SATURDAY SCHEDULEIAS DAILY WELCOME & KICKOFF 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Aroid Awards Area Hosted by IAS Board Member Brooke Lopeman, along with Cass Marion and Liana Strode—both passionate aroid enthusiasts and dedicated IAS volunteers. Make your way to the Aroid Awards display area for a relaxed morning meet-up with members of the IAS Board, volunteers, vendors, and fellow plant lovers. This daily welcome is a great way to energize your day, get a rundown of what’s ahead, ask questions, and connect with the community—all while surrounded by some of the most stunning plants at the Expo. Stick around for fun opportunities to engage and a chance to win a giveaway! IAS VETERANS: CONNECTING THE PAST AND PRESENT 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by longtime IAS members Marie Nock, Barry Schwartz, Ron Weeks, and Lester Kallus—dedicated aroid enthusiasts who helped shape the society across its five-decade history. Join longtime IAS members for a lively session of stories, reflection, and conversation. Hear firsthand how the society has grown and evolved over the years, and what being part of the IAS has meant to them. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, share your own memories, and connect across generations of aroid lovers in this engaging look at the roots and growth of the IAS. NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE GENUS ANTHURIUM 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by Dr. Mónica Carlsen, Research Scientist at the Missouri Botanical Garden, with over two decades of experience in Araceae research and mentorship. Recent molecular studies are challenging our understanding of the traditional groups used in Anthurium classification. In this talk, Dr. Carlsen will explore the most recent findings, discuss how to recognize the newly proposed groups, and consider how these advancements could potentially enhance our understanding of Anthurium cultivation practices. We’ll also touch on how this research may facilitate the development of new varieties of this widely grown ornamental plant. BRANCH OUT: MEET & MINGLE WITH FELLOW PLANT LOVERS 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Aroid Awards Area Hosted by Brooke Lopeman of the IAS Board of Directors and Cass Marion (aka @plantaddicted_cass), a passionate aroid enthusiast and IAS volunteer. It’s time to branch out and make new connections! Join us for a fun, casual afternoon mingle with like-minded plant lovers and members of the IAS community from near and far. Swap stories, share your socials, and maybe even make a few lifelong plant friends. There will be games, prizes, and a giveaway drawing for all participants! So come ready to chat, laugh, and connect—the only thing serious will be our love of plants! WORKSHOP: INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE | Only 50 spots! 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by the team from AgriStarts, a family-owned Florida-based company specializing in tissue culture propagation since 1984. Sometimes referred to as micropropagation, tissue culture is a common method of genetically cloning plants at scale. The process of creating a tissue culture plantlet may seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts as they guide you through the first steps of tissue culture, including how to take an explant and transfer it to growth media. This session will help demystify the tissue culture process! INTO THE VOID: BOTANIZING THE ISTHMUS 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by Jason Mark Hughes, Costa Rica–based Araceae researcher and curator with a focus on pendent Anthuriums. Listen as Jason Mark Hughes shares his experiences studying aroids across Central and South America. He’ll highlight new Araceae species from the Central American isthmus, along with insights from recent trips to Colombia and Peru to study Anthurium veitchii in its natural habitat—plus many other exciting species encountered along the way! A longtime Araceae researcher and curator, Jason brings a special focus on pendent Anthurium species and decades of experience exploring plants in habitat. MEMBERS’ DINNER & AUCTION | FULL DINNER DETAILS | Tickets are limited–this will sell out! Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Speakers: 8:15 PM – 9:30 PM | FIU Graham Center Ballrooms Hosted by David Ruland, longtime Greenhouse Manager at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Lucas Garcia, Araceae Curator at the Amazon Spheres. Join us for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with botanical garden experts as they share their work with aroids. From the nuts and bolts of cultivation to the art of curation, you’ll gain insight into what goes into the care, display, and long-term stewardship of plants in institutional and specialty collections. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from those shaping how aroids are grown and presented to the world! Afterward, enjoy our most anticipated member-only fundraiser and social event of the year—featuring a tropical menu with edible aroids, a live paddle auction, and an exclusive speaker panel. SUNDAY SCHEDULEIAS DAILY WELCOME & KICKOFF 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Aroid Awards Area Hosted by Brooke Lopeman of the IAS Board of Directors, Cass Marion, and Liana—both passionate aroid enthusiasts and dedicated IAS volunteers. Make your way to the Aroid Awards display area for a relaxed morning meet-up with members of the IAS Board, volunteers, vendors, and fellow plant lovers. This daily welcome is a great way to energize your day, get a rundown of what’s ahead, ask questions, and connect with the community—all while surrounded by some of the most stunning plants at the Expo. Stick around for fun opportunities to engage and a chance to win a giveaway! LIGHTING THE WAY: OPTIMIZING ARTIFICIAL LIGHT FOR AROIDS AND HOUSEPLANTS 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by Drew Martinez, founder of Carnivero and longtime plant enthusiast, whose science-driven approach and global fieldwork support the cultivation and conservation of rare carnivorous and tropical species. Join Drew Martinez of Carnivero for an in-depth look at how artificial lighting impacts the growth and health of houseplants, with a focus on aroids. Drawing from his background in physics, optics, and years of hands-on horticultural experience, Drew will break down the science behind light spectrum, intensity, and photoperiod—and how to apply it effectively in grow tents, greenhouses, and home setups. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this talk will help you unlock better growth, color, and vigor in your plants. HELP US GROW: MEET THE IAS BOARD & GET INVOLVED 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Aroid Awards Area Hosted by Brooke Lopeman and Robert Wainblat, members of IAS’s dedicated, all-volunteer Board of Directors. Ever wonder who’s behind the International Aroid Society? It’s all volunteers—including every member of our Board! Join us for a relaxed session where you’ll meet the folks who help keep the IAS thriving, hear what it’s like behind the scenes, and learn how you can pitch in. Whether you’ve got a few hours to spare or want to take on a bigger role, we’ll share ways to get involved that match your interests, skills, and availability. Volunteering with IAS is a great way to connect, contribute, and grow with the aroid community. WORKSHOP: MOONBEAM FLORA — CREATE YOUR OWN GLOW IN THE DARK FLOWER | Only 50 spots! 12:20 PM – 1:50 PM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by Tyler Thrasher, artist, scientist, and author known for merging nature, chemistry, and creativity through opalized flowers, plant hybridization, published works, and more. Tyler Thrasher is bringing the wonder of Moonbeam Flora into your own hands! Join him for a fun, hands-on session where you'll create your very own glow-in-the-dark dried flora. The process is messy yet scientific—you’ll explore the basics of phosphorescence while crafting something truly one-of-a-kind. Come ready to experiment and leave with your own luminous botanical creation! DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC FOR DISORDERS OF AROIDS 2:00 PM – 2:50 PM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by Lynn Griffith, global horticultural consultant and speaker dedicated to advancing agriculture and horticulture around the world. Join world-renowned tropical plant and soil expert Lynn Griffith for an educational session on the science and chemistry behind plant nutrition. The various disorders of aroids will be discussed, including nutrient disorders, insects, diseases, and physiological disorders. The talk will illustrate these problems, discuss their causes, and recommend specific remedial options. WORKSHOP: MOUNTING AROIDS FOR VERTICAL GROWING | Only 50 spots! 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Speaker & Workshop Area Hosted by Bill Rotolante, President of the IAS and second-generation nurseryman behind Silver Krome Gardens, one of North America’s largest producers of rare aroids. IAS President Bill Rotolante will teach a step-by-step workshop on how to mount your aroids for vertical display—perfect for your home, patio, or yard! Whether you’re creating a full living wall or a small statement plaque, you’ll learn the techniques and materials Bill uses to bring these displays to life. Each participant will receive a plant and plaque to work with—and take home their finished mounted aroid. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that will give you the skills to start building your own home jungle! |
MEET OUR PRESENTERS & HOSTS!We’re grateful to the incredible speakers, presenters, and workshop leaders sharing their expertise at the 2025 IAS Tropical Plant Expo. From inspiring talks to hands-on workshops and our members-only Dinner & Auction, every session is designed to grow your passion and connect you with the aroid community. Don’t miss your chance to learn, create, and take part in these can’t-miss highlights—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! |
AGRISTARTS - Founded in 1984, AgriStarts is a family-owned wholesale tissue culture company specializing in indoor foliage, edibles, landscape plants, natives, and other specialty varieties. Based in Florida, the company produces starter plants using advanced micropropagation techniques. Its environmentally controlled greenhouses support large-scale, true-to-type production, with operations designed to recapture water and fertilizer. AgriStarts supplies plant material to a wide range of horticultural markets.
DR. MONICA CARLSEN -
A Research Scientist at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Her research focuses on understanding the diversification of the genus Anthurium. She has been working with this group for 20 years, since she was the recipient of the International Aroid Society’s Dr. Monroe Birdsey Memorial Award for Young Researchers in Araceae in 2003. Dr. Carlsen is also particularly interested in training the next generation of aroid researchers by providing internship opportunities and mentorship to students interested in the family.
LUCAS GARCIA - Lucas Garcia is a devoted horticulturist and has served as the Araceae family curator at the Amazon Spheres greenhouse since 2021. His passion for aroids began soon after he earned his Bachelors of Science in Plant Biology from the University of Washington in 2018. While he is still a relatively new face in the International Aroid Society, he is excited to be more involved and help revitalize the West Coast Chapter. Lucas maintains an Araceae collection of more than 2,000 plants from over 600 accessions. Some of his favorite genera to cultivate include Amorphophallus and Anthurium. Additionally, he designs themed aroid displays, leads educational workshops, and collaborates with other horticulture experts and aroid enthusiasts to acquire new species for The Spheres and share plant materials to advance aroid conservation and research.
LYNN GRIFFITH - Lynn is an expert in the industry, as well as a hands-on consultant and has been a star class speaker for many facets of the industry from Day Lilies to Palm Trees to farms or anything or anywhere you can think of! Throw a dart on the map of the world- he has probably been there! Awards don’t exist for this unique amazing individual. Lynn is unparalleled in his profession and tirelessly and dedicatedly works to help everyone who needs it. We are here to improve and save the agricultural and horticultural communities across the world.
JASON MARK HUGHES - Araceae researcher, enthusiast and curator with a focus on pendent Anthurium species. Jason Hughes has lived for twenty years in Uvita, Costa Rica where he curates exotic species from his trips into habitat. He discovered Monstera cedenoi and was a co-author on the paper describing it.
LESTER KALLUS - Lester Kallus discovered the International Aroid Society in the early days of web surfing and joined in 1997. He attended his first International Aroid Conference at the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1999 and his first Miami Show & Sale in 2001, missing only two since then during the pandemic. Lester has served multiple terms on the IAS Governing Board and has held the roles of president, secretary, treasurer, and committee member. He became layout editor of the IAS Newsletter in 2021 and currently serves as both the managing and layout editor. In 2022, he also took on the role of layout editor for Aroideana.
BROOKE LOPEMAN - Brooke Lopeman is Chair of the IAS Website Committee and serves on several others. She started growing aroids indoors in downtown Chicago after her partner got her hooked, and quickly became interested in understanding their native habitats to best care for them—that curiosity led her to the IAS! When not digging into spreadsheets in her day job, Brooke enjoys helping grow the society and supporting IAS’s mission through behind-the-scenes work and efforts to preserve its resources.
CASS MARION - Cass is a passionate aroid lover with a soft spot for Anthuriums—her favorite being her fabulous Red Crystallinum. She’s currently working on her own hybrids in hopes of one day seeing her creations in collections around the world. New to the International Aroid Society, Cass is excited to dive deeper, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and travel the world to see (and help protect) these plants in their natural habitats.
DREW MARTINEZ - Drew Martinez is the founder of Carnivero, a carnivorous and tropical plants nursery based in Austin, TX. With a background in optical physics and biology from Stanford University, Drew brings a science-driven approach to horticulture. His interest in carnivorous plants and other amazing botanicals spans 3 decades and has included field work studying wild subjects and traveling to learn from growers around the world. At Carnivero, he focuses on cultivating rare plants through tissue culture and responsible practices, with the goal of making unique species more accessible while helping to conserve their wild counterparts.
MARIE NOCK - Marie and her husband Steve owned and operated Ree Gardens for fifty years. They were primarily collectors of rare and unusual tropical plants but enjoyed propagating and hybridizing as well, so their customers were able to find plants that weren’t otherwise available. Both were charter members of the International Aroid Society.
BILL ROTOLANTE - William “Bill” Rotolante is a lifelong member of the International Aroid Society (IAS), serving in numerous leadership roles, including Events Chair, Vice President, and currently President. A second-generation nurseryman from South Florida, Bill owns Silver Krome Gardens Inc., one of North America's largest producers of rare Aroids. His nursery houses many plants in the IAS collection and has raised thousands of dollars for the IAS charitable contribution fund. Bill’s expertise in Anthurium breeding was featured in the Aroidiana publication. Beyond the IAS, he has served as President of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), a Farm Bureau Board Member, and on the Young Nurseryman’s Advisory Board for Farm Credit of Florida. His passion for Aroids has made him a leader in his industry as he tries to foster this same love in the newer generations of Aroid enthusiasts.
DAVID RULAND - David Ruland, Greenhouse Manager, has been employed at the Atlanta Botanical Garden for over 26 years. Originally working in the Tropical Conservatory for a number of years, he has been looking after the Greenhouse Collections since 2010. He has an affinity for Tropical Conifers, Ferns, Gesneriads and first and especially foremost, the Aroids.
Barry Schwarts is a longtime International Aroid Society member and supporter with 50+ years as a collector, breeder, and propagator of rare and unusual aroids and foliage.
LIANA STRODE - Liana Strode is the founder of Salad Beard Farms in Apopka, Florida, which grew from her love of rare and variegated plants and the joy of sharing them with others. An IAS volunteer and dedicated member of this year’s Event Committee, she’ll be conducting interviews for the International Aroid Society at the Tropical Plant Expo—speaking with experts, growers, fellow plant lovers, and more. Follow the International Aroid Society and Salad Beard Farms to catch interviews and highlights from the Tropical Plant Expo!
TYLER THRASHER - With an undying love for nature and its respective curiosities, there are few things Tyler’s brain isn’t obsessing over. Between his pursuits to crystallize the world, opalize everything, and hunt down some of the realm’s most unique plants, his passion to combine art and science every step of the way is his fire and fuel. Chances are if you catch Tyler at a party, he’ll talk your ear off about exploring caves, growing minerals in his lab, playing Dungeons and Dragons, hybridizing new plants, electronic music, the importance of self compassion, and just how amazingly beautiful and mysterious this whole wide universe is. Tyler has a wide range of projects under his belt including but not limited to crystallizing insects, creating some of the world’s first and only opalized insects and flowers, hybridizing plants and creating new cultivars, capturing the natural world through illustration, creating a series of scientific and strange alchemy inspired toys, and a few published books including “Th
ROBERT WAINBLAT - Robert Wainblat is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been growing aroids for over six years, with a particular focus on Alocasia. He joined the International Aroid Society Board of directors in 2022 and is the creator of Aroidpedia, an online resource dedicated to aroid research, history, and cultivation. Outside the aroid world he is passionate about photography, data visualization, and baking.
RON WEEKS - Ron's interest in aroids ignited when he began work at Fantastic Garden in 1972. Two youngsters of that time, Ron and Gary Antosh, instigated the adults to create the International Aroid Society. GIANT leaf aroids are his favorite.
| MEMBERS DINNER & AUCTION | SATURDAY 7PM–11PM | FIU GRAHAM CENTER BALLROOMS
Experience the IAS’s most anticipated evening—featuring a tropical dinner menu, lively paddle auction, and exceptional, one-of-a-kind aroids and other plants generously donated by members, vendors, and supporters of IAS. Along with these plants, bid on unique items including a one-of-one print and a signed copy of Deni Bown’s new book, Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family, 3rd Edition. Throughout the evening, hear from leading experts as they share their work with aroids in world-class botanical collections. —GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MEMBERS DINNER & AUCTION | SATURDAY 7PM–11PM | FIU GRAHAM CENTER BALLROOMS
Join us for an exclusive conversation, Collections Under Glass: A Discussion of the Aroids at Botanical Gardens, with botanical garden experts David Ruland (Atlanta Botanical Garden) and Lucas Garcia (Amazon Spheres). They’ll share insights on cultivating, curating, and caring for aroids in specialty collections. | Plus: enjoy a tropical dinner and live auction of rare aroids.—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MEMBERS DINNER & AUCTION | SATURDAY 7PM–11PM | FIU GRAHAM CENTER BALLROOMS
Experience the IAS’s most anticipated evening—featuring a tropical dinner menu, lively paddle auction, and exceptional, one-of-a-kind aroids and other plants generously donated by members, vendors, and supporters of IAS. Along with these plants, bid on unique items including a one-of-one print and a signed copy of Deni Bown’s new book, Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family, 3rd Edition. Throughout the evening, hear from leading experts as they share their work with aroids in world-class botanical collections. —GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MEMBERS DINNER & AUCTION | SATURDAY 7PM–11PM | FIU GRAHAM CENTER BALLROOMS
Join us for an exclusive conversation, Collections Under Glass: A Discussion of the Aroids at Botanical Gardens, with botanical garden experts David Ruland (Atlanta Botanical Garden) and Lucas Garcia (Amazon Spheres). They’ll share insights on cultivating, curating, and caring for aroids in specialty collections. | Plus: enjoy a tropical dinner and live auction of rare aroids.—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOONBEAM FLORA WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR OWN GLOW IN THE DARK FLOWER | SUNDAY 12:20PM-1:50PM | Join Tyler Thrasher for a hands-on session where you’ll craft your own glow-in-the-dark dried flora, explore phosphorescence, and leave with a luminous botanical creation—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOONBEAM FLORA WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR OWN GLOW IN THE DARK FLOWER | SUNDAY 12:20PM-1:50PM | Join Tyler Thrasher for a hands-on session where you’ll craft your own glow-in-the-dark dried flora, explore phosphorescence, and leave with a luminous botanical creation—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOONBEAM FLORA WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR OWN GLOW IN THE DARK FLOWER | SUNDAY 12:20PM-1:50PM | Join Tyler Thrasher for a hands-on session where you’ll craft your own glow-in-the-dark dried flora, explore phosphorescence, and leave with a luminous botanical creation—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOONBEAM FLORA WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR OWN GLOW IN THE DARK FLOWER | SUNDAY 12:20PM-1:50PM | Join Tyler Thrasher for a hands-on session where you’ll craft your own glow-in-the-dark dried flora, explore phosphorescence, and leave with a luminous botanical creation—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOONBEAM FLORA WORKSHOP: CREATE YOUR OWN GLOW IN THE DARK FLOWER | SUNDAY 12:20PM-1:50PM | Join Tyler Thrasher for a hands-on session where you’ll craft your own glow-in-the-dark dried flora, explore phosphorescence, and leave with a luminous botanical creation—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOUNTING AROIDS FOR VERTICAL GROWING | SUNDAY 3PM-4PM | Join IAS President Bill Rotolante for a step-by-step workshop to mount aroids for vertical display—perfect for home, patio, or yard. Receive a plant and plaque, learn his techniques, and take home your finished piece—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOUNTING AROIDS FOR VERTICAL GROWING | SUNDAY 3PM-4PM | Join IAS President Bill Rotolante for a step-by-step workshop to mount aroids for vertical display—perfect for home, patio, or yard. Receive a plant and plaque, learn his techniques, and take home your finished piece—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOUNTING AROIDS FOR VERTICAL GROWING | SUNDAY 3PM-4PM | Join IAS President Bill Rotolante for a step-by-step workshop to mount aroids for vertical display—perfect for home, patio, or yard. Receive a plant and plaque, learn his techniques, and take home your finished piece—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
MOUNTING AROIDS FOR VERTICAL GROWING | SUNDAY 3PM-4PM | Join IAS President Bill Rotolante for a step-by-step workshop to mount aroids for vertical display—perfect for home, patio, or yard. Receive a plant and plaque, learn his techniques, and take home your finished piece—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE WITH AGRISTARTS | SATURDAY 1PM-3PM | Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts for a beginner-friendly session on tissue culture (micropropagation). Learn how to take an explant, transfer it to growth media, and demystify the plant cloning process—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE WITH AGRISTARTS | SATURDAY 1PM-3PM | Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts for a beginner-friendly session on tissue culture (micropropagation). Learn how to take an explant, transfer it to growth media, and demystify the plant cloning process—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE WITH AGRISTARTS | SATURDAY 1PM-3PM | Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts for a beginner-friendly session on tissue culture (micropropagation). Learn how to take an explant, transfer it to growth media, and demystify the plant cloning process—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE WITH AGRISTARTS | SATURDAY 1PM-3PM | Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts for a beginner-friendly session on tissue culture (micropropagation). Learn how to take an explant, transfer it to growth media, and demystify the plant cloning process—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE WITH AGRISTARTS | SATURDAY 1PM-3PM | Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts for a beginner-friendly session on tissue culture (micropropagation). Learn how to take an explant, transfer it to growth media, and demystify the plant cloning process—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
INTRODUCTION TO TISSUE CULTURE WITH AGRISTARTS | SATURDAY 1PM-3PM | Join Karina and Yessinia from AgriStarts for a beginner-friendly session on tissue culture (micropropagation). Learn how to take an explant, transfer it to growth media, and demystify the plant cloning process—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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