About Surreal Succulents
Who are Surreal Succulents?
Surreal Succulents is a specialist nursery based in Cornwall, UK, founded by Daniel Michael in the early 2000's.
We grow, hybridise, and sell rare and unusual succulents, including our own world-first hybrids such as x Semponium. With 5+ RHS Chelsea Gold Medals, we are known for high-quality plants, sustainable growing methods, and expert horticultural advice.
Do you grow your own succulents?
Yes – the majority of our succulents are propagated and grown on site in Cornwall. This ensures healthy, well-rooted plants that are fully acclimatised to UK conditions, ensuring your plants have the best possible start.
What makes Surreal Succulents unique?
We are one of the UK's leading succulent specialists, offering exclusive hybrids, sustainable packaging, and expert aftercare. Our award-winning nursery has developed many varieties not available anywhere else, including the RHS Plant of the Year 2022, x Semponium 'Destiny'.
What awards have Surreal Succulents won?
We have won over 10 RHS Gold Medals, including 5+ at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We also won RHS Plant of the Year 2022 with our unique hybrid x Semponium 'Destiny'. Our displays have been recognized at RHS Malvern and Hampton Court Flower Shows as well.
Ordering & Shipping
How are succulents shipped?
We send most plants bare-root to protect them during transit. This reduces the risk of rot and ensures they arrive clean and ready to pot into fresh soil.
Do you ship succulents outside the UK?
On occasion, we ship worldwide with the correct paperwork. All orders leaving the UK are sent with a phytosanitary certificate and import permits (if required), ensuring smooth entry into the EU, USA, Canada, and beyond. We have currently stopped international sales due to frequent losses at customs. We will resume when we can.
Countries we can send to: US, Japan, Canada (with permit). Enquire via email (info@surrealsucculents.co.uk) to see if we can send to your country.
What should I do when my succulent order arrives?
Unpack your plants straight away and pot into free-draining soil. Water sparingly for the first week so the roots can settle. If there is something off about your order—such as an unhappy plant, or a missing/incorrect item—let us know and we will make it right.
How long does delivery take?
UK orders are typically dispatched within 3-5 working days and delivered via Royal Mail. You will receive tracking information once your order ships. We aim to get your succulents to you as quickly and safely as possible.
Do you offer free delivery?
Yes! We offer free UK delivery on orders over £40. For orders under £40, a small shipping fee applies to cover postage and sustainable packaging materials.
Is your packaging sustainable?
Yes! We use 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials wherever possible. Our commitment to sustainability extends from how we grow our plants to how we send them to you.
Do you sell succulent gift vouchers?
Yes – Surreal Succulents digital gift vouchers are available in a range of values, making them perfect presents for plant lovers.
Products & Plant Quality
Will my succulent look like the photos?
Yes – but seasonal changes may greatly affect colour and size. Many succulents develop stronger colours in summer sunshine. This is also when most of our product images are taken, and some naturally change form throughout the year, especially Aeonium, so if ordering in winter, your plant may look drastically different.
What types of succulents do you sell?
We specialize in rare and unusual succulents including Echeveria, Aeonium, Sempervivum, Sedum, Agave, Haworthia, Crassula, and our exclusive hybrids like x Semponium. We have over 500 different varieties available, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the UK.
What is x Semponium?
x Semponium is a world-first hybrid genus created by Surreal Succulents, crossing Sempervivum with Aeonium. These unique plants combine the hardiness of Sempervivum with the stunning rosette forms of Aeonium. Our x Semponium 'Destiny' won RHS Plant of the Year 2022.
What size plants do you sell?
We offer succulents in various sizes, from small rooted cuttings perfect for propagation to mature specimen plants. Each product listing includes specific size information. Larger plants are often available at our physical nursery in Cornwall.
Do your succulents come with pots?
Most plants are sent bare-root without pots to ensure safe transit and prevent rot. We do sell pots and terrariums separately, which pair beautifully with our succulents.
Do you sell succulent compost?
Yes! We sell our specially formulated succulent compost mix, designed specifically for UK conditions. It provides the perfect balance of drainage and nutrients that succulents need to thrive. Order compost here.
Do you sell succulent terrariums?
Yes! We have succulent terrarium kits which you can order and create at home. They are the perfect addition to a bright, lonely windowsill. Order terrariums here.
Succulent Care in the UK
Can succulents grow outside in the UK?
Yes – many succulents thrive outdoors in the UK, particularly hardy species such as Sempervivum, Sedum, and some Agave. In colder months, tender succulents like Echeveria and Aeonium should be brought into a greenhouse, conservatory, or bright indoor windowsill.
How often should I water succulents?
In the UK, succulents should be watered using the '3Ds method' – drench, drain, dry. Give them a good soak, let all excess water drain away, then allow the soil to fully dry before watering again. This prevents rot, especially in our damp climate.
What soil is best for succulents in the UK?
Succulents require a free-draining mix. We recommend a blend of 1/3 John Innes No.2 (or any loamy substrate), 1/3 coconut coir and 1/3 grit or perlite. Avoid multi-purpose compost on its own, or even cactus soil on its own, as they hold too much moisture for UK conditions. If you only have multi-purpose compost, simply adding perlite or grit can help create a suitable mix.
Do succulents need sunlight in the UK?
Yes – succulents need as much natural light as possible. A south-facing windowsill, greenhouse, or sheltered patio is ideal. In winter, when UK light levels are low, consider moving them to the brightest spot available to prevent stretching. Grow lights are also recommended.
Can succulents survive frost?
Hardy succulents like Sempervivum and many Sedum can tolerate UK frosts. Tender species (e.g. Echeveria, Aeonium, Crassula) should be protected with horticultural fleece or moved indoors once temperatures drop below 5°C.
Do succulents flower in the UK?
Yes – many succulents produce spectacular flowers in summer. Echeveria send up tall flower spikes, while Aeonium and Sempervivum produce dramatic clusters. Flowering often indicates the plant is thriving in UK conditions.
What are the best succulents for beginners?
Sempervivum, Sedum, and hardy Echeveria varieties are excellent for beginners. They're forgiving of occasional care mistakes and adapt well to UK conditions. We're always happy to recommend varieties suitable for your specific growing environment.
Can I propagate my succulents?
Yes! Most succulents propagate easily from leaves, cuttings, or offsets. Simply remove a healthy leaf or cutting, allow it to callus over for a few days, then place on well-draining soil. We offer care guides on our website with detailed propagation instructions.
Do succulents get pests in the UK?
Succulents can occasionally attract mealybugs, aphids, or vine weevils. Regular inspection and good air circulation help prevent infestations. If pests appear, treat promptly with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. We provide detailed pest management advice in our care guides.
Customer Support
How can I contact Surreal Succulents?
You can reach us via email at info@surrealsucculents.co.uk or through the contact form on our website. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24-48 hours.
Do you offer care advice?
Yes! Our team of expert horticulturists are always happy to provide care advice. We have detailed care guides on our website and blog, and you can contact us directly for plant-specific advice.
What is your returns policy?
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If your plant arrives damaged or you receive an incorrect item, please contact us within 48 hours with photos and we will arrange a replacement or refund. Due to the living nature of our products, we cannot accept returns on healthy plants.
Can I visit your nursery?
Yes! Our nursery is located at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance, Cornwall. We're open seasonally – please check our website or contact us for current opening times before visiting, especially during winter months.
How do I stay updated on new plants and offers?
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on new plant releases, exclusive offers, care tips, and nursery events. You can sign up at the bottom of our website or follow us on social media.
