Five favourites - cacti and succulents

Gynelle's five top tips for growing cacti and succulents

Agave victoriae-reginae

Commonly known as Queen Victoria's agave, this succulent is one of my favourites because of its sculpture-like form and graphic design. It is characterised by its white outline and black needle-sharp tips, the contrasting design makes it stand out from my other house plants. I always get mesmerised looking at its perfect repeating geometric design. This is a hardy succulent that is easy to grow, plus its rigid rosette form will add beauty and wonder to any collection.

Astrophytum ornatum

Astrophytum ornatum is one of my favourite cacti because of its long spines and woolly base. It has ribs which seems to spiral down the dark green stem, scattered with white or yellow tuffs. This plant intrigues me constantly, it looks like it's covered in animal print. You should grow this cactus for its large yellow flowers which bloom from the top of the cactus and make their way down the ribs during the summer.

Agave americana 'Variegata'

I love this agave because of the monstrous sizes they can reach (up to 2m tall and 3m wide). They remind me of ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’. When on holiday in LA, I would stop and take photos of them in people’s gardens. I suggest growing this succulent because it adds a tropical feeling to the home. These plants can survive outside in the UK so they make a great statement for the garden too.

Ferocactus latispinus

I love this ferocactus because of its wide red spines that are rather claw like in form. It’s a quintessential barrel shape cactus and I love its symmetry, strong sculptural shape and angles. Its common name is devil’s tongue barrel, and that always makes me laugh as its pretty suiting. If you want something to remind you of the desert or a nod to the Wild West, this cactus is for you. I remember seeing them everywhere while on a Route 66 road trip.

Rebutia 'Apricot Ice'

The rebutia is one of my favourites because of its clumping nature, which makes it look cloud like, and the spectacular amount of delicate peach flowers which burst all over the plant each summer. It always fills me with joy and happiness. Year after year this cactus never fails to disappoint, with its dazzling display of flowers.