Maria Failla

Maria Failla is a podcaster, author, and wellness advocate recognized for building a global plant community through her expertise in houseplant care and wellness. Failla began her journey as a self-described plant enthusiast seeking to improve her plant care skills, which led to the creation of the Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast. Through interviews with plant care experts, she fostered a learning environment for amateur plant enthusiasts. This initiative evolved into "Growing Joy with Plants," a podcast dedicated to home gardening, plant care, and wellness, which has developed into a multimedia platform with more than 200 episodes, millions of downloads, and an international audience. The podcast has been recognized as a leading resource in the Home & Garden category and was honored by the Webby Awards.

Before her work in the plant and wellness industry, Failla had a career in musical theater, performing in Broadway musicals in New York and internationally. Her credits include "Cats," "The Sound of Music," "Evita," and an international tour of "West Side Story," as well as regional productions such as "Man of La Mancha" at Shakespeare Theatre Company. A pivotal career shift occurred when a Broadway production she was cast in was canceled days before opening, prompting her to focus on her passion for plants and wellness full time.

Failla is the author of "Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)," published by Macmillan-St. Martin's. The book integrates personal growth with practical plant care, offering more than 60 practices that encourage readers to engage with both plants and self-care. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing self-care alongside science-based and holistic plant care strategies. Her work and Bloom & Grow Media have been featured in Apartment Therapy, Refinery 29, The Washington Post, Mind Body Green, Racked, and Time Out New York.

Failla is also a keynote speaker, presenting on topics such as the science of houseplants and happiness, cultivating calm in the workplace, and drawing life lessons from plant care. She developed the Plant Parent Personality framework and leads the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, providing professional-level education to a global community. Through her podcast, writing, and speaking engagements, Failla promotes plant care as a pathway to mindfulness, self-care, and well-being.