Why Robert Irwin’s Cute Cactus Moment Has Gardeners Reaching for Something Spiky

At a time of year when Instagram is full of cosy fireplaces and festive wreaths, Robert Irwin has been quietly nudging his followers to do something a little more… spiky.

In a recent social post, Robert shared a photo of himself alongside a simply enormous cactus. “Hug the cactus,” he captioned it – and, honestly, if someone who spends their time studying wildlife, championing conservation, and winning hearts on Dancing With The Stars tells you to hug a cactus, you’d be forgiven for opening your arms and diving straight into the nearest prickly specimen.

Still, while hugging an actual cactus might not be something we advise you try without thick gloves, Robert's earthy enthusiasm for these these remarkable plants is something we can get fully behind.

Time to Hug a Cactus

Whether he’s celebrating conservation projects at Australia Zoo or connecting with fans across the world, Robert Irwin's energy is a reminder of what makes plants and animals such a powerful force in our lives.

And, while cacti often get bundled under the metaphorical bushel, there are few things more rewarding than growing a cactus at home.

Yes, ask anyone who grows them (or adores them from afar and up close, à la Robert Irwin), and they’ll tell you wholeheartedly that cacti are so much more than just architectural room accents.

Many species hail from arid, sunny climates and have evolved to thrive with minimal water, thick stems that store moisture and spines that protect them from predators and help shade the plant. Unsurprisingly, this makes them extremely hard-to-kill houseplants so long as you understand their basic needs (especially for those who’ve ever accidentally ignored the meaningful glare of a bone-dry watering can).

Choose the Right Cactus for You

Not all cacti are created equal, and some are far more beginner-friendly than others. Here’s how to find one that fits your lifestyle:

1. Start With Light Levels

Most desert cacti (that's your classic spiky types, like prickly pears and barrel cacti) thrive in bright, direct sunlight, so a south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal. If your home lacks strong natural light, don’t despair: a good grow light can make all the difference.

2. Choose Based on Water Habits

If you travel a lot or are prone to bouts of forgetfulness, classic desert species are fantastic because they can go long stretches between drinks. Tropical cactus types (like the Christmas cactus) are stunning, but do better with a little more regular moisture and indirect light.

3. Think Size and Space

Cacti range from tiny globes that sit on a desk to tall columnar types that make a statement in a sunny corner. Decide early, then, whether you want a small, cute companion or a bold sculptural plant... or, we suppose, a statuesque beauty like the one in Robert Irwin's Instagram post (although you'll likely need a small mansion to make it work!).

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a newbie inspired by a certain someone's call to hug the cactus, rest assured that these spiky beauties can add some serious rhythm and character to your home.

Not only are they conversation starters (especially if you decide to try your hand at growing cactus seeds), but cacti are also surprisingly intuitive teachers of patience and presence... not to mention quite likely to survive a “busy season” better than most.

So, adopt one now if you haven't already. And, the next time Robert Irwin posts about connecting with nature, use it as a reminder to give your cactus a little extra light, water it when it’s dry, and appreciate just how remarkable these plants really are.

After all, if a bonafide dancing star has made a point of embracing them, these prickly plants must have something worth celebrating.