The show on Saturday, July 5, organised by the British Cactus and Succulent Society at Alexandra Park Greenhouse, attracted 190 visitors who bought many of the varieties on show.
Alan Bromley, secretary of the Hastings and Rother Valley branch who arranged the event with Brighton and Hove branch members, said varieties displayed included a cautex succulent from Central America. He said the plant stores water in its roots on the soil’s surface, allowing it to survive in arid or dry conditions.
Christian Hamilton, from the Brighton and Hove branch, displayed and sold cacti and succulents with his 13-year-old daughter Emilia. The pair have an expanding collection of plants and Emilia said: “I like the ones with flowers; they are really beautiful.”
Among the unusual varieties displayed by Stuart Riley, chairman of the Hastings and Rother branch, was a Mexican echeveria succulent. Mr Riley sells plants as well as being a collector.
Greenhouse volunteer Eddie Weekes also sold varieties on his stall. He has a collection of more than 200 plants.
On Sunday, July 6, Mr Bromley gave a talk about cacti and succulents at the greenhouse, giving tips about growing and caring for them.
The Hastings and Rother Valley branch meets on the second Thursday every month at 7.30pm in Sedlescombe Village Hall. Details from [email protected]
1. Contributed
Strange plant: The Caudex root succulent. Photo: Submitted
2. Contributed
Christian and Emilia Hamilton with one of their prickly plants. Photo: Submitted
3. Contributed
Stuart Riley with his plants for sale. Photo: Submitted
4. Contributed
Emilia Hamilton with a cactus in bloom. Photo: Submitted