Lotusland’s plant collections comprise mostly exotic (non-native) plants from around the world. Many of them are grouped together according to plant type or family. Ferns and begonias form the basis for the display collection in the shade garden. Palms are found throughout the property, cycads are grouped together, cacti and euphorbias flank the driveway, aloes surround the shell pond and bromeliads thrive in two shady areas, among other specialized displays.

Because of Lotusland’s mission to conserve and promote the display of these dramatic plants, Lotusland has formed affiliations (some informal, others more formally) with the following organizations and societies that specialize in the plants in the collections.

• American Bamboo Society
• American Begonia Society
• Botanical Society of South Africa
• The Bromeliad Society International
• The Cactus and Succulent Society of America
• The California Rare Fruit Growers
• The Cycad Society
• Cycad Society of South Africa
• Hardy Fern Foundation
• International Association of Japanese Gardens
• International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society
• Los Angeles International Fern Society
• The Mediterranean Garden Society
• Montgomery Botanical Center
• North American Plant Collections Consortium
• Orchid Society of Santa Barbara
• Pacific Horticulture Foundation
• Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia
• Succulent Society of South Africa

As a premier botanic garden, Lotusland maintains ties with professional organizations that support and promote botanic gardens such as:

• American Association of Museums
• American Public Gardens Association
• American Horticultural Society
• Botanic Gardens Conservation International
• Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries
• National Gardening Association
• Royal Botanical Garden Kew

For the application of ecological principles in Lotusland’s maintenance practices, visit Green Garden Links.