If you are in a fix over a small space but are a fan of the small living and big style, then flowering cacti are just right for you. Not only do they do well in small places such as apartment but their beautiful flowers and spiky thorns make them to be welcomed in any room. Many of them also grow in fantastic spirals if you look at their roots from above!
But do not be deceived by their appearance; cactus spines vary from tender and actually bendy to menacing and thorny. Do not let the kids or pets near these plants because you will regret it deeply.
Factors Essential for Flowering Cacti
Caring for flowering cacti is surprisingly easy, but there are a few must-follow tips to keep them happy:
Bright Light: Flowering Cacti are sun lovers. They grow well when exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. If you reside in warm climate (USDA Zones 10+), they can be seen sun bathing on your patios or decks. In cold places, put them under a source of light or use an LED grow light indoors preferably close to a window.
Avoid Overwatering: But I noticed that too much water is poisonous to the flowering cacti plants. Allow the vessel to get dry before you water them back and make sure the pots you use have drainage holes to avoid root rot.
Warmth: These plants need warm conditions so avoid placing them in front of cold windows during winter.
That was the brief introduction, now we go deep, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful flowering cacti types you can grow.
1. Mammillaria Old Lady Cactus or Hahniana
This is a funny-named flowering cacti that is nothing like the fearsome stereotype of a flowering cacti – in fact, it looks very cute. It is lobed, white-spined with russet and soft white,.Powdered with soft white spines and white hairs. It has a circle of small bright pink flowers atop it in spring.
2. The Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis)
Just like its name implies; the thimble cactus is a cute plant and lovely to behold! Small, closely knit heads make it wonderful for that, and in flower it has delicate butter-yellow bloom.
3. Fishbone Cactus Plant (Epiphyllum anguliger)
This double-curve-leaved cactus is indigenous to the Mexican rainforests. Sometimes, it bears small but beautiful flowers which bloom at night and are similar to orchid flowers. Trailing Abutilon is relatively fast growing and grows best in hanging baskets and pots.
4. Rainbow Hedgehog cactus languishes in the hallway outside the desert east of Las Vegas in Nevada.
I don’t feel like there is anything else that needs to be said about this cactus except to say its colors are as lively as its name! The rainbow hedgehog cactus has flowers that are hot pink and is therefore also eye-catching. Due to the fact that it measures a small size it is suitable for areas with limited space.
5. Schlumbergera and Rhipsalidopsis are two holiday cacti;
Holidays cactus or climber cactus includes Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus and all these cacti flower during their respective festivals. Their flowers vary from pale pink via coral to bright white, and their fragrance contributes to making your home cheerful. Grow them in diffused light and provide the plants with a total darkness in the fall to help them bloom.
6. One less common plant is the Peanut Cactus or Echinopsis chamaecereus.
The peanut cactus grows in tufts of finger-like branches and has attractive bright orange-red flowers. This plant has an unusual growth pattern and bright flowers so it can definitely brighten up any home with a selection of plants.
7. Mammillaria Elegans
This circular cactus earns its name through virtue of the tightly packed pale woolly spines and small pretty pink flowers concentrated at the apex. It continues to spread and forms clusters further making it attractive Over time.
8. Parodia haselbergii
Small and round with thin white hairs and orange red small flowers that bloom at the center of the plant. It is a unique plant because of its shape and the size and striking appearance of its flowers.
9. Echinopsis subdenudata – domino cactus
Domino cactus is a small plant of no more than 3 inches in height, although it is quite wide, unpretentious, and original. It has wooly white spots all over, and gives large, trumpet-like flowers during summer.
10. Mammillaria carmenae
This almost ball-shaped cactus, bearing reddish spines, is among the fastest-growing species of cacti and loved by growers. Thanks to its starburst-like spines and the relative small size it is one of the more popular ones.
Why Choose Flowering Cacti?
Cacti in bloom are better defined as exceeding the status of plants as looks like a piece of art. Depending on the type of plant, they are relatively easy to take care of or boast pretty flowers that could light up any environment. Also, they are ideal for small places like flats, shelves by windows or balconies.
You can get started on your own collection today and have a piece of the desert at home.
