Cactus plants come in many shapes and sizes. Some are small while others grow up to five feet tall. If you’re unsure of what type of cactus to choose here are a few examples. Clytocactus resembles a lipstick tube. Other types look like firecrackers. Cliestocactus flowers may be resembled by lipstick tubes while other types may open every day.
1. The Golden Barrel Cactus
The Golden Barrel Cactus also known as mother-in-law’s cushion and the golden barrel cactus is a cactus native to east-central Mexico. Its red color makes it popular with gardeners and homeowners alike. The cactus grows on a variety of habitats but is most commonly found in dry sandy regions. This cactus has long been known for its prickly appearance.
To enjoy the beauty of this cactus you can plant it in a water-wise landscape or use a container. The plant can produce offsets called pups from the well-established root base. You can remove the pups and replant them elsewhere or leave them to fill out your bed. This cactus can be grown in containers and groupings but is most attractive when grown in large containers.
To care for your golden barrel cactus you’ll need to water sparingly. Water it just enough to prevent root rot and you’ll need to water the plant infrequently once every month at a minimum. Make sure the soil dries completely between waterings and never leave it in water for long periods of time. The Golden Barrel Cactus needs filtered light and an airy warm setting during winter and early spring.
2. Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)
This cactus is native to Mexico. The fruit is a thorny succulent with a spine-like structure. The glochids on the spines can irritate skin and eyes. Mexican folk medicine uses the prickly pear fruit and its juice for wounds and inflammation of the urinary tract and digestive system. It is sometimes used to make a tea or powder.
The Opuntia plant has large segmented stems that grow between 5-7 m (16-23 ft) tall. Its canopy is round or oblong with few spines. It grows in a pot and needs a good amount of space. It can be pruned to about one-third of its new growth each year. It grows in containers but tends to be top-heavy.
The fruits of the prickly pear cactus are similar to figs. They are red and have a strawberry or watermelon flavor. They contain antioxidants and anti-cancer properties and have been used in Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. The Galapagos prickly pear formerly was treated as a single species but has since been classified into several species. There are also low-trunk varieties of the prickly pear.
3. Saguaro Cactus
Saguaro cacti look like spears or swords that emerge from the ground. They are easy to grow indoors or outdoors and require indirect light and regular watering. They also thrive in temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
The saguaro cactus is an impressive plant. Its flowers which bloom in the evening are fragrant and large often measuring three inches wide. The flowers are pollinated by insects bats and birds. The fruit which grows two to three inches long is edible and splits open when ripe. The red flesh contains many black seeds. The cactus’ roots which grow several inches deep are capable of absorbing water before it reaches underground aquifers.
The Saguaro cactus has unique characteristics that make it a favorite among succulents. It grows in tall columnar shapes and is capable of sprouting arms. At seventy years it can grow to be forty or sixty feet tall. The cactus’ skin is thick waxy and serrated allowing it to spread during rainy seasons. Its roots can be as deep as two to three feet and radiate out to several feet.
4. Rhipsalis Cactus
One of the best indoor plants for beginners is the Rhipsalis cactus. It’s easy to care for and grows in nearly any location including the basement. The best place to place it is in deep shade but you can also place it in partial sunlight. If you do place it in a partially-shady location allow the soil to dry out between waterings and remember to rotate it often.
Propagating rhipsalis cactus is easy. The cuttings are easy to grow and are easily transplanted. Simply place them in moist cactus soil and wait for the roots to develop. After several months the cuttings will have a full root system. If you don’t want to plant your cuttings you can also use seeds. Harvest the seeds from the fruit and plant them as you would a normal plant.
