Types of Cactus at a Glance

The old version of this page used Portuguese names such as “Sianinha” (fishbone cactus), “Mandacaru” (a Brazilian Cereus species) and “semaphore cactus”. The table above uses the names you will find in English-speaking garden centers. Hardiness for types without a source is general guidance.

Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria): The Classic Indoor Cactus

NC State describes Mammillaria as a genus of 147 accepted species. The name comes from the Latin for “nipple”, after the small bumps (tubercles) on the stems. These are among the most popular types of cactus for windowsills.

NC State highlights cultivars such as ladyfinger cactus (M. elongata), old lady cactus (M. hahniana) and rose pincushion cactus (M. zeilmanniana), which is only about 2.3 inches tall with violet to purple-pink flowers.

Easter Lily Cactus (Echinopsis)

NC State notes that Echinopsis produces large, funnel-shaped, showy flowers on long stalks that open in the late evening in spring or summer and usually last only one day, in white, pink, red or orange. The plants need full sun (with some afternoon shade in very hot climates), well-drained sandy or rocky soil, or cactus potting mix in pots. Overwatering causes root rot. A pot of Echinopsis on a sunny patio table is a wonderful surprise when it suddenly bursts into bloom.

Prickly Pears (Opuntia)

Prickly pears have flat, paddle-shaped pads. The eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) is native to the eastern and central United States; NC State gives USDA zones 4a to 9b, full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soil. It produces yellow flowers 2 to 3 inches across and edible fruit that ripens to red or purple.

NC State warns that eastern prickly pear has clusters of barbed bristles (glochids) that get into the skin and cause irritation. Always wear protective gloves.

Other popular Opuntia types include bunny ears (Opuntia microdasys) for indoor decor, purple-padded prickly pears for color on a hot patio, and Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) for large containers in warm climates.

Column Cacti (Cereus and Pilosocereus)

Tall, upright column cacti add height to cactus decor. Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus) and blue column cactus (Pilosocereus) are popular choices; in their natural habitats they become tree-sized, but in pots they grow slowly. Give them full sun, a heavy pot so they do not tip over, and a cool, dry rest in winter (general practice). In cold climates, they spend summer on the patio and winter indoors.

Barrel Cacti (Echinocactus and Ferocactus)

Round barrel cacti, such as golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii) and Ferocactus species, are slow-growing statement plants with strong spines. They need full sun and a very well-drained mix and are not frost hardy, so in most regions they are grown in pots that come indoors for winter (general practice). A single golden barrel in a wide, shallow bowl makes a striking table centerpiece on a sunny patio.

Holiday and Fishbone Cacti: Forest Cacti

Not all cacti come from deserts. Forest cacti grow on trees in humid forests and need different care:

Fishbone cactus, with its zigzag, flat stems, is another forest cactus that looks great in a hanging basket in bright, indirect light. For watering forest cacti versus desert cacti, see our guide on how to water cacti and succulents.

The Best Cactus for Beginners

Any cactus for beginners succeeds with three things: lots of light, a gritty mix and very little water. The University of Minnesota advises watering thoroughly and always letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.

Cold Hardy Cactus for Gardens and Patios

Most cacti are frost-tender, but some can stay outside all year. NC State lists the eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) for USDA zones 4a to 9b, and Echinopsis for zones 8b to 11b. A cold hardy cactus needs:

• Full sun: NC State notes eastern prickly pear does not tolerate shade.
• Excellent drainage: sandy or rocky soil, a raised bed or a slope.
• Dry winters as much as possible: winter wet is a bigger risk than cold.
• No mulch of wet organic material around the base; gravel works better.

A raised bed with gritty soil makes it much easier to grow a cold hardy cactus in a wet climate; see how to build a raised garden bed. For other plants that love heat and sun, see our guide to full sun plants.

Cactus Decor Ideas

Decorative gravel on top of the soil is fine; a gravel layer at the bottom of the pot is not, because it keeps the soil above it wetter (see our gardening myths). The old version of this page warned that bathroom humidity makes cacti “ill”; the real problem in bathrooms is usually too little light. Cactus decor works best in your sunniest spot.

Basic Cactus Care

The old version of this page advised watering weekly on hot days and every two weeks on cold days. Indoors in winter, that is far too often for most desert cacti. Check the soil instead.

Handling Cacti Safely

• Wear thick gloves; NC State specifically recommends protective gloves for prickly pears with glochids.
• Use folded newspaper or kitchen tongs to hold a cactus when repotting.
• Remove glochids from skin with tape rather than rubbing.
• Place spiny cacti out of reach of children and pets.
• Choose spineless or soft-spined types, such as Christmas cactus or old lady cactus, for busy households.

See our gardening gloves guide for puncture-resistant gloves.

Which Types of Cactus Flower Most Easily?

The University of Minnesota notes that many cacti bloom indoors when they get good light, dry soil and cool nights in winter. That winter rest is the key: a cactus kept warm and watered all winter rarely flowers. Of all types of cactus, Mammillaria and Echinopsis are the most reliable bloomers for beginners.

Common Mistakes with Cacti

What You Need

Related Guides

More guides for cacti, succulents and sunny spots:

• How to water cacti and succulents
• How to propagate a jade plant
• Full sun plants for hot gardens and patios
• Container gardening
• Gardening myths debunked
• How to save a dying plant

Frequently Asked Questions