Best Types of Cactus - Indoor Cactus Plants to Grow
Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Elena Grishina//Getty ImagesThimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis)
Douglas Sacha//Getty ImagesThis adorable little cactus has short spiny stems and yellow flowers in spring or summer. It's a good choice for new plant parents because it's not too fussy.
Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
Boy_Anupong//Getty ImagesThis type of cactus is fast-growing and keeps its cute rounded shape. They can grow up to five feet tall outdoors, though they make a fun windowsill plant indoors.
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Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)
Bilal photos//Getty ImagesWith a name this cute, you simply have to grow this type of cactus! Peanut cactus is an adorable clumping cactus with stems that can curl up to 10 inches long.
Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Yulia-B//Getty ImagesPencil-thin, trailing stems make this cactus a real showstopper as it matures! It's a tropical epiphyte, like orchids, which adapts well to indoor care.
Ric Rac Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
samuel howell//Getty ImagesHow could we not love a cactus nicknamed after one of our favorite country trims? They grow especially well indoors in a sunny window. It also has night-blooming flowers, though they rarely occur indoors.
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Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
HKPNC//Getty ImagesThe tree-like saguaro cactus is native only to the Sonoran Desert and can live for 200 years! Its super-slow growth rate (about an inch per year for the first eight years of its life) keeps it petite if grown indoors.
Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
Scott Webb//Getty ImagesWho knew a cactus could be charming?
The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. Heads up: It's a very slow grower.
Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa)
Subtawee Srijaroen//Getty ImagesThe white "feathers" on this cactus look fluffy and soft, but be warned: the younger, shorter spines below that innocuous-looking facade are super-sharp!
Its cute rounded shape and sweetly scented flowers that appear in late summer make it worth growing.
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Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
lostsaga//Getty ImagesThe funny name may not be the most flattering, but it's a cute cactus that is easy to grow!
It may develop a ring of hot pink flowers in late winter to early spring.
Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Zen Rial//Getty ImagesThe bunny ears cactus is a popular choice for its cute shape. This plant does not have spines like a traditional cactus, but that doesn't mean it's cuddly! The glochids (tufts of short, hairy spines that give it a polka-dot appearance) can still stick you.
Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii )
Lpcornish//Getty ImagesMoon cactus is a popular addition to a succulent garden thanks to its bright color. The hybrid plant is actually two types of cacti grafted together, and its lifespan is short compared to other cacti.
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Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)
ironsailor//Getty ImagesEaster cactus blooms in early spring, but even without the bright flowers, the green segments make for an attractive plant year round. Like other holiday cacti, Easter cactus prefers bright light but not direct sunlight, which will burn its leaves, which technically are flattened stems.
Read more: Easter Cactus Care Tips
Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
miriam-doerr//Getty ImagesLadyfinger cactus is a sweet addition to a succulent garden. This petite cactus has clusters of cylindrical stems and yellowish spines that give it an overall golden appearance.
Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
Aria Pearlilla//Getty ImagesThe distinctly unattractive name isn't really fair to this plant! Rat tail cactus has long trailing stems and pretty pink flowers, so it's a fun addition to any cactus collection.
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Parodia (various species)
kedsirin jaidee//Getty ImagesThis ball-shaped cactus boasts showy flowers, which may be yellow, red, orange, or pink, depending on the species. This type of cactus prefers a little afternoon shade, especially if grown outdoors.
Bishop's Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma)
DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY//Getty Images
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Terri Robertson is the Senior Editor, Digital, at Country Living, where she shares her lifelong love of homes, gardens, down-home cooking, and antiques.
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