There are many new features at the 19th edition of La Festa del Cactus, but one that stands out is the presence of the first non-European nursery specializing in succulents to ever exhibit in Italy: the Thai company Little One Plant Nursery, which offers a fascinating selection of rare and hard-to-find succulents, including a unique selection of Euphorbia hybrids, for which the company is the world’s leading producer.

Equally interesting is the first public appearance in Italy of EPRIC, a company that recently relocated to Italy and is owned by Dutchman Frank Supplie, who is renowned worldwide for his vast expertise in the field of Epiphyllum and Rhypsalis hybrids—the “Easter cactus.” For the occasion, Frank wanted to contribute to the Festa del Cactus by registering two new cultivars under this name. In his exhibition space, Frank has set up a stunning photo exhibition showcasing some of his creations. For those most interested in the world of epiphytic cacti, Frank has set aside several specimens of species never before seen on the market, all expertly cultivated.

A special thought goes out to our dear friend Dino Pelizzaro, an expert on tropical plants of rare beauty, who chose to participate in our event with a selection of uncommon bromeliads, in addition to his usual display of unusual plants.

Among those offering original handmade products, we must mention Ceramiche dall’Etna, run by my friend Cristina Bonanno, who paints evocative images of Sicily on slabs made from basalt from Muncibbeḍḍu, and Panaturarte by Petr Batal, a master potter from Bohemia who specializes in producing small, natural-looking pots, ideal for succulents.