Yahoo LifestyleThe Best Types of Cactus to Up Your Houseplant Game
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The Best Types of Cactus to Up Your Houseplant Game
When it comes to low-maintenance plants, it doesn’t get more extreme than cacti. As succulents, meaning they store water in their stem or foliage, cacti are built for drought tolerance, but that's not all that makes them special. Unlike other succulents (and all other plants, for that matter), members of the Cactaceae family have areoles, little bumps on the outside of the plant that possess some pretty cool capabilities. Areoles are responsible for sprouting cacti's signature spines, flowers, branches, and leaves, enabling cactus species to take on thousands of captivating forms.
Types of cactus run the gamut from desert natives, such as the tall tree-like saguaro (its pronged silhouette is iconic of the Sonoran Desert of the American southwest and Mexico) and the cute-as-a-button star cactus (it looks a bit like a flowering sea urchin), to tropical types, like the Christmas cactus (did you know this beloved holiday bloomer originated in the forests of Brazil?).
In the garden, cacti are best cultivated in containers, unless you live in a climate similar to their native habitat. Our cactus garden tips will answer all your questions on soil, containers, watering, and overwintering indoors. Many types of cactus plants also adapt well to houseplant life, including those featured here.
When growing desert cacti indoors, the New York Botanical Garden recommends placing them in the sunniest spot in your house, rotating pots regularly to preserve the plants' shape, adding artificial light if needed, and reducing fall and winter watering to “only enough to keep the plant from shriveling.” Tropical types are a bit different, but don’t worry—you’ll find links to care instructions for the tropical species, sometimes called holiday cacti, on our list.
Types of Cactus You Can Grow at Home—Even Indoors
Take note: Always source your cacti from responsible nurseries and never from the wild. And remember, keep cactus plants away from pets and small children to prevent injury.
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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
With proper care, the bright pink blooms of a Christmas cactus will return year after year during the holiday season. In its native Brazil, this tropical cactus grows in trees and among rocks. Along with its cousins, including the Thanksgiving cactus, the Christmas cactus prefers a humid environment and requires more water than desert types. Also, be sure to give it bright indirect light, never direct sunlight.
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Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
This plant, nicknamed the "mother-in-law cushion" (ouch!), needs plenty of sun and not much water. A barrel cactus can thrive with watering as infrequently as once every two to three months.
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Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
Who knew a cactus could be whimsical? The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 6 feet in height. Take note that the fairy castle cactus rarely produces flowers—they're often sold with artificial blooms attached. Place it where it will get lots of sun.
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Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
The tree-like saguaro cactus is native only to the Sonoran Desert and can live for 200 years. Its slow growth rate (about an inch per year for the first eight years of its life) makes it possible to grow indoors—as long as it gets ample direct bright light.
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Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
The star cactus (also called sea urchin cactus or starfish cactus) is a small plant, making it ideal for an indoor succulent garden. A yellow or white bloom is the showstopper on this petite cactus. Place it where it will get plenty of sun.
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Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa)
Don't be fooled! The white "feathers" on this cactus look fluffy and soft, but the younger, shorter spines below that innocuous-looking facade are sharp! The feather cactus likes lots of light but benefits from light afternoon shade.
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Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
The old lady cactus, a type of powder puff cactus, is covered with spines and white down, hence its name. This easy-to-grow, sun-loving plant is a great choice for a beginner.
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Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
The bunny ears, or angel wing, cactus is a popular choice for its cute shape. This plant does not have spines like a traditional cactus, but that doesn't mean it's cuddly! The glochids (tufts of short, hairy spines that give it a polka-dot appearance) can still stick you. Give your bunny ears a sunny spot to flourish.
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Blue Columnar Cactus (Pilosocereus pachycladus)
This fast-growing cactus, also called blue torch cactus, can reach heights of 30 feet tall in its native habitat. When mature, it boasts funnel-shaped blooms. Lots of sunlight not only enables this plant to thrive—it also brings out its naturally bluish hue.
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Moon Cactus (grafted hybrid)
Moon cactus is a popular addition to a succulent garden thanks to its bright color. The hybrid plant is actually two types of cacti grafted together, and its lifespan is short compared to other cacti. Place this plant where it will get indirect light, as too much direct light can damage it, according to MasterClass teacher Ron Finley.
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Easter Cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri)
The Easter cactus blooms in early spring, but even without the bright flowers, the green segments make for an attractive plant year round. Like other holiday cacti, Easter cactus prefers bright light but not direct sunlight, which will burn its leaves. Get Easter cactus care tips.
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Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
Ladyfinger cactus (also called gold lace cactus) is a sweet addition to a succulent garden. This petite cactus only grows to 6 inches tall and blooms with white flowers. Place it near a south-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere), for plenty of bright light, direct or indirect.
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Parodia (various species)
The ball-shaped Parodia cactus boasts showy flowers, which may be yellow, red, orange, or pink, depending on the species. This type of cactus prefers less light (i.e. give it some afternoon shade) and more water than others.
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Bishop's Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma)
The star-shaped bishop's cap cactus features a short-blooming yellow flower. It requires little water and space, making it easy to grow on a sunny sill.
Related: Round out your succulent collection with these striking plants.
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