History of Planterra

Interior Landscaping

Larry M. Pliska, Founder

A Pioneer of Indoor Gardening

Founded in 1973 by Larry Pliska, Planterra was created as a green solution to stark building interior designs. In the early 1970s, many modern buildings of the era, constructed of concrete and glass, required humanization. The solution called for thoughtfully designed and selected interior plantscapes, together with expert maintenance services. Planterra is among the first companies in North America to specialize exclusively in interior landscaping. Many of Planterra’s first clients remain loyal to this day. This includes major institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and real-estate organizations who recognize the beneficial aspects of well-designed plantscaping.

Planterra Conservatory, West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Growth Springs Forth the Conservatory

Continued business growth over the next three decades called for modernization and expansion of Planterra’s Michigan headquarters and properties. A new 23,000 square foot conservatory- designed and manufactured in Belgium, and shipped piece-by-piece to Michigan- was completed in 2010. It marks the focal point of redevelopment for Planterra's original greenhouses, preserving the best of its circa-1930s facilities while having a new, state-of-the-art setting to showcase the company's unique selection of botanicals. In addition, 11,000 square feet of the Conservatory is devoted as a wedding and event venue serving the Detroit region.

Zachary Pliska and Shane Pliska of Planterra

Today, Standing Strong

Today, Planterra remains a family-owned and operated business. It is now managed by the founder’s sons, Shane and Zachary Pliska, and supported by more than 60 team members of horticulturists, designers, technicians, administrative, and special events staff. Planterra continues to be a leading national provider of greenery in the workplace

John Portman’s famous “flying Ficus trees” installed by Planterra at the Detroit Renaissance Center in 1978. This brochure contains Planterra’s original logo and philosophical slogan, “the tranquility of nature can provide us peace in our caverns of concrete and steel.”
John Portman’s famous “flying Ficus trees” installed by Planterra at the Detroit Renaissance Center in 1978. This brochure contains Planterra’s original logo and philosophical slogan, “the tranquility of nature can provide us peace in our caverns of concrete and steel.”

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For information on events visit the Planterra Conservatory website