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11 Lovely Indoor Cactus Varieties

By Calin Oancea

4/20/20246 min read

Indoor cacti are an easy care choice for bringing a touch of nature to your indoors.

In this no-fluff article, we will reveal which cacti our experts think are the best for growing indoors after inspecting, seeing, and growing countless varieties We will also have a close look at their growth habits and the ambiance they bestow upon your living spaces.

But when it comes to growing your own cacti you also need to take care of watering your cactus properly and having the best cactus soil mix.

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a small succulent cactus with on spines
a small succulent cactus with on spines
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three bright green indoor African Milk Tree cacti
three bright green indoor African Milk Tree cacti

African Milk Tree

Though not a true cactus, after growing it we found that the African Milk Tree scientifically known as Euphorbia Trigona thrives indoors and reaches up to 2,4m (8ft). It loves bright light and adds a tropical touch to any room. When caring for the Milk Tree you need to know that it requires minimal water, making maintenance a breeze.

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multple Lady Finger Cactus stems growing indoors
multple Lady Finger Cactus stems growing indoors

Lady Finger Cactus

Lady Finger Cactus is a slender, elongated cactus that can grow up to 25 cm (10 in) tall. It enjoys basking in bright, indirect sunlight and is quite forgiving to sporadic watering, making this little low-maintenance cactus a good choice for beginners, similar to the African Milk Tree. It creates a dense, bushy appearance which is complemented by rings of delicate, cream-colored blooms in the spring.

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green Fairy Castle Cacti in a stony landscape
green Fairy Castle Cacti in a stony landscape

Fairy Castle Cactus

The stunning Fairy Castle Cactus grows up to 1.8 m (6 ft) indoors and is a great cactus plant with a green color and a pleasant surface without thorns. We experienced that its miniature towers resemble a fairy tale castle that brings magic into your living space or rooms. Although it grows tall, it maintains a compact footprint.

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a tiny indoor cactus plant with pink flowers
a tiny indoor cactus plant with pink flowers

Pincushion Cactus

An indoor, small and tiny cactus with flowers, the Pincushion Cactus reaches about 15 cm (6 in) in height. It prefers a sunny spot, extremely dry conditions and blooms with nice little flowers. It’s an ideal little low-care cactus plant for small spaces or a desktop, providing a natural, lively accent.

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one Old Man Cactus with other indoor plants
one Old Man Cactus with other indoor plants

Old Man Cactus

With its hair-like spines, the Old Man Cactus is unique and has a funny name related to its look. Growing up to 0.9 m (3 ft), it enjoys sunny spots. It’s not only a visual delight but also an easy-going and low-care cactus for indoor gardeners.

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a bushy Christmas Cactus with a pink flower
a bushy Christmas Cactus with a pink flower

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus thrives in cool, humid environments. When winter arrives, it celebrates the season with an explosion of stunning, tubular cactus 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 flowering indoor Rat Tail Cactus
a flowering indoor Rat Tail Cactus

Rat Tail Cactus

The long stems of the Rat Tail Cactus make it a perfect choice for hanging baskets. Growing up to 0.9m (3ft) long, it brings a dramatic flair to interiors especially when the cactus flowers. Position it high to enjoy its cascading beauty.

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four Barrel Cacti with yellow spines
four Barrel Cacti with yellow spines

Barrel Cactus

The Barrel Cactus is sturdy and grows up to 25cm (10in) indoors. It’s a minimalist cactus with a symmetrical shape. Place it in a bright spot and water correctly. Its hardiness is rivaled by the Saguaro Cactus, although the latter is not suited for indoor growth.

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Bunny Ears

Originating from Mexico, this South American cactus plant is named for its paddle structure resembling rabbit ears. It has creamy yellow cactus flowers and grows to a height of 60-90cm (24-35in), thriving in full sun during summer and partial sun in winter​.

multiple small Bunny Ear cacti
multiple small Bunny Ear cacti
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one indoor Moon Cactus with a red top
one indoor Moon Cactus with a red top

Moon Cactus

Moon Cactus is a colorful small 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. When it blooms, it produces charming, small flowers that are white or pink, adding to its visual appeal. This little flowering cactus plant is a good choice for small spaces and windowsills.

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green Mistloe Cactus growing indoors in a pod
green Mistloe Cactus growing indoors in a pod

Mistletoe Cactus

The Mistletoe Cactus, often used as an indoor cactus with its unique stems, adds a touch of whimsy to Japanese cactus gardens. It grows to a length of 90 cm (36 in), thriving in partial shade with well-draining, organic-rich soil. The indoor cactus plants' tiny white flowers contrast amazingly with the green plant.

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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. African Milk Tree: Euphorbia trigona - Wikipedia

  2. Fairy Castle Cactus: Learn More About Fairy Castle Cactus Care | Gardening Know How

  3. Pincushion Cactus: Mammillaria - Wikipedia

  4. Old Man Cactus: Cephalocereus senilis - Wikipedia

  5. Christmas Cactus: How to Care for Christmas Cactus (thespruce.com)

  6. Bunny Ears: Bunny Ear Cactus Guide: How to Grow Bunny Ear Cactus - 2024 - MasterClass

  7. Barrel Cactus: Barrel cactus | Description, Facts, & Species | Britannica

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Calin Oancea
Calin Oancea
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Calin is a gardening specialist and knows a lot about this topic while writing for multiple publications. He is the owner of this website and is responsible for most of the content.