Natural Enemies at the International Aroid Society Tropical Plant Expo

Sep 12, 2025

If you know, you know; but you might also know it as an Alocasia, Colocasia, Dieffenbachia, Monstera or any number of similar tropical. An aroid is the common name for any plant in the Araceae family, also known as the arum family. You can identify an aroid by its unique floral structure, with countless tiny flowers clustered on a fleshy spike (spadix), typically surrounded or enclosed by a modified leaf (spathe).

With over 4500 described species, Araceae is one of the most diverse plant families in the world, thriving in a wide range of environments from rainforest canopies to swamps to an ordinary windowsill. Some grow from the forest floor, others cling to rocks, and some are even aquatic. Such diversity makes them fascinating subjects to study, collect, or simply enjoy.

Aroid lovers will be doing all of the above at the 48th Annual International Aroid Society (IAS) Tropical Plant Expo on September 20–21, 2025, at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo, E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 Coral Way (SW 24th Street), Miami, Florida, 33165. Hours are Saturday, 9AM to 5PM and Sunday, 9AM to 4PM.

Hosted by IAS, this two-day celebration unites collectors, researchers, and growers from around the world to shop, learn, and connect over all things tropical. Over 70 vendors of rare aroids and other tropical plants will be on site in the climate-controlled venue, as well as educational speakers, workshops, and fun tropical plant happenings to attend.

Natural Enemies will be on hand as the trusted source of beneficial insects to help combat tropical plant pest problems. Beneficial insects are a natural alternative to chemical pesticides—they’re sustainable, better for your plants, and better for the environment. Natural Enemies offers a large selection of chemical-free biosolutions to address a wide range of plant pests, and expert support to find the best solution for each customer’s unique situation.

Predators and parasites for pest control are available in sachets or shake-on bottles. They can also be applied via hanging baskets that function like little birdhouses for bugs. Sticky traps and discs are available also, as well as biostimulents that support and strengthen plants both above and below the soil, such as solutions for root protection and for plant growth and resilience. It’s a fact that the stronger and healthier a plant grows, the less likely it is to become infected with pests in the first place.

Natural Enemies’ expert consultants will be on hand in the booth to answer any questions you may have. Experienced growers themselves, they understand tropical plants and the problems that can arise while caring for them. They’ve dealt with most, if not all, pests that typically trouble tropical plants including aphids, scale insects (including mealybugs), mites, whiteflies, fungus gnats, and thrips, and built successful biosolutions for customers by listening to their concerns and working with them to forge the best path. Stop by the booth and chat with our experts—they love talking about bugs.