Different Cacti for Plant Lovers; Beginner Edition
If you’ve been feeling the call to embrace your inner “crazy plant lady,” an indoor cactus or cacti for beginners is a great place to start. Did you know all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti? All succulents store water in their stem or foliage, but cacti also feature areoles, the little bumps on the outside of the plant that the spines grow from.
The cacti for beginners is a great addition to the home thanks to its striking shape, size, and flowers. Seeing as no cactus plant is the same, this houseplant is a unique, decorative way to add interest to your living space, whether it’s perched on your windowsill or styled on a shelf.
Whoever introduces flexible gardening gloves impervious to spines and glochids will likely make a fortune. Regardless, if they haven’t already, tool manufacturers will see an uptick in interest in long-handled tweezers, calipers, hemostats, narrow-bladed scissors, and other items that enable gardeners to groom and handle cacti without touching them.
Are cactuses really hard to kill?
No, if you’ve ever killed a cactus you are not alone. The easiest way is by overwatering, poor drainage, and using the wrong compost.
Ordinary potting compost holds water well, which is a huge bonus for most plants, but not for cacti, as they need very good drainage. If you want to keep them alive, it’s best to use specialist cactus soil instead.
Fairy castle cactus
Who knew a cactus could be whimsical? The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 6 feet in height. Take note that the Fairy Castle Cactus rarely produces flowers—they’re often sold with artificial blooms attached.
Golden barrels
Unsurprisingly, succulent aficionados were initially drawn to echeverias and other rosette succulents with streamlined, sculptural forms naturally progress. Plus they want something new. Cacti meets aesthetic requirements and also has an edginess that makes them “not your grandma’s succulents.”
There’s a surging interest in succulent oddities as well, resulting in windowsill gardens with a vaguely extraterrestrial look.
Feather cactus
Don’t be fooled! The white “feathers” on this cactus look fluffy and soft, but they act as camouflage for the sharp spines that cover the surface.
Old lady cactus
The old lady cactus, a type of powder puff cactus, is covered with spines and white down, hence its name. This easy-to-grow plant is a great choice for a beginner.
So how often should you water a cactus?
It’s best to give more water in spring/summer and less in winter. Remember, avoid over-watering. It’s better to allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering the plant again.
And what are the best varieties for beginners?
Moon cactus (Gymnocalycium) have very colorful tops, usually red or yellow. These aren’t flowers so the color is there all year round.
Bunny ear cactus (Opuntia), also known as polka dot cactus, have spots of golden bristles against a green background so they look modern and geometric. And the spiny Pincushion cactus (Mammillaria) is easy to grow and has lovely little pink flowers.
Key takeaway
‘Every cactus is a succulent, but not all succulents are cacti for beginners,’ explains Thejoyofplants.co.uk. ‘Like many other succulents, cacti have succulent properties – the ability to store moisture in their thick fleshy trunks and stems. These reservoirs are used to bridge periods of drought.’ Especially for decorating your home.
