Todd Lucero of The Bronze Petal The Art & Science of Aroid Care
Todd Lucero is a horticulturist with over 35 years of experience, known for his disciplined approach to plant cultivation, rare species collection, and community-centered leadership in horticulture.
He grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he worked at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens under the guidance of the esteemed Shane Sith. In 2000, he relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he worked at Ocean Journey (now the Downtown Aquarium). There, he collaborated closely with the Life Sciences Department, beginning his work in the collection and study of rare and difficult-to-source aroid species, an area that would become a defining focus of his career.
Over the decades, Todd has built an extensive body of knowledge in horticulture, grounded in both field experience and global exploration. He has spent years traveling internationally in pursuit of rare plant species, working alongside growers and collectors across Thailand, China, Ecuador, Europe, and Africa. His work reflects a commitment not only to botanical rarity, but to preservation, education, and ecological awareness.
As the founder of The Bronze Petal, Todd's focus extends beyond plants themselves to the cultivation of community. He is deeply committed to fostering connection within Colorado's local community and advancing continued education and conservation efforts in horticulture. Through global partnerships and ongoing fieldwork, he continues to bridge cultures and ecosystems through plant life.