SUCCULENTS & CACTI
We have an expanding range of these interesting and varied plants – mostly succulents, but also some epiphytic cacti (i.e. those which live in trees), like the wonderfully scented Epiphyllums and Selenicereus, have worked their way into the catalogue. Most plants in this section are undemanding, and are ideal for a hot sunny conservatory or windowsill, generally needing less watering and attention than other plants. (Succulents provide an ideal way to get children interested in plants.) We have selected those with interesting foliage shapes and textures, some verging on the bizarre.... Many will be available as specimen plants, as well as smaller sizes.
Whilst some plant genera have succulent members, e.g. Senecio and Euphorbia. Others, like the Aloe consist exclusively, or almost exclusively, of succulent species. Succulent plants have evolved to cope with periods of drought, those in our catalogue tend to be from warmer semi-desert areas, though succulents can also be found in alpine areas where freezing makes water unavailable to plants, and even moist rainforest climates which experience a dry season. Stems, leaves and roots contain water storing tissue which swells during rain. Leaves often have hairs, a powdery or waxy surface, or a reflective surface to reflect intense sun, and have fewer pores (stomata) than normal leaves - all these features reduce transpiration. Many have spines, most notably the Cacti (where the spines are actually modified leaves), Agave, Aloe, to name a few. These protect the plants from browsing animals who would otherwise relish them for their moisture content.
With care, some succulents can be grown outdoors in the British Isles; for example many Agaves tolerate very low night-time temperatures in their native N. America & Mexico, but the day-time temperature here is very often higher, the air drier, precipitation is much lower and sun levels are higher - all the features which are missing from the British winter. Sheltering plants from rain, for instance placing them under a car port, will often get them through the winter.