Top 5 Desert Cactus To Grow Indoors
Most cacti are desert plants, so they’re used to hot, dry conditions. That makes them perfect for growing indoors, where they can thrive in bright light and low humidity.
Top 5 Cactus Plants to Grow for Beginners
Are you looking for a unique and interesting plant to grow indoors? If so, consider one of these top 5 desert cacti!
1. Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) – The saguaro is the largest cactus in North America, and can grow up to 60 feet tall!
They are slow growers, but make a dramatic statement in any room.
2. Barrel cactus (Ferocactus sp.) – These round cacti are native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They range in size from 1-2 feet tall and wide, and can live for over 100 years!
3. Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.) – Prickly pears are a type of flat-stemmed cactus that produces edible fruit! They come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, pink, and purple. Most varieties grow to be about 2-3 feet tall.
4. Hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus sp.) – As their name suggests, hedgehogs have long bristles or “spines” that cover their bodies. These cute little cacti come in shades of green, blue, or purple, and typically stay under 12 inches tall.
5. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) – Unlike most other cacti which are native to hot deserts, Christmas cacti are actually from the tropical rainforests of Brazil!
They bloom beautiful flowers in shades of pink, red, or white around Christmastime (hence their name). These plants can grow up to 3 feet tall indoors.
Where to Place Cactus Plant in Home
If you’re looking to add a cactus plant to your home, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. First, decide if you want a small or large cactus. Smaller cacti are easier to care for and can be placed on a windowsill or tabletop, while larger cacti need more room and should be placed on the floor.
Once you’ve decided on the size of cactus you want, it’s time to think about where in your home it will look best. Cacti do best in bright, indirect sunlight, so avoid placing them in dark corners or near heat sources like fireplaces or vents. A south-facing window is usually the best spot for a cactus.
When choosing a pot for your cactus, make sure it has drainage holes so excess water can escape. Cacti need well-draining soil, so don’t forget to add some gravel or sand to the bottom of the pot before planting your cactus. Once you’ve found the perfect spot and pot for your new plant friend, enjoy watching it grow!
Best Indoor Cactus
Cacti are one of the best indoor plants around – they’re easy to care for, beautiful, and make a great addition to any home. If you’re looking for the perfect cactus for your home, here are a few of our favorites.
The first on our list is the Christmas cactus – also known as Santa Claus cactus or Schlumbergera truncata.
This festive plant is native to Brazil, and its blooms appear in late fall or early winter – just in time for the holidays! The Christmas cactus is a bit different from other cacti, as it prefers slightly cooler temperatures and needs to be kept out of direct sunlight. But if you can give it the right conditions, it’s an absolutely stunning plant that will bring some holiday cheer to your home.
If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, then consider the prickly pear cactus – also known as Opuntia ficus-indica. This popular cactus is native to Mexico and Central America, and has been cultivated for centuries. It’s easily recognizable by its large, flat pads covered in sharp spines.
Prickly pear cacti are very drought-tolerant and can thrive with very little water – making them ideal for indoor growing. They do need bright light though, so be sure to place them near a sunny window.
Last on our list is the barrel cactus – also known as Ferocactus cylindraceus.
This impressive cactus is native to desert regions of Arizona, California, and Mexico. It gets its name from its shape – which resembles a barrel or drum. Barrel cacti are slow-growing but can eventually reach heights of 6 feet or more!
They prefer hot, dry conditions and plenty of sunshine, so make sure to place them in a bright spot near a south-facing window.
Small Cactus Plants for Indoors
If you want to add a bit of desert flair to your home, then consider getting a small cactus plant! Cacti are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also very easy to care for. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about getting a cactus for your home:
Lighting: Cacti need bright light in order to thrive, so make sure to place them near a window or another source of natural light. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can also use artificial lighting such as grow lights.
Watering: One of the great things about cacti is that they don’t need much water.
In fact, it’s easy to overwater them, so err on the side of caution and only water your cactus when the soil is dry. When you do water it, make sure to give it a good soak until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Fertilizing: You can fertilize your cactus every other month or so using a liquid fertilizer that’s diluted half-strength.
Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots of your plant.
Temperature and humidity: Cacti prefer warm temperatures and low humidity levels. If you live in an area with high humidity (such as near the coast), make sure to provide good ventilation for your plant or choose a species that’s tolerant of higher humidity levels.
Cactus Indoor Plant Benefits
If you’re looking for a plant that is both beautiful and beneficial, look no further than the cactus! These unique plants are not only easy to care for, but they also offer a variety of benefits. Here are just a few of the ways that indoor cactus plants can improve your life:
1. Cacti purify the air. As cacti grow, they help to filter out harmful toxins and pollutants from the air around them. This can be especially beneficial if you live in an urban area with high levels of pollution.
2. Cacti boost your mood. The bright colors and unique shapes of cacti are known to boost your mood and create a sense of happiness. If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your home, adding some cactus plants is a great option!
3. Cacti improve concentration and focus. Because they help purify the air, cacti can also help improve concentration and focus. If you find yourself struggling to stay focused at work or school, try keeping a small cactus on your desk or in your workspace.
4. Cacti relieve stress and anxiety. The calming presence of these plants has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in both humans and animals alike.
Indoor Desert Plants
Indoor desert plants are some of the most unique and beautiful houseplants that you can find. They come from arid, dry regions of the world and have adapted to survive in extremely hot and dry conditions.
Some common indoor desert plants include cacti, succulents, aloes, and agaves.
These plants are often used in decorative displays or as accent pieces in homes and offices.
Cacti are perhaps the most well-known type of indoor desert plant. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and their spiny foliage can add an interesting touch to any room.
Cacti are very easy to care for, as they require very little water or maintenance.
Succulents are another popular type of indoor desert plant. Like cacti, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
However, succulents have fleshy leaves that store water, which makes them perfect for areas that do not get a lot of natural light or moisture. Succulents are also very easy to care for and only require minimal watering.
Aloes are a type of succulent that is commonly used as a houseplant.
Aloes have long, fleshy leaves that store water, making them perfect for arid environments. Aloes also produce a gel-like substance that can be used topically for medicinal purposes.
Agaves are large succulents that resemble cacti but do not have spines on their leaves.
Agaves typically grow outdoors in very hot, dry climates but can also be grown indoors as houseplants.
Credit: thursd.com
What is the Best Cactus for Indoors?
The best cactus for indoors is the Christmas Cactus. It does well in bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some shade. It prefers a humid environment and needs to be watered about once a week.
The Christmas Cactus is not susceptible to pests or diseases, making it a low-maintenance plant.
What is the Fastest Growing Indoor Cactus?
There are a few contenders for the title of fastest growing indoor cactus. One is the Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata), which can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) per year. Another possibility is the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri), which can put on up to 6 inches (15 cm) of new growth in a year.
And then there’s the old standby, the common green prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), which isn’t as fast as the other two but still grows rapidly, especially when given plenty of water and fertilizer.
So if you’re looking for a fast-growing cactus for your indoor collection, any of these would be a good choice. Just remember to give them enough light and room to grow, and they’ll soon be towering over everything else in the house!
Can Saguaro Grow Indoors?
No, saguaro cacti cannot grow indoors. They are native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, USA and require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Saguaros also need hot summers and cool winters to survive, so indoor conditions would not be suitable.
Can I Grow Desert Cactus Indoors if I Have Other Types of Desert Plants?
Growing desert cactus indoors alongside other types of desert plants is certainly possible. By creating a suitable environment, you can accommodate various top desert plants indoors. With proper sunlight exposure, well-draining soil, and occasional watering, you can cultivate a mini desert right in the comfort of your home.
Is It Ok to Put Cactus Inside the House?
There are a few things to consider before placing a cactus inside your home. While cacti are known to be low-maintenance plants, they still need some TLC in order to thrive indoors. Here are a few tips to help you successfully grow cacti indoors:
Lighting: Cacti require bright light in order to grow, so make sure to place them near a sunny window. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can also use artificial lighting such as fluorescent bulbs.
Watering: One of the most common mistakes people make when growing cacti indoors is overwatering them.
Be sure to only water your cactus when the soil is dry – typically once every 7-10 days. And when you do water, make sure not to saturate the soil – just give it a good soaking until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Temperature and Humidity: Cacti prefer warm temperatures and low humidity levels.
If your home is on the cooler side, you may want to place your cactus near a heat source such as a radiator or fireplace. And if your home tends to be humid, try placing your cactus in an area with good air circulation such as near an open window or door.
Conclusion
1. The first desert cactus on the list is the elephant’s foot cactus. This cactus grows to be about two feet tall and has large, thick leaves that store water. It is a slow grower, but can eventually reach up to six feet in height.
2. The second desert cactus is the prickly pear cactus. This cactus has thin, flattened leaves and grows to be about three feet tall. It produces edible fruit that tastes like a cross between a pear and a strawberry.
3. The third desert cactus is the barrel cactus. This cactus can grow to be over ten feet tall and has a round shape with sharp spines all over its body. The barrel cactus stores water in its body, which makes it an excellent choice for indoor growth.
4. The fourth desert cactus on the list is the hedgehog cactus. This small cactus only grows to be about six inches tall and has short, stubby spines instead of long ones like most other types of cacti. Hedgehog cacti are native to Mexico and make great houseplants due to their low maintenance needs.
5. The fifth and final desert plant on the list is the saguaro cactus . This towering plant can reach heights of over 50 feet and lives for hundreds of years in its natural habitat . Saguaros are very slow growers , taking anywhere from 10-50 years to reach their full size .
Because of this, they are not typically grown indoors unless you have plenty of space and patience !