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 remarksMentioned in our conversation:GJ Episode 133: How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant LadyGJ Episode 30: Orchid 101 With ChrisGJ Episode 84 : African Violets 101 With LisaOrder Lisa’s book “Bloom: The secrets of growing flowering houseplants year-round”Do you think blooming houseplants are too tricky?Check out the full show notes and blog for easy-care options that bloom beautifully!Follow Lisa: InstagramWebsiteFacebookBooksFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria