10 Amazing Low Maintenance Cacti and Succulents

By Calin Oancea

4/20/20246 min read

Low maintenance cacti and succulents hold a special place for their minimalistic watering needs, aesthetic appeal and exotic soil mixture that they thrive in.

In this article, we will go through the 10 overall best low maintenance cacti and succulents which we have seen and carefully inspected in reality that not only upgraagde your space with greenery but also promise a hassle-free outdoor or indoor cactus gardening experience.

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two green succulent cacti growing in a dry environment
two green succulent cacti growing in a dry environment
three Rabutia cactus plants with large orange flowers
three Rabutia cactus plants with large orange flowers

Rebutia

The small and flowering cactus type is known for its large blooms in proportion to its tiny size. We saw that Rebutias germinate easily and clump freely, making them a good choice for beginners. Their amazing blooms are range from red to orange and are very big while providing a nice form, overall it is a low-maintenance cactus plant we really like.

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Gymnocalycium

Gymnocalycium, also known as Chin Cactus, includes 70 species native to South America. Some are dwarf varieties and most form clusters as they grow. They're easy to grow and require minimal care. Gymnocalycium can be a great addition to your cacti collection due to its simplicity and beauty with its white curling thorns.

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Hedgehog Cactus

Echinopsis, or Hedgehog Cactus, hosts over 100 species, with a notable mention being the Peanut Cactus. Originating from South America, these prickly companions possess a rugged beauty. Their flowering capability is amazing, displaying vibrant blooms that rival the showiness of more demanding cacti, such as the larger Barrel Cacti.

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Aloe

Aloe plants are renowned for their medicinal benefits, edibility, and ease of care. Their upright growth and spiky leaves provide a distinct texture, contrasting well with softer succulents like Echeveria. With Aloe, you get a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and low-maintenance care, while also being valued in the plant kingdom.

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Moon Cactus

Moon Cactus is a colorful tiny cactus that brightens up any space. Its vibrant top, which can be red, pink, yellow, or orange, sits upon a green base, creating a striking contrast. After inspecting it carefully we found that when it blooms, it produces small flowers that are white or pink which are really nice. This little flowering cactus plant is a good choice for small spaces and windowsills.

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Claret Cup Cactus

The inside but also outside cactus, with its bold red blooms, is a showstopper. Each flower appears like a lit torch amidst the green, spiny backdrop, creating a dramatic visual effect. This cactus not only offers a nice display but also doesn't require a lot of care. It can be found naturally in canyons and stone landscapes.

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String of Pearls

String of Pearls, with its vines of spherical leaves, this succulent plant is perfect for hanging baskets. Its minimal care is similar to the ease found in other trailing succulents like String of Bananas. The delicate pearls provide a whimsical touch to any space, inviting a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature’s geometry.

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Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus, not like its desert cousins, thrives in cooler and more humid environments. After growing it indoors we experienced that when winter arrives, it blooms with an explosion of stunning cactus flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple which are very nice and also add a kind of tropical touch to your indoors or outdoors.

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A round cactus plant with a yellow flower in a garden
A round cactus plant with a yellow flower in a garden

Parodia Magnifica

This low mainteinance cactus that grows up to 30cm (10in) and thrives well as a Japanese cactus, has a spherical shape with soft spines and blooms with bright yellow flowers that contrast beautifully with its green and round body, almost exactly like the Golden Barrel Cactus.

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a tiny Echeveria succulent in a xeriscape garden
a tiny Echeveria succulent in a xeriscape garden

Echeveria

Resembling a rose with a spiral of pointed leaves, these small and tiny cactus varieties that are called Echeverias, captivate with their various shades of green, pink, and burgundy. This succulent thrives indoors and outdoors, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Its rose form is often found in other succulents like in the Graptopetalum.

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Sources

Nature and Sustainability uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies to support the facts we describe in our articles. Please read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Rebutia: Rebutia - Wikipedia

  2. Gymnocalycium: Gymnocalycium - Wikipedia

  3. Moon Cactus: Moon Cactus Plants - How To Grow A Moon Cactus | Gardening Know How

  4. Echeveria: How to Grow Echeveria (Succulent Tips) (thespruce.com)

  5. String of Pearls: How to Care for String of Pearls Plants - A Beautiful Mess

  6. Claret Cup Cactus: Claret Cup Cactus (bhg.com)

  7. Aloe (Vera): How to Grow Aloe Vera - Aloe Plant Care Indoors and Outside (goodhousekeeping.com)

  8. Christmas Cactus: How to Care for a Christmas Cactus: Expert Tips (goodhousekeeping.com)

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Calin Oancea
Calin Oancea
Green Box
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Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and knows a lot about gardening and plants. He is the owner of this website and responsible for most of the content.