What are Plant Trials?

We conduct plant trials to find the best varieties, we are searching for the most hardy and interesting looking items. We are continually trialing new varieties. Our goal is to find interesting looking items and the plants we are also trialing the durability of the plant. We want plants that are tough or easier to grow so customers will have success with their houseplants.

What Have You Learned From Trialing Plants?

               Houseplants are hard, it can be challenging to get them right, there are  a couple that are goldilocks, they need just the right light, moisture, humidity, and they tell you when they are unhappy.

What Changes Have You Made To The Plants To Improve The Success For Home Gardeners?

               We do a lot of test shipments to make sure things are packaged well and get to the customer in good condition and the plants are tough enough to make it through shipping. This is why we adjust shipping, sometimes we do not have our plants online so that our customers are getting healthy plants. We do not ship if the temperature outside is too hot or too cold for the plant to arrive healthy.

What Are Your Favorite Plants That You Have Trialed?

               We have a diffenbachia that is different, the Camille Diffenbachia. It has a really bright white wide part of the leaf that is really pretty, they will be available soon. I am excited because they are interesting to look at. We also have an interesting Jewel Orchid, which is very pretty. It is a traditional type of plant,  maybe something your grandmother grew.

What Plants Have Surprised You In The Trials?

               The monsteras have been fun, because It has a regular looking green leaf, and then becomes serrated, which is why they call it swiss cheese. It is fun watching them as they mature.

How Long Does It Take To Trial A Plant?

               It depends on the plant. Our ZZ plants started growing in 2019 and are just now ready to do test shipments. It can take anywhere from a couple of months to over a year.

What Recommendations Do You Have For Home Gardeners?

               Play around with where you will put a plant in your house. A lot are sensitive to light, some need more than you think. If you put a plant in a location and it looks sad, move it. Try to put it in an environment that does well.