Canaima Orchids is a family operated business. Since 1994, our goal has been to produce the finest cultivars of Cattleya species. We have made many trips to South American Cattleya habitats and have been dismayed by their dwindling numbers. Our findings convinced us that the mission of Canaima Orchids is to do our best work toward conserving these native species by offering collectors superior forms from seed-raised populations.
In keeping with that mission we have developed a superior breeding program. By pairing select parents, those that impart their full form, rich color and vigor to offspring, with lesser known species possessing other desirable traits, we are able to create populations of Cattleya species with rare and unusual color forms that were only a dream a generation ago. Our breeding stock has been deemed among the finest available anywhere, and has been honored with multiple national and international awards. Our seedlings and divisions are eagerly sought by orchid connoisseurs worldwide.
Visitors are always welcome at our greenhouses & showroom.
Facilities are available for holding luncheon meetings & demonstrations.
Canaima Orchids
6635 Sim Barco Road
Palmetto, FL 34221
941/773-2940
canaimaorchids@verizon.net
Open Monday through Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 |
Michael Sinn, OwnerBorn in Venezuela to German parents, Michael Sinn was twelve years old when he became fascinated with orchids. He took over the care and culture of his mother’s backyard collection of over 120 plants, primarily Cattleyas and Oncidiums. When he purchased his own first orchid, a blooming V. sanderiana, he knew he’d been bitten by orchid fever. Growing up, Michael hiked the jungles of South America whenever he could in search of Cattleyas in their natural habitats. |
Following graduation from Universidad Metropilitana in Caracas where he received a degree in civil engineering, Michael worked for four years in the Venezuelan Amazon State as a contractor. The work afforded him the opportunity to observe the habitat of the C. violacea. Fired by what he believed was an urgent need for conservation of the precious plants, he spent personal time teaching local people how to pollinate the orchids, impressing upon them the need to let the plants remain in their natural habitat.
Orchid fever never left Michael. His deep commitment to conservation and preservation instinctively drew him toward the breeding Cattleyas and Laelias, eventually to starting his own nursery. In 2003, Michael brought his family to Florida and worked to make the next phase of his dream come true. He created and continues to grow and develop his own nursery business – Canaima Orchids.
For the past three decades, Michael has made numerous excursions to Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela to observe Cattleya habitats. Witnessing their dwindling numbers has only strengthened his resolve and endeavor to produce the finest cultivars of Cattleya species possible. His vision remains constant: to conserve native species by creating from seed-raised populations superior plants featuring rare and unusual color forms that were only a dream a generation ago. Michael Sinn has succeeded.
Michael Sinn serves as Judging Chairman for the Venezuelan Orchid Association (A.V.O.). He is a writer, sought-after lecturer, and a Student Judge with the American Orchid Society.
Please contact us with any questions or comments at 941.773.2940
or canaimaorchids@verizon.net.