'My main goal was to raise a sample of a species, as similar as possible to the autochthon plant, growing in it's original region.'

Dušan Hrovatin

Dear exotic plant collectors!

I started collecting cacti and succulents in 1960. I bought a lot of grown up samples of different species and raised even more of them by sowing the seeds. I always looked for the best seeds, picked at the autochthon locations. From 1975 till 1985 I sow appo. 150 different species (500 - 1000 seeds for every species) every year. After 10 years 15-25% of the plants remained. Only the most resistive plants survived as I deliberately created harsh conditions, similar to those in their natural environment.
Every plant was therefore growing in special, even desert conditions with lots of sun, little rain and in desolated sandy soil. My main goal was to raise a sample of a species, as similar as possible to the autochthon plant, growing in it's original region.
I always try to pay regard to the natural weather cycles of the plants. The winter rest period lasts from the beginning of October till the end of March, at temperatures between 6 and 14°C. I gradually begin to water the plants in April, so the growing period lasts from mid April till mid September. I don't fertilize the plants, I only use preventive spraying against the pest in late spring and before the winter rest.

My plants therefore look nearly the same as the autochthon ones. Today one can get such plants only at few collectors, in specialized stores or with sowing the seeds, bought at the verified suppliers.

Due to the limited space in the greenhouse I decided to sell off most of my collection, momentarily containing over 1500 different species of cacti, succulents, mesembs / (lithops), bulbs and other exotic plants. They are available in this e-shop.

I would be very pleased if my plants will help you to enjoy your collection even more!