THE CASE FOR CACTI

As autumn comes to an end, the case for stocking up on your indoor plants is strong. Winter approaches, and with it, bare trees and flower-less beds. This is not to say that winter does not have a certain bleak charm, indeed it does, but in the dark months ahead, adding a little – or a lot – of green to your house can make all the difference. I have added several spiky bits of green to my apartment this week: a collection of cacti.
 
Cacti (plant taxonomy: Cactaceae) are succulents that originate in North and South America. The plants grow in dry desert regions where they have adapted for survival in harsh conditions; such as the ability to store moisture in their fleshy trunks and stems, and this reservoir is then protected with spikes. The prickly reputation that Cacti have developed is absolutely deserved. Their evolution has resulted in a plant genus that can survive in the most arid of landscapes.

Far away from their natural habitat in the deserts of Mexico, the range of cacti in European garden centres and shops is amazing. Two of the most common types sold are the Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Grusonii) or the Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia Microdasys). The small, potted cacti on offer in most garden centres should be easy to care for, provided with lots of light, warmth and little water (only twice a month, keeping soil dry). Simple. A lovely bit of green that requires little work… that will be necessary for the winter months ahead!

Brut Brussels (Rue Haute) has a great range of Cacti, and other indoor plants. This photo was taken there.