Succulents

Succulents

Monday, December 21, 2009

Lady Slipper Orchids ....




Specialty Paphiopedilum or "Lady Slipper" orchids have arrived at Exotic Plants in quantities. These gorgeous orchids look difficult but are one of the easiest orchids to grow indoors. They are often one of the longest blooming orchids and are available in a wide variety of colors. Come on in and take a look, if you decide to take one home ... as always ... all of our orchids come with a detailed care instruction sheet. Maybe your princess needs a "slipper" this holiday!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Snowy Hydrangeas


We have some beautiful snowy hydrangeas that just arrived! These gems make nice holiday gifts, are easy to care for over the winter, and enjoy transplanting in the spring. They can be enjoyed inside this winter, just keep moist, check weekly, make sure they have good winter light, and remove dead blooms. They really are an outside plant. So be sure to transplant in the spring, to a shady area, where the soil can be kept moist. Think about these snowy treats for a friend this holiday!

Sunday, December 6, 2009


ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY!

Sunday, December 20th from 11 am to 5 pm

Please join us for a day of special treats, discounts,

and shopping throughout our store.

Refreshments, music, customers, and employees

will enjoy a few moments of holiday cheer!

Monday, November 23, 2009

POINSETTIA CARE ....

Ok .... you came to our open house, purchased a few poinsettias and need to know how to care for them now.

Here are a few tips:
* Place the poinsettia where it will receive good indirect sunlight in your home.
* Keep them away from large warm or cold drafts.
* Ideally poinsettias prefer daytime temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees. and don't like ANY temps below 50.
* Then check the soil daily, to make sure it is damp. Never allow them to sit in water and water when dry.

And an interesting fact: Poinsettias were introduced to the United States in 1825 by our first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsette.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Saturday, November 21st, from 10 - 6 pm - We'll host a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at our Howe Avenue Shop. All of our holiday poinsettias and plants will have just arrived. We'll offer a special 20% off all poinsettia purchases and holiday orders this day only. Enjoy the day or a few minutes with us and some hot cider & donuts.

Hope to see you!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009


Join us for the joyful art of Tina Jalalian at our Second Saturday Art Reception, November 14, 2009 from 6 to 9 pm at our Howe Avenue

location. The reception will honor the work of new artist, Tina Jalalian. Her talent with watercolor veil, oil, and pastel mediums will easily bring joy and beauty to your eye.


This evening will also feature the art of local artists Lelia Velianitis, Alexis Genung, Don Monzon and Craig Burr. And will be a special evening showing a wide variety of landscapes, florals, new sculpture, custom jewelry, photography, small prints and affordable greeting cards. Come enjoy the art, music and refreshments in our tropical paradise!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Easy Tillansias

Have you discovered Tillansias at Exotic Plants? Cruising through the store and discovered an interesting display of Tillansias or Air Plants. These gems are easy to care for and have a fun, modern and fresh feel that can add decor to any part of your home or office. All they need from us is a mist of water or nutrients once a week. How easy is that? They can be arranged on a towel, in an interesting bowl or added to a floral arrangement. They range in size from 1" to more that 12" in height and span. And are available at $1.35 to $4.40 for most sizes, but there are a few unusuals that will cost you more. Come check them out soon!

Monday, October 5, 2009

New Plants Have Just Arrived


Just received a large shipment of exotic plants and orchids from our specialty growers. Come in and enjoy the many new & beautiful plants. Featuring a special of 20% off all plants 4 feet or taller during the month of October. And don't forget "You haven't gone green until the plants arrive" ... live tropical house plants remove toxins from your home and provide oxygen! What an easy way to live a healthier life. Exotic Plants always offers free advice on picking the right plant for your space and care instructions, to make sure your plant thrives at home!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009


Join Us for our Bonsai Workshop this Saturday at 11 am. The store is full of new bonsai special for this event and we're offering 20% OFF all bonsai this Saturday. Come take a look at our great selection of beginner to high end specimen bonsai this Saturday!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Artwork by Lelia Velianitis On Display in September


Artist Lelia Velianitis joined us this Second Saturday to share her creative art in a wide range of mediums. It was a pleasant evening of art, wine, music and plants. Her art will be on display through the month of September. Please stop by to enjoy her many treasures through out the store!

Monday, July 27, 2009

My goodness! It's 2nd Saturday again...

Summer's Song

Satsuma Mountain by Alexis Genung
Funny how these days and months and years cycle around...but here we are, and we're preparing a new art show. Again! Last months opening with the Hohlax Trio was such a pleasure. Life as it's meant to be! If you missed their performance you can still catch them on their MySpace site, where their CD's are also for sale.

Our Show for August, Summer's Song, opens on August 8th. We'll have some of our favorite artists displaying their work...Alexis Genung, Andy Staffas, Linda Kleeman and Don Monzon, plus some surprises, as well. We're working on getting some more live music since that was so fun last month, plus refreshments from the garden. Summer's song is all about bees buzzing and lazy warm days, welcome evening breezes and late setting suns. Come spend it with us!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

2nd Saturday Art Show and Special Free Concert

Classical Greek Folk Music Trio

HOlax Trio

From Athens, Greece, The Hohlax Trio

Greek Island Art
Prayer Over the Sea by Alexis Genung ©2009
Featuring works of art by Greek-American artists
Alexis Scandalis Genung and Andreas "Andy" Saffas


Join us for our 2nd Saturday reception from 6 - 9 pm on July 11th for art, luscious tropical plants, refreshments and live music!

Greek Island Art opens Saturday July 11th
and will run through August 4th


1833-A Howe Avenue Sacramento, California 95825
(at the corner of Howe & Alta Arden next to Cost Plus...see map)
(916) 922-4769

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Father's Day Gifts at Exotic Plants

We are fortunate to have the work of a talented local artist featured in the shop this month...just in time for Father's Day! The artist, Doug Fairchild, loves the outdoors, and it shows in his paintings and photography.


The first two pictures are of artist's proofs or limited editions available in the shop during the show. This last one, Grouse Falls on the American River, is available by special order. While it can be made smaller, it was originally meant to be the size of a full wall.

Of course, we also have beautiful exotic plants if you're looking to create an indoor paradise for the Dad in your life. Come by anytime...we'll be happy to help you.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

2nd Saturday Art Show, June 13th

California Landscapes Vineyard Lane by Alexis Genung
Please join us June 13th from 6 - 9 pm for our June art opening, California Landscapes. We're excited to be celebrating our beautiful state. The show will run thru July 7th.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

2nd Saturday Art Show, May 9th

Mother's Day Art Show!

All Mothers will receive a FREE framable greeting card by Alexis Genung!


Serenity by Linda Kleeman

Join us for art, luscious tropical plants, refreshments and good company!

Saturday May 9th, open from 9 am - 10 pm
Opening Reception from 6 - 9 pm
(The show will be ongoing thru June 11th)

Featuring the work of women who are artist and mother
Neata Antonelli, Linda Kleeman, Alexis Genung, Silvia Trujillo

1833-A Howe Avenue Sacramento, CA 95825
(at the corner of Howe & Alta Arden next to Cost Plus)
916) 922-4769

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Orchid Workshop, April 25th at 1 pm



Lady Slipper Orchid
“Orchids Are Easier Than You Think!”
Save an orchid’s life, learn how to care for and re-bloom your orchid
the organic way. Kifumi Keppler, owner of Exotic Plants, with 35+ years
experience will lead this easy orchid care workshop. Saturday, April 25th
at 1 pm. Please RSVP to 916-922-4769.


Monday, March 30, 2009

2nd Saturday Art Show, April 11th



Home
Embrace the World!

Exotic Plants' newest art show will open on April 11th and will feature acclaimed artist and interior decorator, Linda Kleeman. Also on display will be the works of John McGinley, Alexis Genung, Silvia Trujillo, Craig Burr and Don Monzon.
We chose this theme because it is so reflective of the Exotic Plants' viewpoint. The plants and art we display evoke a world view. Earth Day is April 22nd, and we're very excited to be creating this month's show with that in mind. - Kifumi Keppler, owner of Exotic Plants.
Please join us for our 2nd Saturday reception on April 11th from 6 - 9 pm. Refreshments will be served. The show will be on-going thru May 7th.

Note: There is still time to enter our "Get Some Green" drawing (on the right) for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate! Drawing will be held on April 15


Tuesday, March 10, 2009

2nd Saturday Art Show, March 14th



painting by John McGinley
It's Green They Say...
...on the far side of the hill, and especially at Exotic Plants! Really green, and really beautiful! Join us on March 14th from 6 - 9 pm as we celebrate the greenest season of the year at our 2nd Saturday art show, "It's Green They Say...", featuring the art of John McGinley, Alexis Genung, Craig Burr and Silvia Trujillo. Refreshments will be served.
Be sure to enter our "Get Some Green" drawing on the right for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate!



Sunday, February 15, 2009

Art & Orchid Show Wrap-up

We had a really nice 2nd Saturday show last night. For being "off the beaten track" and "the new kid on the block", we had a good attendance. Even more important, everyone had a good time. It was a nice evening. Our artist's work is displayed in the store, come in and enjoy anytime...

Silvia Trujillo, Painter:

Craig Burr, Photographer:

Alexis Genung, Painter:
Above Newcastle, by Alexis Genung
Don Monzon, Sculptor:

And, as always, the living beauty of exotic plants.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Cupcakes Will Be Served

from the February cover of Martha Stewart Living
We have orchids...we have art (and artists!)...we have music...we have refreshments...

...WE WANT YOU!

"Tropical Love"
Valentine's Day Art and Orchid Show
Saturday, February 14th
Reception from 6pm to 9pm
Call for more info: (916) 922-4769

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

You're Invited

The Exotic Plants' 2nd Saturday Art and Orchid Show,

Tropical Love


Join us for art, orchids, music, refreshments and good company!


February 14th from 10 to 9pm
Artists' Reception from 6 to 9pm

Featuring the works of our guest artists:

from top left, Silvia, Craig, Alexis, Don


Alexis Genung, Painter
Craig Burr, Photography
Don Monzon, Sculptor
Sylvia Trujillo, Painter

Call for more details: (916) 922-4769

Truffles and Orchids Make a Perfect Gift!

We're very excited to be offering our Valentine's Special...

Delicious, yummy cocktail truffles in their own little heart-shaped box


and a lovely orchid of your choosing.


The chocolates come from locally-owned, Capital Confections, a favorite

where they make their own chocolates!



We have them in the store right now...

...maybe you should come in and take a look? perhaps a taste?

Our Valentine's Special starts at $39.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Prepping for 2nd Saturday

We've got our artists lined-up and our press releases out. Since we're not on the regular gallery loop, we want to make our reception extra enticing...live music, yummy desserts and great art. And, as always, beautiful plants. Speaking of which, there are always new orchids in the store...some look like pansies,

pansy-faced orchid
some look like daffodils,


some look like Venus Flytraps,

Lady Slipper Orchid
...but, all look beautiful.



We'll be posting more info soon, but for now, mark your calendar for our special Valentine's Day event:


Tropical Love

2nd Saturday Art and Orchid Show
February 14th
10am to 9pm
Reception from 6pm to 9pm

(For a map to our store, see "How to Reach Us" on the right)

Monday, January 26, 2009

Welcome to Lunar Year, 4707!

Gung Hei Fat Choy!
Today begins the new Chinese year. Based on the lunar and solar cycles, it is the longest chronological record in history. It starts with the 1st new moon after the winter solstice and ends 15 days later with the full moon.
Chinese_lantern_festival_017

This 15th day is also known as the Lantern Festival and is the traditional day of the...Parade... Dragons! Lanterns! Excitement! In San Francisco, the parade will be on Saturday, February 7th.

At Exotic Plants, we have plants and art to bring the beauty of Asia and other exotic places into your life. Do visit us.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Chinese New Year's Dinner

Here are some ideas for your Chinese New Year's feast (January 26th). The full recipes can be seen at the website, Tampa Bay Online. The author, Jaden Hair, has more yummy recipes served with a saucy style at her website, Steamy Kitchen Modern Asian.

100 Flower Blossoms
100 Flower Blossoms
This dish is meant to wish you a blossoming and beautiful beginning in the New Year. Mom chose broccoli and cauliflower for their plentiful florets, and the carrot slices to add an important splash of vibrant color to the dish. The swirly egg white sauce is luxurious; you also can add cooked crab meat to the sauce, which is what my mom prefers. J.H.


Tea Eggs
Tea Eggs
In northern China, tea eggs symbolize golden nuggets and prosperity. The eggs are hard boiled first, then the shell is gently cracked and simmered in a black tea-soy sauce mixture. Once you peel off the shell, a beautiful marbled design emerges on the egg. J.H.

Crispy Egg Rolls
Chrispy Egg Rolls
No celebration would be complete without my mom's famous egg rolls. Stacked together, they look like gold bars and symbolize wealth. The most important thing is to make sure you get the correct wrappers. Find them at an Asian market, in the freezer section. J.H.


Stir Fried Shrimp with Ketchup Sauce

The word for shrimp in Chinese is "ha," which of course symbolizes happiness! Mom wanted to make sure that I included this dish for you because she wishes you a fabulous year full of joy and laughter. By the way, in Asian cooking, color has significance. You might think that garnish is a waste of food, however a Chinese dish must be balanced in both taste and in looks. For example, this shrimp dish is very red, and Mom asked me to serve it on a bed of crisp, green shredded lettuce because it was important to balance the vivid red with another color and texture, especially for Chinese New Year. (Eye roll ...I know, crazy Chinese, eh? J.H.


The tradition of spending time with one's family and honoring both the older and younger generations and preparing oneself spiritually for the new year is a lovely one. To find out more ways to bring this culture to your home, visit Amazon.com. Here are some tempting choices! Gung Hei Fat Choy!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Congratulations and Good Luck Mr. President...May the Year of the Ox Be Good to Us All!

from:www.malaysiasite.nl/images/buffle.gif
On this auspicious day, we acknowledge our new president,
Barak Obama. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in ox years tend to be painters, engineers, and architects. They are stable, fearless, obstinate, hard-working and friendly. President Obama's birthday is August 4, 1961...you guessed it, the year of the Ox!
For more info about the Chinese calendar, visit info please

Gung Hei Fat Choy!
Kifumi
15% Discount on All Blooming Plants Thru February 28th

Only 7 Days Until the Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year, Yokohama, 2008
Chinese New Year is a rich and complex holiday, filled with family, renewal, beauty and merriment. The celebration is both the start of the new year and the anticipation of spring.
"Every traditional Chinese household should also have live blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth. Flowers are believed to be symbolic of wealth and high positions in one's career. Lucky is the home with a plant that blooms on New Year's Day, for that foretells a year of prosperity." (from the University of Victoria website)

Please join us as we explore this celebration. Each day until January 26th we will have a post...details of California celebrations, recipes, history, and for sure pictures from our retail store which has lovely asian art as well as, ta da... BLOOMING PLANTS!

Gung Hei Fat Choy!
Kifumi
15% Discount on All Blooming Plants Thru February 28th