Ultimate Begonia Care Guide for Indoor Plant Parents: Best of Growing Joy Replay

Ultimate Begonia Care Guide for Indoor Plant Parents: Best of Growing Joy Replay

Author: Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness February 5, 2026 Duration: 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 family of plants, with so many stunning varieties, yet they’re often misunderstood. While they can be disappointing for some plant parents, the truth is that indoor begonia care can be surprisingly easy when you understand what they need.

That's why I am bringing a very old episode of Growing Joy back from the archives in this best of Growing Joy series where we are joined by Marc Hachadourian, otherwise known as @orchidmark. And he is the head honcho at New York Botanical Garden.

Marc joined me to break down why Begonias look the way they do, where they come from, and how we can keep them thriving indoors. From Angel Wings to Rex Begonias, this conversation covers practical watering tips, the importance of humidity for plants, and how small adjustments in holistic plant care can help plant lovers trade begonia fear for confidence and curiosity. And honestly, it’s making me want to go out and buy another angel wing polka dot begonia right this very minute!

 

In this episode, we learn:

  • Marc's love of Begonias
  • The Begonias (and other plants) that were featured in American Gothic
  • The wide variety of Begonias available to plant parents
  • Marc's famous Houseplant Hospital and Humidity Hacks
  • General care guidelines for light, soil, and watering of Begonias
  • Where Begonias grow in the natural world
  • Troubleshooting answers: how to deal with leggy Begonias and water damage!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

 

What seed have you always wanted to grow but felt too intimidated to try?

Check out the full show notes and blog for the ultimate beginner-friendly seed starting guide!

 

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There’s a quiet, accessible kind of wellness waiting for you on a windowsill or in a patch of soil. Growing Joy with Plants explores that very idea, moving beyond basic tips to examine how our relationship with the natural world directly nurtures our mental and emotional health. Hosted by Maria Failla, a self-proclaimed Happy Plant Lady and author of "Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness," this podcast feels like a warm conversation with a knowledgeable friend. Maria guides you through the practicalities of keeping your houseplants alive and thriving, but the discussion always circles back to the deeper connection-how the simple acts of watering, repotting, or simply observing growth can become anchors of calm in a hectic day. Each episode digs into how gardening and engaging with nature, even in small urban spaces, offer tangible tools to manage feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. This isn't about achieving a perfect indoor jungle; it's about finding moments of peace and genuine happiness through the process of care. The underlying message throughout the podcast is a powerful and gentle reminder: tending to your plants is fundamentally an act of tending to yourself. You’ll come away with not just better plant care knowledge, but a refreshed perspective on cultivating joy in your daily routine, learning that the serenity you might seek on vacation can be rooted right in your own home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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