An Ode To Endurance

The Studio

From the harsh arid landscapes to the discomfort of our front rooms, this exhibit serves as an ode to these otherworldly stalwarts, and our continuous fascination with some of the most curious and unique plants, exploring their place in the modern houseplant collection. Curated to draw focus to the idiosyncratic forms of succulents, ‘An Ode To Endurance’ is composed of notable species, alongside a conceptual vision of the arid landscape. 

As we dissect their distinct appearances, formed as a response to endure their harsh natural habitats, we consider how their origins inform the care regimen needed to help our plants thrive. A mix of slender and thick stems, chunky rootstocks, glaucous surfaces and spiky margins will be imposed on a backdrop of complimentary materials and rough textures, including natural wood, terracotta and stone.

The exhibit will consist of a mix of neatly presented plants lining shelves and carefully placed in clusters around the living room inspired design, encouraging visitors to inspect the diverse forms and consider their place within our homes, in relation to their natural home. The exterior will lure you in with towering and rotund specimens, most of which enjoy being placed outdoors for the warmer months where they can truly thrive. 

Key plants

• Brachychiton rupestris: the look of the unique trunk of this species, paired with the delicate sparse foliage is captivating, and over the years has become a favourite of ours. While other species of plants usually arrive with relative uniformity, Brachychiton rupestris, with their irregular trunks and idiosyncratic branches, each have a completely unique shape which cannot be replicated even if grown in the same conditions. This Australian native, like many species that reside within shrubland habitats, is well adapted to contending with bush fires. Its thick, water-storing trunk protects nutrients during high temperatures

• Cleistocactus colademononis or ‘monkey tail’ cactus is a fast growing lithophyte with curling tail-like stems which are white gingery and really are as soft as they look. Often compared to tarantulas, or even an octopus, thanks to the long hairy stems, this species has been a consistent point of intrigue within our stores. If that wasn’t enough it also has a flourish of pink flowers in early summer

• Kalanchoe beharensis: soft textured, with sharp edges, this species is a statement piece in all shapes and sizes. Native to southwestern Madagascar, it is a large branching succulent shrub, with a meandering growth habit forming unique shapes. Its distinct fuzzy felt-like triangular leaves are large, concave and greyish, emerging at branch tips. Older leaves die back as the plant matures, leaving behind deep scars to form a sharp rugged trunk

• Euphorbia ingens: native to South Africa, Euphorbia ingens is commonly known as the candelabra tree due to its distinct branching. This large tree-like succulent can grow up to 10 metres tall in the wild. From a stocky main stem emerges a crown of dark green branches, which with age develops a rough brown grey bark that becomes fissured. Large specimens of this species often indicate periods of growth with wavy margins along their spiny ridges. 

• Aeonium arboreum: with dense rosettes of fleshy leaves, atop slender woody stems, members of the Aeonium genus have a distinct appearance. The genus is small, with around 35 different succulent species, but cultivars and varieties exist in great numbers. Most are native and endemic to the Canary Islands, and they make for great low maintenance additions to any houseplant collection. They also enjoy a period of sunbathing outdoors during the summer months.

About Conservatory Archives

​Conservatory Archives began in 2015 as a small Hackney Road shop filled with unusual plants and antique furniture. As interest grew, the store evolved into a lush indoor jungle packed with diverse species. Over time, the business expanded into both retail and interior plant design, supplying greenery for galleries, offices, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces and homes. With strong grower relationships, they source everything from tiny cacti to large architectural specimens. A dedicated projects and maintenance team ensures installations across London stay healthy and vibrant.

Following the opening of their Lower Clapton Road store in 2018 and the launch of their online shop during the pandemic, Conservatory Archives opened a larger North London location in 2021. The Middleton Mews store now houses their most extensive plant collection, bringing greenery to city dwellers and plant enthusiasts alike.

Sustainability

With our integrated installations representing the natural habitats of succulents, we invite visitors to make the connection between our houseplants, the process of how they end up in our homes, and their origins in the wild. It’s easy to forget houseplants are living things, and we love to embrace imperfect looking plants and discourage customers from disposing of plants which don’t necessarily look picture perfect. 

Every Houseplant Studio has a life beyond the show, as each building is carefully relocated to new homes in people’s gardens.