Cacti are diverse groups of plants with a huge diversity of species and individual plants native to dry and arid conditions. All cacti are attributed with special characters and physical features that make them unique and worth growing. Here 12 most popular cacti are mentioned for our ease, so let's discover each plant and see how to make cactus happy with little care.
1. Lophocoreus schottii
Common name: Senita Cactus, Old man cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
Senita Cactus, characterized by its striking appearance, boasts tall, columnar stems covered in an impressive array of sharp spines. Often solitary but sometimes branching, the stems gradually grow to heights resembling desert sentinels. A distinct woody texture develops as they mature, giving a mature plant a rustic and weathered charm.
Caring for Lophocereus schottii involves placing it in a sunny spot to encourage healthy growth while allowing its soil to dry out between waterings, particularly during its active growing phase. Shielding it from frost is essential to prevent damage and it thrives in temperature above 70℉.
2. Euphorbia trigona
Common name: African milk tree
USDA Zone: 10-11
The African milk tree has a captivatingly appearance with triangular stems along with side ridges. These ridges are covered with thorns and tear dropped shaped leaves.
The plant is easy to care for, demanding only ample sunlight and well-draining soil. Care involves watering moderately, allowing the soil to dry between next round of water. The plant also prefers warmth, with an optimal temperature range of 70 to 90°F. With its distinctive charm and easy-care nature, the African Milk Tree stands as an engaging addition to any collection, indoors or out. Just handle with care due to its toxic sap, ensuring both safety and beauty.
3. Trichocereus Bridgesii Monstrose
Common name: Penis cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
This cactus has a fun and unusual look that catches your eye. It's like a plant puzzle piece that got twisted in a playful way. Instead of growing straight and tall like many cacti, this one grows in a crazy, twisty manner that makes it stand out in any garden.
Penis cactus is an easy-going plant with a not long list of care requirements. All it needs is bright, intense sunlight for proper growth and well-draining soil. Water gently, letting the soil dry between sips. Keep it warm and cozy, away from the cold, as it grows best in the temperature range 70 to 90℉.
4. Rhipsalis baccifera
Common name: Mistletoe Cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
This cactus differs from the others because it likes to hang down like a green curtain. Its long, thin stems have round segments that look like little beads. It's like having a bunch of green grapes hanging in the air!
Caring for the Rhipsalis baccifera, or Mistletoe Cactus, is like tending to a delicate hanging curtain of green. It prefers soft, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Water it when the soil is dry, giving it a gentle sip. Keep it cozy and warm, away from sudden temperature changes. If it's hanging, make sure it has enough space. The plant is not frost resistant and grown well at 60 to 80℉.
5. Disocactus flagelliformis
Common name: Rat's Tail Cactus
USDA Zone: 10-11
This cactus is one of the most widely grown cacti in the genus and has a fascinating appearance with its long, hanging stems that look like a rat's tail. Its flat segments hang gracefully, creating a curtain of green with purple-red flowers that may also appear pink to orange.
Caring for the Disocactus flagelliformis, or Rat's Tail Cactus, involves providing bright but indirect light, planting it in well-draining soil, and watering gently when the topsoil is dry. It prefers a stable and warm environment; its optimal growth range is 30 to 50℉.
6. Opuntia microdasys albata 'Bunny Ears'
Common name: Angel's-Wings, Bunny Ears, Polka Dot Cactus
USDA Zone: 10-11
This cactus is one of the most widely grown cacti in the genus and has a fascinating appearance with its long, paddle stems that look like a bunny ear. This cute cactus is prone to grow side stems/offset that can be cut off to start propagation.
Caring for Bunny Ears, or Angel's-Wings, involves providing bright but indirect light, planting it in well-draining soil, and watering deeply when the potting soil is dry. It prefers a stable, warm, and spacious environment; its optimal growth range is 30 to 50℉.
7. Astrophytum asterias
Common name: Star Cactus, Sea urchin cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
The star cactus is a commonly grown indoor cactus with a unique outlook. The plant body is greenish-brown, small, round, and spineless with a disc shape that is divided into 7 to 10 sections known as ribs. In the middle of each rib, you can see woody areoles.
Caring for the Astrophytum asterias, or Star Cactus, involves providing bright sunlight, well-draining soil, and watering when the soil is dry. It prefers warmth and stable temperatures, so keep it away from cold drafts. It grows well in the temperature range of 70 to 100℉.
8. Astrophytum myriostigma
Common name: Bishop's Cap Cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
This cactus earns its name from the distinctive patterns on its stem, resembling the intricate design found on a bishop's hat. Its captivating appearance adds a touch of elegance to any collection.
If you want to take care of Astrophytum myriostigma, or Bishop's Cap Cactus, provide it bright but indirect sunlight, plant in well-draining soil, and water lightly when the soil is dry. It prefers a warm and stable environment, away from sudden temperature changes, and shows exceptional growth at temperature 65 to 75℉.
9. Melon cactus
Common name: Melon cactus
USDA Zone: 10-11
This cactus looks interesting with a distinctive, round top that resembles a colorful melon. Its unusual appearance makes it a standout addition to succulent garden. It produces red or white structure called cephalium that protrudes from the tops of the plant out of which flowers appear.
Normally, Melocactus, or Melon Cactus is the same in terms of care guide and requires plenty of sunlight and prefers to avoid sitting in soggy soil. So, it is always recommended to water only when the soil is dry and reduce watering in winter to prevent mold. Similarly, the optimum temperature range for this cactus is above 70℉.
10. Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Common name: Moon Cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
This cactus is like a little cosmic gem with its bright, vibrant colors that stand out in any setting. Its unique appearance is sure to capture your attention.
Caring for the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, or Moon Cactus, involves providing bright but filtered sunlight, planting it in well-draining soil, and watering gently, allowing the soil to dry between drinks. It prefers warmth and protection from cold spots. During its growing season, offer diluted plant food to support its growth.
11. Schlumbergera bridgesii
Common name: Christmas cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
Schlumbergera bridgesii, is a charming and popular epiphytic succulent. This plant stands out with its distinctive flattened stems composed of segmented leaf-like structures. During the holiday season, it graces indoor spaces with a burst of vibrant and delicate flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. This cactus thrives in partial shade and slightly humid conditions with optimum temperature range of 60 to 70℉. You may wonder: Tips to Promote Faster and Ongoing Blooming of Christmas Cacti.
12. Mammillaria hahniana
Common name: Old Lady Cactus
USDA Zone: 9-11
Old lady cactus is an eye-catching cactus capable of growing indoors and outdoors. Its spherical stems are covered with sharp white spines that grow taller than others.
If your succulent garden has Old Lady cactus, you must provide bright, indirect sunlight. Water occasionally – more in summer and less in winter. Similarly, provide your plant with a temperature of 70 to 100℉.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cacti are best for home gardens and add a special value to the succulent garden. Out of countless cactus varieties, these 12 plants are worth growing for their distinct physical features and low maintenance requirements.
