The cactus family has its origins in exotic locations, but nowadays, most species are being successfully cultivated to enhance the beauty of our outdoor rock gardens and indoor pots with their peculiar shapes. What makes cacti even more appealing is that they can bloom. When this happens, they become the star attraction of any space. These small and thorny plants transform into surprisingly delicate flowers that can rival even the perfection of orchids. If you’re looking to add a touch of unexpected beauty to your collection, you should definitely check out our Flowering Cactus Plants. One such example is the Bishop’s Hat Cactus.
The Bishop’s Hat is a type of cactus that is indigenous to the northern region of Mexico and can be found growing on limestone at elevations between 1500-2000 meters. Its unique and striking appearance is due to its succulent ribs that are accentuated by white curved scales. During the summer, the Bishop’s Hat produces beautiful bell-shaped yellow flowers that emit a delightful fragrance. Although this cactus is relatively easy to cultivate, it has a slow maturation process and is susceptible to rotting. Its botanical name is Astrophytum myriostigma, and it was featured on Monaco Nature. Additionally, the Old Lady Cactus is another species worth noting.
The Old Lady Cactus is commonly found in South America, southern parts of North America, and middle terrains with deserts. This beautiful Mamilaria cactus has an alluring oval shape and is one of the easiest flowering cacti to cultivate. It thrives best in sunny spots within offices or homes and boasts small pink blossoms when in bloom. Just like any other cactus, the Mamilaria requires frequent watering during summer and a lot of sunshine. Its botanical name is Mammillaria hahniana. Another noteworthy cactus is the Fairy Castle Cactus.
Here’s a fascinating indoor plant known as the Starfish Cactus. Its name is derived from its distinctive shape, which features stems with five sides and woolly-based spines. As it grows, this cactus develops branches that gradually lengthen and culminate in its unique form.
As with all cacti, the Starfish Cactus requires plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. While it doesn’t bloom often, this plant does produce beautiful white flowers – but only under ideal growing conditions, and at night.
Known by its botanical name, Cereus tetragonus, the Starfish Cactus usually blooms in the spring and summer after about a decade of growth. It’s a great choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts looking to add a touch of the exotic to their homes or offices.
The Starfish Cactus is a type of succulent that thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. It is not commonly found in the wild, but rather grown as an indoor plant due to its rarity. The stems of the cactus are thick and without spines, consisting of segments that reach a height of about 10 cm. During flowering season, the Starfish Cactus produces stunning green and yellow five-ray star-shaped flowers. Interestingly, the flower emits a pungent odor that attracts various insects for pollination purposes.
Direct sunlight is not suitable for the Starfish Cactus, as it may cause damage to the plant during hot summer days. Therefore, it is best to grow it in partial shade, which mimics its natural habitat. Its botanical name is Stapelia, and it usually blooms during the summer months. Another type of cactus worth mentioning is the Easter Cactus.
The Christmas cactus is a unique species that features stem-like structures without any spines, which hang down in a cascading pattern. These stems are quite flat and vary in length from 4 to 6 cm. The flowers of the cactus emerge at the end of these stems, which are not pointed but rather cut. The blooms come in a range of colors from red, orange, pink to white. This cactus is a popular choice for indoor house plants, particularly during the colder months, due to its long-lasting flowering period. Its botanical name is Schlumberger truncata, and it typically blooms during fall and winter. Another fascinating cactus variety is the Balloon Cactus.
Wow, the Balloon Cactus is truly impressive! Not only is it simple to grow, but it also blooms effortlessly. What’s fascinating about this cactus is that it’s listed as a protected species in the international red book. It naturally thrives in cool, dry fields at elevations of up to 800 meters. However, it’s not fond of low temperatures, so when the temperature drops, consider moving it indoors. The Parodia is adorned with two gorgeous yellow flowers with shiny petals and typically blooms during the summer months. Its botanical name is Notocactus magnificus. This information was obtained via World of Succulents. Lastly, the Schlosser Cactus is another species worth exploring.
The Schlosser Cactus is a unique plant with a single stem that has a short cylindrical or spherical shape. When fully grown, it can reach up to one meter in height, and its ribbed stems are dark green in color. The top part of each rib features clusters of spines in vivid shades of red and yellow. This cactus produces bell or funnel-shaped flowers at the top of the stem during summer. The flowers come in various colors such as orange, red, or yellow. However, their beauty lasts only for seven days. Its botanical name is Notocactus schlosseri, and it is available for purchase at Welgrow Horti Trading. Another interesting plant is the Rosy Pincushion Cactus.
Meet the Rosy Pincushion Cactus, a spiky little plant native to Mexico. This cactus boasts a shiny, green stem that comes in either a spherical or oval shape, and usually grows up to 12 cm high and 8 cm in diameter. Its funnel-shaped flowers are clustered at the top of the plant, and range in color from pale violet to about 2 cm in diameter. You may also know it as its scientific name, Mammillaria zeilmanniana. Flowering time for this cactus can occur at any time of the year. Now, let’s talk about the Lincoln Gem Cactus…
Originally from Argentina, the Powder Puff Cactus gets its name from the Greek word “chamai,” meaning to creep on the ground. This type of cactus is relatively small with a maximum height of 10 cm and a stem diameter of only 1 cm. Its branches are long and light green in color. After three years of growth, the Powder Puff Cactus produces flowers that bloom for only two days. The flowers are typically wider than the stems, with a vivid orange color and a diameter of approximately 3 cm. The Powder Puff Cactus blooms during the summer and has the botanical name Chamecereus silvestri. For low-maintenance landscapes, the Powder Puff Cactus is one of the 40 most beautiful drought-tolerant plants available.
The Powder Puff cactus is a rare and protected species found in Mexico. Its unique appearance features a hemispherical shape and soft white spines that cover it thickly. This cactus grows quickly and produces small round offsets around its parent plant. Its flowers are usually small and come in a variety of colors such as white, yellow, pink, or red. If you plan to grow this cactus in your garden, it’s important to note that it can only thrive in zones 9b to 11b. For other areas, it’s best to pot the plant and keep it indoors. The botanical name for this cactus is Mammillaria bocasana, and it typically blooms in the spring. This information was provided by Mountain Crest Gardens.
On another note, the Rat Tail Cactus is also a fascinating plant with its unique appearance. Further information about this cactus will be elaborated on in another article.
Aporocactus, a cactus plant, can be found natively in Mexico. Although there are 6 species of this plant in nature, only Aporocactus flagelliformis is suitable for domestic growth. This particular plant has light green stems with rib-like extensions that hang down from the pot. Its spines are short and resemble fur, with a yellow-brown color. The flowers of the Aporocactus are a vibrant pink and can grow up to 7 cm in diameter, giving the plant an attractive appearance, especially when they bloom abundantly. The Aporocactus is a low maintenance plant and only needs the thin or damaged sprouts to be trimmed. Its botanical name is Aporocactus flagelliformis and it usually blooms at the end of winter. Another popular cactus plant is the Silver Torch Cactus.
The well-known type of cactus known as the Silver Torch Cactus is recognized for its straight appearance. Its stems are colored green-grey and can reach an impressive height of 3 meters while only measuring up to 15 cm in diameter. The cactus is covered in dense spines, giving it a hairy texture. At a height of 45 cm or more, the Silver Torch Cactus blooms with many red tube-shaped flowers that remain closed. This cactus is scientifically named Cleistocactus strausii and blooms towards the end of summer. Another type of cactus is the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus.
The Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus may resemble a water lily or orchid, but it’s actually part of the cacti family and blossoms at night with sizable flowers. Its stems have transformed into flat, delicate, and wide leaves, which is also why new leaves sprout from the existing ones. The flowers bear a striking resemblance to those of the water lily – approximately 20 cm in diameter and white in color. You’ll only be able to witness this plant’s blooms after three years of growth and only during the night when the petals unfurl. Its botanical name is Epiphyllum oxypetalum, and it typically flowers during the spring and summer seasons. This fascinating plant is also known as the Orchid Cactus.
The orchid cacti are easily identifiable due to their lengthy, juicy, flattened stems that hang off the base of the cactus. The foliage has the potential to grow to impressive lengths.
However, what sets this species apart is the exquisite flowers they produce. These flowers emerge from notches in the stem and produce edible fruits once pollinated. The blooms are quite impressive, displaying delicacy and perfection, but unfortunately, they tend to fade fairly quickly.
Scientifically known as Epiphyllum hybrids or Phyllocactus, these cacti bloom during the summer season.
One other cactus variety worth mentioning is the Spider Cactus.
The spider cactus earned its name due to its small, curved spines that resemble spider legs. Its stem is smooth and round with rounded ridges, while its spines are gentle to the touch. This flowering cactus is one of the easiest to cultivate, requiring full sun exposure and regular watering and fertilization. During summertime, the spider cactus blooms with creamy white flowers that can measure up to 7 cm in diameter. Its botanical name is Gƴmnocalƴcium oehnanthemum, and it can be found in Mama Nene’s Garden. Another interesting cactus variety is the Beavertail Cactus.
The Beavertail Cactus is a cactus of medium size that boasts beautiful rose-colored flowers. It can grow to feature numerous flattened pads with a blue-grey hue. Its flat stems and clustered arrangement make it a visually appealing choice for any rock garden. Its scientific name is Opuntia basilaris and it typically blooms from spring to early summer. Additionally, the Aƴlostera Cactus is another cactus species worth considering.
The Aƴlostera Cactus is a charming cactus that grows in clusters, creating low groups of branches at the ground level. It’s adorned with delicate pale pink flowers that bloom from the lower half of its stems, often hiding them due to their size. Despite its slow growth rate, this cactus is quite easy to maintain, making it an excellent addition to any garden, whether it’s a rocky outdoor space or an indoor garden. This cactus is scientifically known as Rebutia narvaecensis and typically blooms in the spring. Another name for it is Sulcorebutia Cactus.
The Sulcorebutia Cactus is a widely known species of cacti found in various parts of the world. It has a unique appearance with its globular and cylindrical stem that has a flattened top. This plant is adorned with many brightly colored flowers that make it an attractive addition to any garden or home. Its growth rate is slow, but it develops long and sturdy spines that provide it with protection from predators. The stem color of this cactus can range from greenish tints to gray-brown hues. Additionally, the root system of this cactus is strong and robust. The flowers of this plant usually grow on the top of its stem, forming a beautiful wreath. This cactus is also known as Sulcorebutia albissima and typically blooms during late spring.
Another popular cactus species is the Lobivia Cactus.
The Lobivia Cactus is named after the beautiful country of Bolivia where it originates from. It’s a small and compact succulent with a cylindrical stem and large flowers that are almost the same size as the stem. This charming cactus thrives in sunny areas with hot temperatures and requires moderate watering from March to September. However, during winter, it’s essential to reduce watering to once a month. Its botanical name is Echinopsis densispina Werderm, and it blooms in the spring season. Another fascinating cactus to look out for is the Mammillaria.
The Mammillaria Cactus is known for its spherical stem that branches out to form clusters. It has a green color, but the thick white spines give it a greyish appearance. The bell-shaped flowers are a striking bright purple color and bloom during the summer season. Its botanical name is Cochemiea guelzowiana. Another cactus that is worth mentioning is the Monk’s Hood Cactus.
The monk’s hood cactus is a fascinating plant with a distinctive cylindrical shape that can grow to be up to 2 meters tall and 30 cm wide. Its surface is covered in a layer of white flakes that act as natural protection from the sun. This cactus is an excellent choice for a rock garden centerpiece, provided that the soil is well-drained. It thrives in filtered light or shade and can withstand cold temperatures of up to 25°F. In the summer months, the plant produces long, striking yellow flowers. Its scientific name is Astrophytum ornatum, and it typically blooms in the summertime. Another intriguing cactus species is the Rebutia Cactus.
The Crown Cactus is a beautiful succulent that boasts delicate fire-orange flowers. It’s a tough plant, as it naturally grows on high slopes with harsh environmental conditions. This cactus has a small, cylindrical stem with vertical ribs that can reach great heights. The diameter of the stem is around 2 cm, while the flowers have a similar size and appear at the top of the stem. With proper care, the flowers can last for a few weeks during springtime. The botanical name for this cactus is Rebutia heliosa, and it’s featured in Garden Chronicle. Another noteworthy cactus is the Golden Barrel Cactus.
This plump, round cactus is perfect for cultivating in your winter garden or placing on your windowsill. It thrives in sunny spots with well-draining soil and needs to be watered regularly during the summer months.
Once it reaches 30 cm in diameter, it will produce beautiful bell-shaped flowers that can reach up to 5 cm in diameter.
Scientifically known as Echinocactus Grusonii, this cactus blooms during the spring season and is also referred to as Chin Cactus.
The Chin Cactus is a stunning variety of cactus that hails from Argentina and can be found at elevations ranging from 800 to 1550 meters above sea level. Its captivating lilac blooms are renowned for their sweet fragrance, making it one of the most striking members of the cacti family. Distinguished by its single spherical stem, which features straight needle-like spines and a matte green appearance, this cactus species is known scientifically as Gymanocalycium neuhuberi. It typically flowers in the summer months and is a popular choice among cactus enthusiasts. Another noteworthy cactus species worth mentioning is the Strawberrƴ Hedgehog Cactus.
The Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus is a plant that often grows in clusters of up to 20 stems. Native to certain regions, this cactus is often used as a landscape plant or potted plant in other areas. The small stems are covered with thick spines, and the flowers bloom towards the upper half to one-third of the stem in a beautiful magenta color with a funnel shape. The botanical name for this cactus is Echinocereus engelmanii, and it blooms during the summer season. Additionally, another type of cactus is known as the Peanut Cactus.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow cascading succulent for your garden, you should consider the peanut cactus. With its long finger-like stems covered in soft spines and cute clumps that give it a charming cascading effect, it’s a great addition to any garden. The name comes from the new sprouts which resemble peanuts. However, it’s important to note that this cactus cannot perform photosynthesis, so it needs to be planted over other cacti to survive. The botanical name for this plant is Echinopsis chamaecereus, and it blooms during the summer. You can credit Pinterest for the image, while the article source is Garden Lover.