Cactus

Wonderful cacti for indoors

The cactus is an old favourite among houseplants and it's well and truly back! With its robust look, prickly charm and minimal care needs, it's right on trend again. The striking spines and often imposing shape give the cactus a character all of its own that catches the eye straight away. Do take care when you unpack it: those spines are sharp for a reason.

Did you know there are hundreds of species of cactus? From large eye-catchers to adorable minis. Some well-known varieties are the Euphorbia (desert cactus), the graceful Rhipsalis and the big Opuntia.

What do all cacti have in common? They're perfect for people short on time or green fingers. This plant asks for almost no attention and shrugs off a forgotten watering. Ideal if you're often away from home, or if you simply like a bit of style with none of the fuss.

Where the cactus comes from

You probably know that cacti often grow in deserts, but did you know that far from all of them come from dry sandy plains? Cacti are originally native to Africa, Central America and South America. They grow in the most varied places: from tropical islands and mountain regions to blistering deserts. In short, cacti are true survivors and adapt effortlessly to different environments. You'll come across them in surprisingly many places!

Is a cactus toxic?

Certain cacti are toxic. Take particular care when the plant is damaged and white sap comes out of the stem. This white sap, on the Euphorbia for example, is known as spurge milk and is toxic to people. If you get this sap on your skin, in your eye or in your mouth, contact a doctor immediately.

The sharp spines of cacti aren't only painful, they can also cause small wounds or irritation. So don't sit too close, and certainly not on one! If spines end up in your furniture or carpet, remove them as soon as you can to avoid nasty surprises. Would you rather have a plant that is 100% safe for households with pets or small children? Then take a look at our pet-friendly houseplants.

Can a cactus flower?

A cactus might look like a slightly dull plant at first glance, but appearances deceive. In winter the cactus goes into a kind of hibernation, but in spring it can come into flower, as long as it gets enough sunlight. Several cactus species have really beautiful flowers, which makes your cactus a flowering houseplant in spring!

How do you care for a cactus?

Good news: the cactus is one of the easiest houseplants to care for! Perfect if you'd rather not fuss over a plant every week. There are still a few things to watch, though. The biggest danger to your cactus? Too much water. Cacti actually like a dry spell, so make sure you don't water too often. Learn when and how much to water and your plant will stay healthy.

Because it's so easy to look after, the cactus is ideal for students, say, or anyone with a busy life who still wants a touch of green at home.

Watering a cactus

The main reason cacti don't survive is too much water. We've got a few handy tips so you give your cactus exactly enough water. Not too little, and above all not too much.

A cactus barely evaporates any water because it has few stomata. On top of that, the stem stores water, which lets it go for months without a drink. That makes it tough, but also sensitive to an excess of water.

At low temperatures it's best to keep the soil dry. The cactus survives the winter months perfectly well on one watering every 3 months. If the cactus stands in a warm living room, watering once a month is enough to keep it happy! In summer the cactus needs a little more, but even then, go carefully with the watering can.

The ideal spot for cacti

Cacti generally aren't fussy about where they stand. They do well in bright spots and shady ones alike. A popular species such as the Euphorbia is incredibly flexible and can go practically anywhere. Whether you put it in full sun, partial shade or even a slightly darker corner, the Euphorbia carries on regardless. Bright indirect light is usually plenty.

Repotting a cactus

Want to move your cactus into a bigger pot? Read these tips carefully first, so you don't prick yourself on the spines. Repotting a cactus can be tricky: those sharp spines make it easy to hurt yourself. When repotting, always choose a decorative pot that is about 20% larger than the current nursery pot. That gives the cactus enough room to root and keep growing. Cacti grow slowly and usually don't get very large, but a little extra space in the pot is still important for healthy development.

To protect yourself while repotting, we strongly recommend wearing sturdy gloves. Some cacti have spines so hard and sharp that they go straight through a towel or even thick gloves. In that case it's best to wrap a cardboard box or a piece of rolled-up newspaper around the cactus for extra protection. That way you can handle the plant safely without hurting yourself.

Pruning cacti

Pruning a cactus is no simple job! When your cactus gets too big, you may need to shorten it a little. Bear in mind that you'll be dealing with those infamous sharp spines again, so always wear sturdy gloves when you prune. Does your cactus have a lot of branches? Then you can carefully cut some of these side branches away. Just make sure you don't cut into the main stem, because that can damage the plant and make recovery harder.

Take extra care when you prune a Euphorbia. This plant contains a white, milky sap that is released the moment you cut into it, known as spurge milk. It is toxic and can cause skin irritation on contact, so be careful and avoid contact with your skin and eyes. Happily, the leaking stops by itself and the sap dries up after a while.

Plant food for your cactus

Wondering what your cactus eats? The cactus is a houseplant that grows relatively slowly, so it needs very little plant food. It's an easy houseplant that asks almost nothing of you! In autumn the cactus needs no plant food at all. In the summer months you could give it special cactus food if you like. That isn't a must: the cactus does perfectly well on ordinary universal plant food too.

Buying a cactus at Green Bubble

Buying a cactus is quick and easy at Green Bubble! When you buy a plant, of course you want it healthy, strong and of top quality. That's why, day in day out, we make sure only the best cacti, fresh from the grower, are delivered to your door.

We're only happy when you are. Don't fancy lugging a plant home from the garden centre? No problem. In our online shop you can order your favourite cactus easily, with no hassle. So you never have to haul heavy plants around again: your new green friend arrives at home quickly and safely.

At Green Bubble, convenience, quality and satisfaction come first. Fancy a strong, easy-care cactus at home? Order yours today and see for yourself. Join the Green Bubble!