Cactus guidebook: Types, care tips & 15+ decor ideas (Buy now!)

The Cactus, which belongs to the Cactaceae family, is a very distinctive and popular houseplant. This desert plant thrives in dry air, limited sunlight, and typical room temperature. Cactus plants are low maintenance as they require little attention and are suitable for small indoor planters. They are drought-tolerant, as they store water in their stems or foliage. Unlike other succulents, Cactus has areoles or little bumps on the outside from which the spines, flowers, branches, and leaves grow.  

You’ve come to the perfect place if you want to add a biophilic touch to your space or are seeking inspiration to decorate your home using Cacti. In this article, we have provided comprehensive information on Cacti, including different varieties, care instructions, and placement tips as per Feng Shui. Keep reading to know more!

Best types of indoor Cacti 

Ric Rac  

Scientific name: Selenicereus Anthonyanus  

Image Source: Thejoyplants.co.uk

The Ric Rac Cactus is also known as Fishbone Cactus, Zig-Zag Cactus, and Orchid Cactus. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant because of its fragrant flowers. The primary characteristic that differentiates it from other plants is its zigzag or fishbone stems, which resemble leaves.  

Golden Barrel  

Scientific name: Echinocactus Grusonii   

Image Source: Michal Goral on Behance

This type of Cactus belongs to the Echinocactus and Ferocactus subfamily and grows in hot, arid climates. It requires plenty of sunlight, a little watering, and loose, sand-based potting soil. Moreover, it blooms red and yellow flowers in May and June. It lives for decades when grown outdoors and can reach heights of 8-10 feet.  

Fairy Castle  

Scientific name: Acanthocereus Tetragonus 

Image Source: worldofsucculents.com on Pinterest
 

This plant would be an ideal decor addition to any room due to the variety of stems, which mimic castle turrets. It grows slowly and can reach a height of 6 feet. This plant rarely produces flowers. An area with abundant sunlight is suitable for this Cactus type.  

Saguaro  

Scientific name: Carnegiea Gigantea 

Image Source: Spacejoy

This tree-like species of Cactus requires a semi-arid climate and needs direct sunlight. Although it grows slowly, it can reach a height of 40 feet. This indicates that you can use it as an indoor plant for a few years before relocating it outside. Also, this Cactus has white-funnel flowers and edible red fruits.

Bunny Ears  

Scientific name: Opuntia Albispina  

Image Source: Freepik

The Opuntia Albispina, also known as Bunny Ears or Angel Wing Cactus, is a member of the prickly pear family. This plant grows up to 2 feet tall and 5 feet broad. If this plant gets enough light, it can develop luscious crimson fruits and white flowers in the summer.  

Rat Tail  

Scientific name: Aporocactus Flagelliformis 

Image Source: Plant World

This is one of the most rapidly grown Cactus types which produces vibrant magenta flowers. It is resilient and can endure temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If your sunniest window lacks the space for planters, consider a hanging basket for planting this Cactus type.  

Christmas

Scientific name: Schlumbergera Bridgesii  

Image Source: Reddit.com on Pinterest

With the right care, a Christmas Cactus’s vivid pink flowers can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season year after year. This tropical plant thrives among trees and rocks in late winter. It likes a humid environment and needs more water than other desert varieties. Bright indirect light suits it more than direct sunlight.  

How to plant and propagate Cacti?    

• When it comes to planting Cacti, the first step is to find the appropriate planter. Since most Cacti have small roots and limited growth, opt for shallow planters. Selecting extra-large or deep containers should be avoided.  
• Start by filling the bottom of your container with small stones or gravel. Cover it with Cacti-specific potting soil. Avoid traditional potting mixes as they contain far too much water for these succulents.  
• Once the soil has been added, experiment with placing your Cactus plants in the container while they are still in their original pots. When you’re satisfied with the arrangement, poke holes in the potting mix. 
• Now, carefully remove them from their pots. While doing this, make sure you put on gloves to protect your hands.
• Then, move the plants out of the way using tongs. If your Cactus gets stuck to its pot, lightly knock it on a hard surface or run a dull knife over the inner rim.
• After placing your plant in position, add more soil while gently firming it down and wait until the soil dries up. Then water it sparingly as overwatering can result in decay. 

Watch the following video for a better understanding of how to start propagating your Cacti!

How to care for your Cacti: 4 pro tips for beginners  

Provide enough light  

Cacti should receive a good amount of direct sunlight daily, but you should also ensure that they don’t receive too much of it. Even though they appreciate the sun, they often turn yellow or brown. If this happens, move them away from the light source so they can cool down.   

Water regularly   

Cactus plants are known for surviving with little to no watering because they store water in their stems. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t require any watering. We suggest making it a habit to check the soil periodically. If the top two to three inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water your plants.  

Use the right soil and fertilizer   

Use the proper soil mix for planting Cacti. They like sandier soil with more rocks to drain water and keep the plant dry, preventing root decay. Just like soil, fertilizers are also necessary for these plants to thrive. Also, before fertilizing, dilute the fertilizer and dampen the soil to prevent root burn. We recommend fertilizing them once in summer and once in the spring season as it’s their growing period.  

Think about purchasing prickly pear Cacti   

If you have limited spare time and want to add some greenery to your home, the prickly pear Cactus is an excellent choice. It is an easy-to-care-for plant. Place this plant on a windowsill that receives direct sunshine and it will thrive beautifully.  

Fail-proof Cacti placement tips as per Feng Shui  

Although most people grow Cacti as houseplants due to their beautiful appearance, other individuals believe that placing them in your homes brings negativity. However, according to Feng Shui, there are specific locations where you may place your Cacti to reap benefits and enhance your home decor.   

Here are a few things you should remember: 

• Cactus plants should not be kept in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen.  
• Placing them on your balconies or terrace acts as a protective shield keeping negative energies out of your house.   
• To attract money, place them on either side of your entrance door facing South.   
• Keeping these plants in your work environment will help boost productivity, as they purify oxygen which results in reducing your stress and increasing concentration.  
• Although it’s okay to have Cactus plants in your office, they shouldn’t be placed on the work desk. 
• As per Feng Shui, Cactus plants placed on windows work towards protecting your home, career, and reputation. 

Insight into creating a beautiful Cacti display at home (Image gallery)

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Jiffyplants Triangle

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Conclusion   

Cactus plants are an excellent option to begin your plant parenting journey as they require less attention and are easy to look after. As seen in the images above, there are numerous varieties of Cactus plants that you may use to style your home in different ways. Moreover, you can find different Cacti types bearing different qualities such as the size of their spines, their colour, their shape, flowers, etc. To invite positivity, it is essential to ensure the right placement of Cacti in your home, whether it’s placed inside your house, outdoors, or hung on the balcony. So, to get the most out of this plant, you must follow the Feng Shui tips listed above.  

It’s time for you to decorate your home with this plant as you are now familiar with its different varieties and where to place it. Feel free to use our exclusive image gallery above for some beautiful decor ideas. Also, browse through our top recommendations to bring home this plant and experience the thrills of becoming a plant parent now!

*The featured image used in this article is from Treehouse.co