11 Lovely Indoor Cactus Varieties
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
African Milk Tree: Euphorbia trigona - Wikipedia
Fairy Castle Cactus: Learn More About Fairy Castle Cactus Care | Gardening Know How
Pincushion Cactus: Mammillaria - Wikipedia
Old Man Cactus: Cephalocereus senilis - Wikipedia
Christmas Cactus: How to Care for Christmas Cactus (thespruce.com)
Bunny Ears: Bunny Ear Cactus Guide: How to Grow Bunny Ear Cactus - 2024 - MasterClass
Barrel Cactus: Barrel cactus | Description, Facts, & Species | Britannica
Share this article:
Article By:
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.