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'Find Your Style' Launched by Costa Farms Marketing Team
April 30, 2012
 
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We’re excited to announce our latest website innovation – Find Your Style! This new web tool will give consumers the inspiration to start designing their rooms with houseplants. Once in Find Your Style, consumers will have the option to either upload their own picture or choose one of our six (6) room styles and then following the steps on each page for the perfect plants per room style selected.  At the end of the design process, consumers will be able to print their shopping list and go to their favorite garden center to complete the project. Consumers can also share with their Facebook friends or pin it to their Pinterest boards. 

This season, our website has seen record breaking visits!  We’re averaging 14,000 visitors a month and growing! This offers a great opportunity for us to inspire and educate our consumers to decorate with houseplants. We hope you enjoy our fun new feature! Go ahead and give it a test drive and Find Your Style.

http://style.costafarms.com
 
             

- Costa Farms Marketing Department

 
 
Costa Farms' Social Summit Highlighted In Blog Post
March 20, 2012
 
Our Little Acre's Kylee Baumle remarks on her recent visit to the facilities of Costa Farms during our Social Summit 2012.  In her post, the Season Premier Trial Garden is featured.  Click on the picture below to be redirected to her blog post and check out some of her gorgeous photography:
 
              
 
 
America In Bloom: Discover the Surprising Side of Plants
March 19, 2012
 
Ball FloraPlant continues to invest in community based beautification programs through America In Bloom. 
 
Led by Dr. Marvin Miller, they have recently published a new brochure which you can access online called Discover the Surprising Side of Plants. 
  
Plants help people in many ways…saving energy, crime reduction, feeding households, stress reduction and relaxation. There is research on all the above in the brochure.
 
Click here to download the brochure or click below to be redirected to the site:
 
 
                
 
 
 
 
Season Premier Trial Garden Featured in Live The Home Life's Blog Post
March 15, 2012
 
Live The Home Life's Cara Wilkerson blogs about her recent visit to Costa Farms and the Seaosn Premier Trial Garden.
 
Click on the picture below to be directed to her detailed post as well as see some wonderful photography of the gardens:
 
 
            
 
 
Costa Farms' Social Summit Visits the Season Premier Trial Garden
March 12, 2012
 
Costa Farms' Social Summit 2012 allows print publications and online blog authorities from around the country to come and tour all our facilities including the 2012 Season Premier Trial Garden.  On Thursday March 8th, our gardens hosted a luncheon and walkthrough for these top social media contributors.
 
The Social Summit's most successful objectives are generating more word-of-mouth, increasing brand awareness, increasing customer loyalty, bringing outside ideas into the organization and improving customer support quality.
 
 
                                
 
                                
 
                                                   
 
 
Season Premier Trial Garden Featured in a Blog Post by The Rainforest Garden
February 27, 2012
 

 
 
Costa Farms’ Proactive Fight Against Downy Mildew
February 24, 2012
 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan McCoy or Stacey Pierson

610-444-3040

Costa Farms’ Proactive Fight Against Downy Mildew

Grower offers solutions to impatiens disease for

home gardeners and landscapers

Miami, Florida February 24, 2012—Costa Farms, the leading bedding and indoor houseplant grower in North America, is getting ahead of the downy mildew disease that is infecting Impatiens walleriana or standard garden impatiens.

“Downy mildew is only infecting Impatiens walleriana,” explains Dr. Kate Santos, director of research and development for Costa Farms. “Gardeners can be assured it is not infecting other plant species like New Guinea Impatiens and SunPatiens.”

Plasmopara obducens, the type of downy mildew that’s attacking impatiens, has been reported in several states and first made its appearance in the Palm Beach County area of Florida in late 2011. At this time, downy mildew cannot be cured after it is detected; only prevented.

“The best defense is a strong offense so we at Costa Farms have initiated a 3-prong approach to alert people about the disease, prevent infestation, and provide alternatives to have healthy, beautiful plants in their landscape,” explains Santos. “We’re determined to help contain and minimize the spread of this disease.”

Know the symptoms. The time from infection to the appearance of symptoms varies from about 5 to 14 days. Be on the lookout for early leaf symptoms of the disease.

Laura Sanagorski and Bill Schall, environmental and commercial horticulture extension agents at the University of Florida’s IFAS Palm Beach County Extension, reported that young plants and new growth are most susceptible to the disease.

“Signs are yellow or light green foliage with speckling on the infected leaves, and then a white, downy-like growth composed of spores visible on the underside of the infected leaves,” explains Santos.

Santos warns that sometimes the first sign is a downward leaf curling. She says if unchecked, eventually the leaves and flowers will drop, resulting in bare stems with only a few tiny, yellow leaves remaining.

One of the keys is weather. “Cool temperatures, moist air and wet foliage are ideal conditions for the disease that is spread by air or water movement,” says Santos.

An ounce of prevention. Sanagorski and Schall suggest that prevention is the most effective management strategy. They recommend eliminating nighttime watering and excessive fertilization to help avoid or reduce the occurrence of the disease.

“If infected impatiens are discovered, immediately remove the entire plant-roots, leaves and top part of plants, put into a plastic bag, tie it off and dispose,” explains Santos.

Costa Farms is currently using preventative measures that will protect its crops from downy mildew for several weeks after leaving the farm.

“Consumers can feel confident that Costa Farms is employing every measure to protect the plants prior to leaving the farm,” says Santos. “We’d like to remind consumers to only plant impatiens in beds that have not previously shown symptoms of downy mildew.”

Alternatives. The good news is there are plenty of bedding plants that are ideal replacement for standard impatiens.

“If your impatiens are in the shade you may lean to begonias or New Guinea Impatiens,” says Santos, “and if your garden is in the sun, plant SunPatiens, phlox and petunia or lobelia.

“Remember, check your bedding impatiens and use alternative flowers to create that wow color you love for your garden this year,” she adds.

For more information or to see a gallery of alternative flowers to replace, visit http://www.costafarms.com/.

# # #

About Costa Farms: Costa Farms is the largest producer of indoor houseplants in the world. Founded in 1961 by Jose Costa, Costa Farms is a third generation, family owned business that globally stretches over 3,800 acres and employs 2,800 people. Along with thriving indoor and bedding plant divisions, Costa Farms operations are located in Florida and North Carolina, and abroad in the Dominican Republic, and Far East.

 
 
Season Premier Trial Garden Featured in BGgarden Article!
January 26, 2012
 
Click the picture below to view BGgarden's post as well as some fantastic shots of our gardens!
 
 
 
Costa Farms Season Premier Trial Garden 2012 Open House
December 21, 2011
 
 
 
Costa Farms' Summer Garden 2011
June 9, 2011
 

Costa Farms would like to unveil the NEW name for our Summer Trial Garden...

 

All anticipated varieties planted between the weeks of 23 to 41 will fall under this category.

 
 
Who’s the Fairest of Them All?
March 24, 2011
 

Last week, for the third time in a row, I had the opportunity to judge the trial gardens at Costa Farms, near Homestead, Florida. At first blush, it seems an easy thing to do—just wander through bed after bed of beautiful flowers on a sunny Florida morning. But, in reality, it’s hard work, evaluating each plant on four important criteria: growth uniformity, foliage appeal, flower power/size, and consumer appeal. Fellow judges included Heather Will-Browne from Disney and Dr. Alan Armitage from the University of Georgia.

 
 

To read more and view pictures, click here.

 
 
Costa Slideshow: Pelargonium to Petunia
March 22, 2011
 

Check out a few of the top-performing varieties Allan Armitage saw in the Costa Farms Field Trial last week. We've got you covered from 'Darko Deep Red' pelargonium to 'Whispers Star Rose' petunia in this slideshow.

To view slideshow, click here.

 
 
Costa Slideshow: Phlox to Viola
March 22, 2011
 

Check out a few of the top-performing varieties Allan Armitage saw in the Costa Farms Field Trial last week. We've got you covered from Phloxy Lady Pink phlox to 'Ultra Radiance Red' viola in this slideshow.

 

To view slideshow, click here.

 

 
 
Costa Slideshow: Alcea To Gazania
March 22, 2011
 
Check out a few of the top-performing varieties Allan Armitage saw in the Costa Farms Field Trial last week. We've got you covered from Spring Celebrations alcea to Sunbathers gazanias in this slideshow.
 

To view slideshow, click here.

 

 
 
Meet Maria Costa Smith
March 17, 2011
 

That Maria Costa Smith is granddaughter of the founder of Costa Farms and one of its current owners doesn't mean she's just some heiress who lucked her way into a great job. She is an eminently qualified horticulturist with an MS in horticulture, who, as the head of Costa's bedding plant division, is blazing a path into the green future of Costa Farms and hopefully the entire nursery industry.

 

To view more, click here.

 

 
 
Gardening Fun Miami Style
March 15, 2011
 

Last week I had the pleasure of traveling to Costa Farms, one of the coolest companies in the horticultural industry. They trucked me down, along with seven other editors (BHG field editor Helen Yoest, fab bloggers Chris Tidrick and Bren Haas, garden writer Judy Lowe, Spartment Therapy editor Aaron Able, Martha Stewart garden editor Stacey Hirvela, and Southern Living garden editor Steven Bender) for a social media summit.

 
 

To read more, click here.

 
 
Costa Farms’ Trial Garden Highlights
January 31, 2011
 

Costa Farms’ Trial Garden was created to expand research efforts and provide good information to the public. The main focus of Costa’s Season Premier Garden is to grow and evaluate the newest genetics being brought to the market this spring.

 

To learn more, click here.



 
 
 
Trial In Paradise
January 26, 2011
 

Tropical back yard? Resort property in the islands? Nope. It’s the “Season Premier Trial Garden” at Costa Farms in Homestead, Florida, site of the industry’s first flower trials of the year. Along with this pretty garden setting (complete with observation tower), there are standard row trials in full sun and shade, for the complete trial experience.

 

To view a PDF of the article, click here.

 

To read Grower Talks' full article, click here.

 
 
 
 
GrowerTalks Season Premier 2011 Video Interview
January 19, 2011
 
GrowerTalks editor Chris Beytes chat swith Dr. Kate Santos about Costa Farms' Season Premier 2011.
 
 
 
First Look: Season Premier Garden
December 4, 2010
 

To view article, Click Here.

 
 
You're Invited to Costa Farms' Ultimate Plant Showdown
August 3, 2011
 
 

To register Click Here.

 
 
Trial Garden Industry Evaluation
March 15, 2011
 
Where:
Costa Color
19995 SW 194 Avenue
Miami, FL 33187
TF: 1-888-792-6782
Local: 305-971-7750
Fax: 305-971-7751
 
Date(s):
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
 
Hours:
Starts at 9:00 am
 
Description:
Costa Farms’ will be hosting our annual Trial Garden Judging Tuesday, March 15. Featured judges will include Heather Will-Browne from Walt Disney World, Doug Jimerson from Better Homes and Garden, Jim Barrett from the University of Florida and Allan Armitage from the University of Georgia.
 
 
2011 Big Growers Executive Summit
February 22, 2011
 

Where:

Costa Color

19995 SW 194 Avenue

Miami, FL 33187

TF: 1-888-792-6782

Local: 305-971-7750

Fax: 305-971-7751

Date(s):

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Hours: Starts at 1:30 pm

Description:

Get an insider’s look at Costa Farms, the largest producer and supplier of plant material in the United States. Costa is nationally recognized not only for the volume of product they grow, but for their forward-thinking approach to the marketing, packaging, and branding of their products.
 

This forward thinking also extends into their rapid adoption of social media, which they use to connect with both new and existing consumers. We will see how they grow, package and ship value-added foliage, tropicals, orchids, annuals and Trial Garden.

 

Event Details

Indoors/Outdoors? Outdoors

 

For More Information

Address: 19995 SW 194 Avenue

City/State: Miami, FL 33187

Phone: 1-888-792-6782

Visit the event's Web Site
 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 
Costa Farms Trial Garden Open House
January 20, 2011
 
January 20-21, 2011
10 am - 3 pm
19995 SW 194 Avenue
Miami, FL 33187
 
Please join us at Costa Farms in South Florida and be a part of the earliest Spring trial garden evaluations for 2011. Genera from 19 different companies (Aris, Ball, Benary, Bethel Farms, Classic Caladiums, Dummen, Ecke Farms, EuroAmerican/Proven Winners, Fides, Foremost Co., GroLink, GreenFuse/Michells, PAC Elsner, Pacific Plug & Liner, Sakata, Suntory, Syngenta, Takii, and Westhoff) including new introductions for 2012 and 2013, will be featured.
 
All are welcome to attend.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summer Trial Garden
August 9, 2010
 

 
 
Open House
January 13, 2010
 
Costa Farms Spring 2010 Trial Garden
January 13-15, 2010   (10 am - 3 pm daily)

Please join us at Costa Farms in South Florida and be a part of the earliest Spring trial garden evaluations for 2010.  Genera from 16 different companies (Aris, Ball, Benary, Bethel Farms, Classic Caladiums, Dummen, Ecke Farms, Fides, Foremost Co., GroLink, McGregor Plants, Michells, Proven Winners, Sakata, Suntory, and Syngenta) including new introductions for 2011 and 2012.

 
All are welcome to attend.

Please call Sandra Vasallo to R.S.V.P at 305-971-7750

Address: 19995 SW 194 Ave., Miami, FL 33187
 
 
 
10 Easy-Care Perennials Every Garden Should Have
May 7, 2013
 
Doug Jimerson

With literally hundreds of perennials to choose from, a trip to the garden center can be bewildering. Our advice? Start with the classics: beautiful, reliable, and easy-care perennials. Here are 10 that should appear in every garden.

1. Rudbeckia

Goldsturm Rudbeckia

Commonly called Black-eyed Susan, rudbeckia is a joy to grow. It develops wave after wave of cheerful daisy-like blooms from early summer to fall. The flowers sport yellow or orange petals that surround a darker center. Most varieties grow around two feet tall and, like annual flowers, many will bloom the first year from seed. Denver Daisy and Indian Summer are two annual forms that often come back year after year. Because rudbeckias are native to the central and eastern parts of the United States, they are also naturally drought and insect resistant. Some favorite classic perennial varieties include Goldsturm (in photo), Cherokee Sunset, Prairie Sun, and fulgida.

Growing Tip: Rudbeckia doesn’t always last more than a few years in one spot, but it does have a tendency to self-sow in other locations. Watch for seedlings to sprout and transplant them where you need color the most.

2. Salvia

May Night Salvia

Few perennials are as versatile as salvia, also called perennial sage. This big family of gorgeous bloomers includes varieties that are tough enough to take the cold of Minnesota and others that thrive in the heat and humidity of Florida. Plus, many salvia varieties develop deep blue flowers, a color that’s often hard to come by in the flower border (and also a coveted hue!). Some classic varieties that prefer a cooler climate include May Night (in photo), Carradona, and New Dimension. For warmer climates (zones 7 and above) choose Wild Thing, Hot Lips, or Black and Blue.

Growing Tip: As soon as your salvia stops blooming shear back plants by about one third their height. This promotes a second season of flowers later in the summer.

3. Coreopsis

Coreopsis Nana

Do you want a burst of sunshine in your garden? Make room for coreopsis! Its bright sunny-yellow or golden flowers are hard to miss even on a dreary day. Most coreopsis grow about 18 inches tall and produce single or double flowers. On some varieties the foliage is fine and delicate, making the flowers look like they are dancing on a lacy cushion. Like rudbeckia, coreopsis is a native prairie plant so it can take a little neglect when it comes to water and fertilizer. Some top coreopsis picks include dwarf-form Nana (in photo), pale yellow Moonbeam, award-winning double-flowering Early Sunrise, and pink-flowering Limerock Dream.

Growing Tip: Plant coreopsis near the front of your border so you can easily remove the fading flowers. This will extend the bloom time through the summer.

4. Sedum

Kamtchaticum variegatum

Sedums are the workhorses of the perennial border. Almost impervious to heat, drought, and disease, sedums get bigger and better each year. This large perennial family includes ground-hugging varieties such as Angelina as well as taller types such as the classic three-foot-tall Autumn Joy. Most sedums bloom in late summer and fall, but they all offer handsome, fleshy foliage that looks great all season long. One of the first perennials to pop up in the spring, sedums are also one of the last ones to succumb to fall’s cold temperatures. Their nectar-rich blooms are also a favorite with butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Other great sedum choices include the pretty ground covers Tricolor and Kamtchaticum variegatum (in photo) Taller must-have sedums include Vera Jameson, Voodoo, and Neon.

Growing Tip: Because sedums spread, it’s a good idea to divide them every few years to keep them in top form. Dig the plants and use a sharp spade to separate them into smaller pieces you can share with friends.

5. Echinacea

Coneflower Echinacea

A decade ago, you didn’t have a lot of options when it came to choosing an Echinacea (commonly called coneflower) for your garden. Most varieties available looked a lot like the original native form, which has single, pink petals surrounding a dark center. But recently plant hybridizers have had a field day with this resilient perennial, creating new flower forms almost every year. Now, you can choose from double- and triple-flowering varieties and colors that include white, raspberry, orange, and yellow. Echinacea generally grow 3 feet tall and bloom from early summer till fall. They’re a favorite with butterflies and make excellent cut flowers for indoor bouquets. Some favorite varieties include dwarf Kim’s Knee High, boldly colored Salsa Red, double-flowering Bubblegum, or surprising Sombrero Sandy Yellow.

Growing Tip: Single-flowering forms often live longer than the double or triple types. Before you buy, check the plant’s zone of hardiness to see if a particular variety will survive the winter in your garden.

6. Peony

Annamieke Peony

Talk about dependable! Peonies last for years with very little help from you. In fact, there are many cases where peonies are still growing and blooming where they were planted 50 years earlier. Peonies form pretty, 3-foot tall mounds of foliage that burst into bloom in mid-spring. The plants are available in single-, double-, or semi-double forms, and flower in a wide range of colors and bi-colors. Peony blooms are also highly fragrant and make extraordinary spring bouquets for weddings or graduations. All these dependable plants require is a sunny garden spot that’s well drained—they won’t prosper in heavy, mucky soil. Choice varieties include single-flowering Krinkled White, gorgeous Coral Supreme, classic double pink Sarah Bernhardt and pink-and-cream Annamieke (in photo).

Growing Tip: Peonies require a period of cold and darkness to bloom well. That’s why they grow best from zones 4-8 where they bloom from May to June.

7. Bearded Iris

Goldkist

Bearded iris are one of the most sumptuous flowers in the spring garden. These spectacular perennials are a snap to grow, and are prized for their eye-popping, crown-like flowers that are held aloft on tall graceful stems. They come in an almost unlimited selection of colors and bi-colors, and some varieties even put on a second show of bloom in fall. When not in bloom, bearded iris plants feature striking, sword-like foliage that stands up straight throughout the growing season. Like peonies, bearded iris requires a period of cold and darkness to bloom so are at their best in zones 3-9. Top picks include: Immortality, Again and Again, Goldkist (in photo), and Savannah Sunset.

Growing Tip: To keep your bearded iris in top form, dig and divide them every three to four years. If allow your iris to grow into one thick clump, flower production will slow.

8. Daylily

Stella de Oro

Talk about easy care! Once planted, daylilies require only a minimum of attention, yet they’ll reward you with armloads of gorgeous flowers every summer. All these reliable plants need is a sunny spot and protection from weedy intruders. Daylilies are early risers, pushing their pretty grass-like leaves up through the soil in early spring. When summer rolls around, plants develop graceful flower stems packed with buds that open into beautiful blooms. Daylilies get their name from the fact that each flower lasts for just one day. Not a worry because each plant produces a quantity of buds/blooms so there’s always color. In general, daylilies are classified as either standard or ever-blooming. As a rule, standard bloomers have bigger flowers and more colors to choose from. Ever bloomers have a more limited color palette and smaller blooms. For the biggest color show include both types in your garden. Choice varieties include ever bloomers such as Stella de Oro (in photo), Happy Returns, Buttered Popcorn, and Black-Eyed Susan. Standard bloomers include Chicago Apache, Ice Carnival, Double Passion, and Fire King. Daylilies are hardy from zones 3-9

Growing Tip: Although daylilies prefer full sun, they will survive in partial shade. Flowering will be a bit more limited, but they will provide some much-needed color in these locations.

9. Lily

Golden Joy Asiatic

Although there are many different varieties of lilies to choose from, the two most popular types are Asiatic or Oriental. Asiatic lilies generally grow two to three feet tall and produce clusters of upward-facing, jewel-like flowers at the top of each stem. Most Asiatic lilies bloom in red, orange, yellow, white, or bicolors. They’re extraordinarily hardy and thrive in zones 3-8. Asiatic lilies spread slowly in the garden, forming bigger clumps each year. Oriental lilies tower over their Asiatic counterparts, often growing six to seven feet tall. Their flowers are often pendulous and highly fragrant. Oriental lilies also spread, although not as quickly as Asiatic lilies. They are hardy from zones 4-8. Top Asiatic lilies include: Sensation, Sunny Borneo, Buzzer, Matrix, and Golden Joy (in photo). Some top Oriental lilies include: Starfighter, Love Story, Farolito, and Show Winner.

Growing Tip: Both types of lilies are best divided in the early fall. Dig the entire clump, separate the bulbs, and replant, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart.

10. Hosta

GPaul’s Glory

Having a shady backyard doesn’t mean you can’t have a colorful garden. Hostas thrive in the shade, and are available in an almost limitless selection of sizes, shapes, and colors. In fact, there are so many hosta options to choose from that you can create an entire garden with just this one species. Hostas prefer a rich, slightly moist soil, but are tough enough to endure less-than-ideal conditions. Their biggest challenges are deer and slugs, two creatures that find hosta foliage especially tasty. Hostas also develop gorgeous flower spikes in pink, lavender, or white. The flowers of some varieties are also fragrant. Some choice large hosta varieties (some can get 4 feet tall) include Sagae, Frances Williams, Sum and Substance, Francee, and Patriot. Medium and small varieties include: Fire & Ice, Paul’s Glory (in photo), Guacamole, June, and Blue Mouse Ears. Most are hardy from zones 3-9.

Growing Tip: If you see holes in the leaves of your hostas, you probably have slugs nearby. These creatures dine at night so you won’t see them destroying your plants during the day. To combat them, use an organic slug bait or place halved orange or grapefruit pieces around your plants. At night the slugs will be attracted to the fruit, which you can then remove, slugs and all.

 
 
Breathe Easier—With Indoor Plants
April 10, 2013
 
 
 
Did you know that your houseplants do more for you than just look leafy and gorgeous? They also help clean the air you breathe. These leafy recyclers remove air pollutants by absorbing them through microscopic openings in their leaves.

 

Is your indoor air polluted?

Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have found that “levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors.”* That means that the air in your home may be dramatically worse for you to breathe than the air outdoors.

 

Furthermore, some home cleaning products and improvement projects can raise the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) levels in your home. “During and for several hours immediately after certain activities, such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels,”* says the EPA website at www.epa.gov.

 

Where do indoor air toxins come from?

There are a wide variety of chemicals in indoor air. Here’s a rundown on common ones and their culprits:

 

·         Formaldehyde is found in a variety of building materials in homes and offices. Formaldehyde is found in glue, particleboard, timber paneling, plywood, insulation, fiberboard and shelving, furniture, and cabinetry made with pressed wood. It can also be present in new carpeting and drapes.

 

·         Toluene is a solvent found in paint, gasoline, kerosene, lacquers, nail polish, some cosmetics, stain removers, fabric dyes, inks, and adhesives.

 

·         Xylene can be found in household products such as floor polish, aerosol paint, household cleaners, insecticides, paint, shoe polish, pens and markers, herbicides, sealants, and in particleboard.

 

·         Ammonia is found in household products such as floor polish, window cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, and oven cleaners as well as laundry and cleaning products.

 

·         Benzene can be found in adhesives, cigarette lighter fluid, gasoline, solvents, kerosene, pesticides, glue, charcoal lighter fluid, degreasers, and insecticides.

 

·         Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is caused by incomplete burning of fuels such as wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products or equipment with internal combustion engines such as generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO.

 

Plants are silent air scrubbers

Houseplant fans have long attested to the added quality of life that plants bring to a home. They look great, of course, but they are also silent home air improvers. NASA research has proven scientifically that certain species of indoor plants remove VOCs from the air you breathe in your home.

 

Air Rx: A plant in every room

Strategic plant placement in your home means plants can do their air-scrubbing job for every member of the family. Place plants in bedrooms, baths, living room, den, and kitchen. And while plants won’t remove all the toxins from your air, they are a positive step toward creating a healthier environment for your home.

 

Better breathing—from A to Z

Here are 14 indoor plants that improve home air quality—and a list of toxins that they help eliminate.
 
 
ANTHURIUMS
Anthuriums feature big shiny dark leaves with red, pink, or white heart-shaped flowers. Most bloom year round and are favorites for gift-plant holidays such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter. But why wait for a special holiday to breathe easier?
Air toxins removed: Ammonia, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene
Read about anthurium care.
 
 
 
DRACAENA
Dracaenas have so many different looks! In fact, there are about 40 different varieties of this popular tropical houseplant. Dracaenas don’t need much light so they are ideal air purifiers in bathrooms, bedrooms, and dens.
Air toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene
Read about dracaena care.
 
 
 

FERNS
These lacy-leafed plants date back to Prehistoric times where they softened the woodland floors for roaming dinosaurs. They became popular indoor plants during the Victorian era when they dressed up parlors and conservatories. Today ferns are happy at home in modern apartments and suburban houses.

Air toxins removed: Toluene, Xylene

Read about fern care.

 
 
POTHOS
Lovely yellow-marbled, heart-shaped leaves are why pothos is the top-selling indoor plant in North America. Golden Pothos is so easy; it tolerates lower light, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures than other houseplants. It purifies air making it ideal for home and office.
Air toxins removed: Benzene, Carbon Monoxide and Formaldehyde

Read about pothos care.

 
 

MASSANGEANA CANE
Massangeana Cane, a type of dracaena, is a popular houseplant and can be used in the landscape in tropical locations. Slow-growing and upright, Massangeana has arching yellow-striped leaves. Mature plants produce strongly scented white flowers in the summer which are followed by orange fruit (which is not intended for human or animal consumption.)

Air toxins removed: Formaldehyde
Read about massangeana cane care.
 
 
PALMS
Add exciting frondy flourish to your rooms with palms. Tropical and exotic, there are a wide range of options—from small to tall. Palm leaves (or fronds), come in either fan or feather shape. There are so many sculptural options!
Air toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide
Read about palm care.
 
 
 
PEACE LILLIES
Spathiphyllum, aka Peace Lily, is a popular and easy-care indoor houseplant that has large shiny leaves and a distinctive white plume (called a spath). It loves low and high light, so it’s an ideal choice for any type of room.
Air toxins removed: Acetone, Ammonia, Benzene, Ethyl Acetate, Formaldehyde, Methyl Alcohol, Trichloroethylene, Xylene
Read about peace lily care.
 
 
 
PHALAEONOPSIS ORCHID
Elegant and exotic Phalaeonopsis is also easy to care for. Keep plants near windows where they can receive indirect sunlight (but not full sunlight). Also called moth orchids, these long-blooming plants clean your air as well as provide zenlike beauty in every room.

Air toxins removed: Xylene, Toluene

Read about Phalaeonopsis orchid care.
 
 
 
 
SANSEVIERIA
Known by many names (Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), Sansevierias are among the hardiest of houseplants. They bear sturdy, spear-like foliage that looks lush and modern. Use them in entryways, living rooms, and dens.
Air toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene
Read about sansevieria care.
 
 
 
SONG OF INDIA
A type of Dracaena, the stripy slender leaves of Song of India have a carefree tousled look that adds color and texture to bedrooms, dens, and kitchens. 

Air toxins removed: Formaldehyde, Toluene, Xylene

Read about Song of India care.

 
 
ZAMIOCULCA
ZZ plant is one of the toughest plants around (read: it takes neglect!). ZZ thrives in low-light locations, so can you add them to windowless bathrooms and even basements! That’s why ZZ plants are favorites in artificially lit offices. The plant produces long stems with large almond shaped leaves.  Air toxins removed: Toluene, Xylene
Read about ZZ care.
 
 
 
LEARN MORE!! To read more about houseplants’ role in maintaining clean air in your home, go to http://www.o2foryou.org/
 

*data from http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

 
 
Costa Farms® Introduces New Hispanic Voice of Gardening
March 13, 2013
 

 

Costa Farms, the largest producer of indoor plants in North America, has brought seasoned and accomplished Hispanic  writer Andrés Fortuño onto the team to speak to the growing number of Hispanics who love to garden.

Fortuño will be “the voice” for Costa Farms’ new Facebook page, Costa Farms en Español. He will also help develop retail specific programs for the Hispanic market and conduct product knowledge classes in specific retailers in South Florida.

“We are taking an active role in our Hispanic efforts to reach this demographic, which has been growing steadily over the last few years,” says Jose Smith, President and CEO of Costa Farms. “Andrés will help us provide content in Spanish through our social media efforts and at the retail level.”

 

According to Facebook’s ad tool, 1.6 million users on Facebook are Spanish and 2.7 million have listed Spanish as one of their languages.

 

Fortuño has developed DIY gardening projects that have aired on Telemundo and Univision. He is experienced in the creative field, from traditional advertising and photography to landscape creations and editorial writing.

 

He currently writes for About.com Español, solely producing the Plants and Gardens section. He produces friendly and easy to read columns, while providing great information pertaining to the benefits of plants and the wonders of gardening.

 

“I am so excited to work with Costa Farms and help them reach the growing Hispanic market,” says Fortuño. “Social media is an effective tool that reaches millions of people and through Costa Farms en Español Facebook page, we can reach millions more.”

 

 
 
Costa Farms Supports National Indoor Plant Week
August 24, 2012
 

Costa Farms, (www.costafarms.com) the world’s largest producer of indoor houseplants, is lending its media support to promote National Indoor Plant Week (www.nationalindoorplantweek.com) from September 16-22, 2012.
 
The week-long celebration is designed to raise consumer awareness of the value and benefits of live indoor houseplants.
 
According to event founder Mark Martin, from Interior Tropical Gardens, this grassroots initiative was created to promote the many attributes of indoor plants. “Research indicates that certain varieties help purify interior spaces and create a sense of well- being in homes and offices. We like to say that the ‘oxygen arrives when the plants do.’”

Costa Farms is supporting National Indoor Plant Week through a public relations campaign that targets national television, newspapers, radio and social media programs. “Our mission is to educate people to understand the importance of indoor houseplants and how they clean the air and beautify our homes and offices,” explains Jose Smith, president and CEO of Costa Farms.

Studies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have found that levels of indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times higher – and in some cases 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Mark R. Sneller, Ph.D., indoor air quality expert and author of Greener Cleaner Indoor Air agrees. “These findings are of particular concern because the EPA estimates that most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. It’s been proven that many houseplants help clean the air by absorbing common indoor pollutants.”

Since launching its national public service campaign, O2 for You: Houseplants with a Purpose (www.o2foryou.org) in 2008, ongoing research confirms Costa Farms’ belief that live houseplants can cleanse indoor air from chemical pollutants (volatile organic compounds) emitted from products and materials found in our homes and offices.

Smith emphasizes that with such a powerful message, “Our industry needs to clearly communicate to consumers that live indoor houseplants are nature’s air purifiers that release oxygen, remove carbon dioxide and VOCs from indoor spaces, and brighten up any room with beautiful color and foliage.”

To make it easy for customers and consumers, Costa Farms’ O2 for You branded plant tags and brightly colored POP merchandising will provide instant brand recognition and houseplant care information throughout the month of September.

During National Indoor Plant Week, Costa Farms will be implementing online contests and creating sharable content through their Facebook page and Twitter account to educate consumers that plants are just more than a pretty face.

For more information on National Plant Week visit www.nationalindoorplantweek.com). To learn more about Costa Farms visit www.costatfarms.com and www.o2foryou.org.

# # #

About Costa Farms

Costa Farms is the largest producer of indoor houseplants in the world. Founded in 1961 by Jose Costa, Costa Farms is a third generation, family owned business that globally stretches over 3,800 acres and employs 2,800 people. Along with thriving indoor, bedding and perennial plant divisions, Costa Farms operations are located in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, and abroad in the Dominican Republic, and Far East.

 
 
Costa Layman Farms Holds 7th Annual Health Fair
July 31, 2012
 

Costa Layman Farms Holds 7th Annual Health Fair

 

Leading perennial grower offers health fair to all employees

 

Trenton, SC July 31, 2012 – ‘Miracles happen where you plant them’ was proudly communicated on the t-shirts of more than 425 Costa Layman Farms’ employees at the 7th Annual Interdisciplinary Health Fair on July 20 in Trenton, S.C.

 

Costa Layman Farms, one of the leading perennial companies in the United States, teamed up with Georgia Health Sciences University College of Nursing (GHSU) to plant other miracles: free health assessments for farm workers and academic hours for student nurses.

 

“The comprehensive health screenings provided by GHSU are of the highest caliber and a wonderful benefit we are able to offer our employees,” says Debbie Layman from Costa Layman Farms and founder of the health fair.

 

“We are extremely fortunate to partner with GHSU who has helped us build the health fair from a very basic event to a sophisticated health screening event with nursing students receiving clinical experience unlike any other rotation they have in school,” explains Layman.

 

The health fair featured dental screenings, HIV testing, cholesterol and glucose screenings, pulmonary function testing, grip strength and screenings for vision, bone density, sleep apnea, height, weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and glucose and body mechanics classes.

 

Employee turnout was at its highest this year and community involvement continues to grow, according to Layman, who is a GHSU College of Nursing alumna, and serves on the College of Nursing’s Advancement Committee and as a trustee for the GHSU Foundation.

 

“The feedback from our employees is always very positive.  A clean bill of health gives them a sense of hope and is something they can be proud of,” Layman explains. 

 

Participants, organizers and doctors all agree that this event is beneficial for everyone involved.

“The employees obtain health care, the employer builds morale and the nurses acquire a number of working hours from one place, “says Dr. Jo Ellen McDonough, one of the founding doctors of the health fair.

 

For the third consecutive year, Dr. Ben Herz, chairman of the Occupational Therapy Department, directed a body mechanics class to demonstrate proper ways to lift, push and pull heavy objects.  Dr. Herz described this event as a model for an industry-wide effort.

 

As the Costa Layman Farms health fair continues to grow, it will set an example for other nurseries in the industry. "We don't say safety first, we say safety always," says second generation, Christina Layman Holmes.

 

 

The Costa Farms family of companies is one of the largest producers of indoor houseplants in the world.  Founded in 1961 by Jose Costa, Costa Farms is a third generation, family owned business that globally stretches over 3,800 acres and employs 2,800 people.  Along with thriving indoor and bedding plant companies, the Costa Farms family of companies operate merchandising and transportation companies, with domestic operations in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, and abroad in the Dominican Republic and the Far East.

 
 
GHSU students join with local nursery for 7th Annual Health Fair
July 13, 2012
 
                                         
 
Costa Layman Farms, one of the largest perennial companies in the United States, has found a novel way to combine academic support with health awareness for its farm workers.

Approximately 400 Costa Layman employees will receive free health assessments during the nursery’s 7th Annual Interdisciplinary Health Fair July 20 in Trenton, S.C. Clinical Nurse Leader students at Georgia Health Sciences University will partner with dental, respiratory, physical and occupational therapy students, Ryan White Outreach personnel, community volunteers, local hospitals, health centers and South Carolina DHEC to provide free comprehensive health screenings to nursery employees. Participation is a course requirement for Clinical Nurse Leader students.

This year’s health fair features grip strength testing, dental screenings, HIV testing, cholesterol and glucose screenings and pulmonary function testing and screenings for vision, bone density, sleep apnea, height, weight, blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and glucose and body mechanics classes.

The Ryan White Outreach Team at GHSU has already performed 276 HIV tests on Costa Layman workers this year. Workers who took glucose tests at Edgefield Hospital were also tested for HIV. The results will be given on the day of the health fair. This is an increase from the 70 to 90 workers tested in past years.

Employee turnout and community involvement grows every year, according to Debbie Layman, of Costa Layman and a GHSU College of Nursing alumna.

“We have had students that graduated two years ago that are still coming back to help,” said Layman. “Employees will come back and give a report from last year. They are monitoring glucose levels and having skin lesions checked. People found that they need glasses, started watching their diets.”

In addition to receiving on-site services, Costa Layman workers are referred to community resources for follow-up treatment, if necessary. Interpreters translate for workers who are not fluent in English.

“Identifying these problems can prevent minor things from becoming a lifelong problem or a very severe problem. That’s incredible,” said Layman, who serves on the College of Nursing’s Advancement Committee and as a trustee for the Georgia Health Sciences University’s Foundation.

The health fair will begin at 7:30 a.m. and last until all screenings are complete.

 
 
Plant care for Plants in Furniture Friendly Pots
July 6, 2012
 

Care of Houseplants in Furniture Friendly Pots

Many of Costa’s dish gardens are planted in furniture friendly pots (pots without drainage holes.)  They are designed to help minimize furniture marring.  Also, many of these plants have a pebble top dressing that is glued down (for transportation purposes.)

Caring for these plants is a bit different since they are inside, have lack drainage holes and have a topdressing that is glue on.

First of all, the plant should be placed in the adequate lighting.  They also need to be exposed to the correct temperature and humidity. Each plant species is different, therefore follow the culture guide on the tag or go to www.costafarms.com to look up the plant in our plant library.

Watering a plant depends on the environmental conditions it is subject to, as well as, the plant species itself.  Typically, the plant requires more water during the warm growing season than the cold months of the year.  However, if the plant is inside, it is not subject to drastic temperature changes and its growth tends to stay somewhat constant. 

That said, the plant should be watered using a trickle of water from the sink so the water penetrates the pebbles and the soil can become evenly moist.   Let the water trickle on the pebbles for about 5 minutes (average.)  Allow the plant sit for about half an hour so the water soaks into the soil.  Finally, tilt the pot carefully into the sink to drain any excess water.  It should be noted that the time the pot is watered will vary depending on the size of the pot.

Plant should be watered when the soil is about 80% dry.  To determine this, the best way is to open a hole in the pebbles the size of a quarter (save the pebbles so the hole can be covered when not in use.)

Use a finger, or even better, a moisture meter to determine when it is time to water. 

Plants should be repotted about once a year.

Fertilize accordingly using a liquid green fertilizer for indoor plants.

 
 
Design Experts Share Tips for Instant Outdoor Style
June 29, 2012
 

Philadelphia, PA – Hot new tropical plants from Costa Farms make it easy to put the sizzle into any summer party with plants that give instant color and lush foliage for any size space.

“People planning outdoor parties think about the food and beverages but often forget about the deck or patio until the last minute,” says landscape designer and event planner James T. Farmer III. “Using tropical plants add bold color and turn any space into a festive occasion.”

From hibiscus to mandevilla, these new plants come in decorative containers, instantly transforming patios and decks into a summer party for weddings, graduations and the Fourth of July.

No time to Plant?

Stunning patio ready pots add vivid color for any summer occasion. Colorful mandevilla fill decorative containers with trendy colors that work nicely on patios and decks to create an instant party atmosphere.

Bobbie Schwartz, past president and certified member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), recommends creating a focal point using a series of accessories. “Place three containers of varying heights near an entryway to welcome your guests. Use at least one plant that can be repeated in at least two of the containers to unify the look,” she says.

Farmer says he often places plants right in a container and then just top dresses them with sphagnum moss for a finishing touch. “I create instant containers by removing the hanging basket wires and popping the basket right into a pretty container,” suggests Farmer. “No digging or potting required.”

Create a Tropical Paradise

Farmer says, “Forget the party balloons. Use tropical plants in bright bold colors to inject a festive atmosphere into an outdoor scene. Vibrant colors add energy and excitement to outdoor spaces and few plants say fun as clearly as the hibiscus.”

Bring paradise home with Costa Farms’ new Tropic Escape hibiscus. (www.costafarms.com). The over-sized flowers come in more than a dozen hot showcase tropical colors like Caribbean Cocktail yellow, Tiki Temptation orange, and Monsoon Mixer pink and lavender.

The easy-care hibiscus bloom twice as long as old-fashioned hibiscus and can take the heat through the hottest summer months.

“Hibiscus is perfect for sprucing up your outdoor space for a big party or small intimate gathering,” says Farmer. “They’re versatile and look great as a centerpiece and can even be used for garnishes for salads, decorating dishes or making your own tea.”

Invite Nature to the Party

Farmer and Schwartz agree this year’s color influences draw inspiration from nature.

“Many of the new cultivars are lower maintenance and longer blooming than plants of the past and they come in bold, wow colors like purple, pink and orange that attracts birds and butterflies to your backyard,” says Schwartz.

For more information on the entire Tropic Escape collection, visit Costa Farms. Visit Apld.org for a professional landscape designer near you.

 
 
Costa Farms Launches Find Your Style
June 10, 2012
 

Ready to design with houseplants?

When it comes to interior design, houseplants can add so much color, texture and flair to any living space.

The latest innovation from Costa Farms, ‘Find Your Style’, is a web tool that virtually designs rooms using houseplants.

Marta Maria Garcia, Director of Marketing for Costa Farms explains, “We created this web tool so people would gain inspiration for designing rooms with houseplants and have fun. ‘Find Your Style’ helps to match your personal style with your living space.”

Either upload a personal picture of a room, or choose from the six room styles curated by designers at Costa Farms: Asian, Traditional, Modern, Mediterranean, Country or Tropical. Then, use the app to add different houseplants around the room based on your décor style.

Not sure which plants to choose? Costa Farms selected each plant specifically for the style of the room.

Garcia explains, “From hundreds of houseplant varieties, we chose only ones that add shape as well as liveliness to an interior. However, design is not the only focus, it also provides detailed plant care information to help you achieve success.”

Once the design of the room has been set, ‘Find your Style’ provides a shopping list for printing. Take the list to a garden center near you to purchase the right plants and complete the project. ‘Find Your Style’ also makes it easy to share room designs with Facebook friends or on Pinterest boards.

‘Find Your Style’ makes designing with houseplants easy, innovative and fun.

To download this free and easy-to-use web tool, visit http://style.costafarms.com/.
 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan McCoy or Stacey Pierson

Garden Media Group

610-444-3040

 
 
 
 
© 2011 All Rights Reserved, Costa Farms, LLC.