Modern urban Indians’ fascination for Feng Shui and other spiritual home improvement sources has made them take interest in the practises of Moche people of ancient Peru who worshipped the cactus.

“Good luck cacti”, as they are called, have taken roots on Indian shores.

The cactus originated in North and South American regions. They are known for their sturdy survival rates and relatively lower maintenance.

“I have more than 50 plants at home,” says Sushmita Singh, a Mumbai-based engineer. “Both my husband and I are working people, and we have shifted home three times. Cacti are so much easier to look after, and they are pleasing to the eye too. If looked after properly, they provide the dual purpose of being funky and giving us the luxury of indoor plants,” she says.

Cacti are plants that grow either as trees, shrubs or in the form of ground cover. Some cacti flower while some remain “leaf plants”.

The common cacti used for home decoration include ball cactus, chin cactus, artichoke cactus, pincushion cactus, and old man cactus.

Cacti are available in plant shops

and nurseries in most Indian metros and towns. They can be as small as a couple of inches long and can grow up to 6 feet. On an average, they cost between Rs 250 and Rs 3,500 per plant, depending on variety and size.

“Their USP is that they adapt to dry hot climates, because nature has endowed them with the ability to conserve water, “ says Sheela Khanna, a Bangalore-based landscapist.

“But there is a misconception that they don't need to be nurtured. That is not the case,” she adds. “If they are not properly cared for, they can die within a few days.” This is ironic as cacti usually take a long time to grow.

Cacti can be bought from the local plant shop nursery as a shrub, or seeds can be purchased and grown. If the cacti is being grown from a seed, care should be taken not to move them while in bloom as they are extremely sensitive to disturbance.

Cacti should be potted in unglased clay pots with a layer of course gravel at the bottom. The size of the pot is also important as too large a pot can lead the roots to rot.

Sunlight

Once grown, the plants should be rotated or turned every few weeks so that they get an even amount of sunlight. But care should be taken not to overdo this. Too much of sun can kill this desert plant.

Watering

This is one reason why the cacti are so popular. Most species of fully grown cacti need watering only once every week. It is crucial that the cacti should not be watered in excess. A good test is to take a stick and test the soil in the pot. The temperature of water is another important factor. If water is too cold, it can shock the cactus, and too warm can shrivel it.

Insects and pests

An ancient Mexican practice of spraying a concoction made of nicotine and alcohol is the best way to keep bugs at bay.

If there are children in the house, care should be taken as to where the cacti are placed as the thorns are sharp and can tear the flesh. Other than this, the cacti are the least fussy plants to look after. So welcome them as your new houseplant!