Popular Indoor Cactus Varieties

Cactus Variety Common Name Key Features Light Requirements Watering Needs Notes
Schlumbergera truncata Christmas Cactus Bright, colorful flowers (red, pink, purple) in winter Bright, indirect light Water thoroughly, let soil dry out Prefers cooler temperatures; avoid overwatering.
Opuntia microdasys Bunny Ear Cactus Flat, round pads with tiny, hair-like spines Full sun Water sparingly, allow soil to dry Handle with care due to tiny spines.
Astrophytum asterias Star Cactus Round, star-shaped, spiny body with white speckles Bright, indirect light Water when soil is dry; avoid overwatering Slow grower, needs well-draining soil.
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii Moon Cactus Brightly colored top (yellow, pink, red) grafted onto green base Bright, indirect light Water when soil is dry Grafted variety; top part needs high light.
Echinocactus grusonii Golden Barrel Cactus Large, spherical shape with golden spines Full sun Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Slow-growing, can reach large sizes.
Mammillaria sp. Pincushion Cactus Small, round cacti with dense clusters of spines and small flowers Bright, indirect light Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Easy to care for, blooms in spring and summer.
Ferocactus cylindraceus California Barrel Cactus Large, cylindrical cactus with prominent spines and yellow flowers Full sun Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Tolerates high heat; slow-growing.
Cereus peruvianus Peruvian Apple Cactus Tall, columnar cactus with blue-green skin and large flowers Full sun Water thoroughly, allow soil to dry Can grow tall and wide; blooms at night.
Echinocereus rigidissimus Rainbow Cactus Pink to red flowers with prominent spines and unique patterning Bright, indirect light Water when soil is dry Hardy and low-maintenance.
Rebutia spp. Ball Cactus Small, globular cactus with bright flowers in various colors Bright, indirect light Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Blooms prolifically; ideal for small spaces.
Cleistocactus strausii Silver Torch Cactus Tall, thin, silver spines with red or orange flowers Full sun Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Prefers very bright light, occasional flowering.
Lophophora williamsii Peyote Cactus Small, button-like cactus with psychoactive properties Bright, indirect light Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Requires a long time to mature.
Rhipsalis baccifera Mistletoe Cactus Thin, hanging, trailing stems with small white berries Bright, indirect light Water regularly, allow topsoil to dry Excellent for hanging baskets.
Coryphantha spp. Pineapple Cactus Small to medium cactus with dense spines and occasional flowers Bright, indirect light Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Hardy and compact; great for beginners.
Tephrocactus articulatus Jumping Cholla Segment-based cactus with tiny spines that detach easily Full sun Water sparingly, allow soil to dry out Handle with care due to spines.

General Care Tips for Indoor Cacti:

  • Watering: Most indoor cacti need infrequent watering. Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot.
  • Light: Most cacti thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate direct sunlight if acclimated.
  • Temperature: Cacti generally prefer warm conditions, with many varieties tolerating temperatures between 65°F–85°F (18°C–29°C).
  • Soil: Use well-draining cactus or succulent soil, and ensure pots have drainage holes.
  • Fertilization: During the growing season (spring and summer), use a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month.
— Gerald H
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