If you are intrigued by succulent plants, then Zurich’s Succulent Plant Collection has a lot in store for you. With an overwhelming array of species, 6,500 in fact, and over 2200 individual plants as well. Yes, you could wander in these seven greenhouses for hours, or days, and always discover something new.

Various small cacti in the Succulent Collection

The succulent plants in the collection are from various continents too: South America, North America, and Africa. The Lemur-loving island of Madagascar has a special spot for itself. The plants include a huge variety from a wide range of cacti, bromeliads, agaves, aloes, and members of the orpine and spurge families.

Tall Cacti in the Succulent Plants Collection

The history of this succulent plant collection goes back to 1931 when it was initially donated to the city of Zurich. It has originally been a small private succulent collection of 1,516 plants, owned by a local cactus horticulturist Jakob Gasser. He had given it to Julius Brann in 1929 because of his deteriorating health.

There is also a Herbarium which is an archive of a huge variety of succulent plants, preserved in conjunction with UNESCO. They have a number of important collections and offer an international seed exchange amongst other things.

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Queen of the Night & Events

The Zurich Succulent Plant Collection holds a few special events throughout the year and one of them is particularly special. It is the blooming of the Queen of the Night cactus. It is a rare orchid cactus that only blooms one night a year, producing a stunning large white flower.

The Queen of the Night is one of the most highly regarded events at the museum and people flock to see it bloom each year.

There are also quite a few other worthwhile events such as specific tours at the museum, including one general one on one Sunday a month. You can find all the event details on this page.

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Products containing succulents - Succulent Plants Collection — Products containing succulents – Succulent Plants Collection

Details

The Zurich Succulent Plant Collection is located along Lake Zurich and is relatively easy to visit. Here are the details:

Address: Mythenquai 88, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland (Google Maps)
Opening Times: 9 am to 4:30 pm
Price: Free Entry
Tours: By arrangement

Getting There

The best way to get to the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection is by public transport, although there is also a large car park at the museum.

By Bus

Take either Bus 161 or 165 to Sukkulenten-Sammlung bus stop. It is a few minute’s walk around to the back (lakeside) of the building to the entrance.

By Car

The Succulent Plant Collection is located along the western shore of Lake Zurich along road 3 near Belvoirpark. You can park at the museum at Mythenquai 75 Parking. It costs 50 rappen per hour for a maximum of 4 hours and is free on Sunday.