Cacti & succulents
They are part of our roots. Fascinating shapes, water storage and slow growth make these plants particularly rewarding to observe. Plenty of light and suitable substrate are as interesting as their form.
A love of plants from the Palatinate
Three generations.
A heart for exotic plants.
Behind Exotenherz is a family story filled with curiosity about unusual plants. Discover our roots, the people behind them and our plant world, right here on our website.
1936Alfred’s start in horticulture
3 generationsA shared passion for plants
OberauerbachOur home in Zweibrücken
How everything grew
Our story.
The first generation · 1936
Curiosity begins with Alfred.
In 1936, Alfred began his horticultural apprenticeship at Jägerndorf Castle. Caring for the count’s botanical collection brought him into contact with exotic plants at an early stage.
After the war years, he came to the Palatinate in 1948. Initially, he worked as a sales representative for whisks and potting machines. His enthusiasm for plants remained: despite family reservations, he bought cactus and bromeliad seeds.
A cold winter without sufficient heating destroyed the bromeliads. This setback led to a specialisation in cacti.
On 14 research journeys, mainly to Madagascar, Alfred explored exceptional plants. These discoveries shaped the later range.
The second generation · 1982
New plants, new possibilities.
In 1982, Alfred’s daughter Marianne and her husband Fritz took over. They expanded the range to include bonsai, imported directly from China and cared for further in their own nursery.
Tillandsias, carnivorous plants and other unusual plants were added. Customers also include garden centres and DIY stores in Germany.
The third generation · since 2005
Stefan and Henning continue the story.
Grandsons Stefan and Henning have been involved since 2005. The online offering made direct contact with plant enthusiasts an important part of the business again.
Today, Exotenherz connects the nursery in Oberauerbach with buying plants online. The range is shipped to Germany and other EU countries; current delivery areas and shipping conditions are shown in the shop for each purchase.
A look behind the scenes
Between rows of plants and new ideas.
Our nursery is in Oberauerbach, a district of Zweibrücken in the Palatinate. Images from our company archive show a glimpse of our work and plant world.
Discover diversity
For different plant passions.
Bonsai
With a bonsai, the focus is on the whole tree: its growth form, container and development over time. The species determines the suitable position and care.
Tillandsias
These unusual air plants offer many design possibilities. Even without a conventional plant pot, they need a suitable position and care adapted to their species.
Orchids
Flowers, roots and growth tell us a great deal about an orchid’s well-being. Our portraits in Pflanzenwelt show what to look for when observing your plants.
Carnivorous plants
Sticky leaves, pitchers and snapping traps reveal different approaches in nature. Care differs according to the species, which makes getting to know them properly particularly worthwhile.
Greenery indoors and out
Houseplants, Mediterranean container plants and bottle gardens complement the range. The right plant for you depends on your space and the conditions there.
Knowledge that grows
Why Pflanzenwelt exists.
Buying a plant is the beginning. Then everyday questions arise: is the position bright enough? Should I water already? How does care change in autumn? We want to help you get to know your plants.
Clear and horticultural
We explain connections and show what you can observe. Growing recommendations should help you look more closely and make decisions suited to your plant.
Visual and understandable
Plant portraits, tables, pictures and specialist sources complement each other. You can get a quick overview or take time to read in greater detail.
Knowledge to take with you
With your personal plant book, you assemble your own collection: plant information, care or both. A dedication can turn it into a personal greeting if you wish.
Our village and our company
A visit from SWR.
SWR also visited us. The linked Landesschau Rheinland-Pfalz report from 11 June 2024 introduces Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Platz in Oberauerbach. It offers another impression of our home village.
Watch the report in ARD Mediathek (German) ↗The video opens on the provider’s website only after you click. No video player is loaded here.
We look forward to hearing from you
Let’s keep in touch.
Questions about a plant or our range? You can reach us at kontakt@exotenherz.de or by telephone on +49 6337 9390881. Our address is Schwarzwaldstr. 80, 66482 Zweibrücken.
Background to our history
The historical information and photographs come from the company pages About us (German) and Our company history (German). The content is brought together here; you do not need to move to the shop to read our story.