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Looking for a houseplant that doesn’t mind a dry spell? Or searching for something that really stands out for decorating your living space? Cactus plants are a great place to start. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant lover, there are types of cactus plants to suit everyone.
Cacti are hugely popular houseplants due to their largely drought-tolerant nature and interesting shapes.
From exciting cacti with a “twist” to magical-looking colourful pastel cacti, and lush leafy classics with a prehistoric look - keep reading to find out about the different types of Cactus plants we have on offer here at Bloombox Club.
What is a cactus? What are the different types of cactus out there?
The cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, and there are 1750 known types of cactus plants. Cactaceae belongs to the order Caryophyllales, which also includes carnations, amaranths, ice plants, and beets. Many popular types of cactus plants with the common name “cactus” are not strictly part of this family but are succulents often mistaken for cacti.
Cactus plants are known for living in extreme environments, particularly hot and dry places like the Atacama Desert - one of the driest places on earth!
Because of these extreme living environments, different types of cacti have developed unique adaptations to conserve water. For example, many types of cactus plants have thick and waxy stems which gives them a luscious appearance.
Cacti tend to be low maintenance and easy-care, with their ability to store moisture making them easier to look after. They come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for plant collectors - with some strikingly distinctive specimens to get your hands on.
Let’s explore some types of cactus plants to keep indoors:
Fishbone Cactus
This angular beauty is the fishbone cactus; native to Mexico where it grows as an epiphyte on trees in the evergreen forests of Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit and Oaxaca.
This fast-growing jungle cactus is adapted to humidity so makes for an excellent bathroom or kitchen plant. The fishbone cactus loves to be hung up high, as it naturally grows in the canopy.
In autumn, beautiful sweet-scented flowers emerge from the ends of the leaves and bloom at night, giving it its nickname “Queen of the Night Cactus”! These stunning blossoms make the fishbone cactus rank on our list of the more desirable types of cacti to keep indoors, as it’s both low maintenance and exciting!
The fishbone cactus prefers bright light with at least 4 hours of direct light, thriving best in well-draining potting soil like succulent or cactus mix. Re-pot once a year and always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. Take care of these two factors and your fishbone cactus should thrive! They can quickly grow to 6 inches tall and at least 3 ft. long, adding a subtle jungle look to your home.
Who is this type of cactus for?
The fishbone cactus will suit any home - but as a non-toxic indoor cactus, it’s particularly suited to those with pets!
Fun fact: The flowers can sometimes be followed by a gooseberry-like edible fruit!
Candelabra Cactus
The candelabra cactus or Euphorbia eritrea hails from the Horn of Africa, native to Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia. It’s a popular choice, requiring very little maintenance.
Scientifically, it’s not strictly a type of cactus, but a succulent with a wonderful cactus-like shape and height.
Different types of cactus plants enjoy varying conditions, but the candelabra cactus is happy anywhere between 12ºC-32ºC. It requires very little water, especially in the winter when it can be left unwatered for over a month. Like many other types of succulent, it will need the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
This type of succulent loves plenty of light, and looks great in a pot placed on the floor where it can grow tall, adding a desert look to your home!
Who is this type of cactus for?
The Candelabra cactus is a great choice for design buffs that love striking stature and a quirky look. It’s not a great choice for pet owners, unfortunately, as the leaves produce a milky white sap that is toxic, which can also cause skin and eye irritation. Handle with care!
Coral Cactus
This coral cactus bundle makes a brilliant gift- with three different coral cacti in the bundle! With its odd and fascinating shape, the coral cactus looks like it's been plucked straight from the bed of a coral reef!
Coral cactus, Euphorbia lactea 'cristata', is also known as the crested cactus, crested Elkhorn, or crested Euphorbia. This popular houseplant is another Euphorbia succulent that is not officially classified as a type of cactus but is commonly called one due to its appearance. It’s native to Africa and was developed by grafting two types of euphorbia together. It ranges in colour, from pink to green and in between.
The coral cactus makes an easy-care houseplant and has a unique organic design. It could look kooky or classy depending on the setting!
Who is this type of cactus for?
The coral cactus is a type of cactus for the arty types with its interesting appearance! This low maintenance plant can also survive a drought, so could suit anyone who regularly travels. Like its cousin, the candelabra cactus, this euphorbia has toxic milky sap that makes it unsuitable for anyone with nibbly pets!
Mistletoe Cactus
The mistletoe cactus, Rhipsalis Cashero Ampel, has rare characteristics for a cactus; it’s spindly, skinny, and trails down in a beautiful cascade. This jungle cactus looks wild and adds a rainforest feel to a room.
This type of cactus grows in trees as an epiphyte in Mexico and Brazil, so it can live very happily in a hanging basket. In its natural habitat, the Mistletoe cactus develops small flowers, but this rarely happens when it’s kept as a houseplant.
The mistletoe cactus is an incredibly forgiving and easy-care plant! Mistletoe cactus are succulents, so should be watered very sparingly in winter, but every 7-10 days in spring and summer for optimum growth. That said, they won’t mind longer between watering and can cope with a little neglect.
These types of cactus plants enjoy the morning sun, but avoid too much direct light. They’re jungle canopy plants so a little humidity is ok. This low-maintenance cactus has a wild and carefree look - add some eye-catching foliage to your home with these beauties!
Who is this type of cactus for?
The mistletoe cactus is pretty much maintenance-free! It will suit forgetful folk with sporadic watering schedules. If you don’t feel even slightly green-fingered or you’re looking for a plant gift without much responsibility involved, this unkillable plant bundle includes the Mistletoe cactus and the name says it all! This bunch should be able to handle even the most neglectful living situation.
Are you looking for a type of cactus that purifies the air? A renowned study by NASA called the Clean Air Report counts Rhipsalis amongst the most air-purifying plants.
Fun fact: Rhipsalis is the only type of true cactus to grow outside of North and South America!
Spiral Cactus
Looking for a rare and different type of cactus? The spiral cactus is a work of art!
This towering twist of green was brought to Europe in the 1980s at a very high price. The relatively rare and collectable Cereus spiralis is native to South America and is related to the popular cactus variety of Cereus forbesii. It is also known as Cereus forbesii spirali, Cereus peruvianus tortulosus, twisted cereus, and contorted cereus.
This type of cactus is one for the aloof plant parents! It thrives on neglect and requires very little watering. The spiral cactus likes a warm room with plenty of sunlight, but avoid direct sun until the plant is well established, otherwise it might scorch.
In the wild, it can grow to 4 metres, but indoors it will remain much smaller, if it’s not repotted regularly! If you would like it to grow tall, repot with cactus soil every 1-2 years.
A wild spiral cactus develops waxy pink and white flowers in the summer, although this is a rare occurrence when it’s kept as an indoor plant - so don’t be disappointed.
This type of cactus strongly dislikes humidity, so avoid bathrooms and steamy kitchens!
Who is this type of cactus for?
The spiral cactus is a different type of cactus from the popular varieties typically seen in homes, so it suits anyone looking for something a bit quirky or interesting. It also suits beginners and anyone who wants a low-maintenance houseplant.
This type of cactus is non-toxic, but has some serious spines! So if you have curious children or animals, the spiral cactus should be kept out of reach.
Fun fact: The spiral cactus starts life without its spiral! Around 10cm tall the ridges will begin to twist, giving the cactus its unusual form.
A prickly end!
The fascinating world of different cactus plants is rather awe-inspiring! Who knew some types of cactus plants enjoyed high humidity, and others bear edible fruit? Or that night owls could have their very own night-blooming “Queen of the Night” cactus plant to keep them company?
With so many different types of cactus plants to choose from, finding one that suits your home can seem like a daunting task! The variety on offer here at Bloombox includes something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an addition to your indoor jungle or want an easygoing plant that can cope without care. We hope our guide has helped you to find the perfect type of cactus for you today!
