FLORIDA HARVEST
CALADIUMS MAKE FOR A LOT OF JOY LAKE PLACID-BASED HAPPINESS FARMS IS A KEY GROWER
ith impressive arrowhead-shaped leaves, lively patterns in white, pink and red, and catchy names such as Florida Moonlight, Red Flash and Tapestry, caladiums are conversation pieces—whether they rest along borders, grow under trees or burst out of window boxes. The flowering plants, which originated in the Amazon River basin, flourish in Lake Placid, Florida, in Highlands County. The town is called the “Caladium Capital of the World” because 80 percent of the world’s supply is grown there. Caladiums thrive in tropical climates, are dormant in winter, begin growing in late spring and through the summer, and are a summer tuber. All grow well in shade; there are sun varieties. “Happiness Farms is one of the original growers. It is now the largest grower in Lake Placid,” explains farm co-owner Danielle Phypers Daum.
The farm’s story dates to the 1940s: Her grandfather Paul Phypers (1903-1999), a potato-grower from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and originator of the farm, partnered with Bill Melvin, a Chicago building contractor and Florida landowner. They grew potatoes on 300 acres of Melvin’s 700-acre farm in Lake Placid. Phypers applied his knowledge of tractor mechanics and designed superior packaging machines. In 1948, there was a flourishing flower market in New York City and along the East Coast, so Phypers tried his hand at growing flowers. Thanks to his packaging system, business succeeded and he quit potato farming. Phypers subsequently purchased a 40-acre “Banana Farm” in Lake Placid—actually composed of mucky, lakebottom land. It was once part of Lake Clay, located on the southern banks of Lake Istokpoga. The mucky soil, with a low pH and up to 15 feet deep, was excellent for growing
Aerial photo of caladium fields at Lake Placid, Florida-based Happiness Farms.
26
F LO R I D A C O U NTRY A p r i l | M a y 2 0 2 1
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF HAPPINESS FARMS
W
Written by: Ava Grace
