Plants, people & displays at TPIE 2019

As many growers and garden center retailers can attest, houseplants and tropicals are having a moment, and that excitement was apparent at the 2019 Tropical Plant International Expo.“There is electricity in the air, and it’s an optimistic show,” says Jared Hughes, owner of Groovy Plants Ranch based in Marengo, Ohio. “People are excited.” TPIE, which featured 400 exhibitors and 6,488 attendees, took place Jan. 16 to Jan. 18 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Theresa Riley, owner of Rockledge Gardens in Rockledge, Florida, served on the TPIE committee for several years, and said the 2019 show was a standout. “I really think this year is one of the best I remember in a very long time! Lots of positive vibes and buzz,” she says. We spotted interesting plants, festive people and creative displays on the show floor. Here are just a few highlights.

Michelle is the editor of sister publication Garden Center. msimakis@gie.net