Cacti store water in thickened, often spine-covered stems, letting them thrive on weeks of neglect where most other plants would quickly wilt.
Native almost exclusively to the Americas, cacti range from tiny windowsill specimens to towering desert giants, and their striking, sculptural forms have made them a favorite for low-water gardens and minimalist indoor décor alike.
Cacti want as much direct sun as you can give them and a fast-draining, gritty cactus mix. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again — during winter dormancy, most cacti need barely any water at all.
Thick gloves or a folded strip of newspaper make repotting a spiny cactus far safer — wrap the plant like a taco to lift and reposition it without a handful of spines.
