Plants in family cactaceae
Stenocereus thurberi
Native to Mexico and the United States, this cactus is found in rocky deserts and has narrow stems growing from a single short trunk. The stems can grow to 16-26 feet tall, with 12 to 19 ribs and dark brown to black spines. It takes 150 years to reach maturity and produces white flowers with a purple or pink tint, pollinated by bats, and red fruit with sweet flesh.
Opuntia engelmannii
Opuntia engelmannii, commonly known as the Texas prickly pear, is a shrubby cactus found in the south-central and Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It forms dense clumps up to 11.5 feet high, with green pads and yellow flowers that bloom in April and May. The plant produces purple fleshy fruits and is pollinated by solitary bees and sap beetles.
Echinocereus viereckii
This plant, native to Mexico, is notable for its floppy, crumpled stems that can reach up to 50 cm long and change color from green to purple under bright light. It produces magenta funnel-shaped flowers from late spring to summer and is extremely drought-tolerant. The plant requires minimal watering and thrives in well-drained soil. It is cold hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be easily propagated through division, grafting, or seeds. Its resilience and ease of care make it a popular choice for gardeners.
Opuntia monacantha
Opuntia monacantha, also known as the drooping prickly pear, is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus native to South America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and is one of the few cacti with white-variegated stems. This fast-growing plant thrives in sunny areas with well-draining, porous soil and requires minimal watering. It is frost-sensitive and cannot survive temperatures below 32°F. Opuntia monacantha produces stunning red flowers and is well-suited for container growth. It is best propagated by cuttings and prefers a cactus mix soil with added organic matter.
Soehrensia spachiana
Soehrensia spachiana is a drought-tolerant cactus that thrives in sunny areas with ample light. It requires well-draining soil and minimal watering, making it ideal for xeriscaping. This plant can reproduce in numerous ways and benefits from periods of drought between waterings. Its unique appearance and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Homalocephala texensis
Homalocephala texensis, also known as the Horse Crippler or Devil's Pincushion, is a winter-hardy cactus native to the southwestern United States. It features blue-green color and long, arching spines, with pink daisy-like flowers that have red centers. This cactus requires good winter drainage and is well-suited for rock gardens.
Rhipsalis baccifera
Rhipsalis baccifera is an epiphytic cactus native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida. It is unique as the only cactus species naturally occurring outside the Americas, possibly spread by migratory birds. This plant adapts to shaded, tropical environments, growing on trees with long, slender stems and producing small, berry-like fruits.
Opuntia santa-rita
Opuntia santa-rita, commonly known as the Santa Rita prickly pear, is a bushy succulent shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It features striking reddish or violet-purple pads and bright yellow flowers that bloom from April through August. This frost-hardy plant can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and 3 meters wide, thriving in full sun or partial shade. It requires regular watering in summer and dry conditions in winter, making it suitable for USDA zones 6-10.
Pilosocereus pachycladus
Pilosocereus pachycladus is a cactus native to eastern Brazil, known for its unique shapes and adaptability to dry, arid climates. It is versatile for both indoor and outdoor spaces and has been introduced to the Canary Islands. This cactus is drought-tolerant and can withstand freezing temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Astrophytum myriostigma
Astrophytum myriostigma, also known as Bishop's Cap, is a spineless cactus with three to seven vertical ribs and whitish flocking on its stem. It grows up to 3.3 feet tall and produces creamy yellow flowers in early spring. Native to Mexico, this ornamental plant is slow-growing and thrives in well-drained cacti soil.
Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis'
Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' is a fast-growing cactus native to Peru, capable of reaching heights of 6 to 13 feet with a diameter of 4 to 5 inches. This spiral-shaped cactus is one of the fastest-growing varieties, making it a striking addition to any cactus collection.
Stenocactus multicostatus ssp. zacatecasensis
Stenocactus multicostatus ssp. zacatecasensis, or Wave Cactus, is a small, easy-to-care-for cactus suitable for pot culture. It prefers light shade during hot summer months and is frost-tolerant down to 21°F. The cactus blooms in early spring with white or pinkish flowers featuring a violet to purple mid-vein.
Selenicereus undatus
The Selenicereus undatus, commonly known as the dragon fruit cactus, is an epiphytic climbing cactus native to Central and South America. It is notable for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night and its ability to produce edible red fruits with white pulp. This vigorous grower can reach heights of over 30 feet, using aerial roots to attach to supports. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some full sun, and prefers a well-drained potting medium. The plant is adaptable to dry, tropical, or subtropical climates and can withstand temperatures up to 113°F, with some frost tolerance. It requires regular watering during the growing season, with a reduction in late summer and a complete stop in winter for a few weeks. The dragon fruit cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family and is closely related to other Selenicereus species.
Echinocereus enneacanthus
Echinocereus enneacanthus, commonly known as the strawberry cactus, features cylindrical stems that form dense or lax clumps. The stems are pale to bright green, with needle-like spines and funnel-shaped flowers that range from purple-red to pink. This cactus blooms in early spring and is hardy in zones 9a to 11b, preferring full sun to partial shade and moderate watering.
Ferocactus hamatacanthus
Ferocactus hamatacanthus, commonly known as Turk's Head, is a solitary, globular cactus native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It grows up to 24 inches tall and features 13 to 17 ribs with large areoles and distinctive spines. This cactus produces yellow flowers with a scarlet center and edible, oblong fruit. It thrives in dry, rocky, alkaline sites and is well-suited for xeriscaping. Its unique appearance and resilience make it a fascinating addition to desert-themed gardens.
Espostoa lanata
Espostoa lanata, commonly known as the Peruvian Old Man Cactus, is a slow-growing, tree-shaped cactus native to the arid regions of Peru. It is characterized by its dense, hairy appearance, resembling a warm woolly coat. This cactus can reach heights of 5 to 23 feet and blooms in late spring to early summer. It thrives in well-draining soil with infrequent watering and bright, indirect light. The plant is non-toxic to humans and pets, though its spines can cause irritation.
Opuntia ficus-indica
Opuntia ficus-indica, or the Prickly Pear, is a large, branching cactus native to Mexico, valued for its edible fruits and ornamental appeal. It can grow between 6 to 16 feet tall, with flat, oval-shaped pads covered in spines. The plant blooms in yellow, orange, or red from spring to late summer and thrives in bright, direct sunlight with minimal watering. It is hardy in zones 8-12 and tolerates temperatures from 50°F to 100°F.
Rhipsalis pilocarpa
Rhipsalis pilocarpa is a popular houseplant known for its leafless appearance and trailing stems. It is easy to care for and adds a unique texture to indoor plant collections.
Ferocactus robustus
Ferocactus robustus, also known as the Chin cactus, is a small barrel cactus native to Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. It forms large, clumping colonies with spherical to club-shaped bodies and sharp-edged ribs. The cactus is adorned with reddish or purple thorns and produces striking funnel-shaped yellow flowers. It can grow up to 39 inches tall and requires minimal water once established. This cactus is unique within its genus due to its clumping growth habit and ability to propagate through seeds or offsets. It thrives in full sun and is hardy in zones 9b to 11, making it suitable for warm climates.
Rebutia minuscula
Rebutia minuscula, also known as the Red Crown Cactus, is a small, globe-shaped cactus native to the mountains of northern Argentina. It forms large clusters with pale green stems and is adorned with bright red to violet flowers that bloom around the base. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny areas with well-draining soil and requires minimal watering. It is recognized for its ability to flower prolifically and is suitable for beginners due to its easy cultivation.
Rhipsalis elliptica
Rhipsalis elliptica is an epiphytic cactus endemic to Brazil, known for its flat oblong stems and small white flowers. It grows in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and is threatened by habitat loss.
Rhipsalis 'Mistletoe Cactus'
Rhipsalis 'Mistletoe Cactus' is an epiphytic tropical cactus native to South America. It thrives in very bright, indirect light and tolerates light shade. This plant requires thorough watering when dry and prefers a well-draining soil mix, making it a unique addition to indoor plant collections.
Rhipsalis paradoxa
Rhipsalis paradoxa is an epiphytic cactus native to Brazil, recognized for its unique chain-like stems formed by three-angled ridges. It thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and is suitable for hanging baskets. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and produces small white flowers along its pendulous branches. It is currently threatened by habitat loss.
Rhipsalis cereuscula
Rhipsalis cereuscula is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus that naturally grows in sunny areas. It requires ample light and porous, well-draining soil, with minimal watering. This plant is known for its ability to reproduce in numerous ways and thrives with periods of drought between waterings, making it a low-maintenance choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Escontria chiotilla
Escontria chiotilla is a tree-like cactus native to parts of Mexico, including Guerrero and Oaxaca. It can grow up to 7 meters tall and features dark red fruit similar to Pitaya. The cactus has 7 or 8 acute ribs and is adapted to full sun exposure, making it suitable for arid environments.