Ocean Orchids, a tropical garden in Slovenia

Welcome to Ocean Orchids in Dobrovnik, a breathtaking tropical oasis fueled by natural thermal springs.

Over two million vibrant orchids bloom in this greenhouse, creating a kaleidoscope of colour every single year.

It is a paradise for flower lovers, but there is a dilemma: choosing just one or more perfect colours to take home.
Honestly? I wanted to buy them all 🤩

The story of Ocean Orchids is about the dream and success of two friends and agronomists, Roman Ferenčak and Tomaž Jevšnik.

They founded the company in 2003, shortly after graduating from the Faculty of Agriculture in Ljubljana. They honed their knowledge and practical experience in the Netherlands, the European capital of horticulture, where they mastered the secrets of growing ornamental plants.

So, two friends decided to cultivate tropical orchids right in the middle of the Pannonian plains of Prekmurje. It was an ambitious project. Thanks to the thermal springs in this area, Roman and Tomaž drilled their first geothermal borehole in 2004. Since orchids require constant heat, they get it straight from the Earth.

 

The Phalaenopsis orchid at “Ocean Orchids”

Did you know that there are about 300,000 species of plants on the planet, and among them, about 30,000 species of orchids? By the way, the word “orchid” comes from the Ancient Greek word “órkhis”, which literally means “testicle” 😉

The Ocean Orchids, however, produce only one: the Phalaenopsis, originating from Indonesia.
Some orchids have a pronounced rest period, but the Phalaenopsis can grow continuously. It develops new leaves and roots, and with proper care, it can bloom for years, even in home conditions.

In nature, Phalaenopsis is an epiphytic plant. This means that it grows on the branches of trees in tropical forests, where its roots hang in the air to absorb atmospheric moisture while the canopy protects it from the direct midday sun.

 

Because of that, “Ocean Orchids” tries to imitate the conditions from nature: orchids are planted in a substrate made of tree bark, and rainwater is used for irrigation. The water that falls on the roof of the greenhouse is collected, stored in large tanks, and it is used again to water the plants. Also, too much light is not good for orchids. This is why they use shading systems in a greenhouse.

Definetely, it is not an easy job to raise the orchids…

 

The second best-selling are pink and cyclamen orchids.

I am sure that orchid lovers know most of the orchid care tips. Let’s mention the most important, as Roman told us.

♦ Too much water
The Orchid Phalaenopsis doesn’t like too much water. In nature, it is accustomed to alternating wet and dry periods. When it dries, it is possible to soak the plant well with water, and then return it to its place.

◊ Rainwater
At Ocean Orchids, rainwater is used for watering. Since most people do not have such an option at home, it is advised to let tap water stand for a day or two before watering.

♦ Too much light
Do not place orchids in strong sunlight. They prefer a bright place, but without direct midday sun. Windows facing east or west, with a curtain, are always a good choice.

◊ Temperature
Phalaenopsis does not like the cold. Temperature in the apartment should not fall below 14 degrees. At the same time, the plant can withstand temperatures of 30 degrees.

♦ Fertiliser
Be careful with fertilisation. In professional production, the amount of fertiliser is relatively small. Usually, salts that do not suit the plant can accumulate on the bark where the orchid grows.

And, at the end, love your orchids 😍

Stepping into the jungle: the Tropical Garden

The Tropical Garden is located next to the production areas and the shop. It covers 1,500 square meters and stands over 6 meters high. When you step into the warm, humid botanical garden, you forget that you are in Slovenia.

It was an interesting walk along the wooden pathways with a romantic waterfall and lush greenery.

There are more than 400 plant species and over 900 individual specimens of tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world inside. The beauty of the colourful flamingos (Anthurium) and other tropical flowers leaves you speechless 🤩

There, you’ll also find wild bananas, avocados, papayas, mangoes, ginger, pineapples, ylang-ylang, taro, carambola, guava, and even coffee and black pepper trees.

 

Bourbon Vanilla 

Did you know that vanilla is a climbing species of orchid?
One of the highlights of the garden is an authentic Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar.

Vanilla successfully bears fruit also in this Slovenian greenhouse, and during the spring and summer months, you can even sample priceless homemade vanilla ice cream made from its aromatic black pods right at the Tropical Garden.

 

 

I was planning to buy one or two, but in the end, I bought four… Today, they are adorning my window 🤩