Cacti aren’t just rugged desert survivors covered in spines—they can also be show-stopping bloomers. Many species produce brilliant flowers in shades ranging from soft pastels to vivid reds and oranges, often contrasting beautifully with their unique shapes and textures.
Whether you grow them indoors or outside in a warm climate, flowering cacti are low-maintenance plants that add personality to any space. Here’s a complete guide to 39 of the most remarkable flowering cactus varieties, their bloom times, and what makes them special.
1. Spiny Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spinosissima)
Spring blooms of bright pink funnel-shaped flowers sit atop clusters of cylindrical stems with reddish or yellow spines.
2. Spider Cactus (Gymnocalycium oehnanthemum × horstii)
A compact summer bloomer with curled spines and large pink flowers.
3. Lincoln Gem Cactus (Chamaelobivia ‘Lincoln Gem’)
Grows quickly, producing yellow flowers in summer and winter.
4. Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)
Bright orange flowers appear in summer, followed by strawberry-flavored fruits.
5. Mammillaria guelzowiana
A spherical cactus with dense spines and fragrant, bell-shaped pink-purple flowers.
6. Powder Puff Cactus (Parodia nivosa)
Small, white-spined cactus with vivid red-orange blooms in summer.
7. Rosy Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria zeilmanniana)
Blooms repeatedly throughout the year with soft pink flowers.
8. Schlosser Cactus (Parodia schlosseri)
Round with coppery spines and large yellow flowers in summer.
9. Twin-Spine Cactus (Mammillaria geminispina)
Covered in silver spines, this variety produces pink blooms in summer.
10. Dwarf Turk’s Cap Cactus (Melocactus matanzanus)
A slow-growing Cuban native with copper-toned spines and pink flowers.
11. Sulcorebutia Cactus (Sulcorebutia albissima)
Cold-tolerant and compact, with masses of bright pink flowers in late spring.
12. Balloon Cactus (Notocactus magnificus)
Distinct ribbed spheres topped with yellow blooms in spring and summer.
13. Bishop’s Hat Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma)
Spineless and easy to handle, offering yellow flowers with occasional red centers.
14. Monk’s Hood Cactus (Astrophytum ornatum)
Fast-growing Mexican native with yellow blooms and white-flecked stems.
15. Mammillaria laui v. dasyacantha
Woolly spines and pink flowers with yellow centers make this a standout.
16. Aylostera Cactus (Rebutia narvaecensis)
Produces large pink flowers in spring on small clustered plants.
17. Rebutia heliosa
Compact Bolivian species with daisy-like orange blooms.
18. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
A globe-shaped cactus with summer and fall yellow flowers.
19. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
Forms clusters with pink funnel-shaped blooms in spring and summer.
20. Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium neuhuberi)
Blue-green body and fragrant fuchsia flowers.
21. Mexican Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus pilosus)
Thick red spines with red and yellow summer blooms.
22. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Produces pink and red flowers during winter.
23. Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
Five-sided columnar stems with white or yellow blooms.
24. Starfish Cactus (Stapelia grandiflora)
Spineless with large, star-shaped flowers in red to brown tones.
25. Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)
Bright red spring flowers around Easter.
26. Dwarf Easter Cactus (Hatiora rosea)
Compact plant with rose-pink flowers in spring.
27. Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
Gold lace-like spines and white flowers.
28. Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris)
Blue-green pads with watermelon-scented pink flowers.
29. Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii)
Tubular magenta blooms in summer.
30. Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum hybrids)
Large, colorful flowers perfect for hanging baskets.
31. Peanut Cactus (Chamaecereus silvestrii)
Low-growing with bright red vase-shaped blooms.
32. Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
Trailing stems with violet-red flowers.
33. Moonlight Cactus (Selenicereus spinulosus)
Night-blooming with red flowers in late spring and summer.
34. Mammillaria polyedra
Clusters of plants with red-pink blooms.
35. Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii)
Tall white-silver columns with magenta flowers.
36. Crested Twin-Spined Cactus (Mammillaria geminispina nobilis f. cristata)
Dense white spines and pink-red flowers with dark veins.
37. Mammillaria laui dasyacantha
Compact with large deep-pink flowers in summer.
38. Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Queen of the Night, with fragrant white night-blooming flowers.
39. Lobivia Cactus (Lobivia famatimensis)
Small plant with bright yellow flowers in summer.
Care Tips for Flowering Cacti
- Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight indoors or full sun outdoors.
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce in winter.
- Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus mix to prevent root rot.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a cactus-specific fertilizer during the growing season.
- Rest Period: Many species need a cool, dry winter to trigger flowering.
FAQs
1. Can all cacti bloom indoors?
Most can, provided they get enough light and proper care, though some may take years to mature.
2. How long do cactus flowers last?
From a single night to several weeks, depending on the variety.
3. What’s the easiest flowering cactus for beginners?
Christmas cactus and Mammillaria varieties are great starters.
4. How do I encourage flowering?
Ensure bright light, proper watering, and a winter rest period.
5. Are flowering cacti difficult to maintain?
No, they’re generally hardy and require minimal care once established.
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Internal link suggestions from secretsofthegreengarden.com:
- How to Create a Cactus Garden at Home
- Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Small Spaces
- Indoor Plant Lighting Guide
External link suggestions: - Royal Horticultural Society – Cactus Care
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Cactus Information
- National Gardening Association – Succulent Growing Tips