13 Types of Cactus Houseplant: Best Cactus Indoor Plants to Grow!

Do you need a cactus indoor houseplant to add beauty to your home? If you’re looking for an easy-care plant that is both beautiful and unique, then these cactus indoor houseplants are for you. Cactus is perfect for people who have allergies because it helps reduce impurities and lower the amount of dust and bacteria inside your indoor space. Cacti are said to be the type of indoor cactus plants that can survive even in harsh weather conditions, which is perfect in a changing climate like in the Philippines. It also believes that the cactus represents motherly love, protection, and warmth, which is why many people love to give it as a present. Moreover, It became a symbol of unconditional and maternal love to most people who liked to keep it.

Why Do You Need A Cactus Indoor Houseplant To Grow?

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Did you know that there are over 1,500 types of cactus house plants? Do you want to consider having a cactus indoors, but are fearful of sharp spines? Don’t be. Some cactus indoor houseplants do not have any spines at all. Furthermore, many cacti have interesting and appealing characteristics. Cactus care indoors does not need frequent repotting, pruning, feeding, or watering, but needs a little care and knowledge on how to take care of a cactus to grow properly. Cacti come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, which will fit your decorating style, and because they are drought-tolerant plants, they are perfect for those who don’t have a green thumb. Cactus houseplants are a great option, whether you’re a first-time cactus indoor gardener or just looking for a new houseplant to add to your collection. Cacti are a hardy and low-maintenance variety of plants, perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-grow plant.   There are so many benefits of having a cactus at home, not just at home for beautification, but it will also help you with any health purposes.

Unusual and Misidentified Cactus Indoor Houseplants

Cactus is also known for its wide variety of unusual, misidentified, and distinctive types of cactus plants indoors. Most of the types of cacti indoors contain spines, but one of them is with woody or herbaceous stems containing chlorophyll called succulents, a popular cactus indoor houseplant nowadays. This nourishes its fleshy stems, storing water and performing photosynthesis. Cactus, unlike other succulents, have cushion-like areoles on the surface of their stems. The modified cactus leaves protect the cactus houseplant from predators and help to shade the plant’s surface. Succulents are cacti indoor houseplants that don’t need too much attention or watering every day since they may store water in their leaves or stem. It is why succulents are the best cactus houseplant you can grow specifically inside your home. To give you suggestions and ideas on what kind of succulents you can grow inside your home, look at the examples below.

Popular Types of Succulents Indoor Plants

• Crown of Thorns 
• Burro’s Tail
• Aloe Vera
• Panda Plant

Crown of Thorns

Euphorbia Milii, or the crown of thorns succulent plant, is a great cactus houseplant that can adjust to dry indoor surroundings and room temperature. This kind of succulent is perfect for your room display if you happen to like a cactus plant inside your room. You can store them near your window, where they can consume about three to four hours of sunlight a day and can only water the plant when its soil is completely dry.  There’s also a belief that the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ at his crucifixion was made from stems of this plant. While some countries predict the future of their plant-keeper by the number of flowers that bloom on a crown of thorns, you have to make sure you’re taking good care of this one kind of plant.

Burro’s Tail

Sedum Morganianum or most commonly known as the donkey tail plant is said to be the easiest plant to propagate and take care of. Furthermore, this is also one of the most popular succulents among the types of cacti indoors. Burro’s Tail has the ability to grow up to four inches long with a shape that will resemble exactly a tail. This is also the type of succulent that grows best indoors, just placed in a well-drained container, where its long stems can drape down off of the edges of the pot freely.

Aloe Vera

With the same scientific name, Aloe Vera is most known for medical or cosmetic purposes houseplant. It is widely used for burns, ointments, and scrapes, making it a multi-purpose plant. A succulent type of species of the genus of more than 500 species of succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae. A native ornamental plant to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Aloe is stemless or short-stemmed with thick, greenish, fleshy leaves and grows in tropical climates. It can also be used for decorative purposes as an indoor plant. Aloe Vera has the same shape as Snake and Zebra Plant, which have the same unique appearance and pattern.

Panda Plant

Panda Plant, scientifically known as Kalanchoe Tomentosa, is the most amazing and interesting hardy succulent type. It has fuzzy leaves with brownish-red markings that make it stand out. They can live and stay with you for many years indoors, and although this type of succulent can flower in the right circumstances, don’t expect too much because it rarely does. A native panda plant succulent from Madagascar species from the kalanchoe genus has a velvety, green appearance that will surely amaze your guests at home. Panda requires a little watering but perhaps a lot of sunlight, so it is perfect for placing near your window. Cacti make excellent houseplants when given the simple maintenance they need. That implies full sun or bright indoor light, well-draining soil, and low to moderate moisture for desert cacti and forest cacti plants. Jungle cacti have different requirements; they live in lower light levels. To find out more, let’s take a look at these thirteen cactus plants that you can grow indoors. Let’s classify them one by one to know what is best suited for your home.

13 Types of Cactus Indoor Plants

Cactus are unique and amazing plants. Some people are afraid of having one because of the spikes it has. Still,  cactus house plants vary in different aspects, and some are popular, especially succulents with more unique characteristics. You can also enjoy having cacti in the different colors you want. To know more about the different types of cactus indoor house plants and to know what cactus can you grow indoors and what kind of cactus will fit you, the following are the indoor cactus types:

1. Christmas Cactus
2. Saguaro Cactus
3. San Pedro Cactus
4. Barrel Cactus
5. Fairy Castle Cactus
6. Prickly Pear Cactus (Bunny Ears Cactus)
7. Cholla Cactus
8. Star Cactus
9. Feather Cactus
10. Pencil Cactus
11. Jumping Cactus
12. Golden Barrel Cactus
13. Moon Cactus

1. Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp) is a top pick plant. It is an epiphytic plant that grows on trees and other plants and rocks rather than on soil blooming twice a year. Because of its rare Christmas cactus colors, it adds a splash of color to houses throughout the bleak winter months. The Christmas cactus varieties are similar to the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis), also known as the shrimp cactus, and It is also on the list of the least stereotypical cacti. The dark woodlands of southeastern Brazil are home to this South American endemic. Flower buds emerge when temperatures dip between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit or when they spend 14 hours each day in total darkness. Some may be confused about Christmas Cactus from the desert, but they aren’t. It is perfect for Christmas and holiday gifts. Your friends will surely like it.

2. Saguaro Cactus

The Saguaro Cactus, Carnegiea Gigantea, has become an iconic symbol of the American desert southwest. If you haven’t seen them in cartoons or random movies, you missed some of your childhood memories. These Sonoran Desert indigenous of Mexico, California, and Arizona can grow to heights of 50 feet and girths of 10 feet. When hydrated, a saguaro cactus weighs around 12,000 pounds. These massive cacti grow at a snail’s pace. They can live for up to 50 years before flowering for the first time and 75 years before producing branches. Saguaros can live for 200 years if they are well rooted in rocky soils and have water far below the soil. They serve a variety of birds with nesting habitats and hunting perches and insects and bats with pollen and nectar. Saguaro cactus is one of the great low-maintenance cactus indoor houseplant types.

3. San Pedro Cactus

Echinopsis Pachanoi is the botanical name for the San Pedro cactus. An Andes Mountain native grows at heights ranging from 6,600 to 9,800 feet above sea level in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. San Pedro cactus is grown by gardeners worldwide as one of the easy-to-grow large indoor cactus houseplant types. The San Pedro is drought tolerant and appropriate for xeriscaping in a temperate growing zone. It also grows well in locations with moderate rainfall if grown in deep, well-draining soil.

4. Barrel Cactus

Echinocactus spp. and Ferocactus spp. or commonly known as Barrel cactuses, are plump, circular cacti native to the arid southwest of North America. They can live for up to 100 years and grow less than three feet tall. Barrel cacti are available in plant nurseries in a variety of sizes. It has spines that exhibit limitless variation. They might have a long, thick, pointed, or cluster and have cottony filament covers. Some barrel cactus indoor kinds have few or no spines. Flowers enhance the ornamental appeal of barrel cactus, and this species’ plants have a wide range of floral colors and textures.

5. Fairy Castle Cactus

The Fairytale Castle Cactus is an unusual cactus species known as Cereus Tetragonus from North American native cactus that comes from its many-stemmed clumps. They may vary in height and resemble tiny towers and turrets. This plant has defined ribs, and the spines are short and dense. The fairy castle cactus grows, reaching 6 feet. With age, the green flesh turns brown. As they grow, the clustered growing tips extend and branch out. This cactus rarely blooms, but it produces large white flowers that bloom at night when this happens.

6. Prickly Pear Cactus (Bunny Ear Cactus)

Prickly Pear cactus scientific name is from the members of the Opuntia genus, including some of the world’s coldest-tolerant cactus species that withstand temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Gardeners grow Prickly Pear Cactus all over North America in dry, sunny landscape sites and indoors in well-lit rooms. A bunny ear philodendron has blossom and fruit with little attention. Hundreds of prickly pear cultivars are grown in nurseries for their decorative appeal. Aside from the fleshy lobes and varied spine patterns, these easy-to-grow cacti produce a lot of blooms and fruit. Since prehistoric times, people have cultivated these plants and eaten their edible fruits.

7. Cholla Cactus

Cholla cactus have rounded or elongated cylindrical stems joined together by segmented connections. Grow cholla cactus with caution, and provide plenty of space between the plants. Just be aware that some multicolored species of Chollas have dense spines wrapped in paper sheaths. This kind of desert cacti and forest cacti plant is an excellent common houseplant cactus variety in Southwestern-style landscapes.

8. Star Cactus

The star cactus or Astrophytum Asterias is a unique cactus plant type that grows only about 2 inches tall and 5 inches broad. It has lovely areolas (spine pads) along its ribs but no spines. Its body is greenish-brown with white scales that give its decorative value and pleasing design. Compared to Christmas cactus flowers, the flowers of the star cactus are yellow with a reddish base. Still, unfortunately, in its native habitat of Texas and northern Mexico, they cherished this plant near to its extinction by cactus collectors to conserve and maintain its existence. Nonetheless, many legitimate producers sell star cactus.

9. Feather Cactus

Mammillaria Gracilis Plumosa, known as feather cactus, gets its name from its covering of wispy white filaments. The filaments protect this small, squatty cactus from the harsh Mexican sun in its native Nuevo Leon. This feather cactus is 3 inches tall and 16 inches broad and grows well in a broad, shallow pot as a common houseplant cactus. Avoid wetting the “feathers” when watering and feed with cactus plant food twice a year. When taking care of this kind of cactus plant, especially cactus indoors, you have to be knowledgeable and aware of what you need to know first before starting planting cactus because some species need tender care, just like a feather cactus.

10. Pencil Cactus

  This amazing Pencil cactus for indoor, scientifically known as Euphorbia Tirucalli, is a succulent poinsettia and rubber plant with a cactus-like look. Outside, this African and Indian native can reach more than 30 feet tall. Growers can maintain their growth to ceiling height as a common houseplant cactus. Select between solid green, red-tinted, orange, or chartreuse cultivars or make a color combination for an interesting effect. 

11. Jumping Cactus

The Cylindropuntia fulgida, known to be a jumping cactus, is a cholla cactus with linked joints. Thanks to their innumerable, formidable thorns, the loose parts stick to passers-by with only the slightest touch. The jumping cactus is indigenous to the American Southwest. Its appealing appearance suggests that the cactus might make an excellent landscape specimen but only if planted in a secluded location or forest.

12. Golden Barrel Cactus

Echinocactus grusonii or golden barrel cactus indoor plant is a type of native to east-central Mexico, where it is rare and endangered that needs to be conserved now. Golden barrel forms a flat-topped globe, spiky curving golden spines along the ribs. Buy a reputable nursery’s golden barrel cactus to thrive in an arid setting or as a common houseplant cactus. It is an excellent addition to xeriscaped and desert-themed gardens.

13. Moon Cactus

  Moon cactus is one of many colorful cactus houseplant types you can ever see. It is a grafted hybrid of two plant types: the bottom or stock Hylocereus species. The vivid yellow, red, orange, pink, or white top, or scion plant, a Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, is the show’s star. This bright-colored cactus on top lacks chlorophyll. It is a condition that shows the vivid underlying color and must rely on the succulent beneath for nutrition. The grafted moon cactus indoor plants remain little to no more than 6 inches tall. Other than the occasional watering, they take very little care.

Is It Good To Have Cactus Inside The House?

The health benefits of cacti are the primary reason why cacti are good inside your house. For house beautification like Christmas, the cactus decor may also be your star.  Making your home more relaxing is also important, adding a cactus indoor houseplant inside your home can make your home breathable and cosy. It will also make your home into a nature vibe house that will make you feel at home and your friends delighted with what they see inside your home.

Where To Place Cactus Indoor Plants At Home?

Knowing the best place to put the cactus houseplant is also important. It will also depend on how you want it to be displayed or the purpose of your placement. The following area will help you decide which side or location is best to put your cactus houseplant. 

• Bedroom

If you want your plant near you and help you filter the air you breathe especially when resting, you can place it on your room’s display rack or study table with an open window where you can easily see it. Succulents are best in this area since they thrive on light sources. Just make sure to put it higher or in corners for your safety. 

• Living Room

Cacti can also be placed in your living room since it has more extra space but you have to be very careful. If you are the type of person who wants your cactus plants cared for and placed in a nice place where you can see them every day, put them in your living room. Again, for safety purposes keep them out of reach by your children and put them high as much as possible. Consider having a special display rank for it. Actually, It is not advisable for a family with kids to place an indoor cactus plant because most cacti have spines or thorns that are dangerous and prone to accidents or trouble but if you’re living alone then feel free to use the suggestion above.

What Are The Benefits Of Cactus Indoor Plants In Your Home?

Putting plants inside your home can be beneficial, especially if you are a busy person that rarely stays and relaxes at home. Health is the primary reason why most people choose cacti as their indoor houseplants. Here are 4 reasons why putting a cactus plant inside your home can be beneficial to your health.

• Cleanse and filter indoor air

Purifying is the primary advantage of having cacti inside your home. Cactus help you filter and cleanse all the air that surrounds you. They remove all the pollutants and toxins from the air to improve your well being and health. It also improves the air you breathe, which will lead you to a clean and fresh environment. This is important and advisable, especially if you have a sensitive baby during its continuous growth.

• Reduces stress and anxiety

Most cacti have a pleasing appearance. Therefore it will help you relax and get away from your anxiety and stress. It gives off a calming vibe that helps you relax. Simply taking care of your cactus plant, helps take off your mind in your worries and plants have been known for increasing air quality and boosting our moods, that can also help to reduce stress.

• High adaptability to nature

Aside from being a low-maintenance plant, the cactus is known to be a kind of plant that can survive even in the worst weather conditions. They can adapt and maintain themselves in a location with minimal care. 

• It will make you happy.

Happiness is priceless. Gardening or planting can give you the same sense of accomplishment that is incomparable. Being happy for doing what you love is also a great help to maintain your mental state and well being healthy and happy.

What Are The Easiest Cacti To Grow Indoors? 

Generally speaking, the Cactus is the easiest houseplant you can grow – even gardeners love them. Also, they are the least adaptable plant you can choose from, but out of the 13 best cactus houseplants that you can plant, the barrel and saguaro cacti are definitely the top pick. They’re not just the easiest cactus houseplant you can ever plant, but they are also the most popular choice for gifts or presents, especially for those who love planting and gardening aside from succulents. Cute bunny ears cactus or Prickly Pear Cactus and Christmas cactus, aside from succulents, are the easiest cacti to grow indoors. Aside from it being pleasing to everyone’s eyes, they are also the best choice for gift-giving presents, but if you prefer something that is a crowd’s favourite or for your business, indoor succulent cactus are best for you.

Best Cactus Plants Care Practices At Home

We know that cacti are the easiest indoor plant to grow. Knowing the appropriate ways to grow an indoor cactus houseplant is important. Some cactuses require a multiple or just the right amount of water or light to grow properly; some need a minimal amount of care. Knowing where to place them away from direct sunlight is a must.

• Giving enough light

Let them soak or stay in the sun but not too much –  this is the right principle for taking care of cactuses. Enjoying the heat but giving the right amount of sunlight to cactuses is important, but if it’s too much, you’ll give your plants the slow amount of time they need to grow. Don’t let them stay in direct sunlight; instead, placing them in the sunniest or warmest place will get them to grow a lot quicker.

• Proper watering

Giving them a drink or sip—but not too much while giving them long water breaks in between is the right principle for taking care of cactuses. Every cactus are known for surviving without watering so much as they can store water in their stems or leaves. Usually, a cactus needs watering; If the first 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to give them a drink to prevent overwatering.

• Right soil and fertilizer

The key to healthy cactus houseplant growth is the soil mix and food tailored. Cacti prefer soil with more sand and rocks to drain water easily and keep themself dry in between their drinks to prevent their roots from rotting. It is also important to use proper fertilizers made specifically for cacti to ensure that they are not over or underfed and will surely receive the optimal nutrition they need. It is best to dilute your fertilizer first before using it. Moreover, it is better to water before applying your cactus fertilizer to prevent the roots from burning. 

• Safe handling

Be cautious when moving or repotting your cactus. Cactus houseplants are known for having a spiky and thorny feature but don’t worry; some cactuses don’t have it. Therefore, try working with leather gloves or thick gloves available at home and kitchen tongs to pick them up to avoid spikes and pricks. It is also important to not crash them, especially when repotting and don’t forget to gently handle them with care. 

• Proper Placements

Placing your cactus near or close to your open window with good air circulation and a good source of sunlight makes your cactus alive indoors. Moving and rotating once in a while will also help your cactus get the even light it needs to grow. Avoid placing them in a corner or place where they can suffocate, underwatering or overwatering. Most importantly, avoid placing them where they can be exposed to direct sunlight.

Which Cactus Plant Fits Your Home Best?

Cacti are a one-of-a-kind addition to any house or yard. Every cactus species has a unique decorative look indoors and characteristics that suit you best. These plants offer low-maintenance care that will provide beauty and interest in simple care for houseplants or gardening.  You have to figure out what category, size, shape or type you are willing to take care of. For instance, you want a cactus that is small and easy to move wherever you want. To help you with that, here is the list of cactuses that are small and easy to move around.

• Bunny Ears Cactus
• Saguaro Cactus
• Star Cactus

We hope you enjoyed this list of 13 indoor cactus plants you can grow inside your home. Please share it with your friends and family on social media! Which type of cactus do you think would work best in your home? We’re always here to help if you have any questions or want some advice. Drop us a line at hello@cactustreecare.com, and we will get back to you as soon as possible! Conclusion Making a nature vibe home is not that bad, especially if it makes you happy, relaxed, and feel complete after a long day of work. Going home with fresh, clean air with a unique setup will make your friends amazed when they visit your home.  Just make sure to choose the right indoor cactus houseplant in your home or for your gardening to make it more appropriate. Proper care and knowledge on how to take good care of your cactus will make it stay with you until you want.

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