Complete guide to cactus care

Cacti come in all shapes and sizes but whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a sculptural, statement plant that doesn’t need much TLC to keep it happy. They’re as easy to look after as they are on the eye. Here's what you need to know:

• Watering infrequently. They’re a desert plant, so dry soil suits them just fine.  
• Keeping your plant in a bright, sunny spot. 
• Treating it to a cactus specific fertiliser in the warmer months. 
• Popping your cactus in a stylish pot that shows off its cool silhouette. 

If you’re looking for a houseplant that can stand the test of time, look no further than a cactus - they can live for hundreds of years in the wild.

Not just a symbol of arid, desert landscapes and iconic locations like Palm Springs, cacti make a great houseplant choice because they look exotic but don’t need much attention. 

There’s thousands of different types of cacti to choose from but we’ve picked three to get you started. Ian is a cactus euphorbia and he’s a tall, handsome plant who grows slowly but will eventually reach up to 2m tall. Kate the fishbone cactus has zig zag style leaves that will trail as long as you let them. Spike might be small but he packs a punch - quite literally if you happen to come into contact with his sharp spines.

Any plant that can survive months without fresh water is going to be low maintenance, so they’re a great choice if you want an exotic houseplant without too much responsibility. 

You don’t need to prune your cactus and most varieties are slow growing so they rarely need repotting.  

Cacti don’t need a regular watering schedule, this is one plant where you’re encouraged to let the soil completely dry out and stay that way. Rest assured that if you forget your cactus for weeks (or months!) on end, you can nearly always bring it back to life with a little bit of water - just wet the top layer of soil. 

Cacti are hardy enough to survive the hottest of conditions and love as much direct sunlight as you can give them. They prefer bright rooms, so it’s best if they’re in one of the sunnier spots in your home.

As a houseplant, the cactus will survive most temperature fluctuations. It’s best to lay off watering during winter, and always make sure your plants are protected from extremes like sitting in a spot that can get a bit frosty.

Most cacti need a level of caution. At a minimum, they usually have sharp spines that make them hard to handle. Some cacti are toxic if ingested or may sting your skin, so they’re best kept out of reach of children and animals.

Ian needs a bit of extra caution; if cut, his sap is highly toxic to touch.

You can show your cactus how much you care by treating it to a cactus fertiliser monthly during the summer, but they really don’t need any special treatment to thrive.

If you’re looking to bring a bit of boho, Palm Springs style greenery into your home, or just want a plant that practically looks after itself, a cactus is that perfect combo of good looks and easygoing vibes.