TPIE ‘Cool Product’ Awards
The Tropical Plant International Expo was held in Tampa Florida last week. It’s an event that hosts some of the most exciting trends in foliage, floral, and tropicals. Naturally, Sargent’s had to be there. Getting away from -30 degree windchills was just a perk. Read on to see the winners of the ‘Cool Product’ awards announced during this years show!
Sansevieria m. ‘Whale Fin’ Variegated
This unique form of snake plant resembling a whale fin with a dramatic variegated stripe.
Aroid Greenhouses
New Expandable Moss Totem Pole
A unique design allows for the pole to expand as your plant grows by stacking another pole on top. Each pole features a cap that finishes off the top. Available in several sizes.
Aroid Greenhouses
Sustainable Planters
A differentiated product similar to the original fern fiber, which had its sale prohibited due to the risk of extinction of the plant used for its manufacture. The Xaxim pots rooting capacity and its ecologically correct manufacturing process reportedly also contribute to the wide acceptance of the product and strengthen its position as a concrete alternative to fern tree fern fiber. The pots are available in five sizes.
Biofink LLC
Macrame, Jute and Seagrass Pots, Hangers and Pot Covers
Creation Jute has an extensive line of handmade macrame plant hangers, braided jute pot covers, jute rope pot covers, seagrass pot covers, and much more, all in several tones. Creation Jute USA LLC is based in Connecticut and is the wholesale distributer of Creation Private Limited based in Bangladesh.
Creation Jute USA LLC
Cactus and Succulents
Florida Cactus offers cactus and succulents and a creative visual message for their plants for retailers — Plants that Preform! They collected different old musical instruments and displayed combinations of their plants in and around the instruments with the message.
Florida Cactus
Mangave ‘Mission to Mars’
A common nickname for Mars is the Red Planet, and this Mangave gets its name from its unique, intense red coloration from the leaves. The 2¾-inch wide, thick green leaves are heavily speckled with burgundy red, with spots that bleed into each other for an overall red appearance.
Florida Tropiculture
Planters and Stands
FLORIDIS is the exclusive importers of the brand Floridis planters, which are manufactured in Brazil. The planters are made of polyethylene resin, super light and extremely tough and resistant. They have a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors to add a modern line of planters to your stores and projects. One smaller style (shown) has a unique stand which flips to offer two display heights.
FLORIDIS ARF America Corp.
Tradescantia minima ‘Pink Panther’
This dwarf wandering jew is a real eye-catcher as it shows off its tricolor personality of light green, white and pink hues. One judge said, “in the sunlight it almost appears pearlescent.”
Holt Nurseries
Expanded Plant Varieties in Kokedamas and Display Ideas
Kazumi Garden has received Cool Product Awards before, as they introduced us to the ancient Japanese art of Kokedamas (meaning ball of moss). This year, they not only are offer a greater number of plant varieties in Kokedamas but they also are providing ideas for properly displaying these works of art. While they only sell the Kokedamas, the Kazumi team gave examples of both natural and ceramic bases for these wonderful plants. Be sure to visit their website to see how these works of plant-art are crafted.
Kazumi Garden
Bendable Plant Poles
This was Mossify’s first appearance at TPIE, and they introduced their new bendable coir and moss plant poles that are completely bendable. Available in two thickness (diameter) with one with smaller coir covering and the other larger with moss, each available in three sizes.
Mossify
Alocasia curpea ‘Red Secret’
This plant made the judges wonder, “Is it real?” This unusual Alocasia has a metallic look of copper. Northland shared that, in its maturity, this variety has leaves 24 inches long. The metallic color is especially pronounced on juvenile leaves, and the back of the leaf is a deep purple.
Northland Floral Inc.
Assorted Succulent Planters
The judges said they were instantly attracted to all the wide assortment of succulent combination planters. From small to larger sizes and from natural-look containers to whimsical themes, there is so much to consider.
Pope’s Plant Farm
New Heads Planters Collection
The Pottery Patch has attracted our judges in previous years with their creative styles and this year was no different. Their collection of Head Planters in multiple styles was an instant selection for our judges, who say are convinced they will sell quickly.
The Pottery Patch Int’l Inc.
New Bohemian Collection Indoor-Outdoor Planters
Pottery Pots introduced their new Bohemian Collection, which features natural bamboo exteriors and a concrete/fiberglass interior for both indoor and outdoor use. There is a variety of sizes and styles in this collection.
Pottery Pots USA Inc.
Philodendron ‘Red Moon’
This was another stunning find during TPIE 2022. This rare variety shows off dramatic red colors in both half-leaves and some stems along with vibrant yellows and green colorations. Availabilities are low, but keep your eyes open for in the future.
R & D Nurseries Inc.
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