? What water should you use for terrariums?
[36:21] How often should you open a closed terrarium?
[37:23] Patricia’s most recommended plants for terrariums
[39:38] How do you set up a vivarium?
[42:03] Can you use driftwood in a vivarium?
[42:58] The best starter pets to put in a vivarium
[45:05] Bigger plants to use in a vivarium
[46:42] How to feed your vivarium animals
[48:19] Where to get tiny and cute terrarium figurines
[49:18] What is the biggest must-know when installing paladariums?
[51:16] Do you clean the water in paladariums? Do you change it?
[52:47] The most common terrarium care mistakes and questions
[57:26] Where to find Patricia online
[59:26] Maria and Billy’s terrarium plans!
[01:00:08] Thank you so much for the pre-orders, plant friends!

Mentioned in our conversation:

BAGR episode: Terrarium 101 with @teenytinyterra
A Family Guide to Terrariums by Patricia Buzo

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Excited for this year's growing season? If you’re looking for plants for your garden, skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy vegetable plants right to your door! They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. They are offering an exclusive discount just for listeners of Bloom & Grow Radio, use code GROW10 to get 10% off your first order. Order now at territorialseed.com

Espoma Organic

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 learn more about their pet safe indoor and outdoor gardening products, visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

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Popular and Unique Aroids to Try this Summer with Enid of NSE Tropicals May 17, 2022

Show notes

Aroids have always been fascinating, with their different leaf shapes, structures, and texture, it's no surprise that this set of plants is only growing more and more popular today. In this episode, we welcome back the queen of the aroids, Enid from NSE Tropicals, to discuss five popular and unique aroids to try growing this summer! Enid is just such a well of knowledge on more unusual aroids and she shares some more unique types that we might want to introduce to our collections. This episode is definitely geared towards you curious collector plant parent types out there, so let's dive in!

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Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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In this episode we learn:

[00:49] Free membership to the Garden Society? Yes, please!
[02:47] Enid’s book and NSE Tropicals updates
[05:40] Why are aroids so popular? Why are aroids the perfect beginner houseplants?
[08:31] What makes houseplants ‘rare’?
[11:59] Aside from NSE Tropicals, where can you source 'rare' plants?
[13:11] What you need to know when sourcing plants internationally
[15:57] What do people need to look out for when buying plants abroad?
[17:04] Where to get the best seeds for your spring garden!
[18:27] The best and wide-variety selection of plant tones and fertilizers for you
[20:28] Unique Aroid #1: Philodendron tortum
[23:57] The magic of watching a houseplant leaf unfurl
[24:43] Unique Aroid #2: Philodendron bernardopazii
[27:01] Unique Aroid #3: Anthurium veitchii
[29:28] What kind of light do these rare aroids need?
[29:58] Unique Aroid #4: Anthurium ‘Selby’s Silver’
[32:10] Shoutout to Bloom and Grow listener, Joey!
[34:36] Unique Aroid #5: Philodendron distantilobum
[36:54] Bonus plant: The Offolteranium
[37:57] Enid shares the inspiration behind her book Welcome to the Jungle
[38:59] Where to get Enid’s book
[41:16] Take advantage of this sweet Growing Joy offer!

Mentioned in our conversation:

Welcome to the Jungle: Rare Tropical Houseplants to Collect, Grow, and Love, book by Enid Offolter

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Follow Enid:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

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PRE-ORDER LINK: 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!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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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Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

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Preserving Asian Heritage Through Seeds and Stories May 03, 2022

Show notes

Seeds do not only provide us with food to eat, but they represent the future and also allow us to reflect on our history. They are heirlooms, a connection to our ancestors and their stories. In this episode, on Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate stories of Asian culture and connection to nature and food through seeds, with YC Miller from Kitazawa Seed Company. YC walks us through the importance of preserving our heritage through seeds and the stories we share and tells us heartwarming stories from Kitazawa customers on how a simple vegetable can carry so much family history and pride. Let's dive in!

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Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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

In this episode we learn:

[00:49] Have you heard about this MAJOR announcement?
[02:34] How YC became the plant person she is today
[05:24] How growing food can reconnect us with our heritage
[09:56] Maria shares her family’s history with food as Italian immigrants
[12:28] How two brothers built Kitazawa Seed Company
[14:32] Why preserving seed diversity is an important part of the immigrant experience
[17:44] Where and how does Kitazawa source their seed varieties?
[22:45] The best potting mixes for your spring garden!
[24:25] Get your spring garden started with high-quality seeds
[26:00] What are the differences between Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino eggplants?
[28:05] What does the process of bringing a new seed variety to the market look like for Kitazawa Seed Company?
[28:35] Touching stories on food and Asian heritage from Kitazawa’s customers
[32:51] Different Asian recipes for bitter melon
[36:21] YC’s recommended Kitazawa varieties for starters
[38:01] How to grow gourds in your garden
[41:00] YC’s current favorite plant to grow and their favorite recipes with it!
[44:20] Why you need to grow pak choi or bok choy
[45:41] Where to get in touch with YC and Kitazawa

Mentioned in our conversation:

Kitazawa Seed Co
Eggplants (Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino)
Korean peppers
Perilla plant
Okinawan bitter gourd or Okinawan bitter melon
Herbs (Chinese leeks, Thai basil, bunching onion)
Gourds (wax gourds and bottle gourds)
Japanese cucumbers

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Follow YC:

Website

Email: seeds@kitazawaseed.com

Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:

PRE-ORDER LINK: 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!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio

Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio

Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com

Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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Beginner's Guide to Greenhouses Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

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 - whether it's a small kit, or a large structure in your backyard - consider this episode a beginners guide to building the greenhouse of your dreams!

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Click here to join us!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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

In this episode we learn:

[01:49] The inspirations behind this episode!
[04:13] What to expect from this episode
[06:15] How Patrick became the plant person he is today
[10:10] Patrick shares his greenhouse setup
[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
[23:41] Patrick’s advice when exploring greenhouse kit options
[25:07] What to consider for your greenhouse flooring
[27:02] Where to get healthy pre-grown plants
[28:13] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products
[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
[37:28] How do you run power to your greenhouse?
[39:16] How much does a good beginner greenhouse cost?
[42:33] Common misconceptions about greenhouses
[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?
[47:53] Patrick’s advice for greenhouse beginners
[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
[01:11:56] Where to get university-level horticulture education for your greenhouse preparations!
[01:12:41] How to pre-order Growing Joy

Mentioned in our conversation:

Patrick's other blogs: Sublime Succulents & Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
Domino Magazine article: How a Stylist DIY-ed Her Dream Greenhouse From a Prefab Kit

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Follow this episode's guests:

Patrick // greenhouseinfo.com : Greenhouse Info | Email

Andi and Eric // East Nashville Greenhouse : Instagram

Kristin // Tending West : Instagram | Newsletter | Website

Tiffany // plantmahmah : Instagram | Email

Amy Lefavour : Instagram

Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:

PRE-ORDER LINK: 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!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio

Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio

Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com

Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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I Want to Hear YOUR Story: Join the #GrowingJoyChallenge Apr 17, 2022

Show notes

Plant friends, in celebration of the launch of my new book, Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants), which is about my personal journey with plants, I want to celebrate YOUR stories on launch day. Growing Joy is not just about my personal journey with my plants, it's about the thousands of stories I have heard from listeners about how plants have helped them heal, grow and find more joy. This is your official invitation to join the #GrowingJoyChallenge and share YOUR story with the world. Tune in for the details!

Submit your stories here by April 30th!

In this episode:

[00:37] What plants mean to Maria
[00:57] Why Growing Joy is about YOU
[01:57] How you can share your story with the world!
[04:36] In-depth tutorials for the #GrowingJoyChallenge
[00:57] How to pre-order Growing Joy
[05:39] Let’s cultivate more joy in the world!

Submit your stories here by April 30th!

Growing Joy Pre-Order Link

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 Society!

Click here to join us!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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

Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio

Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio

Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com

Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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What is Seed Scarification? // Knowledge Nugget #3 Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

Growing your own plants from seeds is one of the most gratifying experiences in the garden. Watching a tiny seed become a full-grown plant just gives you the most amazing feeling as a plant parent. However, seed starting is a whole different science and practice on its own and requires special soil, different care, grow lights and water monitoring, and interesting practices to make sure that your seeds actually sprout: seed scarification is one of those practices that may seem intimidating, but takes your seed starting game into a whole different level. Leslie Halleck, my plant friend and Bloom and Grow Garden Society's resident horticulturist, gives us the know-how behind seed scarification in this Knowledge Nugget!

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Click here to join us!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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

In this episode we learn:

[01:29] How to access Leslie Halleck’s planty lectures
[02:59] What is seed scarification for?
[04:16] Different ways to scarify a seed
[04:32] Mistakes to avoid when doing seed scarification
[07:05] Your open invitation to the Garden Society!

Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:

PRE-ORDER LINK: 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!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio

Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio

Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com

Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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Bulb Basics with Jenks Farmer Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

They produce some of the most desirable flowers we know and love, but a bulb can be very confusing to an amateur gardener. We look at this little stub and think, "Seriously, a daffodil is going to sprout up from this thing?" As tropical houseplant growers, bulbs can be a totally different game when it comes to caring, with different sets of tips to be mindful of. Jenks Farmer is a bulb expert and lifelong gardener and in this ep, he joins us to break down everything you need to know about bulbs. Let's dive in!

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Click here to join us!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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

In this episode we learn:

[00:49] Growing Joy updates and invitation
[02:04] Watering technique tips and water quality lecture
[04:05] How Jenks became the bulb expert he is today
[07:35] What is a bulb? How do we identify bulbs?
[11:52] Listener question: When is the best time to plant alliums? Will the plants reproduce over time?
[12:43] Where can you find bulbs in nature?
[14:33] Beginner terms: Annuals vs perennials
[15:10] What is a naturalized garden?
[16:29] When do you plant different kinds of bulbs?
[18:35] How does ground temperature trigger bulb growth?
[19:03] How do you force bulbs indoors?
[23:14] How do bulbs grow? Why do we need to divide bulbs?
[24:53] The best gardening products for any gardening situation
[26:14] Where to get pre-grown plants and seeds for your spring garden
[27:47] Why do we need to dry bulbs? How do you store dry bulbs?
[28:16] How do you store caladiums?
[31:04] Jenks’ indoor bulb recommendations
[32:00] Do all bulbs go dormant?
[34:21] How do you plant bulbs? Do bulbs have to be planted right side up?
[35:32] What is the ideal soil mixture for bulbs? How often should you fertilize bulbs?
[37:08] How deep should bulbs be planted? Why is depth important?
[39:17] Jenks’ bulb recommendations for every season!
[42:05] Why does Jenks like crinums?
[42:50] Where do crinums originate from?
[44:11] Where can crinums grow in the country?
[45:29] Why Jenks wrote a book on crinums
[48:04] Where to find Jenks online
[50:01] Maria’s gardening plans update and spring announcements

Mentioned in our conversation:

PRE-ORDER LINK: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung
The Crinum Book, book by Augustus Jenks Farmer
Funky Little Flower Farm, book by Augustus Jenkins Farmer
Deep-Rooted Wisdom: Skills and Stories from Generations of Gardeners, book by Augustus Jenkins Farmer
Jenks Farmer’s bulb and containers

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Follow Jenks:

Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio

Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio

Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com

Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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Limey's Grand Adventure // Flying My Lime Tree to Florida Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

This might be the CRAZIEST thing I’ve done with my plants but this has also been such an extraordinary experience as I fly our lime tree, Limey, from New York to Florida! I am so excited to share the experience with you and talk about the citrus alley Mama Failla and I made in their beautiful Florida home.

I document the entire journey of flying with a plant including the thought process, plant modifications, legal processes and the next few days' updates in an Youtube Vlog: https://youtu.be/jtelXljM1gk

Let me know which part is your fave!

Pre-order Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)

Join the Bloom & Grow Garden Society

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How to Start a Product Based Planty Business plus a big announcement with Samantha from Hemleva Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Plant friends, this has been in the works for almost two years and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with you! Two YEARS of quietly working on a very special project with our guest, and not being able to talk about it! We will dive more into this project in the second half of this episode, but more importantly, we get to know Samantha Leung. Samantha, the founder of the well-known plant brand Hemleva, is the real deal. She's so freaking smart, she's kind, she's generous, she's honest, and she’s built her business with such integrity and hustle and grown a thriving business that creates botanically inspired products. In this episode, we are so lucky to be joined by Samantha to learn how she got to where she is now, and I’ve been lucky enough to have gotten to know her offline over the last year because we’ve been working on a very special project! Find out what it is in the ep!

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Click here to join us!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

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

In this episode we learn:

[01:27] What to expect from this episode
[04:26] How one woman’s jewelry collection was used to make diplomatic history
[05:41] What was Samantha’s first-ever product?
[06:28] How Samantha got started with pins
[08:44] Why are plants important to Samantha?
[10:28] How plants carry our memories with them
[12:26] Where did Hemleva get its name from and what does it mean?
[15:10] What was Hemleva’s first year in business like?
[17:50] How did Samantha go about Hemleva’s logistics and business requirements?
[20:04] What other crafts has Samantha tried building a business for?
[23:02] Maria shares some of the challenges as a woman entrepreneur
[26:15] How does Samantha handle her entrepreneur days?
[27:42] Where to get the high-quality vegetable plants this season
[29:17] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products for you and your pets
[31:47] How does Samantha ideate, develop, and execute a product?
[33:56] What tools does Samantha use to create a product?
[35:27] How does Samantha source people and businesses she works with?
[37:49] What does the process or ordering samples look like for Hemleva?
[39:36] How does Samantha decide her inventory?
[41:00] How profit margins differ in different business categories
[44:19] In what ways is Hemleva structured to give back to different organizations?
[45:57] What does One Percent for the Planet do?
[47:56] What does work-life balance look like for Samantha?
[50:47] How to figure out your own workflow and work schedule
[52:37] How baking helps Samantha with her focus
[54:24] Maria and Samantha’s very special collaboration!
[56:26] Asking Samantha to illustrate the book cover
[01:00:20] Samantha shares her experience illustrating her first book
[01:03:32] Growing Joy merch collection with Hemleva!
[01:04:44] Your official invitation to the Growing Joy launch celebration
[01:06:09] How to join the Growing Joy giveaway for a free book!
[01:07:54] Samantha shares a juicy sneak peek of Growing Joy
[01:10:56] Sisterhood of The Traveling Plants
[01:11:58] How Samantha inspires Maria
[01:13:29] Maria’s reflections on writing a book and running a podcast

Mentioned in our conversation:

PRE-ORDER LINK: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung
Folia Collective
BAGR Episode: How to Start a Plant Shop with Folia Collective
Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewelry Box, book by Madeleine Albright
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, book by Jen Sincero
Charity Navigator
Chinese for Affirmative Action
1% for the Planet

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Follow Samantha:

Website

Instagram

Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!

Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio

Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio

Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio

Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com

Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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Rubber Plant Care Guide: The Overlooked Ficus with Raffaele from Ohio Tropics Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

Rubber plants don't get enough credit in the tropical plant world. These humble plants are always available at the garden center but tend to get overlooked for some of our sexier Instagram-worthy plants. In this episode, we will dive into the many reasons why rubber plants are fantastic plants with Raffaele of Ohio Tropics. The first part is going to be an overview of general rubber plant care and different types of rubber plants, and then the second half is actually frequently asked questions that Raffaele answers and troubleshoots. Welcome, plant friend!

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In this episode we learn:

[00:43] Maria’s plant and personal updates
[02:12] Introducing Raffaele from Ohio Tropics
[03:14] Your invitation to a free 10-day virtual garden festival!
[03:58] What to expect from this rubber plant episode
[06:40] How Raffael became the plant parent he is today
[10:06] What is a rubber plant?
[11:26] Do rubber trees produce latex?
[12:53] Where can you find rubber plants in nature?
[14:33] What are the different types and varieties of rubber plants?
[18:54] How to water rubber plants
[21:27] Raffaele’s watering tip using a turkey baster
[23:21] How much sunlight does a rubber plant need?
[27:35] Are rubber plants low-light plants?
[28:35] What kind of soil mix is good for rubber plants?
[30:52] Where to get pre-grown plants and seeds for your spring garden
[32:09] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products
[34:49] How to fertilize rubber plants
[37:11] Rubber Plant FAQ #1: Why is my rubber plant not growing?
[39:03] Rubber Plant FAQ #2: How do I get my rubber plant to branch and be bushier instead of taller?
[39:51] What is the air layering propagation method?
[44:15] Rubber Plant FAQ #3: Why are my new leaves smaller than the older ones?
[45:32] Rubber Plant FAQ #4: Why are my rubber plant leaves dropping?
[48:20] Why overwatering can cause issues to your plant (in ways you might not expect)
[49:12] Rubber Plant FAQ #5: My plant looks healthy, but the branches are all over the place; why is this happening?
[50:26] Rubber Plant FAQ #6: What are the tiny white spots on my rubber plant?
[51:26] Rubber Plant FAQ#7: Why are the edges of my variegated rubber plant browning?
[54:09] Rubber Plant FAQ #8: My rubber plant has aerial roots, but do they grow better in slightly cooler conditions?
[55:18] Raffaele’s recommendations of the best rubber plant varieties for beginners
[57:35] What Raffaele’s book Houseplant Warrior is about!
[59:41] Where to connect with Raffaele
[01:01:52] Upgrade your plant education with these two events!

Mentioned in our conversation:

Houseplant Warrior: 7 Keys to Unlocking the Mysteries of Houseplant Care, book by Raffaele Di Lallo
The Great Grow Along Virtual Garden Festival

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

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In this episode we learn:

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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Espoma Organic

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

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In this episode we learn:

Mentioned in our conversation:

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

In this episode we learn:

Mentioned in our conversation:

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

In this episode we learn:

Mentioned in our conversation:

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

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In this episode we learn:

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

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In this episode we learn:

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

In this episode we learn:

Mentioned in our conversation:

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,

In this episode we learn:

Mentioned in our conversation:

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Espoma Organic

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