Cactus Care: A Simple Guide

If you're looking for a low-maintenance, eye-catching houseplant, a cactus might be the perfect choice. These desert natives are famous for their sculptural shapes, low water needs, and resilience—making them ideal for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. But how do you care for a cactus in the UK, where the climate is cooler, cloudier, and more humid than a cactus's natural environment?

This guide covers everything you need to know about cactus care, from choosing the right location to watering tips and avoiding common mistakes.

Why Cacti Make Great Houseplants

Easy to care for
Minimal watering required
Ideal for sunny windowsills
Come in a variety of shapes and sizes
Long-lasting and slow-growing
Perfect for small spaces, offices, or homes

Whether you’re starting with a mini cactus or adding a larger statement plant to your collection, these unique indoor plants are a stylish, low-fuss option.

Light: The Key to Success

Cacti love light—ideally, bright, direct sunlight. In the UK, this can be a challenge, especially during autumn and winter. Place your cactus on a south- or west-facing windowsill where it can soak up as much natural light as possible. If your space doesn’t get much sun, consider investing in a grow light to keep your cactus happy during the darker months.

Tip: Rotate your cactus occasionally to keep its growth even and prevent leaning.

Watering Your Cactus in the UK

One of the most common mistakes people make with cacti is overwatering. These plants are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their stems.

Spring and Summer: Water every 2–3 weeks, only when the soil is completely dry.
Autumn and Winter: Water sparingly—once a month or even less if your home is cool.

Always use a pot with drainage holes and never let your cactus sit in water.

Temperature and Humidity

Cacti prefer warm, dry conditions. Most heated UK homes are suitable, with ideal temperatures between 18–24°C. Keep your cactus away from cold drafts, windows that get chilly at night, or overly humid rooms like bathrooms.

Cacti don’t like high humidity, so avoid misting or placing them near humidifiers.

Choosing the Right Soil and Pot

Use a gritty, well-draining compost made for cacti and succulents. You can also mix your own using standard potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite.

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Common Cactus Mistakes

Too much water: Let soil dry out fully before watering
Too little light: Move to a brighter window or use a grow light
Wrong soil: Use free-draining cactus compost
No drainage: Always plant in pots with holes

Best Cactus Varieties for Indoor Growing in the UK

Not all cacti are the same—some adapt better to indoor life in cooler climates. Here are a few beginner-friendly favourites:

Mammillaria – compact, easy to care for, and often blooms
Opuntia (Bunny Ear Cactus) – unique and popular with collectors
Echinopsis – beautiful round shape, with occasional colourful flowers
Gymnocalycium – small, hardy, and ideal for windowsills

You can find a variety of mini cacti and larger options in our shop—perfect for gifts or personal collections.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a cactus in the UK is all about adjusting for light, water, and temperature. With the right setup, these tough little plants will thrive—even through grey winters and damp weather.

Whether you’re just starting your plant journey or adding to an established collection, a cactus is a brilliant addition to your home.

Explore our Cacti Collection now and find the perfect houseplant for your space.