Fall in love with succulents that are not only beautiful but also easy to care for. These potted plants will add character to any interior, and their variety of shapes, sizes, and colors will surprise even the most demanding plant enthusiasts. Do you know which cactus species are the most beautiful and how to care for them? In our article, you will find tips that will help you enjoy healthy and beautifully blooming plants all year round. We present the TOP 10 cacti and succulents for your home.
Cacti and succulents are a large group that includes species growing in desert regions, mountainous areas, and places with high humidity, such as rainforests. As a result, they can have very different requirements.
In practice, however, care procedures are carried out similarly. It is important to provide these plants with optimal conditions during their dormancy period, i.e., in winter (so they enter the flowering phase!). Cacti and succulents can easily find a place in the home: they are grown not only on windowsills but also on the floor, on shelves, or in hanging containers.
Important Question – Are Cacti Succulents? Yes, every cactus is a succulent, but not every succulent is a cactus. The main difference is that cacti have areoles – spots from which their spines grow. Generally, most cacti have spines, while most succulents do not. However, there are many exceptions to this rule – for example, Pachypodium does not have areoles, and its spines grow directly from the plant.
The most important succulent families include:
- Aizoaceae
- Cactaceae
- Crassulaceae
- Euphorbiaceae – this family also includes other popular houseplants, such as croton (Codiaeum) and poinsettia, the Christmas star (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) – however, they are not succulents.
The Most Beautiful Cacti and Succulents You Can Grow at Home | Which Are Worth Choosing?
Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)
Echinocactus is one of the largest cacti grown indoors – it can grow up to 2 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide! It has a spherical form, and its dense, golden, radially arranged spines are also an ornament. This cactus is commonly called the "mother-in-law’s seat." It does not like to be repotted – during the process, its delicate roots can be easily damaged.
The plant is best grown on a windowsill. Placed elsewhere, especially on a shelf or the floor, it can be a hazard to children.
Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus)
Commonly known as Christmas Cactus, it grows to 12 inches in height, mainly spreading outwards. It has slightly creeping stems. It begins flowering at the end of autumn or the beginning of winter. The intensely pink or red flowers look wonderful during this "flowerless," dark period. The Christmas Cactus should be watered more frequently than other plants in this group. During flowering, it should not be touched, moved, or exposed to drafts, as it easily loses flowers.
It's one of the best-known live decorations during Christmas. Regardless of the time of year, it’s worth placing it in the bedroom, as it releases oxygen at night.
Aloe
This is a broad group that includes many species, differing in form and height. In residential interiors, tree aloe (Aloe Arborescens) and common aloe (Aloe Vera) are often grown. The first has a regular, upright form, while the second is wide and star-shaped. Aloes should not be exposed to drafts in winter – otherwise, they will quickly perish.
Young specimens will decorate windowsills, while larger ones in pots can be placed on the floor. Common aloe looks good in modern, narrow, and tall containers. It suits minimalist interiors. The plant also has medicinal and culinary uses.
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula can grow up to 3 feet in height under good conditions. Thick stems produce fleshy, oval leaves, and the plant itself has a tree-like shape – hence its common name, "money tree." Crassula can be grown in wide, but shallow containers. When the leaves start to wrinkle, it's a sign that watering is necessary.
It's a universal decoration – it works in interiors regardless of their style. Crassula can be shaped in a way that resembles bonsai.
Cephalocereus Senilis
Cephalocereus, or "Old Man Cactus," captivates with its unusual appearance – its spines are long, thin, and delicate, gray or white. They resemble... hair. The plant has a regular, columnar form and usually grows to 2 feet in height. Unlike most cacti, this species can be misted. Do this in spring and summer.
The Old Man Cactus is worth growing in boxes or larger containers, in a composition with other cacti and succulents.
Haworthia
Haworthia includes dozens of species that vary in appearance and requirements; however, they are generally small succulents (up to 6 inches in height). Their fleshy leaves form star-shaped rosettes. The inflorescences have little decorative value. It’s easy to propagate by separating numerous side shoots.
Haworthia is best grown in a box, in a composition with other cacti and succulents.
Pachypodium
A succulent, when grown indoors, can reach a height of 3 feet. It produces a long, straight stem covered with sharp spines on all sides. At the top, a crown of lanceolate leaves grows, giving the plant an original, exotic look. The plant likes dry air – it can even be placed near a radiator.
A well-grown Madagascar palm should be to a room what a solitary tree is to a garden. That is, it should be displayed in the interior in such a way that it becomes its main, living decoration.
Lithops
Lithops is one of the most original species – in its natural environment, it blends perfectly into its surroundings. As the name suggests, this succulent resembles stones. It has thick, fleshy leaves, greenish or brownish, characteristically speckled. It blooms white or yellow, and the flowers are star-shaped. It’s worth mixing sandy-peat soil with gravel.
Lithops can be grown singly or in a composition with other succulents. They are easy to care for and, due to their unusual appearance, are often liked by children.
Disocactus
Disocactus is a plant with a climbing form. It produces long stems (up to 3 feet), densely covered with spines. It blooms profusely and impressively (crimson flowers). In its natural environment, it's an epiphyte – it grows in crevices in tree bark and between rocks. In winter, it’s worth moving Disocactus to a cool (55-60°F), but well-lit room.
The plant is grown in flower stands or hanging pots due to its growth habit.
Euphorbia Trigona (African Milk Tree)
One of the fastest-growing succulents in our homes is the trident Euphorbia. Under good conditions, it can exceed 2 m in height! It has angular, ribbed stems covered with small, spatulate leaves. Damaged stems release characteristic milky sap. Therefore, when propagating Euphorbia from cuttings, wait until the base of the cuttings dries before planting them.
Due to its size, Euphorbia should be grown in more spacious rooms. However, young specimens will work well on a windowsill. Older ones should be placed on the floor.