Historically, traditional conservatories and orangeries were primarily used for the same reasons greenhouses are used today to provide a warmer climate that suits tropical plants that revel in hotter conditions.
This can sometimes take a new conservatory owner by surprise, but choosing the right plant does not only help to intermingle the garden and indoor spaces of a house but can also improve comfort without reducing any sunlight.
These very unique conditions can sometimes make it difficult to find the right plant for a conservatory setting, but it is also an opportunity to grow plants that otherwise struggle to thrive in the UK.
Here are some examples.
Cacti And Succulents
Naturally, a great place to start when it comes to easy-care plants are cacti, which are tolerant to a lack of water, take very little care to thrive and look beautiful, always able to add a splash of unique life to a conservatory space.
Bear in mind that different cacti have different needs, and a lot of them do need to be close to windows to make the most of the light.
Peacock Plant
Also known as goeppertia makoyana, peacock plants love indirect bright light often irrespective of the source, which has made them popular not only in conservatories and as general indoor plants but also as a beautiful way to brighten up an office.
One aspect to bear in mind with a peacock plant, however, is that whilst they like bright light, they do not fare as well with direct sunlight, so they benefit from being further into your conservatory away from the side windows.
Plumbago
Better known as cape leadwort, plumbago is a traditionally Mediterranean plant that often struggles to thrive in the UK the same way without taking advantage of the benefits of a sun-kissed conservatory that provides the growing conditions it loves most.