One of the joys of cacti and succulents is that you can work with them all year round, whatever the weather. So if it’s too chilly to go outdoors, create an attractive indoor feature instead
This miniature desert landscape in a container, complete with small cacti and stones, can be as creative as your imagination allows. Assembled in a modern container and styled with colour-coordinating sand and stones, this mini landscape also makes an elegant, contemporary, indoor feature for a sunny windowsill. It's also a perfect project to do with children.
large container with cactus compost, or other free-draining compost mix
sand (aquarium sand comes in a range of colours)
small rocks
5–6 small cacti
Use a specialist peat-free cactus , or mix peat-free multipurpose compost with up to 30% grit. Partially fill the container, leaving a good gap at the top. This means you'll have room for plants and a decorative layer of stones on top that won't fall out.
Arrange the plants and place them into the compost. Try to combine different colours and textures for maximum impact. Don’t plant them too deeply – allow space for the layer of decorative sand and rocks. If you're having trouble handling the more prickly cacti, use layers of folded cardboard as protection.
Carefully add the sand, then place stones in small piles, leaving areas of open sand between the plants. Water lightly to remove any stray sand on the cacti and to settle the compost round their roots.
Place your cactus bowl on a bright, sunny windowsill. Always try to use a container with drainage holes but remember that if your container has no drainage holes, add a thick layer of grit at the base and water sparingly. If plants start to look shrivelled it's a sign they are thirsty: water in small amounts until they perk up.
This article is adapted from an item in The Garden magazine.
