First, it’s important to understand that like many industries, the Florida plant business was devastated in 2009 with the economic downturn. Many growers went bankrupt and the ones that survived had intentionally grown much less product. We are mainly talking about “Interior Plants” Our estimation is that there is about 50% less production this year compared with last. Next, everyone remembers the winter that we had, the coldest on record in most areas. Florida had major freezes this year that affected their supply. So, of the 50% less product that they grew many growers lost another 20 to 25% due to the weather conditions. All of this means fewer interior plants in the market place.
An interesting and more positive point here is that many of the very good growers “weathered the storm” fairly well. The good growers were better at winterizing and protecting their plants. As an example, our Spathiphyllum suppliers have continued to supply us well and with a nice quality product. We are connected to a provider that works with top quality growers and that is a real benefit to our customers. To quote our primary supplier in regards to the market-“There is a market perception that there are no plants available (this is true) and as a result growers, distributors, and customers are taking anything that they can get their hands on (some are, but not us). It all means low quality in the marketplace, Plants that aren’t rooted and aren’t developed”.
