Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias): "Its small size and low water requirements make it ideal for desktops or windowsills," he notes. Plus the star-like cacti spiral is quite the pretty prickly.

Hose it down regularly to eliminate scales. Reaching nearly 6 feet in height, monk's hood (Astrophytum ornatum) is the biggest star cactus variety. Keeping with its name, it produces a set of ...

and Easter cactus, which has more star-shaped flowers. All three types need similar care with bright light and total darkness for 12 to 14 hours, starting in the fall, to rebloom. Water when ...