If you plan on keeping your plant(s) inside this winter, choose a bright, sunny location that is well protected from the heat of the day and ventilated with moving air. Never choose a west-facing window; it's too hot. East or south exposure is fine. If the plants become brown and shriveled, they're getting too much sun: move them to a more shady location. If they develop pale and elongated growth, they're not getting enough sun: move them to a sunnier location. That's simple enough.

The growing season for all cacti and succulents is March through October. Water every two weeks during this season. During the non-growing season, water every four weeks. This will help compensate for rainy days. Best to give them a good drink and let them dry out between watering. Put a saucer under the pot. Fill the pot from the top with water. Let the saucer fill below as water runs out the drain holes. Then walk away for two or three hours. When you return, all the water in the saucer will be gone: the soil acts as a wick and takes up the initial excess. Peter's 20-20-20 is recommended for fertilizing. Stay away from products like Miracle-Gro. Anything as phony as this stuff is -- with the word 'miracle' in the title -- is very, very suspect and a waste of money.

When re-potting newly acquired plants, use a slightly damp soil mix. Tamp down by hand, but do not water-in.

A quality nursery or garden center has cactus soil mix in 1lb bags that you can purchase. Or you can make your own. Peter's all-purpose potting mix is good to start with; then add 25% perlite and 25% builders sand for drainage.

Remember that cactus are some of the most hardy and toughest plants anywhere on earth, as long as they're not over-watered and kept in a dimly-lit place.