The Three-climate Greenhouse
The eye-catcher of the Hortus is the three-climate greenhouse (built in 1993). Here, you will find plants from three different climates. The architects Zwarts and Jansma designed this ultramodern construction. A computer system automatically controls the temperature and humidity in the different areas of the greenhouse.
The Cape 'Fijnbos' in the subtropical section of the three-climate greenhouse represents one of the vegetation types found in South Africa. Although the Amsterdam Hortus is specialized in South African plants, you will also find some plants from Australia in this area. The temperature changes per season: very hot in the summer and dropping to 8 °C at night in the winter.
Back to garden map
In the warm, dry desert area, you will find a variety of cacti and other succulents, including the bizarre Welwitschia ('Tweeblaarkanniedood' = 'two-leaves cannot die'; Welwitschia mirabilis) from Namibia and the impressive quiver trees (Aloe dichotoma).
The tropical section of the greenhouse strongly resembles a real jungle. Many plant species grow profusely in this warm, humid climate.
