"The trendiest plant this Christmas is the cactus"

Poinsettia sales have been pricked by the rise in popularity of the cacti, with one garden centre chain reporting higher sales of these prickly subjects.

Some 50% more cacti have been sold this year, according to Wyevale Garden Centres, which reports that its customers are buying an average of two plants each this festive season.

Lifestyle magazine Xposé has compiled a list of five cacti favourites which will last much longer than the festive season.