Growing up, I remember marvelling at all the cacti and succulents that grew proudly in various windowsills around my late grandmother's home. One specimen that always stood out was a Christmas cactus that was well over 50-years old. After she passed away in 2017, I became the proud owner of this majestic specimen and it made me realise how this fascinating group of house plants can easily become poignant family heirlooms to be treasured for many generations to come.
To unlock their true potential, remember just one simple seven-letter word - neglect. These plants are the best examples of survivorship in volatile environments, so all you need to provide is a sunny windowsill and ensure that the soil is bone dry before rehydrating your desert dweller. This month, I've picked 12 classic cacti and succulents, along with some unusual alternatives that every grower should add to their collection.
Joe Bagley is a house-plant expert and has been a presenter at Gardeners' World Live since 2021. See him on stage this year, 15-18 June, and get more of his house-plant expertise at ukhouseplants.com
The old man cactus (Espostoa lanata)
Certainly the hairiest plant on this list, the old man cactus is a very easy specimen to grow indoors. Each hair strand can be as long as 1.5cm, and together they form a soft cover around the cactus to reduce the glare of the sun's rays across it, thus reducing the risk of sun scorch and dehydration.
Brain cactus (Mammillaria spinosissima cristata)
Sometimes appearing in UK garden centres, you're most likely to snap up one of these beauties online. Unlike most other desert dwellers, this species develops slowly but will always retain its wave-like foliage while growing, so it's certainly a plant that'll keep 'wowing' you for years to come.
Queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tales from Titchmarsh
Tending the land is a rewarding if undervalued career, and it's also the best way to safeguard our future on this planet 'Same old, same old...' is a phrase that sends a shiver down my spine. Friends who have hoed the same furrow (pardon the gardening analogy) year after year in a job that pays the rent but which they do not like have my deepest sympathy.
Container of the month
Mark fresh beginnings with a hit of colour, combining bright evergreens and early risers
Boost your wellness the natural way
Gardening is good for you! Six inspiring experts reveal how getting your hands into soil, growing beneficial plants and connecting with nature can transform all aspects of your health.
Potting on a winter show PART 2
Nick Bailey banishes January blues with a sophisticated container display that's guaranteed to lift the spirits
Winter scents
Fragrant flowers can help lift the spirits on cold winter days. Monty shares his favourite plants to fill the garden with olfactory joy
Growing THE GOOD LIFE
If you've always wanted your own mini farm, let urban smallholder Sara Ward show you how
Arit's 7 deadly sins
Discover Arit Anderson's guilty gardening secrets and how you can turn your own sins into wins
Garden globetrotting
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Garden globetrotting Fancy a new look for your plot or just want to try something different? Our new series about gardens around the world could be just the ticket. This month, Matt Collins reveals what captured his heart in Arizona
10 nature-led ways to feed birds
Want to give wild birds a natural boost this winter? Kate Bradbury explains how to attract a wide diversity of birds to forage within your garden and why this is so beneficial
A new plot for tasty crops
Taking on a new allotment needn't be hard work. By simply following a few easy tips you can have bumper crops in no time, just like Alessandro Vitale
