Christian was born and raised in Germany and relocated to San Francisco in 2016. He works as a self-employed Hair Stylist, in which he has over 16 years of experience. To his clients he is not only known as a Master Stylist & Colorist, but also as a plant and specifically orchid doctor. He lives with his husband and his cats in the Castro District.
His passion for Orchids started at a young age when he bought a book on Orchid genera and their growing. In Germany he grew mainly hardy ground and bog orchids and carnivorous plants in large artificial bogs and alpine flowerbeds, that flowered year round.
Christian now has a constantly growing collection of mainly Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum species, focusing on miniature varieties, which he grows in a special grow room in his apartment. He also grows small Cattleya species and Asian miniatures, mainly Phalaenopsis japonica and Vanda falcata and their hybrids, as well as a few selected Cymbidium and Pleione outdoors in his garden. Although his main focus is on fragrant orchids, he also appreciates and loves green flowers and variegated leaves. To Christian well-grown leaves and the plant’s overall esthetic is as important as the flower. That is why he keeps his plants meticulous at all times.
He takes great interest in optimal plant nutrition and perfecting his potting media, which he either researches in his ever growing orchid library online, or through trial and error.
If you have any questions or concerns about your orchids potting, feeding or cultural needs, be sure to ask.
Christian has served on the SFOS Board as well as being the newsletter editor since 2019.