Kitchen Garden Forum

I collect Christmas Cactus in a modest way. Years ago I bought a number of named plants, some are still surviving but I want to add to the collection. I tried Google a number of ways but so far cannot find anything like that one. I used Schlumbergera and Zygocactus and other variations
Any clues anybody?
Allan

Hello Allan, i can't find a decent supplier, but you could try www.cacti4u.co.uk they have a few, or if you want to try a mixed selection from seed you could try www.chilternseeds.co.uk hope this helps a little.

Hello Allan,

In Candlesby, Lincolnshire there is a long established Cacti/Succulent nursery. This is owned/operated by the Sumner-Wilson family trading as The Plant Lovers,
Candlesby House, Candlesby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 5RU 01754 890256 (phone prior to any visit due to show commitments).

I don't know if they have an e-presence...but I do know they are long established and medal winning show exhibiters of Cacti/Succulents.

All the best,
Clive.

Dear Allan,
some of the Christmas cactus are part of the rhipsalis family. Your best bet for finding what you are after is a copy of the plant finder and looking in there. The RHS is running it now and it is available through their website.
Apart from the commercial hybrids there are many specis which you might like to grow as quite a lot of them do not look like your typical Christmas cactus.
Just a thought but I expect that there is a website for the British cacti and succulent club.
Regards Sally Wright.

I think that I have already exhausted these ideas so far. I did find this one which claims to give all the specialist UK nurseries, going down this list got me nowhere
http://www.bcss.org.uk/nursery.html

I have checked at Wisley sales for a number of years, they only ever have the two most common colours, never any label in either, a very poor show considering RHS's assumed status.
I have two mauve/white combinations, several pots as yet to flower, and an orange one this year from focus, no name. About 6 pots where I managed to keep the names, probably hybrids.

Dear Allan, try these, Westfield cacti, www.cactusshop.co.uk they have a really good selection. you should be spoilt for choice.

That looks a really good site, thanks a lot. I will probably be going to Surrey soon anyway, most of the family are still there.I think my latest purchase must have been Thor Vida.

I have found a Dutch-based onlinegroup which seems very worthwhile. Free cuttings, lots of info.
http://www.epi-flora.org