BellinaDiscovering Colasanti’s: A Plant Lover’s Journey with Procatavola Key Lime Stars
Four years ago, my plant journey took an unexpected turn with a simple impulse purchase. A Dragon Wing Sansevieria from Vermeer’s. Like many plant enthusiasts, I flipped the tag to check the grower’s information. Curiosity got the best of me, and I looked up the website printed on the tag. That’s when I first discovered Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens.
Their website was surprisingly detailed, with clear store hours and nursery information. What caught my attention most was that they had a physical storefront, open to the public. The only catch? It was a three-hour drive away. Still, I tucked that bit of information in the back of my mind. Someday, I told myself, if I’m ever in the area, I can stop in and check it out.
Fast forward four years later, and that “someday” finally arrived. I had the opportunity to visit Pelee Island, a truly magical place in Ontario that I’d always wanted to see. It’s Canada’s southernmost point. A tiny island where time slows down, and yes, you get to drive your car onto the ferry. A dream destination. I managed to squeeze the whole adventure into a single day, and on my way back from this bucket-list trip, I finally made that long-awaited detour to Colasanti’s.
And wow. It was worth every minute of that drive.
Colasanti’s was a plant paradise. Their prices were unlike anything I had seen before. Hoyas in 2.5” pots for a dollar, 4” pots for just two. The place was filled with healthy, vibrant plants, and the atmosphere had that unmistakable buzz of a space run by people who truly love what they do.
A few months later, I saw an Instagram post from Colasanti’s showcasing a new shipment of specialty orchids, and my plant heart skipped a beat. I had to go back.
When I returned, I was thrilled (and surprised) to see the specialty orchids still in stock. Though $30 each was more than my usual spend, these weren’t just any orchids. They were established, flowering-sized plants, and some were already in bloom. I picked up:
Oncidium Sharry Baby (yes, the one that smells like chocolate)
Oncidium Everglades Elegance
Oncidium Tolumnia
And most memorably, the Brassavola nodosa hybrid — Procatavola Key Lime Stars
I went over budget that day, but honestly? No regrets. These plants brought a new level of joy to my collection.
My Procatavola Key Lime Stars Journey
The Procatavola Key Lime Stars came with a bloom. A lovely surprise. A few months in, a new growth emerged, and before long, it rewarded me with three fragrant, star-shaped flowers. This orchid lives up to its reputation as the “Queen of the Night.” Its spicy cinnamon fragrance drifts through the air after sundown. Subtle, but unmistakably warm and soothing.
What has amazed me most about this orchid is its vigor. Since joining my collection, it hasn’t stopped growing. Alongside that initial bloom, it’s now pushing out two new growth points, promising even more spectacular blooms in the future.
How I Care for My Brassavola nodosa Hybrid (Procatavola Key Lime Stars)
If you’re looking for an orchid that’s both stunning and beginner-friendly, the Brassavola nodosa hybrid, also known as Procatavola Key Lime Stars, is a great choice. I’ve found this orchid to be remarkably easy to care for in my warm, bright condo environment. Here’s my detailed care routine that keeps this beauty thriving year-round:
🌞 Light Requirements
My Procatavola Key Lime Stars receives bright, filtered morning light with some dappled sun. This orchid loves high light but not harsh midday rays, which can scorch the leaves. Positioning it near an east-facing window with sheer curtains works perfectly.
💧 Watering Routine
I let the potting mix dry out completely between waterings. Once it’s bone dry, I give the orchid a deep soak, allowing water to run freely through the pot. This mimics the natural wet-dry cycle these orchids experience in the wild and helps prevent root rot.
🌿 Fertilizer Schedule
I follow the “weakly, weekly” approach. Every time I water, I use a diluted balanced orchid fertilizer. This consistent, light feeding supports healthy root growth and encourages blooming.
🪴 Potting Medium
This orchid is potted in a well-draining mix of charcoal bark and lava rock. The chunky texture promotes airflow around the roots and prevents water from lingering too long. As it grows, it’s starting to climb out of its current pot, so a repotting is due soon. I plan to use the same fast-draining mix since it’s clearly working well.
Looking back, it’s wild to think how one tag on a sansevieria led me down this path. From Vermeer’s to Pelee Island to Colasanti’s, and now to late-night whiffs of cinnamon and lime-scented blooms, this journey has been pure plant magic.
And if you ever find yourself in southern Ontario with time to spare and an itch for green, fragrant treasures, Colasanti’s is worth the drive.
