Keen to grow more conservatory plants? Here are 12 sun-loving options

With the unpredictable weather often restricting our activities outside, any type of conservatory can be the perfect bridge between garden and home. Whether it’s a haven from the rain, or a warm, sunny spot to soak up the evening sun, there’s no doubting the appeal of a light-filled glass room.

And with conservatories as appealing to plant life as they are to human life, it’s the ideal environment for flora to thrive, giving you the enjoyment of a luscious green oasis, all year round.

But, with so many indoor varieties to pick from, how do you choose the best conservatory plants? We asked three gardening experts for their recommendations so that you can buy with confidence the next time you’re at the garden centre.

1. Cacti

Although prickly in appearance, they’re easy-going by nature

Several pots of different Cactuses — Image credit: Shutterstock/Patty Chan

When it comes to low-maintenance conservatory plants, cacti are an obvious go-to. “Cacti are ideal for conservatories,” says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, “as they love full sun and hot temperatures while requiring minimal watering.”

For a summer-blooming variety, he suggests choosing Opuntia fragilis (also known as brittle prickly pear cactus). “Opuntia microdasys ‘Albispina’ (also called bunny ear cactus), is also a good option,” he adds, “and is characterised by its wide and flat pads resembling ears, making it a fun and eye-catching plant for your garden room.”

If you prefer your plants to be less prickly, Dobbies’ senior houseplant buyer Claire Bishop suggests a low-effort Sansevieria, telling us: “These eye-catching plants can go without water for weeks at a time, so require very little attention.”

2. Succulents

Great conservatory plants for beginners

Two ceiling hanging baskets with succulents in a living room — Image credit: Happy Houseplants

If you are new to the delights of conservatory plants, “consider low-maintenance indoor plants like succulents,” says Palphramand. “The jade plant (Crassula ovata), also known as the money plant, requires a sunny spot to grow and has fleshy oval-shaped leaves that are believed to bring good fortune.”

Or, if you have a small conservatory and want to curate shelved planting and enjoy trailing greenery, Emily Lawlor, owner of Happy Houseplants, says you can still achieve this look with succulents, proposing the Sedum morganianum, (or burro's tail), for “its fleshy, trailing stems, which are adorned with plump, blue-green leaves that create a mesmerising waterfall effect.

“It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires infrequent watering,” adds Lawlor, “making it an ideal choice for conservatories.”

3. Hoya bella

Add scent as well as colour

Close up of white with red & Yellow center Hoya bella flowers — Image credit: Shutterstock/Nick Pecker

Halia Petrenko, gardener at the National Trust’s Wentworth Castle Gardens in Yorkshire, suggests Hoya bella, which has fragrant white and purple flowers, as the perfect plant for adding scent to your conservatory.

In terms of maintaining the look and fragrance of your flora and greenery, Petrenko says to treat your conservatory planting as you would your garden beds.

“Plant early in the season and then keep adding to your collection throughout the year.”

Her top tip for ensuring your plants thrive? Make sure the room temperature never falls below 10°C (50°F).

4. Palms

They’ll add height for maximum impact

Palm tree bonsai inside a robe basket in the corner of a mustard wall room — Image credit: Shutterstock/Renato Ka

If your conservatory is an orangery, benefiting from roof lanterns and high reaching ceilings, growing palms in containers is a viable option.

“The Kentia palm is a good option for indoor growth,” says Palphramand, “adding height and drama to your garden room. This ‘ponytail’ palm also does well in dry and humid environments,” he adds, “and its foliage adds flair to your conservatory. It is slow-growing and can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Temperature control is key to ensure healthy, thriving specimens

Getting the balance between hot and cold throughout the year is often one of the trickiest parts of looking after conservatory plants, according to Palphramand.

Your conservatory may be heated, or it may not. You may have installed blinds and protection from the sun, or it may be that you prefer not to cover up your view. Either way, when choosing your conservatory plants, you should always be prepared to move any that can’t cope with such severe fluctuations.

Palphramand shares some tips for all conservatory owners:

Plants grown in a conservatory will benefit from additional humidity in the summer, so stand them in trays filled with water and pebbles and mist the leaves regularly.
Avoid placing plants close to artificial heat sources, such as radiators, as this can dry them out very quickly.
In winter, reduce watering (especially if in an unheated conservatory) as many plants do not actively grow through the winter months.

5. Bird of paradise

Embrace exotic beauty

Bird of paradise plant pots near near the glass slides doors — Image credit: Happy Houseplants

A Strelitzia reginae plant, otherwise known as a ‘bird of paradise’, is easily recognisable for its vibrant blue and orange flowers, resembling tropical birds in flight.

As well as being a sure-fire conversation starter, it’s ideal for nurturing in a conservatory environment.

“It thrives in bright light,” says Lawlor, “and although it may require a bit more attention, as it will need regular misting to maintain the humidity levels it needs, the rewards are well worth the effort.”

6. Bougainvillea

Add blooms with a holiday feel

Royal purple bougainvillea pot close up — Image credit: Shutterstock/Ivan Feng

We’ve all gazed in awe at the wonderful plants we come across on holiday. In fact, before border rules became tightened, I remember family members bringing back cuttings from plants they’d seen on their travels in the hope of cultivating them at home

Without a greenhouse, their attempts were usually unsuccessful, but with a conservatory to hand, you could have more luck.

To replicate your holiday villa feel, Palphramand suggests, “Bougainvillea, a climbing plant that prefers at least five-to-six hours of bright, indirect light that can bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your home.”

It’s not always the easiest plant to track down in the UK, but Westdale Nurseries is a specialist. The family-run business was established in 1940 and now boasts more than 200 varieties flourishing in its two-acre Wiltshire nursery.

Conservatory plant display tips

When it comes to creating an impactful conservatory plant display, Bishop says it’s all about the height.

“To really make an impact, group plants together using tables and stands of varying heights to add depth and interest,” she says.

Three different designs with multiple styles of pots and a variety of shapes and sizes in front of a white, salmon and pink background — Image credit: Dobbies

On shelves, she says it’s again about using differing heights and sizes, but also taking advantage of the fact you can use trailing plants to create extra interest.

“For a trending high summer look, pop your plants in bright woven containers,” she says, “or create a timeless display with monochromatic pots in varied tones.”

7. Swiss cheese plant

For a rainforest rather than alpine feel

Pot of Swiss cheese plant in front of a wood shelf displaying colourful dishes with a leaf details in the right side of the image — Image credit: Happy Houseplants

Named for its ‘holey’ appearance that’s likened to its namesake, the Monstera deliciosa – more commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant – is native to the rainforest as opposed to the mountains.

Lawlor tells us that, even though it thrives in warm and humid conditions, it is more than happy to call a UK conservatory, home. To ensure the large, fenestrated leaves develop well, she advises placing it in bright, indirect light and provide regular watering to help it flourish.

8. Rubber plant

For a shade-and light-loving specimen

Close up of a rubber plant leaf — Image credit: Shutterstock/Yulia YasPe

To add to your rainforest look, a visual partner to the Swiss cheese plant can be found in the form of the Ficus elastica 'Abidjan,' also known as the rubber plant.

“It’s an excellent choice for conservatories,” says Bishop. “Its large, glossy leaves in shades of green and burgundy create a striking visual impact, while requiring minimal care, as it can tolerate a range of light conditions,” she adds. “It makes it suitable for both sunny and partially shaded conservatories.

“To maintain its lush appearance, ensure regular watering and occasional misting.”

Fatsia japonica

It will happily spend time outdoors as well as inside

Bishop tells us that plants love a holiday as much as the rest of us, so while a conservatory provides a safe harbour for them in the winter, another option is to choose plants that enjoy both inside and outside life.

“Heat-loving varieties like Fatsia japonica can be placed outside on a doorstep, balcony or patio during the warmer months,” she says, “and then brought back inside when temperatures cool down.

“Exposing plants to fresh air and sunlight can be beneficial to their appearance and overall health,” adds Bishop. “Just make sure you keep an eye on the weather and, if temperatures are expected to drop, bring them back indoors.”

10. Red Coral

A plant that needs less humidity

Rhipsalis ramulosa (Red coral) pot in the middle of a wood shelf with other small pots and leaf details on the right side of the image — Image credit: Happy Houseplants

Although misting humid loving plants is an easy option, if your conservatory is filled with soft furnishings, rugs and fabrics, you may prefer to just water your plants than spray water around.

If so, Lawlor says you still have plenty of options available to you.

“The Rhipsalis ramulosa, commonly known as red coral, is a unique and eye-catching hanging plant that thrives in conservatory settings,” she says. “Its ability to tolerate slightly lower humidity levels makes it well suited for British conservatories, while its trailing, coral-like branches add a touch of whimsy and elegance.” For best results, place it in bright but indirect light and water moderately.

Provide some respite from the sun

Although we may not be blessed with guaranteed sunshine year-round, it’s important to offer your plants some occasional protection when we do have sunny days – even those that are known to be sun-worshippers.

Window coverings

Conservatory blinds, curtains, sheer panels or tinted film all help to reduce the intensity of the sunlight. Lighter fabrics will still provide you with enough diffused light, while tinted film can also help block harmful UV rays.

Shade cloth

This can be attached to either the interior or exterior of the conservatory to cover those areas most affected by sunlight. It comes in various densities with the amount of protection increasing in line with the percentage. If installing outside, always ensure it is tightly secured.

Outdoor awnings or exterior shade structures

If your conservatory has an exterior area, or you have chosen the front of the room to house your conservatory plant collection, retractable awnings or shade structures outside the windows can help provide additional shade. As most are adjustable, they also give greater control to increase/decrease shade as the sun moves throughout the day.

Pergolas or trellises

Remember that these structures are not just for outdoors. They can also be installed inside and covered with shade cloth or climbers to create natural shade. Climbing plants, like ivy or passion flowers, are all suitable options.

11. Violet hill

Add southern American vibes to the suburbs

Two pots with Tradescantia Nanouk and a detailed leaf view on the right side of the image — Image credit: Happy Houseplants

It’s perhaps no surprise that the warm and humid climate of the southern plains produces a variety of flora that can thrive in the right conservatory conditions.

Lawlor recommends the Tradescantia zebrina ‘Violet Hill’, but make sure you have plenty of space. 'Violet Hill’ can reach up to 46cm (18 inches) in height and 61cm (24 inches) in width.

“The leaves are a bright-green colour with prominent white stripes running down the centre of each leaf,” says Lawlor, “with a gorgeous violet undertone.”

“In the wild, Tradescantia zebrina 'Violet Hill' grows as a ground cover in humid and shady areas,” she explains. “It’s a perennial plant that grows by producing trailing stems that spread out and root at the nodes, forming a dense mat of foliage.”

If you’ve been caught up in the current trend for Barbiecore pink , another perennial, the pink ‘Nanouk’, also known as the Venice, is a herbaceous perennial plant.

“It is a relatively new cultivar,” says Lawlor, “developed through selective breeding in the horticultural industry, and has a full shape and wonderful foliage, making it a real showstopper.”

12. Snake plant

A snake plant is life-enhancing – despite its name

Varieties of Sansevieria and snake plant in 4 different size white pots — Article credit: Shutterstock/Olesya Myzzz

While nearly all plants are known for their ability to lower your stress levels, improve concentration and purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen, some are said to do it even better than others.

The Sansevieria laurentii, or snake plant, is one such specimen.

“It’s a resilient houseplant that thrives in a variety of environments,” according to Lawlor. “Known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to tolerate lower-light conditions – ideal if your conservatory has shady spots that you want to brighten with a pop of green – it also requires minimal watering, making it a potential must-have if you’re leading a busy life.”