Flowering cactus are a great addition to any garden, offering beauty and low-maintenance care. There are many varieties of flowering cacti available, some of the most popular include the following with short descriptions and just a few tips.
Holiday Cactus
Thanksgiving Cactus – Thanksgiving cacti are easy to care for and usually flower from October through December. These cactus need bright, indirect light, moist soil, and a cool temperature range between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit (13-24 Celcius).
Christmas Cactus – A popular flowering cactus that blooms in the winter months and is easy to take care of. It tends to have a large variety of colors, making it a great choice for any garden. To care for this type of flowering cactus, make sure it has plenty of indirect light and occasional watering during the growing season, but don’t let it sit in water.
Easter Cactus – As the name implies, this flowering cactus blooms around Easter time. Just like the Christmas Cactus, this type of flowering cactus does best with plenty of indirect light and occasional watering during its growing season. Make sure to keep these plants well drained so they don’t get waterlogged.
More Unique Flowering Cactus
Moon Cactus – This unique-looking flowering cactus features a bright red or yellow ball on top of its green body. It thrives in indirect light and should only receive moderate watering during its growing season. Remember to make sure to keep the soil moderately moist but not soggy as too much water can cause root rot.
Barrel Cactus – These flowering cacti can feature beautiful flowers in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for any garden. They need plenty of sunlight and should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Make sure to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
Euphorbia Milii, or Crown of Thorns – This cactus is known for its beautiful blooms and vibrant colors, making it a popular choice among gardeners. They require bright light and regular watering during the summer months but should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Mammillaria Cacti, or Pincushion Cactus – This type of cactus is characterized by its small round shape and delicate spines. They require bright light but can be damaged if exposed to too much heat or sunlight. During the winter months, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Rebutia Cacti, or Arizona Rainbow Cactus – This type of cactus has bright blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and pink. They require moderate light and regular watering during the summer months but should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Echinocereus Cacti, or Hedgehog Cactus – This type of cactus is known for its bright flowers and spiny foliage. They require bright light, regular watering during the summer months and should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
And Just a few More!
Night Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum Oxypetalum) – is another popular choice for those looking to add a flowering cactus to their garden. This type of cactus has fragrant, white-petaled flowers that bloom at night and only last for a few hours before the flower wilts. Night Blooming Cereus requires bright but indirect light and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Peniocereus Greggii – is a desert-dwelling, climbing cactus that sports gorgeous white and magenta flowers. This type of flowering cactus requires full sun exposure and should be watered only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Echinopsis – is an easy-to-care-for cactus with vibrant, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and yellow. This type of cactus prefers bright but indirect light and should be watered when the soil feels dry.
Pereskia Grandifolia – This is a common type of flowering cactus with bright yellow flowers. It grows well in full sun and requires minimal water.
Soil type for Flowering Cacti
When it comes to growing a flowering cactus, make sure you have the right soil type. Cacti require well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. I use succulent potting soil that I add perlite and sand to increase drainage. This will help ensure that your flowering cactus gets the water it needs without causing root rot.
Best Pot type for Flowering Cacti
When you’re choosing a pot for your flowering cactus, make sure to choose one that is unglazed and made of either terracotta or clay. These pots are breathable which helps to keep the soil from becoming waterlogged. Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
Caring for your Flowering Cactus
Caring for flowering cacti is fairly straightforward. Most cactus species require a lot of sunlight and well-draining soil. During winter months, most cacti need a period of dormancy, during which you should water them less often. I like to use water specifically for cactus watering (such as rain or distilled water) as it has fewer minerals than tap water. Finally, be sure to fertilize your cactus every couple of weeks during the growing season. With proper care and attention, your flowering cactus will bring beauty to your garden for years to come!
Happy Gardening!
There are many types of flowering cacti to choose from when considering adding them to your garden. From Barrel Cactus and Euphorbia Milii to Night Blooming Cereus, Peniocereus Greggii, and Echinopsis, each type has its unique characteristics that make it a great choice for any garden. Just be sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and the right amount of water. With proper care and attention, your flowering cactus will bring beauty to your garden for years to come!
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!