Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
The whimsical moniker might not be the most elegant, yet this charming cactus is effortless to cultivate. It dons a wreath of vibrant magenta blossoms in spring if exposed to cooler climes (45 to 55 degrees) during winter. Hydrate only when predominantly arid.
Bloom time: SpringUSDA Hardiness zones: 11
rainbow Hedgehog (Echinocereus rigidissimus)
Boasting a rounded silhouette and a mesmerizing geometric spine arrangement, this cactus’s hues transition from pink to yellow with age. It thrives in brilliant light, yielding vivid pink flowers. Favor drought conditions, thus water very sparingly.
Bloom time: Late spring to early summerUSDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Little Mouse (rebutia miniscula)
This diminutive, clustering cactus is utterly delightful! Its appearance varies, typically forming rounded clumps adorned with slender, funnel-shaped flowers in hues of red, yellow, orange, or white. Hydrate only when predominantly dry.
Bloom time: Mid-springUSDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Tom Thumb (Parodia mammulosa)
With a spherical form and a flattened apex, this cactus features 18 vertical ribs lined with sharp spines. It favors bright, indirect sunlight over direct exposure. Hydrate only when predominantly dry. The golden-yellow blossoms span 2 inches in width.
Bloom time: SpringUSDA Hardiness zones: 7 to 10
Scarlet Ball (Parodia haselbergii)
This petite, rounded cactus is adorned with delicate spines, creating an almost fuzzy appearance. Its striking orange-red flowers provide a stunning contrast to the white spines. It requires bright sunlight and infrequent watering.
Bloom time: Late winterUSDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Two-spined Cactus (Mammilaria geminispina)
This cylindrical cactus typically grows in clusters. Provide ample sunlight to encourage dense spine formation. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. The magenta flowers stand out against the white spines.
Bloom time: SpringUSDA Hardiness zones: 9 to 11
Domino Cactus (Echinopsis subdenudata)
This small, round cactus is speckled with woolly white spots, reminiscent of a domino. Its white blooms are notably fragrant. It thrives in full sunlight and requires infrequent watering.
Bloom time: SummerUSDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Torch Cactus (Trichocereus grandiflorus)
renowned for its stunning midwinter floral display in pink, red, yellow, or orange, this columnar cactus thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Bloom time: Winter to early springUSDA Hardiness zones: 8 to 11
Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp)
The Prickly Pear cactus, with its flat, oval pads covered in spines, attracts pollinators with its pink blossoms, which contrast beautifully with the plant’s stark spines. Many varieties exist with varying degrees of cold hardiness. Provide full sunlight and water only when completely dry.
Bloom time: SpringUSDA Hardiness zones: 5 to 9
Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
This upright, tree-like cactus has a trunk topped with branches cloaked in silvery spines, resembling a cuddly teddy bear from a distance. It thrives in full sunlight and requires minimal watering. Greenish flowers appear on the tips of the stems.
Bloom time: SummerUSDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Blue Candle (Myrtillocactus geometrizan)
This columnar cactus displays a bluish hue. Its large, showy flowers emerge in bloom. Provide full sunlight, with partial shade in extremely hot desert climates.
Bloom time: SpringUSDA Hardiness zones: 9 to 11
Angel Wing (Opuntia microdasys)
Also known as the bunny ears cactus, this plant boasts large, flat pads with cotton-like dots called glochids. These barbed bristles can pierce gloves, so handle with caution. The pads grow in pairs, resembling ears or wings. Provide full sunlight and water sparingly when mostly dry. Yellow, cup-shaped flowers rarely appear.
Bloom time: rare; spring or summerUSDA Hardiness zones: 9 to 11
Miniature Saguaro (Euphorbia aeruginosa)
This intriguing dwarf cactus, with its copper-green branches and reddish spines, thrives in pots and grows faster than many cacti. It prefers partial sunlight and requires watering only when predominantly dry.
Bloom time: Late winter to early springUSDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 11
Cathedral Cactus (Euphorbia trigona)
Despite being called a cactus, this fast-growing succulent has triangular stems that develop small leaves on new growth. It thrives in direct sunlight and requires watering only when predominantly dry. It rarely flowers, particularly as a houseplant.
Bloom time: rare; spring or summerUSDA Hardiness zones: 9 to 11
Easter Lily Cactus (Echinopsis subdenudata)
These small, rounded cacti feature numerous ribs and stout spines. They are renowned for their large, pink or white flowers, which open in the evening and close by midday on woolly stems. Provide direct sunlight, with afternoon shade if grown outdoors. Water only when predominantly dry.
