Three Incredible Indoor Cacti

Succulents are plants that have adapted to growing in arid climates by storing water in their tissue. And while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are a family of plants that fall within the succulent category.

With a few exceptions, cacti are defined by their spines, lack of leaves, and small root systems. Because they do not require extensive care and adapt easily to bright, dry indoor conditions, cacti make great indoor plants. Small cacti with shallow root systems are excellent for arrangements in small tabletop containers.

Larger growing cacti can be attractive on their own or included in a large interiorscape display. Cacti are a simply way to add an exotic flair to any indoor arrangements.

Check out these these unique cacti that are known to thrive in indoor arrangements.

1) Snowball Pincushion Cactus

The snowball pincushion cactus is a very small cactus growing up to 6 inches around. The plant has a round and squatty silhouette and the flesh is thickly covered with white spines that give it a fuzzy appearance. The snowball pincushion cactus can be attractive on its own in a small tabletop container or paired with other cacti in a tabletop arrangement.

In some cases, the spines can also have a pinkish tinge making it look as though it is glowing. In the spring time, the cactus can produce dainty pink flowers.

The snowball pincushion cactus propagates by producing offsets when it matures. These offsets can be allowed to grow in clumps or they can be removed from the mother plant and repotted. The plant should be planted in well draining, sandy soil for maximum growth. Look for potting mixes formulated specifically for cacti. Placing loose gravel or small stones as a top dressing will also help prevent root rot. This interesting succulent can tolerate full sun but will also survive in partial shade. Thinning of the spines is a good sign that the plant is not receiving the proper amount of lighting.

2) Dancing Bones Cactus

Atypical of a cactus, the dancing bones cactus does not have any spines. It’s native to tropical forests rather than dry deserts which is also different from most other cacti.

The dancing bones cactus is a trailing plant that is composed of a series of fleshy segments. It can grow up to 18 inches tall and produces yellow or orange flowers in late winter and early spring. The blooms appear at the tips of the new growth.

Dancing bones cactus should be planted in well draining, slightly acidic potting medium for optimal growth. Be sure to water this succulent regularly in spring and summer but sparingly throughout the winter. This plant will thrive in a space that has plenty of bright, indirect light. The trailing nature of the dancing bones cactus, also known as Hatiora salicornioides, makes it perfect for growing in hanging baskets.

3) Golden Barrel Cactus

The golden barrel cactus is round and plump with thick ribs. It can grow up to 3 feet in diameter. Beware of the sharp, yellow spines protruding from its ribs.

Golden barrel cacti prefer full sunlight and cooler temperatures. It can survive without bright light for a long period of time, but it will die if left in the dark for too long. Similar to the snowball pincushion cacti, this succulent should be potted in a well draining, sandy potting mix.

Repotting the plant every other year in the spring will encourage growth. During the spring and summer, water this cactus as soon as the potting mix is dry. In the winter months, you will rarely need to provide it water. A small golden barrel cactus can start out in a  tabletop container or a large plant can be attractive in larger container arrangements. In the summer they will also thrive in outdoor planters.

These three plants represent the diversity available within the cactus family. There are many plants, both large and small, that are rewardingly easy to grow. Cacti are an effortless way to add variety and interest to any indoor landscape design.

Do you have a favorite cactus to grow indoors?

Photo “Drunkard’s Dream (Hatiora salicorniodes)” courtesy of magnolia1000

Photo “Mammillaria pink” courtesy of Maja Dumat

Photo “Golden Barrel Cactus Echinocactus grusonii” courtesy of Brian Gratewick

Featured image by Crystal A Murray via https://www.flickr.com/photos/crystalwriter/2327400376/