Cacti are versatile and low-maintenance plants that can brighten any indoor or outdoor space. Known for their unique shapes, stunning flowers, and drought tolerance, they’re a favorite among plant enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece for your living room or a standout feature in your garden, this guide introduces 23 types of cacti that thrive in various settings.
Each option includes a description, where it grows best, and basic care tips to help you keep your cacti happy and healthy- all brought to you from reliable extension sources.
1. Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium baldianum)
Image Credit: Petar43 – Own work,- CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
With its clumping growth and pink flowers, this petite cactus grows to about 3 to 5 inches tall, making it perfect for small spaces.
Thrives Best: Indoors or outdoors in warm, dry climates.
Care Tips: Place it in bright, indirect sunlight and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
2. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
Image Credit: Own Work, CC BY-SA 2.5/Wiki Commons.
Named for its white, hair-like spines, this adorable cactus produces hot pink flowers in a halo pattern during spring.
Thrives Best: Indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in warm, arid locations.
Care Tips: Give it plenty of light, cooler winter temperatures, and water sparingly when the soil dries out.
3. Bunny Ears (Opuntia microdasys)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
This cactus is known for its flat, ear-like pads adorned with dots of soft glochids, which resemble tiny tufts of cotton.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in full sun or indoors with strong light.
Care Tips: Water sparingly when the soil is completely dry. Handle with caution, as its glochids can irritate skin.
4. Rainbow Hedgehog (Echinocereus rigidissimus)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
With vibrant spines that start pink and fade into yellow as it matures, this rounded cactus adds a burst of color to any space.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in sunny regions or indoors in bright light.
Care Tips: Provide well-draining soil and water sparingly to avoid root rot.
5. Ric Rac Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
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Also called the fishbone cactus, its zigzagging, flat stems give it a dramatic, sculptural vibe.
Thrives Best: Indoors with plenty of bright, indirect light.
Care Tips: Water when the topsoil feels dry, but ensure it doesn’t sit in water.
6. Lithops (Lithops spp.)
Image Credit: photographed by Egor V. Pasko, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.
Nicknamed “living stones,” these small succulents mimic pebbles (or even brains) and come in earthy tones.
Thrives Best: Indoors in bright sunlight.
Care Tips: Water sparingly, especially during their dormancy, and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting.
7. Turk’s Cap Cactus (Melocactus spp.)
Image Credit: GerardM at Dutch Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
This round cactus appears to wear a bright, barrel-shaped “cap,” which is actually a cluster of flowers.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in warm climates or indoors in a sunny spot.
Care Tips: Provide sandy, well-draining soil and very sparse watering.
8. Cereus Cactus (Cereus peruvianus)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Known for its dramatic upright growth, this cactus can reach great heights in the right conditions.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in full sun or indoors with strong light exposure.
Care Tips: Keep it in sandy, well-draining soil and water sparingly when dry.
9. Monkey Tail Cactus (Cleistocactus colademononis)
Image Credit: MMFE – Own work,- CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
This trailing cactus boasts fuzzy, hair-like spines along stems that can grow up to five feet long.
Thrives Best: Indoors in bright, indirect light or outdoors in mild climates.
Care Tips: Water only when the soil is completely dry and avoid overwatering during cooler months.
10. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
With long, pencil-thin, trailing stems, this tropical cactus thrives without intense sunlight.
Thrives Best: Indoors in bright, indirect light and humid environments.
Care Tips: Water when the top inches of soil feel dry to the touch and mist occasionally.
11. Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)
Image Credit: David J. Stang – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
Tall, columnar stems resembling organ pipes define this striking cactus.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in hot, arid climates with plenty of full sun.
Care Tips: Water only sparingly and avoid irrigation in winter.
12. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Image Credit: JennTM – Own work – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
This festive cactus produces flowers in vibrant pink, red, or orange hues.
Thrives Best: Indoors with bright, indirect sunlight.
Care Tips: To encourage blooming, reduce light exposure to 12–14-hour darkness periods in fall. Water when mostly dry.
13. Bunny Tail Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
Image Credit: David J. Stang – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
With tiny, golden spines that resemble soft fur, this cactus creates a delicate, textured look.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in sunlight or indoors in small, decorative pots.
Care Tips: Position in bright, direct light and water when the soil has fully dried out.
14. Scarlet Ball (Parodia haselbergii)
Image Credit: Averater – Own work – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
A petite, rounded cactus with vivid red flowers, this type is both eye-catching and easy to maintain.
Thrives Best: Indoors in brightly lit spaces.
Care Tips: Water infrequently and ensure soil has excellent drainage.
15. Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)
Image Credit: Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
Bright spring blooms and flat green segments make this cactus a charming choice.
Thrives Best: Indoors in indirect sunlight.
Care Tips: Keep soil slightly moist during blooming season and allow drying in between waterings.
16. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Its spherical shape and golden yellow spines make it a desert classic.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in hot, sunny climates.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and use sandy soil to enhance drainage.
17. Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii)
Image Credit: David J. Stang – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
Covered in soft, silvery spines, this columnar cactus is a visually striking option.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in mild climates or indoors with plenty of sun.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and avoid too much humidity.
18. Tiger Jaws (Faucaria tuberculosa)
Image Credit: Matjaž Wigele – Own work – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
The sharp, triangular leaves of this succulent resemble open jaws.
Thrives Best: Indoors near a sunny windowsill.
Care Tips: Keep the soil well-drained and water only when fully dry.
19. Two-Spined Cactus (Mammillaria geminispina)
Image Credit: Diego Delso – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
This cylindrical cactus forms clusters of spines with magenta flowers adorning its apex.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in bright sunlight or indoors on a sunny windowsill.
Care Tips: Allow soil to dry between waterings and position in well-lit areas.
20. Rainbow Cactus (Echinofossulocactus multicostatus)
Image Credit: Tangopaso – Self-photographed, Public Domain – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
Known for its colorful blooms, this cactus is as vibrant as its name when the flowers appear.
Thrives Best: Indoors in bright, indirect light.
Care Tips: Ensure the soil drains well and water sparingly when the topsoil is dry. Reduce watering significantly in winter to encourage spring blooming.
21. Turk’s Turban (Mammillaria spinosissima)
Image Credit: Dornenwolf from Deutschland – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.
This cactus forms a crown of flaming-red flowers, resembling a turban.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in arid conditions or indoors in sunny areas.
Care Tips: Provide well-ventilated spaces and water when the soil is completely dry.
22. Rebutia Cactus (Rebutia spp.)
Image Credit: Sida – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.
These small, clumping cacti boast bright flowers that burst into bloom in spring.
Thrives Best: Indoors or outdoors in warm regions.
Care Tips: Allow soil to dry completely before watering and ensure proper light exposure.
23. Angel Wing Cactus (Opuntia albispina)
Image Credit: David J. Stang – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.
Its flat, oval-shaped pads arranged like angel wings make it a striking choice.
Thrives Best: Outdoors in full, direct sun or indoors in bright spaces.
Care Tips: Water sparingly and ensure excellent drainage to avoid excess moisture.
There’s a Cactus You’ll Love
Image Credit: Tangopaso – Self-photographed – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.
From cacti with striking spines to those with eye-catching flowers, this diverse list of options ensures there’s a cactus for every plant lover’s taste. Whether indoors or outdoors, these desert beauties are low-maintenance and add unique charm to any space. With proper care, they can thrive for many years, making them a long-lasting addition to your plant family.
