I’ve always enjoyed having plants around the house, and cacti are some of my favorites because they need little care and still look great.
They don’t require much water, which makes them perfect for busy people or anyone new to indoor gardening.
If you’re wondering what kinds of cacti grow well inside, I’ve put together a list of 15 cactus plants that thrive indoors and brighten up any room.
These cacti fit in small spaces and don’t need loads of sunlight, so keeping them healthy is a breeze. They bring a touch of nature into your home with very little effort.
1. Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro cactus stands out with its tall, column-like shape and those unmistakable arms. I love how it brings a dramatic desert vibe indoors.
It grows best in well-draining soil and needs a bright spot to do well. I feed mine with a balanced cactus fertilizer during the growing season.
- It handles moderate cold but prefers warmer spots.
- It pairs well with plants like agaves and aloes.
Growing one takes patience, but it’s totally worth it for that desert feel.
2. Easter Cactus
The Easter Cactus offers beautiful, star-shaped flowers in red, pink, white, and orange. It usually blooms around spring, right when you need a pop of color.
This cactus prefers bright, indirect light and stays compact—about 12-15 inches tall. I keep the soil just slightly moist and avoid harsh sunlight.
It adapts well to regular home conditions, so you really don’t have to fuss over it much.
3. Moon Cactus
The Moon Cactus is a fun little plant with a bright, neon top. It instantly stands out in any room—almost looks unreal sometimes.
I keep mine away from direct sunlight. Just a bit of bright, indirect light does the trick.
I let the soil dry out before watering again. Too much water is a no-go with this one.
If you want a cactus that adds color and doesn’t ask for much, the Moon Cactus is a winner.
4. Golden Barrel Cactus
The Golden Barrel Cactus grabs attention with its round shape and bright yellow spines. It brings a cool, modern look to any room.
This one needs lots of sunlight—think six to eight hours a day. I water it only when the top couple inches of soil are dry.
It’s slow-growing and super easy to care for, so it’s ideal for beginners.
5. Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus has flat, paddle-shaped pads and sometimes produces colorful fruit. I love how unique it looks indoors.
I keep mine by a south-facing window for plenty of sun. It needs well-draining soil and just occasional watering—too much water is a problem.
If winter gets chilly, I bring it inside to keep it safe. It’s about as low-maintenance as it gets, but really livens up a room.
6. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is a favorite because it blooms in winter when you need color most. It doesn’t need a ton of sun and does just fine indoors.
It likes daytime temps around 70°F and cool nights above 50°F. I use sandy, well-draining soil to help prevent overwatering.
When buds appear, I’ll give it a high-potassium fertilizer. It also appreciates some humidity, so I keep it near other plants.
7. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
The Old Lady Cactus is easy to care for and fits perfectly in small pots—usually about 4 to 6 inches wide. Its soft, white spines look almost like hair, which gives it a quirky charm.
Sometimes it rewards you with tiny pink flowers. I keep mine in bright light but shield it from direct sun. Water only when dry, and it can handle cooler temps but not freezing.
8. Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
The Bunny Ear Cactus is easy-going and has small, flat pads that look like bunny ears covered in tiny, soft spines. It’s a fun one for any collection.
It does well indoors with bright light. I water only when the soil dries out to avoid root rot.
It grows happily in a pot and doesn’t need much attention—just the way I like it.
9. Fishhook Barrel Cactus
The Fishhook Barrel Cactus has a unique shape and curved spines. It grows slowly and can eventually reach about 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide.
In spring, it blooms with colorful flowers that attract birds and bees. I give it bright light and careful watering—about 0.8 cups every 12 days works well for mine.
10. Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
The Ladyfinger Cactus is small, easy to keep, and has finger-like stems packed together. Its soft spines look golden or white, which adds a nice touch.
It needs bright light but not too much direct sun. I water it only when the soil is dry, which ends up being about every two weeks.
In spring and summer, it might bloom with small pink or yellow flowers. It’s a good starter cactus for anyone.
11. Hedgehog Cactus
The Hedgehog Cactus adds a unique touch with its small, spiky shape. It doesn’t need much water, so it’s perfect if you’re busy or forgetful.
It likes bright, indirect light and warm temps between 70-90°F. When it’s happy, you might see colorful flowers in pink, peach, or orange.
I dust off the spines every now and then. It’s low maintenance but really brightens up a space.
12. Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
The Star Cactus is a favorite for its unique round shape and star-like look. It’s got eight ribs and tiny white dots, and it’s basically spine-free.
I give it plenty of light and very little water. It grows slowly but sometimes rewards patience with beautiful flowers.
Well-draining soil is a must, and overwatering is a no-no.
13. Parodia Magnifica
Parodia Magnifica stays small—about 6 inches tall—and is easy to care for. Its bright green-blue color and golden spines add fun texture to any space.
It loves bright light and well-draining soil. I mix in sand and perlite to keep the roots from getting soggy.
Its yellow flowers bloom in late spring or early summer, but you’ll need a bit of patience for those.
14. Totem Pole Cactus (Pachycereus schottii)
The Totem Pole Cactus stands out with its smooth, column-like stems. It grows slowly and can eventually reach 6-8 feet indoors—makes a bold statement, honestly.
This cactus craves bright light and barely any water. I wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
If you want an easy plant that makes a big impression, this one’s it.
15. Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii)
I love keeping the Silver Torch Cactus indoors. Its tall, skinny columns look a bit wild, and the soft, white spines remind me of fuzzy hair.
This cactus likes bright light. I let the soil dry out before giving it a drink, which makes it pretty low-maintenance.
It shows off red flowers that barely open, adding some quirky charm. I try to keep it away from cold drafts since it really prefers warmth.
Care Tips for Indoor Cactus Plants
When you care for a cactus indoors, you need to pay attention to light, water, and soil. These basics keep your cactus happy and growing well.
Once you get the hang of it, it’s not as tricky as it sounds.
Light Requirements
Cacti really need bright light to do well. I keep mine near a south-facing window so it can soak up direct sun for a few hours each day.
If your home doesn’t get much sunlight, a grow light can help. Not enough light makes the cactus look weak and pale, while too much sudden sun can actually burn it and leave white or brown spots.
It’s best to move your cactus into more sun gradually. I turn my pots every so often so they don’t lean or grow lopsided.
Bright, indirect light works for some cacti, but honestly, most seem to crave strong light.
Watering Best Practices
I stick with the “soak and dry” method. I water the soil thoroughly, then wait until it’s bone dry before watering again.
Overwatering is the main thing that kills indoor cacti. Usually, I water every 2-4 weeks, and even less in winter when the plant isn’t growing much.
If the soil feels dry at least an inch down, it’s time for water. I use room-temperature water and make sure there’s no water sitting in the bottom of the pot.
Pots with drainage holes make life a lot easier and help avoid soggy roots.
Soil and Potting Recommendations
Picking the right soil really matters if you want your cactus to thrive. I usually reach for a mix made for succulents or cacti—it drains fast and doesn’t trap too much water.
Look for soil with sand, perlite, or pumice. Those ingredients help air move around the roots, which is exactly what you want.
Skip regular potting soil. It just hangs onto water for too long, and cacti don’t appreciate that.
Pots need drainage holes. Seriously, don’t skip this step.
If you’ve got a pretty pot with no holes, just tuck your cactus into a smaller plastic pot with holes and set that inside.
Plan to repot every couple of years. It refreshes the soil and gives the plant some breathing room.
And, yeah, watch out for those spines when you’re moving your cactus. They’re no joke.
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