Cacti are plants that can be successfully grown at home. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also require minimal care, making them an ideal choice for those just starting their gardening journey. Discover a few types of cacti that easily adapt to home conditions. Learn about their characteristics, the best conditions for their growth, and how to care for them to enjoy their beauty for many years.
The trend for home cacti continues! Cacti, which belong to the cactus family (Cactaceae), are gaining popularity. If you think they’re not for you—think again! They are not only the easiest houseplants to care for, but you also have a vast variety of shapes, sizes, and textures to choose from, with many cacti producing stunning flowers each year.
These extraordinary, distinctive plants are perfectly adapted to heat and harsh desert conditions in nature, so warm and dry air in heated homes won’t faze them. They thrive in a bright, airy position that is warm but not too hot—around 70°-95°F is ideal. To encourage blooming, provide them with a taste of desert conditions (drought followed by rains). Most will flower in summer if they aren’t watered during winter and start being hydrated in spring.
Cacti have a structure typical of succulents—plants that have adapted to living in very hot conditions by storing water in various tissues.
3 Unique Features of Cacti
1. Cacti store water in their stems, which is why they are called stem succulents.
2. They differ from other succulents in that they have an areole—a distinctive place from which spines (commonly miscalled thorns) grow.
3. In addition to spines, areoles also produce offsets, flowers, fruits, and hairs.
Growing Cacti at Home
Cacti are generally considered low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for. However, to successfully cultivate them, we must provide at least minimal living conditions. Even though they don’t require frequent and heavy watering, growing cacti can present some challenges (especially for those who believe that cacti need no care).
Position
Cacti love the sun! They should grow as close as possible to a south or southwest-facing window. When they receive too little light, they yellow and stretch toward the sun. In summer, you can place cacti on a balcony or porch, but be careful not to expose them to full sunlight immediately, as plants unaccustomed to strong sun may suffer from burns!
Watering
Water cacti only when the substrate in the pot is slightly dry. However, we should not allow it to completely dry out. Water the plants less frequently but generously. Too frequent and abundant watering can cause root rot. Nothing is worse than being overly eager. Water for irrigation should not come straight from the tap (it should stand for 24 hours).
Planting and Repotting
Cacti sold in supermarkets and florists often grow in too small pots. The root ball is usually so overgrown that the roots exceed the pot and come out from the bottom. After purchasing such a plant, it should be promptly repotted into a larger pot. The substrate for cacti should be light and well-draining. You can add gravel, sand, or perlite to universal potting soil. However, it’s best to choose specialized cactus soil. Pots must have drainage holes!
Fertilizing
Cacti require the right balance of nutrients to flourish, particularly during their growing season. Two excellent options for feeding your cacti are Cute Farms Succulent & Cacti Liquid Fertilizer and Cute Farms Slow Release Succulent Plant Food. The liquid fertilizer provides quick absorption, ensuring your plants get a fast boost of nutrients, while the slow-release plant food offers long-lasting nourishment, gradually feeding your cacti over time. Both products are specially formulated to support strong growth and vibrant blooms without the risk of over-fertilizing. Apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for the best results.
Cacti for Beginner Hobbyists – Popular Types
Cacti are excellent plants for novice gardeners. Unfortunately, there is no universal list of species to start with when it comes to these plants. Cactus collections often consist of a variety of species. Below are some of the best cacti for beginners—easy to take care of, low maintenance, and resilient, making them the perfect addition to any home or terrariums. These cacti can thrive with minimal care and are great for those just starting their plant journey.
Opuntia
Melocactus
Mammillaria
Mammillaria is a genus of cactus characterized by small, typically spherical, sometimes columnar shapes. These plants do not have ribs but instead have tubercles, which give them a unique appearance. Due to their compact form and interesting structure, Mammillaria is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. The flowers of Mammillaria develop in the indentations between the tubercles, forming a wreath around the top of the stem. Although these flowers are small, they are numerous and can come in various shades of white, yellow, and pink.
Gymnocalycium
Gymnocalycium is a genus of small, spherical cacti that are particularly valued for their compact size and ease of cultivation. These small plants have a unique charm, making them a popular choice among both beginner and experienced cactus growers.
Ferocactus
Ferocactus is a genus of cactus that stands out for its large, spherical or elongated shapes. These plants have powerful ribs and wide, reddish spines, giving them a distinctive and impressive appearance. Due to these features, Ferocactus is easily recognizable and often valued by cactus enthusiasts.
Echinocactus
Echinocactus is a genus of cactus characterized by large, spherical plants with powerful ribs and strong spines. The top of this plant is densely covered with hairs, giving it a distinctive appearance. This cactus is impressive due to its massive form and striking structures, which attract the attention of succulent enthusiasts. The most well-known species in container cultivation is the Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii).
Astrophytum
Astrophytum is a genus of cactus characterized by unique white, woolly tufts covering the plant. These tufts can vary in size, giving the plant a distinctive appearance. Astrophytum grows slowly, which makes it particularly valued by collectors and cactus enthusiasts. Its flowers are large and feature glossy petals in various shades of yellow, adding extra charm to the plant.