DESERT JUNGLE
More Sun.
Less Fuss.
Explore cacti and succulent houseplants, from tiny windowsill plants and easy care favourites to unusual shapes, textured specimens and collector varieties.
SHOP CACTI & SUCCULENTS ↓Plenty of light, free draining growing media and allowing the compost to dry properly between waterings will suit most cacti and succulents far better than constant moisture.
GOT A BRIGHT WINDOWSILL? →CACTI & SUCCULENTS
Shop Desert Houseplants
Browse bright light favourites, compact desert plants and unusual collector specimens, then narrow the Jungle by plant size, pot size, price or pet suitability.
THE DESERT JUNGLE IS BETWEEN RESTOCKS
More Desert Characters Are on the Way
Explore Windowsill Plants, Easy Care Plants or Fresh Arrivals while more cacti and succulents make their way back.
SEE FRESH ARRIVALSSTART WITH THE LIGHT
Desert Plants Want More Than a Pretty Pot
Tiny windowsill cactus, clustered succulents or one unusual specimen.
Whatever you choose, bright conditions and careful watering matter far more than trying to keep the compost constantly moist.
DESERT CARE WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK
Dry Properly. Then Water Properly.
The biggest mistake is often watering too often.
Cacti and succulents are adapted to storing water, so most prefer a free draining growing medium and proper drying between waterings rather than small amounts of water every few days.
Many cacti and succulents prefer bright conditions and some can enjoy direct sun once properly acclimatised.
Allow the growing medium to dry thoroughly before watering again instead of following a weekly routine.
Use a free draining mix and make sure excess water can escape rather than sitting around the roots.
Watering usually needs to become less frequent during cooler and darker periods when growth slows.
STILL WATERING EVERY WEEK?
Put the Schedule Down
Desert plants do not care what day of the week it is. Check the growing medium, let it dry properly, then water thoroughly and allow the excess to drain away.
CACTI & SUCCULENT CARE
A Few Things You Might Want to Know
What Is the Difference Between a Cactus and a Succulent? +
Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems or roots.
Cacti are a specific group of succulents, usually recognised by specialised structures called areoles, where spines, flowers or new growth can develop.
So all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.
Are Cacti and Succulents Easy to Care For? +
Many can be relatively low maintenance once they are in the right conditions.
Plenty of light, good drainage and avoiding overly frequent watering are usually the main things to get right.
If easy care is your priority, explore our Easy Care Plants collection too.
How Much Light Do Cacti and Succulents Need? +
Many cacti and succulents prefer bright light, and some can tolerate or enjoy periods of direct sun once properly acclimatised.
Exact requirements differ between species, so always check the care information for the individual plant.
A bright Windowsill can be a brilliant position for many varieties.
How Often Should I Water Cacti and Succulents? +
Avoid watering on a fixed weekly schedule.
Let the growing medium dry thoroughly between waterings, then water properly and allow excess water to drain away.
They will usually need less frequent watering during cooler and darker periods when growth slows.
What Growing Medium Is Best for Cacti and Succulents? +
Cacti and succulents generally prefer a free draining growing medium that does not stay wet around the roots for long periods.
Explore our Jungle Mixes collection for growing media, composts and substrates suited to different houseplants.
Can Cacti and Succulents Live on a Windowsill? +
Many can, especially where the windowsill receives plenty of useful light.
Window direction, direct sun and seasonal temperatures still matter, so choose around the exact position.
Explore our Windowsill Jungle if you are specifically shopping for a bright ledge.
Why Is My Succulent Going Soft or Mushy? +
Soft or mushy growth can be associated with excess moisture and root problems, particularly when the growing medium remains wet for too long.
Check the roots, drainage and growing medium, and avoid adding more water until you understand what is happening.
If you are unsure, bring it into our Plant Clinic or send us some photos.
Do Cacti and Succulents Need Less Water in Winter? +
Often, yes.
During cooler and darker periods, many cacti and succulents grow more slowly and use water less quickly.
Always check the growing medium rather than assuming the same watering frequency should continue all year.
Can You Help Me Choose the Right Cactus or Succulent? +
Absolutely. Tell us how much light your space gets, where you want the plant to live and roughly how much room you have.
Send us a photo, visit Oh Shoot! Plants at 52 High Street, Congleton or ask the team to help narrow down the options.
Can I Order Cacti and Succulents for UK Delivery? +
Yes. Cacti and succulents in this collection can be ordered online for UK delivery, subject to the delivery options shown on each individual product.
Check the individual care information so you can make sure the plant suits your available light and growing conditions.
NOT SURE WHAT WILL WORK IN YOUR BRIGHT SPOT?
Show Us the Space
Send us a photo, tell us which direction the window faces, roughly how much direct sun it gets and how much space you have.
We’ll help narrow down the Desert Jungle and find something that actually suits the light.
READY TO BUILD A DESERT JUNGLE?
Come Find Your Desert Character
Compare shapes, textures and sizes in person, get practical advice on light, watering and growing media, and grab a locally roasted Beartown Coffee while you explore.