Large cactus/succulent for conservatory

[PatrickBateman]

I've got a small collection of smaller plants but they're inexpensive so little risk. I'm after a large, and therefore expensive, statement plant for the conservatory but it can get cold in winter so could do with some advice given the outlay.

Not totally sure but I think it can potentially get down to around 5 degrees Celsius in the winter so don't want to get a plant that could be put at risk.

I've been looking on this site and there seems to be a good selection. After something anywhere from 4-6 feet tall-

https://www.thepalmtreecompany.com/cacti

The EUPHORBIA MARMORATA there looks to fit the bill but have read various thoughts on their lowest temperatures. Reading the description of some as 'frost tender' would make me think it should be fine.

[AnTTun]

If I'm not sure about lowest temps my (new) euphorbia can handle I follow my rule: >10 C until I find some reliable info.

[Chris L]

They seem very expensive.

[Diane]

I would want to be ABSOLUTELY sure what the lowest winter temp was in the conservatory before I spent that much on a plant! Euphorbias generally like warmer conditions than many cacti, mostly coming from S. Africa, so it would be a big risk, without knowing your winter minimum.
Is the conservatory heated? They can get very cold on a winter's night, and I, personally wouldn't risk it.

[PatrickBateman]

Any suggestions as to which cactus might suit then?

It has a radiator but I'm not sure of the difference it makes.

[Paul in Essex]

What about a big Beaucarnea recurvata? They'll go below freezing if dry.

[Stuart]

Beaucarnea is a better idea, a large columnar plant will have been grown quickly by one of the large European nurseries and within two or three years, some of the branching Euphorbias etc would hit the roof. Some of these large imports look a bit 'tired' after sitting in a wholesale greenhouse for some time, not as fresh as when they were actively growing in Italy, Spain or The Netherlands. If I was looking in the UK, I'd be looking towards Southfields, good clean plants at good prices and a fair assortment of show-sized specimen plants.

Stuart

[ralphrmartin]

Here's an alternative approach - many branches have elderly members with old tall plants, who might be quite happy to pass one on to a keen younger person. Try asking around, and you might get what you want for free, while possibly helping them out at the same time.

When I was Chairman of the South Wales branch, it is not uncommon for the public to contact us and ask if we would take a plant away that had got too big. Some were scruffy, but others were nice plants.

[PatrickBateman]

Thanks for the suggestions but I would prefer a cactus/succulent really.

I've had a look at Southfield's site but it isn't the easiest to search.

Would an easier question to answer be which upright cacti are fine as long as above freezing? Then I can work from there in confidence it isn't anything that would suffer.

[Cidermanrolls]

Oreocereus. They make a handsome column and won’t suffer at 5c.
I’ve got two unrooted top cuts in my greenhouse, one about three feet, the other a little shorter. But you would want well rooted plants. Mine flower from about 5 feet tall.