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If you are searching for the best types of Cactus to grow in your home and garden, then this article is for you.
We have put together the best 14 Types of cactus that you can grow in your garden as well as in your home including their characteristics and how best to care for each of them.
Best Cactus For Your Home And Garden
Below are the best cactus plants that you can grow in your home as well as in your garden. These plants include are as follows:
1. Blue Flame Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)
Also known as bilberry cactus, garambullo, or whortleberry. It is usually small in size and can grow to 15 ft high and 6-10 ft wide.
Also, this plant is easily recognized for its candelabra shape with its blue-green colour and purple fruit that looks and tastes like a cross between a blueberry and cranberry.
Just like other cacti plants, blue Flame is stunningly planted with a well-drained gravel mix that also contains rocks which can be found inside the container. However, if your garden is positioned in a region where planting on the ground is highly supported, then you can as well grow it on the ground.
2. Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)
The next cactus plant is the Claret Cup Cactus. It is also known as a hedgehog, Mojave mound cactus, and kingcup cactus. It grows up to 3ft high and up to 6f wide. It produces a sweet fruit which tastes like strawberries and turns bright orange as it ripens.
To grow this plant, you need to plant it with safe poppies, yucca, penstemon as well as native grasses. Most importantly, it grows better when it is planted on soil that contains more gravel than any form of traditional cactus or succulent mixes.
3. Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmanii)
This set of plants goes with different names such as strawberry cactus, saint’s cactus, purple torch, or Engelmann’s hedgehog cactus. It grows up to 28 inches tall.
They have ornamental spines that densely cover the surface of the plant which are very quite very sharp. If you keep this plant close to a rock, you will see its true beauty as it looks attractive and also drought-tolerant.
Furthermore, it enjoys being exposed to light shades but if you choose to plant it outdoors, you must ensure that you expose it to the sunniest spot you can find.
4. Mexican Fence Post Cactus (Pachycereus marginatus)
Have you ever visited the home of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Mexico City? If you have, then you must know this plant as it is similar to the border’s properties.
It grows up to 16ft high with a diameter yo of 3-6 inches. This plant tends to bloom in the spring and responds well to frequent watering when it is not outside.
Furthermore, you must plant this coloured plant close to any fun-to-be plant or in any specific container with native flowers in it.
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5. Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum hybrids or Phyllocactus)
This plant can be found in the native habitat of the tropical Americans, it can grow as long as 225 ft. Though if you are residing in any tropical climate, it is much better.
The flowers of this cactus are beautiful and can attract admiration for it’s beauty and are primarily grown in hanging baskets.
You can try hanging orchid cacti from branches of large trees; they will benefit from the fresh air and light.
6. Organ Pipe Cactus (Lemaireocereus thurberi)
Organ pipe cactus is also known as pitayo dulce or also as an Arizona organ pipe. They are tall, columnar plants that branch slightly above ground into several ribbed stems.
It is native to the Sonora desert regions of North America. To grow this plant, it will require sunlight and minimum winter temperatures above 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, Organ pipe cactus tend to make quite a pleasing attractive statement in a courtyard patio garden and can also be used in raised planters or as hedges.
7. Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus Indica)
Also known as barbary fig, mission cactus, or tuna cactus. Its flowers are about 4 inches in size, and the cactus is easily identifiable by its fruits which come in red or yellow nf highly decorative.
They are also referred to as home prickly pears as they are drought-tolerant and grow in desert gardens.
8. Star Cactus (Astrophytum ornatum)
This plant was named by the name monkshood. They can grow to 12 to 39 inches tall and 6 to 12 wide. It is regarded as one of the tallest cactus in the genus of Astrophytum.
Furthermore, it has striking yellow-brown spines with a green body and shiny yellow flowers that form at the centre. The fruits produced by this plant have a star pattern on them.
To grow this plant, ensure that you plant it in a warm region around a massed group of stones.
9. Totem Pole Cactus (Lophocereus schottii forma monstrosus or Pachycereus schottii)
Unlike most columnar cactus, the totem pole has neither spines nor ribs and is better planted on the ground than in a container.
However, growing this plant is usually smaller if it is grown in containers and also works with pots which can allow excess moisture to evaporate.
10. Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia bigelovii or Opuntia bigelovii)
This plant looks exactly like a Teddy bear cholla cactus which is tree-like cactus with golden spines that glow in the sunlight.
It grows to about 6 ft tall and up to 4 ft wide. While growing this plant, it is recommended that you plant it in a natural gravel setting with large rocks and wildflowers like poppies and lupine, along with desert shrubs and perennials such as globemallow and brittlebush.
11. Silver Torch Cactus
Also known as Cleistocactus Strausii. It is a perennial cactus plant that grows up to 10 feet high. This plant produces red flowers with grey spines that can be used to create a beautiful space. It is non-toxic and required well-drained soil with exposure to full sunlight to thrive.
Also, it is quite to care for this plant as long as you know the basics which includes watering this plant when the soil is completely dry due to other cool temperatures.
Furthermore, for the healthy growth and productivity of this plant, you must ensure that you fertilize the plant with a low-nitrogen fertilizer twice every month.
12. Mexican Fence Post Cactus
The Mexican Fence Post Cactus is known for its unbranched dark green stems. Each stem of the Pachycereus Marginatus has about seven ribs with clusters of spines and can grow up to 50 feet.
Growing and caring for the Fence Post cactus is easy because they are desert plants. Just ensure that the plant receives enough sun and heat, and maintains little moisture in the soil.
Furthermore, do well to water the plant regularly, but only when the soil dries in summer.
13. San Pedro Cactus
The Pedro Cactus plant is one of the large outdoor cactus plants with many branches. It is also called the Echinopsis Pachanoi, and it has blue-green columnar stems that turn dark green as the plant ages. San Pedro produces white flowers in summer, which would close during the night and open up again during the day.
This cactus plant is easy to grow. It requires well-drained soils that have less watering requirements and exposure to the sun. You should fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season and avoid watering during winter.
14. Peruvian Apple Cactus
The Peruvian Apple Cactus is also known as the Cereus peruvianus, and it is a perfect choice of indoor types of cactus plants. It produces white flowers during summer which are unique because they open at night and close during the day.
You must grow it in good, draining soil, and place it near a window to get plenty of bright light. In addition, remember to prune the plant to avoid growing very tall.
Furthermore, as it grows in its required climate and receives its requirements, it will grow beautiful flowers which will turn to fruit and these fruits are edible and tasty.
FAQs
1. Which Cactus Grow Fast?
Echinopsis terscheckii is one of the largest of the Echinopsis species that are fast-growing, and very attractive.
2. What Is The Most Precious Cactus?
The most precious cactus is Peyote which is native to Mexico.
3. Is A Cactus Lucky Or Unlucky?
A blooming cactus flower symbolizes good luck and its owner can expect good news when the plant is placed anywhere around them.
4. Where Do Cactus Grow Best?
The native habitat for most cacti and succulents is a desert which is where they grow best. Though to grow best, they will need light, good drainage, high temperatures and low moisture.
5. Should I Spray My Cactus With Water?
It is never a good idea to spray a cactus with water. They have very low humidity needs, and moisture left sitting on them can cause rot and other diseases.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has enlightened you on the best Cactus plants that you can choose from and grow. All you have to do is to find the one that suits you and your region and start your planting.
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