Plantio La Orquidea Sarasota is closing

After being here in Sarasota for 23 years it is time for us to start a new chapter in our lives.

This journey started as an idea from a wise person who wanted to ensure the well-being of his family in the future ahead. Henrique Graf has been from the beginning the person supporting and encouraging this project. Without his help, none of this would have happened. Henrique’s knowledge gave us a great starting platform. His love for his family and his profession has propelled us all the way to this point.

We also would like to thank all our friends, starting with the ones from long before: Dennis and Linda Cathcart, who helped us so much from the start. We would also like to thank the friends we have made along the way, without whom we would not have been able to succeed. To all the orchid fans (especially in Florida) who not only welcomed us with open arms but have supported us through all these years, thank you!

We have made great memories together with you during these 23 years, you have been supportive both during our highs and our lows, and for that we feel lucky.

We have come to a crossroad in our life where we feel the need to be closer to our children and grandchildren. Additionally, we are finding it harder to take care of the business on our own. We hope our little grain of sand has helped the orchid community move forward. We now have come to appreciate the input of small business even more, and how they promote variety and innovation. Please keep supporting those small nurseries that keep bringing new species and hybrids to the market.

The original Plantio La Orquidea nursery in El Hatillo, Venezuela is still working and hopefully will continue for many more years. Importing from Venezuela at the moment is practically impossible but maybe that will change in the near future.

We will always carry these memories in our hearts, Thanks,

Tina and Rafael