Known affectionately as the cuddly cactus, this is the monstrose form of Cereus jamacaru, and the appeal is exactly what the name suggests. It grows without spines, so it is safe to pick up and pass around, and the growing point mutates as it goes, producing knobbly, irregular columns that ripple and branch in unpredictable ways. The colour is a soft blue green, and no two plants grow into quite the same shape.

It makes a brilliant sculptural object for a sunny windowsill or a bright shelf, and it is a good choice for a home with children or anyone put off cacti by the prospect of spines. Slow growing and long lived, it asks for almost nothing beyond light and restraint with the watering can.

Care at a glance

Light: As much as you can give it. A bright, sunny windowsill is ideal, and direct sun is welcome.

Water: Very sparingly. Let the compost dry out completely, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Through winter, water barely at all.

Humidity: Average and dry rooms suit it perfectly. Avoid damp, still corners.

Compost: A gritty, free draining cactus mix, in a pot with a drainage hole.

Note: Spineless and safe to handle, though we would still keep it out of reach of pets inclined to chew.

As a living plant, size and shape vary from one to the next, so yours will be one of a kind.