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Large cactus for conservatory

Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
in Plants
I'm looking to invest in a large cactus for the conservatory. Have come across this site which looks to have a good selection of large specimens-

https://www.thepalmtreecompany.com/cacti

When I say large I'm meaning tall, at least 4-5ft including the pot. Given they're expensive though I'm wanting to make sure I'm choosing the right kind for the situation.

The conservatory is straight onto the back of the house, gets loads of sun but in the winter I think it can get down to around 5 degrees. There are some plants there described as frost tender but not sure if low single figures on the mercury would still be too low?

Posts

  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    In the wild cacti live as far north as Canada and at 10,000ft in the Andes, so they can be very cold hardy. I keep many cacti in an unheated greenhouse where it goes down to freezing, but some species need warmer temperatures. Many cacti would be perfectly happy in your conservatory, you just need to check their specific requirements.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    It's a shame it gets so cold as I find succulents more interesting as large plants than cacti (I know this is about what you like though). Pachypodium or Euphorbia, maybe even a large crassula would be a great display plant. Pics below are pachypodium from Chester Zoo and my plant which is a bit smaller but will hopefully get to a good size eventually. It has more leaves in summer and it's just starting to put out all the new growth now.

    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    I'd include Euphorbia, they look enough like a cactus to the layman.

    This one did catch the eye given the height-

    https://www.thepalmtreecompany.com/product-page/euphorbia-marmorata

    Is 5 degrees definitely too low for that if kept dry?
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    RHS lists it as H2, good for down to 1-5 celsius-

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/7062/i-Euphorbia-ingens-i/Details

    Assuming that's sound advice of course.

  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I have a cactus and a 7 foot tall euphorbia trigona in my conservatory which regularly gets down to 5 degrees overnight in winter.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    At that price I'd suggest asking on the BCSS forum and finding someone with experience. This Youtube channel gives good advice for the UK climate though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGDNP_6hguQ

    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Thanks for that, I've asked to register on the forums.

    Would be an expensive mistake to make so worth checking.
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    While I'm still waiting on my BCSS registration being approved, can anyone else offer any experience?
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    edited May 2020
    Ended up buying this Peruvian Torch Cactus from The Palm Tree Company.

    Just need to get a proper stand arrangement.


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