Are you looking to add a unique, low-maintenance, and beautiful addition to your home? Cacti are a perfect choice! Whether you're just starting out as a new plant parent or have had house plants for years, there's an easy cactus for everyone. Learn about four popular and beginner-friendly cacti that require minimal effort to look their best.
Golden Barrel
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The golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii), or mother-in-law's cushion, is an eye-catching globe-shaped cactus with thick spines that can add a touch of drama to any living space. Favored by gardeners and plant lovers alike, this drought-tolerant succulent native to Mexico has unique golden-yellow spines that give it its signature look. The golden barrel cactus is iconic, but unfortunately, it's on the brink of extinction in its natural habitat.
The golden barrel grows up to 3 feet in diameter and is an impressive sight with surprising resilience. Once it reaches full maturity, this incredible cactus adds a pop of color and life with its summertime blooms. The yellow flowers that emerge around the top of the cactus' crown make for an enchanting view in your outdoor space. Not only do these blossoms bring beauty to your yard, but they also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
You can also grow these beauties indoors. When growing at home, these hardy plants need bright sunlight and proper drainage; otherwise, they can become susceptible to root rot. Water them around every three weeks in the summer and less frequently in the winter.
As with all cacti, be gentle when handling golden barrels. Their spines may look intimidating, but they're pretty fragile and can easily break if mishandled.
Bishop’s Cap
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The bishop's cap cactus (Astrophytum Myriostigma) is native to Mexico and is a unique-looking plant that makes a great addition to any home or office décor. Its star-shaped body, topped with multiple ridges of furled spines, will intrigue your friends.
This cactus also blooms from late spring until the beginning of autumn. Its large and vivid yellow flowers can reach up to 2½ inches in diameter, reaching a full height of up to 2 feet. However, it may take about six years for the bishop's cap to bloom. These stunning blooms begin to die off within one week, so enjoy them while they last!
Bishop's cap is a low-maintenance option that won't require too much effort on your part. This drought-tolerant cactus prefers bright sunshine and rocky, well-draining soil. Because of its need for full sun to aid in its flowering, it's best to grow it outdoors or bring it outdoors at times. Semi-shaded spots, with sun in the a.m., would be ideal.
When watering, ensure the soil is completely dry before providing a deep drink every week in the summer. In the winter, cut back the watering to every three to four weeks.
Moon Cactus
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The moon cactus, also known as the ruby ball cactus, is an intriguing and colorful plant formed when a Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is grafted to a hylokereus cactus. These unusual-looking cacti have no chlorophyll, so their bright oranges, pinks, and yellows stand out from other houseplants.
This fascinating plant is easy to care for and can even be grown indoors as a houseplant. With minimal effort, you can create a mini desert oasis in the comfort of your own home. They need plenty of sunlight, soil that drains well, and occasional watering when the soil feels dry. Just don't over-water them, or they'll start to rot. In the winter, you can leave the soil completely dry until the spring growing season.
The moon cactus is an incredible addition to your home. It will add some unique flair to your home décor. The vibrant colors of this plant are sure to bring life and charm wherever you place it, making it the perfect way to spruce up any room in your house.
Sea Urchin Cactus
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The sea urchin cactus (Echinopsis oxygona) is a unique plant that stands out in any home or garden. Native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, this cactus has thick, spiny stems that resemble sea urchins. It also blooms bright flowers on the tips of some of its branches that last about three days when indoors. It's a low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of beauty to any space.
This cactus only needs occasional watering when the soil is dry to the touch. It is a resilient plant with cold tolerance of 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. As with most cacti, it does best in bright sunlight and well-draining soil and is primarily grown outdoors.
Cactus Makes Perfect
Whether you’re looking for a trendy addition to your home or office or want to give someone the gift of green life, cacti are an excellent choice. With so many varieties available, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs and style.
Be sure to share this article with your friends and family. Who knows, maybe they’ll want to get in on the cactus craze too! Do you have any tips or tricks for caring for cacti? Leave a comment below!