The powder puff cactus looks like a ball of cotton, its round body wrapped in soft white hairs. Tucked among the fluff are small hooked spines, so admire it hands-off. In spring and summer it rings itself with small pink-and-white flowers.

Give it a bright, sunny window and a fast-draining cactus mix. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry completely between waterings, and cut back to almost nothing in winter. Handle it by the pot, never the puff, when it needs moving.