San Diego Botanic Garden to debut 'World of Houseplants'

ENCINITAS – San Diego Botanic Garden will be debuting its summer exhibition, World of Houseplants, Saturday, July 16 with the show running through Monday, Sept. 5. SDBG's already impressive collection of air plants, aroids, carnivorous plants and wax plants will incorporate hundreds more houseplants, from easy, everyday plants to rare species.

The seven week run of World of Houseplants, will feature:

Displays in the garden's state-of-the-art, 8,000 square foot, glass-enclosed facility, the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, which will be enhanced in immersive, artistic designs incorporating hundreds of additional plants brought in for the exhibition

"The popularity of houseplants has surged recently, and for good reason," said SDBG Deputy CEO Brandi Eide. "With the right conditions and care, there are a vast array of plants that can be grown. This exhibition will help visitors to identify different types of houseplants – including pitcher plants and Philodendrons, Spanish moss and Monsteras – and learn about the cultural conditions generally required to maintain each inside the house. Both emerging and expert houseplant growers will find useful tips and tricks creating the right environment, eradicating pests, and troubleshooting common problems."

Houseplants moved to center stage in many homes during the pandemic, as both an integral part of décor and an important element in maintaining mental health. As a "living museum" that houses and maintains plant collections for public enjoyment and learning, the botanic garden sees its role as integral in acquiring plants from legitimate sources and safely keeping plants as a sustainable resource for current and future generations.

The garden also periodically sells cuttings and seedlings from its collection through its on-site plant shop. On select days of the summer show, vendors from the U.S. and abroad will sell everyday plants and collector cuttings, potting materials, unique pots, and other houseplant products.

The show's stunning displays feature the many houseplants that already grow in the conservatory's "plant chandeliers," living wall, planters and plant beds, enhanced in immersive, artistic designs incorporating hundreds of additional plants brought in for the exhibition. SDBG's highly awarded Artist-in-Residence, René van Rems, AIFD, serves as creative director for the show.

During the run of the exhibition, SDBG will offer multiple classes and hand-on workshops to share information about caring for plants from begonias to bromeliads, potting techniques and supplies, keeping houseplants looking their best, and things to consider when setting up a plant collection.

SDBG is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday. Members of SDBG and other gardens participating in the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admissions Program receive free admission. SDBG members get exclusive access to the exhibition on Sundays, 9-10 a.m. Non-member admissions range from $12 to $18. Entrance to the exhibition includes access to the rest of the garden's 37 acres during the same visit.

For more information and to reserve an entrance date and time, visit https://www.sdbgarden.org/houseplants.htm.

Submitted by San Diego Botanic Gardens.