The Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory

The exhibit greenhouse is open Monday through Friday 10 AM to 2 PM, and at other times by appointment (contact Steve Urick at surick@odu.edu for arrangements).

This $2.1 million structure with almost 3 000 square feet of greenhouse space houses the orchid collection of retired Norfolk physician Arthur Kaplan, a longtime grower of exquisite orchids. With over one thousand orchid plants--and growing-- including more than 275 species in 72 different genera, this is the largest orchid collection in the Tidewater, Virginia area.

The complex consists of six individually climate controlled greenhouses. The display house is over thirty feet high, and contains a rock wall with a waterfall and pool that is the backdrop for lush tropical plants and blooming orchids. In addition to the display greenhouse there are three greenhouses for growing orchids, and one greenhouse that is devoted entirely to botanical research. There is also a potting room and orchid propagation lab, as well as three office/lab complexes for plant research faculty.

The orchid family is best known for its spectacular flowers and for the production of vanilla. Botanically it is one of the most intriguing and widely distributed families of plants, and with an estimated 20,000 species it is one of the largest. In addition to orchids, the conservatory also houses many interesting tropical plants; some of which have economic value or are very rare in the wild. Some examples include; cinnamon, chocolate, mango, and the endangered Costa Rica Osa, of which there are eight plants known to be living in the wild.

Conservatory Staff

Timothy J Motley, J Robert Stiffler Associate Professor of Botany and Horticulture, Director

Stephen Urick, Director of the Kaplan Orchid Conservatory

For further Information contact the Director at tmotley@odu.edu or call 757 683 3610

Links

Tidewater Orchid Society. Meetings are held the first Sunday of the month at ODU.

Norfolk Botanical Garden Botanical Sister Institution