Watering: Water sparingly, particularly in winter as succulents do not like sitting in very wet compost. It is very important not to over water these types of plants. They will often go for quite long period without watering and cope better with being under watered than over watered. Before watering test the moisture level of the compost with your finger. If the plant is standing inside a container/ saucer without drainage holes ensure that there is no standing water in the bottom. It is a good idea to put some pebbles or grit in the bottom of the container/saucer.
Feeding: In general succulents do not require much feeding and care needs to be taken not to overfeed them or use the wrong feed. A low nitrogen Cactus food can be used for most succulents but only during the summer and no more once a month.
Position: Succulents require plenty of natural sunlight particularly in winter. A sunny windowsill is perfect for small plants. In summer if plants appear to be suffering on a very hot windowsill or conservatory then consider moving to a cooler position or even outside when there is no danger of frost at night.
Compost: Succulents and Cacti require a well-drained compost. You can buy ready-made cactus compost or make your own by mixing 3 parts John Innes No. 2, loam based compost with 1 part horticultural grit. This creates a mix with a nice open structure with good drainage.
Potting on: This can be done if the plant has outgrown the pot. Do this when the plant is in active growth between Spring and Autumn in the UK. Do not pot them on during winter as the growth rate will have slowed right down. Select a pot which is no more than 2 inches wider in diameter. The smaller the increase the better as many succulents are slow growing and it takes time for the roots to penetrate the compost.
Unless otherwise indicated our plants are supplied in the following pot sizes according to category. Dimensions refer to either the pot diameter (cm) or volume (litre);
- Exotics/Conservatory & House Plants, Succulents: mostly as young plants in 7 to 9cm (approx. 0.5 litre) or 1 litre pots
- Hardy Perennials, Ferns and Grasses: 1 litre (approx. 12cm diameter)
- Hardy Shrubs and Climbers: 1.5 or 2 litre
The exact size of plants will vary with the growing season and may be cut back in accordance with normal pruning regimes or to fit in the box if they are excessively tall.
Find out more about our mail order process
Minimum order value £10
Region | Order Value | Carriage Charge | Carrier Service | Estimated Delivery from placing your order |
| | | | |
UK (excluding N. Ireland) | Light weight small parcel up to 2 kg (up to 5 plants in 9 cm pots) | £6 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 17 days |
UK Mainland | Orders over 2 kg | £7.50 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 17 days |
Seeds & Cuttings only | All orders | £2 | Royal Mail 1st Class | Within 1 week |
Local Delivery: Postcodes IP1 to IP8 & CO10 | Orders over £35 | FREE | Our vehicles | Within 1 week |
Collect from Nursery (IP7 6LZ) | All orders | FREE | | 1-3 days (we will contact you) |
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Wight | Orders over 2 kg | £6 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 18 days |
Scottish Offshore Islands | Orders over 2 kg | £7.5 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 18 days |
See our delivery information page for more details
Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) |