Growing guide

How to grow houseplant cacti and succulents

Quirky and characterful, these popular drought-tolerant plants thrive indoors and sometimes even outdoors. Spiny or furry, tiny or tall, bold or intricate, they are diverse and endlessly fascinating. In no time you can find yourself with quite a collection!

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Quick facts

  • Easy to grow and low maintenance
  • Drought resistant
  • Mostly houseplants, but some grow outside
  • Plant in free-draining, gritty compost 
  • Most enjoy full sun
  • Make new plants from cuttings or seeds
  • Many produce attractive flowers

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.