How Planterra Sources Rare, Specimen, and Contract-Grown Foliage
Tropical Plant Procurement
Tropical plant procurement is a specialized process that ensures the availability of acclimated ornamental foliage for houseplants and commercial interior plantscape installations. These plants are selected and hybridized for qualities that allow them to thrive indoors — from resilience in low light to unique textures and colors that enhance design.
The number of growers who specialize in plantscape-grade foliage is relatively small compared to other ornamental producers. Their concentration in South Florida makes the supply chain particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by hurricanes and other weather events. During such shortages, Planterra relies on its multi-generational partnerships with trusted growers to secure supply and prioritize the needs of its customers.
Contract Growing for Tropical Plant Procurement
Tropical greenhouse at Rideau Hall
Cultivar variations evolve over time, changing in color, variegation, shape, and texture. For projects requiring large quantities of a single cultivar, Planterra offers contract growing to ensure consistent availability. This form of tropical plant procurement requires approximately one year of lead time, though arrangements can also be made for ongoing availability in long-term projects.
Rare and Specimen Plant Procurement
Another vital aspect of tropical plant procurement is sourcing rare and unusual foliage plants for atriums, conservatories, and botanical garden installations. These specialty plants fall into two categories: specimens and rare plants.
- Specimens are statement plants that serve as focal points in design. They are typically decades old, with wide-caliper trunks and sculptural forms. Because of their rarity, specimens are traded among collectors. Planterra maintains a collection of specimen foliage at the Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and regularly trades or sells select plants from this collection for special projects.
- Rare Plants are varieties not commonly grown commercially. Many originate from existing gardens through “plant hunting” and are acclimated in greenhouses or shade houses. While Planterra does not engage in direct collection — a practice prohibited by law — it partners with growers and collectors to introduce rare tropicals into interior environments responsibly.
Sealing Wax Palms at Rideau Hall
Institutional Plant Sourcing
Planterra’s expertise extends beyond commercial interiors to institutional and cultural projects, where the demand for historically significant or architecturally integrated plant collections is especially high. Over the years, Planterra has supplied plants for conservatories, universities, and botanical gardens, helping institutions maintain both aesthetic and educational standards. A notable example is the sourcing of tropical foliage for the greenhouse at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Canada, the official residence of the Governor General. Projects like these demonstrate Planterra’s ability to provide rare, historically appropriate, and design-integrated plant material for some of the most prestigious sites in North America.
Conclusion: Why Tropical Plant Procurement Matters
Tropical plant procurement goes far beyond simply buying what is available on the market. It requires expertise, foresight, and trusted partnerships to ensure consistent quality and supply. From contract growing to the curation of rare and specimen plants, Planterra has developed a reputation for delivering distinctive foliage that elevates interiors and botanical installations. By leveraging its heritage, collector network, and long-standing grower relationships, Planterra continues to set the standard for tropical plant procurement, bringing the beauty and biodiversity of the tropics into architectural environments.
About Planterra
Planterra is supplier of tropical plants and interior landscape design build services to institutions throughout the USA and Canada. SIC 5992-05 – Tropical Plants, NAICS 424930 – Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists’ Supplies Merchant Wholesalers, S217 – Interior Plantscaping.