10 Flowering Cacti (Images and Identification)

By Calin Oancea

4/19/20246 min read

These arid-adapted flowering cactus plants bring not only an element of unique structural aesthetics to your space, but also produce magnificent blossoms that are an amazing addition to your garden.

In this actionable and to-the-point article, we will reveal the 10 most beautiful flowering cactus plants with names identification and images that you might consider for your garden or indoor collection. Multiple of these cactus plants have been tested and grown by our experts so that we can feature real experience.

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a lot of cactus plants with bright red flowers
a lot of cactus plants with bright red flowers
a bushy Chistmas Cactus with a pink flower
a bushy Chistmas Cactus with a pink flower

Christmas Cactus

After growing this flowering cactus indoors we found that the Christmas Cactus is more of an inside cactus and thrives in cool, humid environments. When winter arrives, it celebrates the season with an explosion of stunning, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. Its drooping branches make it an attractive addition to hanging baskets and the flowering cactus plant is also popular for its ease of care.

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A Moon Cactus with a red top
A Moon Cactus with a red top

Moon Cactus

Moon Cactus is a unique colorful plant that upgrades any space. Its vibrant top, which can be red, pink, yellow, or orange, sits upon a green base, which creates a striking contrast. We experienced that when it blooms, it produces, small white or pink flowers, adding to its visual appeal. This amazing cactus plant is a good choice for small spaces and windowsills.

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A cactus plant with white flowers on a street
A cactus plant with white flowers on a street

Queen of the Night

The Queen of the Night is a night-blooming cacti and a relatively high type of cacti, with its large, fragrant, white flowers which bloom in the night and dark green foliage. Despite its royal appearance, it is quite hardy but it also counts to the cacti and succulents that require little attention, the flowering plant can also be grown as an indoor cactus.

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A potted Easter Cactus plant with pink flowers
A potted Easter Cactus plant with pink flowers

Easter Cactus

The Easter Cactus, a relatively small blooming cactus, blooms come in spring, offering a warm welcome to the rebirth of nature. Its flowers, in vibrant shades of pink and red, contrast beautifully with its green, segmented foliage, similar to the. This cactus adds a fresh, lively touch to any space while being a succulent that requires minimal care, showcasing a harmonious blend of beauty and resilience.

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Multiple Claret Cup Cacti with red flowers
Multiple Claret Cup Cacti with red flowers

Claret Cup Cactus

The Claret Cup 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 relatively small cactus not only offers a nice display but also doesn't require a lot of care. It can be found naturally in canyons and stony landscapes.

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One flowering Crown Cactus in a pod
One flowering Crown Cactus in a pod

Crown Cactus

These small and compact flowering cactus plants yet prolific bloomers, produce a crown of delightful flowers in bright colors like orange, yellow, pink, or red. It is a joy to watch, especially during the blooming season when the cactus is covered in a riot of colors. This small cactus is perfect for those with limited space but a love for tiny plants.

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Multiple green Pricly Pear Cactus plants
Multiple green Pricly Pear Cactus plants

The Prickly Pear Cactus also known as Opuntia is known for its broad, flat pads and its ability to sprout beautiful flowers in hues of yellow, red, or purple. It’s a symbol of resilience in the harsh desert environment, and when in bloom, it’s a sight to behold. Besides its beauty, the prickly pear offers edible fruits and pads which are a part of many culinary delights.

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Prickly Pear Cactus

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Golden Barrel Cactus

The Golden Barrel Cactus is a garden classic more of an outdoor cactus plant with its round shape and ribbed surface. When it blooms, it produces yellow, small cacti flowers on top like little suns. This cactus is a symbol of endurance, able to thrive in the harsh, dry climates.

Two Golde Barrel Cacti in a stony environment
Two Golde Barrel Cacti in a stony environment
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A flowering Spider Cactus in a pod
A flowering Spider Cactus in a pod

Spider Cactus

This red flowering cactus is captivating with its long, distinctive, almost curling spines. In summer, the Spider Cactus blooms large pink-red flowers that contrast beautifully against its body, making it a unique addition to any indoor or outdoor cactus collection.​

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Multiple round cacti with yellow  flowers
Multiple round cacti with yellow  flowers

Parodia Magnifica

This low maintenance cactus that grows up to 30cm (10in) 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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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. Chrismas Cactus: https://www.thespruce.com/christmas-cactus-4176983

  2. Moon Cactus: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/moon-cactus-care-guide

  3. Easter Cactus: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/a60093361/easter-cactus-growing-care-guide/

  4. Spider Cactus: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinocereus_triglochidiatus

  5. Crown Cactus: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/crown-cactus.htm

  6. Pricli Pear Cactus: https://www.britannica.com/plant/prickly-pear

  7. Golden Barrel Cactus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kroenleinia_grusonii

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Calin Oancea
Calin Oancea
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Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and has a lot of knowledge about gardening and plants. He owns this website and is responsible for most of the content.