HousePlantJoy is supported by our audience. When you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your cost is not affected.
==================
Join us as we explore ten stunning flowering cactus varieties that captivated our imagination and added a natural elegance to our space. I have a special collection of ten flowering cactus varieties in my garden, each with its unique charm. From the bright blooms of one to the soft petals of another, these cacti are not just plants; they showcase nature’s beauty and diversity.
I’m excited to share these exceptional flowering plants with you, highlighting their rare flowers and the joy they bring to my gardening experience. Whether you’re an avid plant enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the botanical world, join us as we delve into the remarkable diversity of these desert treasures. Let’s discover the enchanting allure of these ten flowering cactus varieties you absolutely must see.
10 Flowering Cactus Varieties You Won’t Want to Miss
Photo by: The Desert Sun
Introducing a captivating array of nature’s wonders: 10 Flowering Cactus Varieties You Won’t Want to Miss! In this exploration, we’ll delve into the vibrant world of cacti, each boasting its unique charm and blossoming beauty. From the iconic blooms of prickly pear to the ethereal flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus, they bring your space bright colors and unique shapes. Join us as we journey through prickly perfection and discover the extraordinary allure of flowering cacti.
Key Highlights
- Discover the beauty of exotic blooming cacti, including vibrant flowers and unique shapes.
- Learn about ten stunning cacti species that are worth growing in your collection.
- Understand each cactus’s blooming patterns and characteristics, from night bloomers to star-shaped flowers.
- Find out how to care for blooming cacti in terms of water, sunlight, and encouraging flowering.
Prickly Paradise: 10 Flowering Cactus Varieties to Brighten Your Space
Photo by: The Spruce
Here are ten flowering cactus that you can grow in your house:
1. The Vibrant Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
Photo by: Etsy
The vibrant Queen of the Night, scientifically known as Selenicereus grandiflorus, is a mesmerizing flowering cactus. Renowned for its radiant yellow flowers that bloom only at night, this flowering cactus is a sight to behold.
Native to the Sonoran Desert, it thrives in warm environments. Its tubular flowers attract nocturnal pollinators, making it a fascinating addition to any cactus collection. With the right care and environmental conditions, this cactus species will bloom abundantly, gracing your space with its vibrant beauty.
2. The Radiant Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
Photo by: Cactus Jungle
The radiant star cactus, or Astrophytum asterias, is a striking cactus species known for its star-like formation on its flattened stems. Native to the Sonoran Desert, this captivating cactus produces vibrant yellow flowers, adding color to any collection.
These cacti bloom beautifully with the right care and environmental conditions, including full sun exposure. Astrophytum asterias is worth growing for its unique appearance and ease of cultivation, making it a delightful addition to any succulent collection.
3. The Colorful Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria)
Photo by: Wikipedia
Mammillaria, commonly known as the colorful pincushion cactus, displays a variety of vibrant flowers, including bright pink spectacular blooms. This type of flowering cactus is part of the cacti species that bloom with tubular flowers, adding allure to any collection.
With the right care in direct sunlight and well-draining soil, mammillaria blooms in late summer to early fall, gracing your indoor or outdoor space with its charming beauty. In their natural habitat, these cacti are attractive additions to succulent gardens, attracting pollinators with their colorful display.
4. The Stunning Blue Candle (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)
Photo by: PlantIn
Myrtillocactus geometrizans, commonly known as the stunning blue candle, is a striking cactus species renowned for its unique appearance. This cactus features elongated cylindrical stems that resemble blue candles, making it a standout addition to any succulent collection.
In the Sonoran Desert, where it naturally thrives, the Myrtillocactus geometrizes burst into vibrant blooms, injecting a splash of color into the otherwise arid landscape. With the right care, this cactus blooms with tubular flowers, providing a beautiful sight for any cacti enthusiast.
5. The Unique Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum myriostigma)
Photo by: Plants of the World Online
Astrophytum myriostigma, known as the unique Bishop’s Cap cactus, is a fascinating species appreciated for its distinctive appearance. This flowering cactus, native to Mexico, features star-shaped stems with whitish speckles, resembling the ceremonial caps worn by bishops, hence its name.
The Bishop’s Cap blooms with bright yellow flowers and requires minimal care, making it a popular choice among cactus enthusiasts.
6. The Striking Golden Barrel (Echinocactus grusonii)
Photo by: The American Southwest
The Echinocactus grusonii, also known as the striking golden barrel, is a sight to behold with its vibrant yellow flowers. This cactus, native to the Sonoran Desert, blooms in late spring to early summer. Its golden spherical shape adds an exotic touch to any cactus collection.
With the right care and environmental conditions, this cactus species will reward you with its stunning display of tubular flowers. Known for its sharp thorns and ability to thrive in full sun, the golden barrel is a must-have for succulent enthusiasts.
7. The Delicate Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)
Photo by: The Spruce
With its delicate beauty, the Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) adds a touch of elegance to any collection. Known for its vibrant pink, red, and orange flowers, this flowering cactus blooms in late winter to early spring. As a tropical cactus, it prefers indirect sunlight and moderate humidity levels.
The Easter Cactus requires precise care for blooming, making it a rewarding challenge for enthusiasts. Its flattened, segmented stems contribute to its distinctive appearance, making it an excellent choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.
8. The Bright Fire Barrel (Ferocactus cylindraceus)
Photo by: Wikipedia
With its bold presence and vibrant yellow blossoms, the Bright Fire Barrel, scientifically identified as Ferocactus cylindraceus, adds a captivating allure to any cactus collection. This cactus species, native to the Sonoran Desert, blooms in late summer and boasts tubular flowers that attract pollinators.
Requiring full sun and well-draining soil, the Bright Fire Barrel thrives in arid environments with minimal watering. Its sharp thorns add to its unique charm, making it a captivating houseplant worth growing for any cacti enthusiast.
9. The Magnificent Sunburst Cactus (Notocactus leninghausii)
Photo by: LLIFLE
The magnificent Sunburst Cactus, scientifically known as Notocactus leninghausii, boasts vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in late summer. This flowering cactus species is worth growing in your collection. It thrives in full sun with the right care.
Native to the Sonoran Desert, the Sunburst Cactus blooms with tubular flowers that attract pollinators. Requiring minimal water and well-draining soil, this cactus prefers the summer months to showcase its beauty. With sharp thorns adorning its flattened stems, the Sunburst Cactus adds a touch of elegance to any succulent garden.
10. The Spectacular Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
Photo by: Succulent Market
The Spectacular Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a visually stunning cactus with vibrant yellow, pink, or orange-yellow flowers. This unique cactus species is known for its flattened stems and short blooming period, which lasts only a couple of days. Moon cacti are popular houseplants and thrive in full sun, making them ideal for sunny windowsills.
These moon cacti can bloom abundantly with the right care and attention to environmental conditions.
Flowering Cactus Care: Essential Tips for Nurturing Your Blooming Beauties
Photo by: Salisbury Greenhouse
Flowering cacti bring such beauty and are surprisingly low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any houseplant collection. Here’s a quick rundown on how to care for them:
Light
These flowering cactus crave sunlight, so give them 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A grow light can be a great backup plan if your place lacks sunny spots.
Water
Be careful not to drown your cactus! Overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. And when you do water, make sure to give the soil a good soak until water drains out from the bottom of the pot.
Soil
Well-draining soil is key to preventing root rot. You can find ready-made cactus mixes at garden centers or whip up your blend by mixing potting soil with sand or perlite.
Fertilizer
Cacti aren’t big eaters. Once a year during spring or summer is enough. Use a fertilizer made specifically for cacti and follow the instructions on the label.
Temperature
Keep your flowering cactus cozy. While they can handle cooler temps, they won’t flower if it’s too chilly. Shield them from drafts and cold windows.
With these basics covered, your flowering cactus should thrive for years.
Here Are Some Bonus Tips:
- Repot every few years or when it outgrows its pot.
- If your cactus starts looking leggy, a trim can encourage new growth.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll easily enjoy the stunning beauty of flowering cacti in your home.
Bringing the Desert Inside: The Magic of Flowering Cacti
As our exploration of the captivating world of flowering cacti comes to a close, we uncovered a diverse array of stunning varieties that promised to elevate any space with their vibrant beauty. From the radiant blooms of the Queen of the Night to the unique charm of the Spectacular Moon Cactus, each species brought enchanting allure to our homes.
But admiring these flowering cactus was just the beginning. With proper care and attention, these flowering cacti could thrive for years, becoming cherished additions to any plant collection. We remembered to provide ample sunlight, practice mindful watering to prevent overwatering, ensure well-draining soil, and offer occasional fertilizer to support healthy growth. Maintaining a cozy temperature environment and handling our cacti with care ensured their long-lasting beauty.
If you’re ready to add these stunning flowering cacti to your home, visit the Houseplant Joy website to explore our wide selection of botanical beauties. Let’s bring the joy of houseplants into your life today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Cactus Bloom?
Cacti bloom when exposed to specific environmental conditions like sunlight, temperature, and seasonal changes. Proper watering and well-draining soil also play a key role in triggering cactus blooms. Understanding these requirements can help you enjoy the exotic beauty of blooming cacti.
Can All Cactus Produce Flowers?
While many species of cactus do produce flowers, not all cacti do. However, the majority of cacti are capable of flowering under the right conditions. Age, health, and environmental conditions significantly affect whether a cactus will produce flowers.
Do Blooming Cacti Prefer Indoor or Outdoor Settings?
Blooming cacti generally prefer outdoor settings due to ample sunlight and better airflow, mimicking their natural habitat. However, some species, like the Easter Cactus, thrive indoors with controlled light and temperature conditions. Understanding the specific needs of each cactus type is crucial for successful blooming.
How Long Does a Cactus Flower Last?
Cactus flowers typically last a few days to a week, with some varieties blooming for up to two weeks. The duration varies based on the cactus species, environmental conditions, and care.
