7 Best Types of Cactus to Grow Indoors

There are many types of cactus to choose from, but start by familiarizing yourself with these common varieties.

1. 1. Bunny ears cactus: The bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys), also known as the angel wings cactus, looks similar to the prickly pear cactus. Instead of sharp spines, bunny ears cacti have yellow or white glochids—fuzzy barb clusters that look like polka dots from a distance. As indoor plants, they grow slowly and typically only reach two feet in height. Water bunny ears cacti sparingly—only when the soil is dry—and repot them every year or two. Wear thick gloves when you repot them since touching the glochids can irritate your skin.
2. 2. Christmas cactus: A Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a unique blooming succulent with long, draping stems that bloom with vibrant flowers. Christmas cacti are available in a wide array of colors including magenta, yellow, purple, white, pink, and orange. They require lots of bright indirect sunlight and more regular watering than other succulents (but not as much water as other plants). In general, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They make great additions to hanging baskets.
3. 3. Bishop’s cap: The bishop’s cap cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) is known for its distinct star shape and yellow flowers. Plant bishop’s cap cacti in well-draining soil or a potting mix formulated for cacti. Avoid watering these plants in the winter (their dormant phase) and place them in a spot with partial shade or a windowsill that gets dappled light.
4. 4. Golden barrel cactus: Golden barrel cacti (Echinocactus grusonii) start out almost perfectly round and grow more oval in shape as they slowly expand. Golden barrel cacti do best in sunny windows with lots of direct sunlight and only need to be watered every month or so. Repot them every few years, and protect yourself from their spines with thick leather gloves.
5. 5. Saguaro: The saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and can grow more than 40 feet tall in the wild over the course of many decades. These slow-growing, columnar cacti make great indoor houseplants. Give your saguaro as much full sun as possible and water it when the soil becomes dry to the touch—or about once every 10 days to two weeks.
6. 6. Old lady cactus: The old lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana) is native to Mexico and named for the fine white hairs that cover the bulk of the cactus. Keep your old lady cactus in a spot with lots of bright light and it will reward you with cactus blooms that look like a crown of pink flowers in the spring.
7. 7. Star cactus: The star cactus (Astrophytum asterias), also known as the sand dollar or sea urchin cactus, is a plump, small plant that looks somewhat like starfish. Like most indoor cactus plants, star cacti require well-draining soil and water only when the soil becomes dry. You’ll know your star cactus needs more water if it starts to flatten. A few hours of direct sunlight a day will help these plants thrive.

Cacti are known for needing little supervision, but being mindful of their needs will help these drought-tolerant plants thrive.

• Get the right potting mix. Most species of cacti aren’t fussy so long as the potting soil they’re in drains quickly. Purchase potting soil specifically formulated for succulents and cacti houseplants. Although not all cacti are succulent plants, they do use the same soil.
• Avoid overwatering. Some cacti can go 10 to 14 days without watering, while others can go a couple of months. It’s important to read the instructions on the label of your new cactus to understand its specific needs. Like most plants, cacti are susceptible to root rot, so touch the soil to make sure it’s dry before watering your plant.
• Be aware of too much sun exposure. While it might seem like a cactus can never have too much sun, that’s not the case for all indoor cacti. If your cactus appears washed-out or starts to turn yellow, move it to a spot with less intense light like a west-facing window.
• Fertilize during the growing season. While cacti require less regular maintenance than other houseplants, fertilizing them once a year in the spring or summer will keep them healthy and vibrant.

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