The World of Exotic Plants

The world of exotic plants is much larger than a single climate or plant group. It encompasses species from tropical rainforests, humid mountain regions, open savannas, dry landscapes and cooler subtropical regions. Each habitat gives rise to different growth forms and different needs.

Herbert Riphagen, owner of ExoticsAtHome, was born in Rantepao on Sulawesi in Indonesia. His parents were involved in development work there. His tropical childhood sparked his interest in palms and tropical plants at an early age. The many years he spent travelling, particularly through Southeast Asia and South America, after finishing school grew out of this interest.

A Great Botanical Diversity

Palms form an important part of the ExoticsAtHome collection, but they are only one example. Tree ferns, other ferns and a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants also demonstrate how differently plants can adapt.

Some develop a tall trunk and broad crown, while others remain compact or grow close to the forest floor.

In early 2000, Herbert started a wholesale business in palm trees and other exotic plants. Palms, tree ferns, other ferns and a wide variety of exotic plants were imported from around the world and resold.

Although Herbert became a specialist in hardy exotics and palms, his true passion actually lies with the more tropical palm species and plants. These are more beautiful, more diverse and more difficult, and therefore also more challenging.

Climate Determines More Than Temperature

When caring for exotic plants, temperature is often considered first. However, light, humidity, water, growing medium and the rhythm between periods of growth and dormancy are at least as important.

A species from a humid tropical rainforest grows under different conditions from a plant originating in a cooler mountain region or a landscape with a pronounced dry season. Its natural habitat therefore helps us better understand a plant’s needs.

Tropical, Subtropical and Hardy

Not all exotic plants need to be kept warm throughout the year. Some palm species are hardy and, depending on the species, origin and local conditions, can be grown outdoors in temperate regions.

In the late 1990s, many people thought Herbert was unwise to import palm trees. According to experts, he was operating on far too large a scale because the market was not that big. This was mainly because many people at the time did not know that these palms were hardy. It later became clear that he had chosen the right path.

Other species are semi-hardy and require protection, while tropical plants need a permanently warm environment. The world of exotic plants therefore includes species for gardens, patios, greenhouses, conservatories and indoor spaces.

Origin as a Key to Understanding

Information about a natural habitat helps us better understand a plant. Herbert tested different origins in practice and gained experience with the differences between plants.

He visits many natural habitats of palm species to obtain fresh seed. Another aim is to protect these natural habitats in cooperation with local communities, so that fresh seed can continue to be harvested in the future.

Climate change and other factors are placing some natural populations under pressure. A plant’s origin therefore not only tells us where it comes from but also connects it to a natural population and habitat.

A Growing Interest

The market is changing. Since the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people—especially younger people—have become involved with plants in their own way.

Young people without a garden or balcony may, for example, buy a plug-and-play cabinet in which they can regulate the humidity, temperature and even the colour of the light. This allows them to create their own indoor jungle without keeping reptiles. Nothing is more beautiful than a personal jungle wall filled with carefully selected plants.

Milder winters are bringing more exotic plants into gardens. Interest in plants for indoor spaces and patios is also growing steadily, especially among younger people.

Continuing to Discover

Even within familiar plant groups, lesser-known species and different origins are still being discovered. ExoticsAtHome wants to showcase this diversity and invite visitors to look beyond the most common garden and houseplants.

The world of exotic plants therefore remains a world of discovery, cultivation, comparison and knowledge sharing.