9 Best Indoor Cactus Varieties
Introduction to Indoor Cactus Varieties and Care Tips
Did you know the saguaro cactus can get really big? It can grow over 10 meters high and weigh more than a ton.
These big cacti don’t fit well indoors, but many small ones do. Indoor cacti, like the bunny ear and moon cactus, are great.
They are easy to care for and sometimes they bloom beautifully.
Cacti are easy to take care of because they like dry air and normal room temperatures.
They are good for growing inside. Cacti come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Some grow small, like bunny ears, while others, like saguaro, can grow very big.
These indoor cacti plants can even surprise you with bright flowers. This article will tell you about the best indoor cactus varieties and how to care for them.
Key Takeaways
- Cacti are low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants that thrive indoors.
- Indoor cacti come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, from small to towering.
- Many indoor cacti can produce stunning blooms.
- Proper care and growing conditions are essential for the long-term health of indoor cacti.
- Exploring different indoor cactus varieties can add unique and interesting plants to your home.
Introduction to Indoor Cactus
Rather than needing lots of water like tropical plants, large indoor cactus and others do well in dry air. They grow fine in just about any room. Cacti store water, so they don’t need much from you. They put up with dry spells easily. Read more about watering your cactus here.
Growing indoor cactus plants brings joy. They come in many shapes and sizes. You might see a small bunny ear cactus or a huge saguaro cactus. So, there’s a cactus for every room.
Low-Maintenance Nature of Cacti
Cacti are great for those not so good with greenery. They don’t need a lot: strong light, good drainage, heat, and little water. With some care, they’re happy indoors. So, they make indoor spaces prettier with little work.
Benefits of Growing Cacti Indoors
Having cacti indoors has many perks. You enjoy their different looks and feel. Plus, some cacti like a bit more water. These kinds add a fresh vibe to your indoor garden. Cactus are also believed to have more health benefits and have been traditionally used as medicine.
Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Cacti cover a big size range. You can choose from tiny bunny ear cactus to huge saguaro cactus. No matter your space or taste, there’s a cactus fit for you.
Indoor Cactus “Opuntia Albispina” (Bunny Ears or Angel Wings Cactus)
Meet the Opuntia Albispina, also named the bunny ears or angel wings cactus. It’s part of the prickly pear family. Unlike others, it has chunks of hairs, not sharp spines. This plant, native to Mexico, stays under 2 feet high but can reach 5 feet wide.
Distinctive Features
It blooms light yellow flowers and grows red, tasty fruits in full sun. With its soft hairs and not spines, the Opuntia Albispina stands out from the rest.
Growth Habits
This angel wings cactus stays small, usually under two feet. But, it can grow large over time. By pruning it well, you can keep this indoor cactus plant small and neat.
Flowering and Fruiting
In full sun, it shows off in yellow flowers and red fruits. This indoor cactus types brings beauty to your indoor cactus varieties collection.
Pros and Cons for Skilled and New Gardeners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique, charming appearance | Glochids can be irritating to touch |
| Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant | Susceptible to overwatering |
| Thrives in bright, indirect light | Needs well-draining soil |
| Suitable for small indoor spaces | Growth can be slow |
| Easy to propagate | Spines require careful handling |
Considerations for Busy and Traveling Gardeners
The Bunny Ear Cactus is perfect for busy gardeners or frequent travelers due to its minimal care requirements. It can tolerate occasional neglect and does not require frequent watering. Placing it in a bright location and watering it sparingly when the soil is completely dry will ensure it remains healthy and thriving.
Personal Opinion
The Bunny Ear Cactus is one of my all-time favorite indoor cacti. Its charming, bunny ear-shaped pads and bright yellow flowers bring a touch of whimsy and cheerfulness to any indoor garden.
Rat Tail Cactus – “Aporocactus Flagelliformis” An Eye-Catching Hanging Beauty
The Aporocactus Flagelliformis, or rat tail cactus, is great for people who love indoor cactus plants. It’s from Mexico and has pretty magenta flowers. People have used these flowers to help with heart issues.
Native to Mexico
This cactus is from Southwestern Mexico. It does well in warm and dry places. Because it grows long and hangs down, it’s perfect for indoor cactus plants for sale and hanging pots.
Trailing Growth Habit
The rat tail cactus has long, trailing stems. They can be over 3 feet long. They look great hanging from a basket. So, they’re good for making indoor areas more interesting.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
People in Mexico have used this cactus for heart problems. They use the pretty magenta flowers for medicine. This shows how useful and special the plant is. This cacti variety have also found modern uses in medicine.
Pros and Cons for Skilled and New Gardeners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Eye-catching trailing stems | Requires bright light to flower well |
| Produces vibrant, tubular flowers | Can be sensitive to overwatering |
| Versatile for hanging baskets | Needs well-draining soil |
| Relatively low-maintenance | Stems can be brittle and prone to breaking |
| Tolerates occasional neglect | May need occasional pruning |
Considerations for Busy and Traveling Gardeners
The Rat Tail Cactus is well-suited for gardeners with busy schedules or those who travel frequently. Its ability to store water in its stems allows it to withstand periods of neglect. However, to keep it healthy, ensure it receives bright light and water it sparingly, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Personal Opinion
The Rat Tail Cactus is one of my favorite indoor plants due to its unique and dramatic appearance. Its long, trailing stems and vibrant flowers create a striking focal point in any indoor garden
“Echinocactus Grusonii” (Barrel Cactus)
The barrel cactus is from the “fiercest cactus” group. It’s got long, hard thorns to guard its inside. You can eat its juicy middle. Out in the desert, it can grow very big, like up to 10 feet. But, even growing inside, it can get to 3 feet.
Longevity and Size
The big barrel cacti can last over 100 years, some even up to 150 years. They can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. This makes them the biggest kind of indoor cactus you can get.
Care Requirements
The barrel cactus loves the sun and needs little water. For best results, it requires at least six hours of sun each day. And remember, it doesn’t need a lot of water. So, water it just enough to keep the soil damp but not soaked.
Indoor cactus; “Astrophytum Myriostigma” (Bishop’s Cap)
The Astrophytum Myriostigma, also known as the bishop’s cap cactus, stands out with its blunt spikes. It covers round shapes with deep ridges that can grow very tall. This indoor cactus gets a white, frosty look to keep the sun away. It loves lots of full sunlight and needs water only now and then. So, it’s a great pick for indoor cultivation.
Unique Appearance
This cactus can get as tall as 70 to 100 cm. It usually has between 3 to 7 ribs, with five of them not having spikes. It takes up to 6 years for it to bloom, but then it shows off daisy-like flowers in many colors.
Sun Protection Mechanisms
The bishop’s cap cactus keeps itself safe from too much sun by getting a frosty look. This cool trick lets it do well inside, needing at least 6 hours of bright but not direct sunlight daily.
Low-Water Needs
The Astrophytum Myriostigma is happy with indoor cactus grow light and well-drained soil. It doesn’t need much water, which keeps its roots from rotting. This best indoor cactus plant can handle being inside. It can also live in areas that are as warm as zones 10 to 11.
indoor cactus “Carnegiea Gigantea” (Saguaro Cactus)
The saguaro cactus is a famous plant of the desert. It stands tall in the Sonoran Desert, reaching up to 40 feet. Known for its long life, it might take 40 years to begin flowering.
As an indoor cactus, it grows slowly. You can have one for a long time. Just give it lots of sun and water it rarely.
Iconic Saguaro of the Sonoran Desert
The giant indoor cactus is a symbol of the Sonoran Desert. It stands out with its big size and unique shape. In the wild, it can grow up to 60 feet high.
Slow Growth Rate
The saguaro indoor cactus grows very slowly. It moves just a little bit each year. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to care for a plant over a long period indoors.
Flowering and Lifespan
This cactus can live over 200 years. But, it might be 40 years before it flowers. Creating a good environment is key for it to grow well indoors and maybe even flower.
Pros and Cons for Skilled and New Gardeners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Majestic and iconic appearance | Extremely slow growth rate |
| Long lifespan | Requires significant space |
| Attracts pollinators | Needs very well-draining soil |
| Low-maintenance once established | Sensitive to frost and prolonged cold |
| Adds historical and cultural value | Difficult to transplant once mature |
“Schlumbergera x Buckley” (Christmas Cactus)
The Christmas cactus is different from your usual cacti. It comes from tropical rainforests, not deserts. So, it likes cooler and moist air. This cactus has smooth leaves and friendly spines, not sharp ones.
Unique Care Requirements
Christmas cacti need cool nights and water but not too much. They grow best in bright, soft light. Start watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Just don’t let them sit in water or their roots will get sick.
Blooming Conditions
The ideal temperature for this cactus is not too hot. It prefers 65-70°F in the day and cooler at night. Use a weak plant food every month in spring and summer. Make them bushier by trimming them a month after they bloom, but don’t cut them late in spring.
Tropical Origins
This cactus is from tropical places, so it likes a cozy environment. Change its pot every three years, especially in spring. After the flowers are gone, keep an eye out for pests. Treat them like spider mites with special soap or remove pests like scales by hand. Use new soil if you find fungus gnats.
“Mammillaria Plumosa” (Feather Cactus)
The Mammillaria Plumosa comes from the deserts in northeastern Mexico. It’s seen mostly in San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, and Hidalgo. It’s a small cactus that looks like a bunch of soft, white feathers. These feathers keep it cool and provide shade from the sun.
Native to Northeastern Mexico
The feather cactus is from the desert areas of northeastern Mexico. It grows best in San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, and Hidalgo. This cactus enjoys the dry, hot weather of the region.
Distinctive Feathery Spines
The feather cactus is known for its soft, white, feathery spines. These spines cover the cactus in mounds. They look like soft feathers and also protect the plant from the searing sun.
Shade and Heat Protection
The soft, white “feathers” of the feather cactus are great for protecting it from the sun. They keep it cool in the desert. This makes it a nice choice for homes. The feather cactus is small and fits well in pots or indoor gardens.
“Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii” (Moon Cactus)
The moon cactus is not your typical cactus. It’s a cool mix of two plants. The top part, full of bright colors, is the Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii. This part sits on another cactus type’s rootstock. You’ll find moon cacti in exciting colors like yellow, orange, and red.
Colorful Varieties
Moon cacti, being unique, need indirect light. Direct sunlight harms them. You can grow your own with indoor cactus seeds. They make any buy indoor cactus group look special.
Light Requirements
Moon cacti love bright, but not direct, light. They’re fine with a bit of morning sun. This special light keeps them healthy without getting burned. It’s just right for their care.
“Euphorbia Trigona” (African Milk Tree)
The African milk tree, or Euphorbia Trigona, sometimes confused with the Pencil cactus, is super easy to grow indoors. It may grow taller than 8 feet. But indoors, it will likely stay under 4 feet. It has small, green leaves and thorns on its stems. The ‘Rubra’ type has red and purple leaves too. Use indoor cactus soil and water it twice a month. Then, your African milk tree can be an indoor plant for many years.
Easy to Grow
Euphorbia Trigona plants aren’t sold everywhere but are easy to get and grow fast. They have stems shaped like triangles, with ridges and thorns. And their leaves drop off after a season or two.
Slow Growth Indoors
It grows slowly indoors. It won’t get taller than 4 feet inside. It likes bright light or partial sunlight and needs to get used to full sun slowly.
Longevity and Varieties
There are two types: green and Rubra with red and burgundy colors. The Rubra turns dark in direct sun and lighter in shade. With good indoor cactus plant care, it can live a long time indoors.
Conclusion
Indoor cacti are great for anyone looking for easy-to-care-for plants. They do well in dry air and only need average room temperatures. You can find varieties like the bunny ear and saguaro cactus.
With the right care, they can even bloom beautifully. So, whether you’re into cacti already or just starting, they’re a good choice for your home.
Although indoor cacti cannot typically go outside for a long time, they like sun now and then. Good watering and potting in well-draining soil, in clay pots, helps them live longer. To make an indoor cactus garden, mix different types for a beautiful look. This also makes your air cleaner and your space more productive.
Adding these plants to your home can bring many good things. They can lower your stress and make you think better. With care, your indoor cacti can last for years. They will also make your home look nicer.
FAQ
What are the different types of indoor cacti?
Indoor cacti include the bunny ears cactus and the rat tail cactus. You can also find the barrel cactus and the bishop’s cap cactus. Then, there’s the saguaro cactus and the Christmas cactus. Other examples are the feather cactus, moon cactus, and the African milk tree.
Why are cacti good indoor plants?
Cacti don’t need much water and they love dry air. They fit right in with our indoor lives. Plus, they’re pretty and some even blossom.
How much sunlight do indoor cacti need?
Most indoor cacti need lots of sun to be happy. But, some, like the moon cactus, prefer it a bit shady to avoid sunburn.
How often should I water my indoor cactus?
Indoor cacti don’t need a lot of water. You should only water them when the soil is really dry. Remember, too much water can harm them.
Can indoor cacti grow tall?
Some indoor cacti can get pretty tall, up to 8-10 feet. This includes the saguaro and the African milk tree cacti. But, they grow more slowly indoors.
Do indoor cacti need special soil?
Yes, cacti like soil that drains well, like sandy mixes. Stay away from regular soil. It might hold too much water for them.
Can indoor cacti bloom?
Many types can bloom inside, like the bunny ear and the Christmas cacti. For flowers, give them plenty of light and keep the temperature right.
How do I care for an indoor Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus needs cooler temps. So, keep it between 50-60°F in winter. Also, water it regularly for beautiful blooms.
Can indoor cacti be pruned?
Yes, some, like the bunny ear cactus, benefit from pruning. It helps them stay the right size in your home.
How long do indoor cacti live?
If you care for them well, indoor cacti can last for many years. Some, like the saguaro, may even live more than 200 years outside.
