So, you'd like to try your hand at growing cacti and succulents? Or perhaps you've already killed a few? Don't despair! You can grow these plants successfully by knowing a few basics and starting with some of the easier-to-grow varieties.

The first thing you are going to need is a decent cactus potting mix. Choose one that has largish particles - if it is very fine, it will turn to concrete on you. The next thing is pots with good drainage. Unglazed clay pots are the best - orchid pots work very well. For round or barrel shaped cacti, choose a pot that will give you an inch of space between the cactus and the pot edge all around. For tall plants, try to find a pot whose diameter is about half the height of the plant. Remember that these plants are shallow rooted plants. Fill the bottom quite generously with gravel or charcoal and broken pottery - even a quarter of the way full.

Now, the surest way to kill a cactus is to damage its roots. If you are repotting, handle it carefully. If you have received one bare root, handle it gently! Trim off any damaged roots with a sharp snip. To handle the thorny little critters, use a piece of paper folded up longwise and wrap the cactus with it - sort of like a paper cone. The potting medium should be dry. Carefully trickle in the potting medium while holding the cactus in place in the pot. Dress it up by adding a thin layer of decorative gravel or stone chips across the top.

Do NOT water the plant right away after potting. Wait for a couple of days. This will help you avoid root rot. The best light is from a southern window, and they actually like some midday shade! Allow your soil to DRY between waterings. Good luck and have fun!

A list of easy plants!