There are roughly 2,000 species of cactus spread across about 175 genera, ranging from tiny button-sized plants that fit in your palm to towering 40- to 60-foot saguaros that define the Arizona skyline. Whether you’re trying to identify a cactus you already own, looking for the perfect indoor variety, or planning a desert-inspired garden, this guide covers the most popular and interesting types with photos, names, and quick care notes for each.
One common question is whether cacti and succulents are the same thing. All cacti are succulents — meaning they store water in their stems — but not all succulents are cacti. The cactus family, scientifically known as Cactaceae, is distinguished by areoles: small, round, cushion-like spots from which spines, flowers, and new growth emerge. No other plant family has them.
Broadly speaking, cacti fall into two main groups: opuntia (the paddle-shaped prickly pears and their relatives) and non-opuntia (everything else — columnar, globular, trailing, and epiphytic species). But for practical purposes, most people think about cacti by how they grow and where they thrive, which is how we’ve organized this guide.
Cactus Types at a Glance
| Cactus | Category | Typical Size | Indoor Friendly? | Flowers? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Cactus | Epiphytic | 1 ft | Yes | Pink/red | Easy |
| Bunny Ear Cactus | Opuntia | 2 ft | Yes | Yellow | Easy |
| Moon Cactus | Globular | 4 in | Yes | Rarely | Easy |
| Golden Barrel | Barrel | 3 ft | Sometimes | Yellow | Easy |
| Saguaro | Columnar | 40–60 ft | No | White | N/A (wild) |
| Prickly Pear | Opuntia | 5–15 ft | No | Yellow | Easy |
| Orchid Cactus | Epiphytic | 2 ft trailing | Yes | Large, dramatic | Moderate |
| Fishbone Cactus | Epiphytic | 3 ft trailing | Yes | White | Easy |
| Spiral Cactus | Columnar | 6–13 ft | Sometimes | White/pink | Moderate |
| Rat Tail Cactus | Trailing | 4 ft trailing | Yes | Pink | Easy |
| Rainbow Cactus | Barrel | 1 ft | Sometimes | Pink | Moderate |
| Queen of the Night | Trailing | 10 ft | Sometimes | White (1 night only) | Moderate |
How to Identify Different Types of Cactus
If you have a cactus and aren’t sure what it is, the easiest starting point is its overall shape. Most cacti fall into one of these growth forms, and narrowing it down to a shape category will get you most of the way to an ID.
Flat pads: If your cactus has oval or round paddle-shaped segments stacked on each other, it’s an opuntia — most likely a prickly pear or bunny ear cactus. These are some of the most recognizable cacti in the world.
Tall columns: Upright, ribbed stems that grow vertically, sometimes branching into arms. This includes saguaros, San Pedro, blue torch, and Mexican fence post cacti. If it’s tall, straight, and ribbed, it’s a columnar type.
Round barrels or globes: Squat, round plants that are often heavily spined. Golden barrel, chin cactus, and star cactus all fall here. Usually solitary, though some form small clusters.
Small clustering balls: Tiny round heads that form clumps over time. Mammillaria and rebutia are the most common. They often produce rings or crowns of small flowers.
Trailing or hanging stems: Long, drooping stems that cascade from a pot. These are almost always epiphytic (forest) cacti — rat tail, fishbone, rhipsalis, and monkey tail. Usually spineless or soft-spined.
Flat segmented leaves with no spines: This is the holiday cactus group — Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti. Flattened leaf-like segments that bloom seasonally in bright colors.
Crested or wavy forms: Fan-shaped or brain-like growth. These are cristata mutations — genetic variations that cause the growing point to fan out instead of growing normally. Brain cactus is the most common example.
Indoor Cactus Types
These are the most popular and best indoor cactus houseplants. Perfect for windowsills, desks, and bright indoor spaces. All of them thrive in containers with minimal watering, making them ideal for beginners and anyone who tends to forget about their plants. Most of these are low maintenance cactus varieties that thrive on neglect, making them ideal starter plants.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)
The most popular holiday cactus and one of the most widely grown cacti in the world. The true Christmas cactus is actually a hybrid (S. russelliana × S. truncata), first bred in the 1840s. It has flattened, scalloped stem segments and produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or salmon, typically blooming in December through January. Unlike desert cacti, these are epiphytic forest plants from Brazil that prefer indirect light and slightly more moisture. The key to getting them to bloom is a period of cooler temperatures and longer nights in the fall. They’re extremely long-lived — it’s common for Christmas cacti to be passed down through generations, with some specimens surviving for decades.
Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Often confused with the Christmas cactus, and in fact most plants sold as “Christmas cactus” in stores are actually Thanksgiving cacti. The easiest way to tell them apart is the leaf segments: Thanksgiving cacti have pointed, claw-like projections on the edges of each segment, while Christmas cacti have smoother, more rounded edges. They bloom a few weeks earlier, usually in November, and come in the same range of colors. Care is identical to Christmas cactus.
Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)
The third member of the holiday cactus trio, blooming in spring around March through May. Easter cacti have more rounded, scalloped segments compared to the pointy Thanksgiving or smooth Christmas varieties. Their star-shaped flowers tend to open wider and flatter. They need the same care as the other holiday cacti — bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and a cool rest period to trigger blooming. They’re less commonly sold than the other two, which makes them a bit of a collector’s find.
Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
Instantly recognizable by its bright neon-colored top — usually red, orange, yellow, or pink — grafted onto a green base cactus (typically a hylocereus). The colorful top lacks chlorophyll, which is why it can’t survive on its own and needs the green rootstock to photosynthesize for it. Moon cacti are inexpensive, widely available, and make great desk plants. The downside is they tend to be shorter-lived than other cacti (2–3 years on average) because the graft eventually fails. They need bright indirect light — too much direct sun can scorch the colorful top.
Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Named for its paired oval pads that resemble rabbit ears, this is one of the most popular cacti for beginners. It looks soft and friendly, but don’t be fooled — instead of large spines, it’s covered in tiny hair-like glochids that detach at the slightest touch and are extremely difficult to remove from skin. Handle with gloves or tongs. Bunny ears grow slowly to about 2–3 feet tall and can produce yellow flowers in summer, though blooming is rare in cultivation. They need bright direct sunlight and infrequent watering.
Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
A small, flat, round cactus that looks like a green sea urchin dotted with white flecks. Also called the sand dollar cactus or sea urchin cactus. It rarely grows larger than 2–3 inches across, making it perfect for small spaces. Star cacti produce surprisingly large yellow flowers with a red-orange center, usually in spring or summer. They’re spineless, which makes them easier to handle than most cacti. They prefer bright light and very well-draining soil — they’re more sensitive to overwatering than most species.
Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
Named for its cluster of multiple stems at different heights that resemble the turrets of a castle. It’s a slow-growing columnar cactus that stays compact for years before eventually reaching 3–6 feet. Fairy castle cacti are sold everywhere and are very easy to care for — bright light, minimal water, and they’re happy. One thing to know: they rarely flower in cultivation, so if you see one sold with a bright flower glued to the top, that’s fake.
Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)
Covered in long, shaggy white hair-like spines that give it the appearance of an old man’s head — hence the name. In the wild in Mexico, these can grow up to 45 feet tall, but as houseplants they stay small and grow very slowly. The white “hair” actually serves as sun protection in the wild. Old man cacti need very bright light, excellent drainage, and minimal humidity. The hairs can trap moisture and cause rot if the plant stays too wet.
Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum myriostigma)
A distinctive spineless cactus with a star-shaped cross-section, typically showing 5 prominent ribs covered in tiny white flecks. It looks like it’s been dusted with snow. Bishop’s cap grows slowly, staying under a foot tall for many years, and produces yellow daisy-like flowers from the top. It’s closely related to the star cactus but taller and more upright. Very easy to care for and a favorite among collectors for its geometric, almost architectural appearance.
Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium)
A genus of small, round South American cacti named for the chin-like bump below each areole (the spot where spines emerge). There are dozens of species and cultivars, but most stay compact — under 6 inches — and flower readily, producing white, pink, or red blooms that can be as large as the plant itself. Chin cacti are some of the easiest flowering cacti to grow indoors. They tolerate lower light than most cacti and are less prone to the rot problems that kill other species.
Desert & Outdoor Cactus Types
These are the iconic cacti of the American Southwest and arid regions worldwide — the ones most people picture when they hear the word “cactus.” Many are surprisingly cold-hardy and can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 5 through 10.
Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
The undisputed icon of the American desert. Saguaros can reach 40–60 feet tall, weigh several tons, and live for over 150 years, but they grow extraordinarily slowly — a 10-year-old saguaro might be just 1.5 inches tall. They don’t start growing arms until they’re about 50–100 years old, and some never grow arms at all. Saguaros are native only to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, parts of California, and northern Mexico. They’re legally protected under Arizona’s Native Plant Protection Act — cutting one down or removing one without a permit is a class 4 felony. Large specimens can sell for $100 or more per foot, with big multi-armed saguaros costing thousands.
Golden Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus)
Large, round to cylindrical cacti covered in prominent ribs and heavy curved spines. The golden barrel (Ferocactus cylindraceus) is the most popular species, widely used in desert landscaping for its striking symmetrical form. Barrel cacti can grow 3–10 feet tall depending on species, and some live for over 100 years. Despite the old survival myth, you can’t reliably drink water from a barrel cactus — the liquid inside is acidic and can make you sick. They’re extremely drought-tolerant and very easy to grow in hot, dry climates.
Prickly Pear (Opuntia)
The most widespread cactus genus in the Americas, with over 150 species ranging from Canada to Patagonia. Prickly pears are defined by their flat, oval pads and are one of the few cacti grown commercially for food — the pads (nopales) and fruit (tunas) are dietary staples in Mexican cuisine. They produce showy yellow, orange, or red flowers in late spring, followed by colorful fruit. Some species, like the Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa), are cold-hardy to USDA zone 4, making them one of the few cacti that can survive harsh winters.
Cholla (Cylindropuntia)
The cactus that “shoots at you.” Chollas are infamous for their barbed spines that detach so easily that segments seem to jump onto anything that gets close — earning the teddy bear cholla the nickname “jumping cactus.” In reality, the spines have microscopic backward-facing barbs that catch on skin or clothing at the slightest contact, pulling entire stem segments off the plant. Removing cholla spines is painful and usually requires pliers or a comb. Despite their aggressive reputation, chollas produce beautiful cup-shaped flowers and provide critical habitat for desert birds that nest safely among the spines.
Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus)
A group of small to medium-sized cacti that grow in clusters of cylindrical stems, somewhat resembling a curled-up hedgehog. They’re native throughout the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Hedgehog cacti are prized for their large, vibrant flowers — often magenta, red, or bright pink — that are disproportionately big compared to the plant. Several species are cold-hardy to zone 5, making them excellent choices for outdoor cactus gardens in cooler climates. The claret cup hedgehog is particularly popular for its brilliant red blooms.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)
Named for its resemblance to a pipe organ, this cactus grows multiple tall, columnar stems from a single base rather than a central trunk like the saguaro. Organ pipe cacti can reach 15–25 feet tall and are found primarily in the Sonoran Desert, with Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona established specifically to protect them. They produce pale pink or white flowers that open at night and are pollinated by bats. Their fruit is considered one of the most delicious of any cactus.
Fishhook Cactus (Mammillaria)
Named for the curved, hook-shaped central spines that many species display. Mammillaria is actually one of the largest genera in the cactus family, with about 200 recognized species. Most are small, rounded, and grow either solitary or in clusters. In the wild, they’re found throughout the southwestern US and Mexico, often growing in rocky crevices. They produce a distinctive ring or crown of small flowers around the top of the plant, followed by bright red, club-shaped fruit. Many species are easy to grow and are popular with collectors.
Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)
One of the most spectacular native flowering cacti in North America. Claret cups form mounding clusters of cylindrical stems that erupt with brilliant scarlet-red cup-shaped flowers in spring. The flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. This species is remarkably cold-hardy — some populations survive at elevations above 9,000 feet and can handle temperatures well below zero. That combination of stunning flowers and cold tolerance makes it one of the best cacti for outdoor gardens in cooler climates.
Totem Pole Cactus (Lophocereus schottii monstrosus)
One of the strangest-looking cacti you’ll encounter. The totem pole is a monstrose (genetically mutated) form that grows as a smooth, bumpy, spineless column with an almost melted or sculptural appearance. No two plants look exactly alike. They grow slowly to about 10–12 feet tall and are highly prized as landscape specimens in frost-free desert gardens. Because they’re spineless, they’re also easier to plant near walkways and patios than most large cacti.
Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
Despite its cuddly name, this is one of the most painful cacti to accidentally touch. Teddy bear chollas are covered in dense, silvery-golden spines that glow beautifully when backlit by the sun — creating one of the most photogenic sights in the desert. But those spines are barbed and detach at the slightest contact. Dense stands of teddy bear cholla, called “cholla gardens,” are a popular attraction in Joshua Tree National Park and other desert parks. They reproduce mostly by dropping stem segments that root where they fall.
Columnar & Tall Cactus Types
These are the dramatic, upright-growing cacti that make statement pieces in landscapes and large indoor spaces. Several of these also work as tall indoor cactus plants if you have the ceiling height and a bright window. If you want a cactus that commands attention, this is the category.
San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi)
A fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains, reaching 10–20 feet tall with multiple branches. San Pedro is one of the fastest-growing cacti — it can add over a foot of height per year under good conditions. It’s widely used as a landscaping plant in warm climates and as rootstock for grafting. San Pedro is also one of several cacti that naturally contain mescaline, a psychoactive compound. It’s legal to grow as an ornamental plant in most places, but extraction of mescaline is illegal.
Blue Torch Cactus (Pilosocereus pachycladus)
Named for its striking blue-green to silvery-blue coloring, which makes it one of the most visually distinctive columnar cacti. Native to Brazil, blue torch cacti can reach 30 feet in the wild but stay much smaller in cultivation. They produce white flowers that open at night. The blue color intensifies with age and sun exposure. They’re frost-sensitive, so in cooler climates they need to come indoors for winter or be grown in containers.
Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus repandus)
A tall, tree-like cactus that can reach 30+ feet and produces edible fruit about the size of a tennis ball. The fruit, called Peruvian apple or pitaya, has a sweet, mild flavor similar to dragon fruit and is commercially grown in some regions. The cactus itself is columnar with prominent ribs and relatively few spines. It’s fast-growing and widely used as a hedge or screen in tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Mexican Fence Post (Pachycereus marginatus)
True to its name, this cactus has been used as a living fence in Mexico for centuries. It grows as a tight cluster of tall, columnar stems with distinctive white margins along the ribs, creating a striped appearance. Mexican fence posts can reach 12–20 feet tall and are nearly spineless, making them one of the more people-friendly tall cacti. They’re increasingly popular in modern xeriscape design for their clean, architectural look.
Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii)
A tall, slender columnar cactus densely covered in fine white spines and hair, giving it a shimmering silver appearance. Native to Bolivia and Argentina, it grows in clusters of narrow columns reaching 5–10 feet tall. Silver torch cacti produce unusual dark red tubular flowers that emerge horizontally from the sides of the stems. They’re more cold-tolerant than many columnar species and can handle brief freezes down to about 14°F.
Flowering Cactus Types
All cacti produce flowers eventually, but these species are grown specifically for their spectacular blooms. If you want a cactus that puts on a show, start here. Below you’ll find the best flowering cactus types with pictures and names, from small flowering cactus plants that fit on a windowsill to dramatic night-bloomers with dinner plate-sized flowers.
Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum)
Produces some of the most dramatic flowers in the entire cactus family — dinner plate-sized blooms in shades of white, pink, red, orange, and yellow. Despite the name, orchid cacti are not related to orchids. They’re epiphytic jungle cacti with flat, leaf-like stems that trail or cascade. Many species bloom at night, with flowers lasting only one or two days. They need different care than desert cacti — bright indirect light, more water, and rich, well-draining soil. Hanging baskets are the best way to display them.
Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
Famous for producing enormous, fragrant white flowers that bloom for a single night per year and wilt by morning. The flowers can reach 12 inches across and fill a room with their sweet scent. Queen of the night is a sprawling, vine-like cactus that can grow 10+ feet and needs support or something to climb. It’s the source of the popular myth about “a cactus that blooms every 100 years” — it actually blooms annually, but because the flowers last only one night, they’re easy to miss and feel like a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)
Named for its clusters of small, finger-shaped stems that resemble peanuts in a shell. What makes it special is how freely it flowers — in spring and summer, a well-grown peanut cactus can be absolutely covered in bright orange-red blooms that are almost as large as the stems themselves. It’s one of the easiest flowering cacti to grow indoors, tolerating a range of conditions. It spreads by producing offsets, so a single plant will gradually fill its pot.
Rebutia (Rebutia)
Small, round South American cacti that are among the most prolific bloomers in the cactus family. Rebutias produce flowers in a wide range of colors — red, orange, yellow, pink, and even bicolor combinations — and they bloom readily even as young plants. Most species stay under 3 inches tall, making them ideal for windowsill collections. They’re also one of the more cold-tolerant cactus genera and can handle cooler temperatures than most tropical species.
Lobivia (Lobivia)
Closely related to Echinopsis, lobivias are known for producing single, enormous flowers that can be larger than the entire plant body. The blooms come in vibrant yellows, reds, oranges, and pinks, and open during the day — unlike many cactus flowers that are nocturnal. Most lobivias are small and round, making them excellent windowsill plants. The name “Lobivia” is actually an anagram of “Bolivia,” where many species are found.
Mammillaria (Mammillaria)
One of the largest cactus genera, with about 200 recognized species and varieties, and a favorite among beginners and collectors alike. Mammillarias are known for their distinctive flowering pattern — a ring or crown of small flowers that circles the top of the plant like a halo. The flowers are typically pink, white, or yellow and appear even on young plants. After flowering, many species produce elongated red fruit that can persist for months. The combination of easy care, reliable flowering, and compact size makes them one of the best starter cacti.
Turk’s Cap Cactus (Melocactus)
Immediately recognizable by its cephalium — a distinctive woolly, bristly structure that develops on top of mature plants and looks like a red or orange fez. The cephalium is not a flower but a permanent modified stem from which small pink flowers and fruit emerge. Once a Melocactus begins growing its cephalium, the body of the cactus stops growing larger. These are tropical cacti that cannot tolerate cold temperatures, and they’re considered somewhat more challenging to grow than most species. But their unique appearance makes them a prized collector’s plant.
Small & Miniature Cactus Types
Compact species perfect for windowsills, terrariums, and collections. These prove you don’t need a big garden to grow cacti — some of the most interesting species fit in a teacup.
Living Rock Cactus (Ariocarpus)
One of the most unusual cacti in existence. Living rocks are flat, rosette-shaped plants with thick, triangular tubercles that look remarkably like stones — making them nearly invisible in their native rocky habitat in Mexico. They grow incredibly slowly (a fist-sized plant may be decades old), produce surprisingly large pink or white flowers from the center, and are highly sought after by collectors. Many species are threatened in the wild due to overcollection. They need excellent drainage and minimal water.
Button Cactus (Epithelantha micromeris)
A tiny cactus — usually under 2 inches across — covered in such dense, fine white spines that the green body is completely hidden. It looks like a small white button or golf ball. Button cacti are native to the Chihuahuan Desert and grow extremely slowly, often in limestone crevices. They produce tiny pink flowers from the top, followed by bright red elongated fruit that is eaten by ants, which then disperse the seeds. They’re easy to grow but need very well-draining mineral soil and bright light.
Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis)
A small clustering cactus made up of finger-sized cylindrical stems that break off easily — which is actually its primary method of propagation. Each stem looks like a green thimble covered in white star-shaped spine clusters. Thimble cacti are one of the fastest-growing mammillarias and will fill a pot with offsets within a year or two. They produce small white to yellow flowers. An excellent beginner plant because they’re nearly impossible to kill and they propagate themselves.
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
A small, spineless, button-shaped cactus native to southern Texas and northern Mexico. Peyote grows extremely slowly — a golf ball-sized plant may be 10–15 years old. It’s most widely known for containing mescaline, a psychoactive alkaloid that has been used in Native American religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Peyote is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal to possess, cultivate, or distribute. A federal exemption exists for members of the Native American Church to use peyote in religious ceremonies. The plant is also listed as threatened in the wild due to habitat loss and overcollection. Included here for identification and educational purposes only.
Snowball Cactus (Mammillaria bocasana)
Covered in dense, soft, silky white spines that give the entire plant a fuzzy, snowball-like appearance. Don’t let the soft look deceive you — hidden among the white fluff are hooked central spines that will grab onto skin and clothing. Snowball cacti cluster freely, eventually forming mounds of white fuzzy balls. They produce a ring of small cream or pink flowers in spring. Easy to grow, tolerant of some neglect, and one of the more visually striking mammillarias.
Spiral Cactus (Cereus forbesii spiralis)
One of the most photogenic cacti in the world, with ribs that twist in a dramatic spiral pattern up the length of the stem. It’s a cultivar of Cereus forbesii — the original spiraling plant was discovered in Peru and imported to Europe around 1980, then propagated through cuttings and hybrid seed. Spiral cacti can eventually reach 6–13 feet tall, and they grow relatively fast for a cactus. They produce large white to pinkish flowers that open at night. Because of their popularity on social media, they’ve become somewhat expensive compared to other cacti, but they’re not particularly difficult to grow — just give them bright light and standard cactus care.
Trailing & Hanging Cactus Types
These are the epiphytic and trailing species that look stunning in hanging baskets and macrame planters. Most are forest cacti that naturally grow on trees in tropical jungles, not in deserts — which means they prefer more humidity and indirect light than their desert cousins.
Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
One of the most popular trailing cacti, producing long, slender stems that can cascade 3–4 feet from a hanging basket. In spring and early summer, it erupts with vivid pink-magenta tubular flowers along the length of the stems. Rat tail cacti are native to Mexico and are true epiphytes, growing on trees and rock faces in the wild. They’re easy to grow and make dramatic hanging plants. The stems are covered in fine, hair-like spines that are prickly but not dangerous. Often confused with the dog tail cactus, but the two are easy to tell apart: rat tail cacti have thinner, more flexible stems with finer spines, while dog tail cacti have thicker, stiffer stems with more prominent aerial roots.
Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
The only cactus species native to the Old World — it’s found naturally in Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka in addition to the Americas. Mistletoe cactus looks nothing like a typical cactus: it has thin, trailing, spineless green stems that hang in dense cascading clusters. It produces tiny white flowers followed by small white berries that resemble mistletoe, hence the name. It’s one of the best cacti for low-light conditions, since it naturally grows in the shade of forest canopies.
Dog Tail Cactus (Selenicereus testudo)
A trailing epiphytic cactus with thick, rope-like stems covered in small aerial roots. The stems hang and drape naturally, making it a great hanging basket plant. Dog tail cacti produce large, fragrant white flowers that open at night, similar to their relative the queen of the night. They’re fast-growing and undemanding — give them bright indirect light, a chunky well-draining soil, and occasional watering, and they’ll reward you with vigorous growth.
Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
Named for its distinctive zigzag or fishbone-shaped flat stems that look like nothing else in the cactus world. Also known as the ric rac cactus or zigzag cactus — this is the plant people are usually searching for when they look up “wavy cactus.” Fishbone cacti are epiphytic jungle plants that produce large, fragrant white flowers that open at night, though blooming in cultivation can be hit or miss. They’ve become one of the trendiest houseplants in recent years thanks to their unique appearance. Easy to grow in bright indirect light.
Monkey Tail Cactus (Hildewintera colademononis)
One of the most distinctive trailing cacti, with long, hanging stems densely covered in soft, white, hair-like spines that genuinely resemble a monkey’s tail. The stems can trail 3+ feet and produce bright red flowers along their length. Native to Bolivia, monkey tail cacti grow at high elevations and can handle cooler temperatures than most trailing species. They’ve become increasingly popular and somewhat expensive due to social media attention. Despite the soft appearance, the spines can still poke, so handle with care.
Rare & Unusual Cactus Types
Collector favorites and conversation starters. These are the cacti people stop and stare at — unusual shapes, unexpected colors, and forms that don’t look like they should exist in nature.
Rainbow Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus)
Named for the horizontal bands of differently colored spines — red, pink, white, cream, and gold — that wrap around the stem, creating a rainbow-striped effect. Each band represents a season of growth, with spine color changing based on growing conditions. Rainbow cacti are native to Arizona and northern Mexico and produce large magenta-pink flowers that can be as wide as the plant itself. They stay relatively small (under 12 inches) and are cold-hardy, but they need excellent drainage and are more sensitive to overwatering than many species.
Brain Cactus (Mammillaria elongata cristata)
A crested (cristata) mutation of Mammillaria elongata that causes the growing point to fan out into a wavy, convoluted form that looks remarkably like a human brain. No two brain cacti look exactly alike because the cresting pattern is random. They stay relatively compact, typically under 6 inches tall, and are covered in short, star-shaped spine clusters. Brain cacti occasionally produce small pink or yellow flowers along the crest. They’re easy to find at garden centers and make excellent conversation-starting desk plants.
Fire Barrel (Ferocactus gracilis)
A barrel cactus with vivid, fiery red spines that make it one of the most colorful cacti in any collection. Native to Baja California, fire barrels can reach about 3 feet tall and a foot or more in diameter. The intense red coloring of the spines is most vivid on newer growth near the crown. They produce yellow flowers in a ring around the top. Care is the same as other barrel cacti — full sun, infrequent water, excellent drainage.
Sand Dollar Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
A flat, round, spineless cactus with prominent white-dotted ribs that create a star pattern when viewed from above. It’s also commonly called the sea urchin cactus or star cactus. Sand dollars rarely exceed 3 inches across and sit flat against the soil surface, making them look more like a marine creature than a plant. They produce yellow flowers with a red center that are surprisingly large for such a small plant. They’re considered threatened in the wild and are protected in both the US and Mexico. Highly prized by collectors for their unusual geometry.
Plants That Look Like Cactus (But Aren’t)
These plants are commonly sold alongside cacti and are often mistaken for them, but they belong to completely different plant families. The cactus vs euphorbia question comes up often because the two families evolved similar shapes independently, a phenomenon called convergent evolution. The easiest way to tell them apart: when cut, euphorbias produce a milky white sap (which is often irritating or toxic), while true cacti produce clear sap. Euphorbias also lack areoles, the small, round, bumpy spots on true cacti from which spines grow.
Candelabra Cactus (Euphorbia trigona)
Despite the name, this is actually a euphorbia from Central Africa, not a cactus. It grows as a tall, branching plant with triangular stems and small leaves along the ridges — which is actually a giveaway, since true cacti rarely have persistent leaves. Candelabra “cacti” can reach 8+ feet indoors and are extremely popular as dramatic houseplants. The red or purple-leaved variety (‘Rubra’) is especially sought after. Handle with gloves — the milky sap is a serious skin and eye irritant.
Baseball Cactus (Euphorbia obesa)
A round, smooth, striped sphere that looks exactly like a small green baseball — or a cactus without spines. Despite appearances, it’s a South African euphorbia. Baseball plants grow very slowly, stay small (about 6 inches), and are either male or female (you need both to produce seeds). They’re considered endangered in the wild due to overcollection, though nursery-propagated plants are widely available. Nearly zero maintenance — bright light, very little water, and they’re happy for years.
Coral Cactus (Euphorbia lactea cristata)
A crested (fan-shaped) mutation of Euphorbia lactea that’s grafted onto a straight euphorbia stem, creating a plant that looks like an underwater coral formation sitting on a stalk. The crest can be green, white, pink, or purple. Coral cacti are widely sold and instantly recognizable, but they’re entirely euphorbia — no relation to cacti at all. They need bright light and minimal water. The milky sap is toxic and irritating, so handle with gloves and keep away from pets and children.
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
A trailing succulent with small, round, bead-like leaves strung along thin stems — looking like a curtain of green pearls. It’s not a cactus and not even a euphorbia; it’s a member of the daisy family from South Africa. String of pearls is one of the most popular hanging succulents and is frequently displayed and sold alongside cacti. It produces small white flowers with a cinnamon-like scent. It needs bright indirect light and is somewhat finicky about watering — too much and the pearls burst, too little and they shrivel.
How to Choose the Right Cactus
With hundreds of species to choose from, here’s a quick guide to matching a cactus to your situation:
Low light apartment? Christmas cactus, mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis), or fishbone cactus. These are all forest cacti that naturally grow in shade.
Bright sunny window? Bunny ear, barrel cactus, mammillaria, or most desert types. These need at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight.
Outdoor garden in a warm climate? Prickly pear, hedgehog cactus, barrel cactus, or agave. Look for species rated for your USDA zone.
Cold-hardy outdoor garden? Certain opuntia species and Echinocereus (like claret cup) can handle well below freezing. Eastern prickly pear survives to zone 4.
Want dramatic flowers? Orchid cactus, peanut cactus, rebutia, or queen of the night for a once-a-year spectacle.
Small space or desk? Thimble cactus, button cactus, star cactus, or any gymnocalycium. These all stay under 6 inches.
Hanging basket? Fishbone cactus, rat tail cactus, monkey tail cactus, or mistletoe cactus for a trailing display.
Statement piece? Blue torch, San Pedro, totem pole, or Mexican fence post for architectural drama.
Cactus Care Basics
While each species has its own preferences, a few universal principles apply to almost all cacti.
Watering is where most people go wrong. The number one killer of cacti is overwatering. The soak-and-dry method works best: water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then don’t water again until the soil is completely dry — which might be every 1–2 weeks in summer or every 4–6 weeks in winter. When in doubt, wait longer.
Soil needs to drain fast. Standard potting soil holds too much moisture and will rot cactus roots. Use a purpose-made cactus mix, or blend regular potting soil 50/50 with perlite or coarse sand. The goal is a gritty, fast-draining mix that doesn’t stay soggy.
Light requirements vary by type, but most desert cacti need at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight. Forest/epiphytic cacti (Christmas cactus, fishbone cactus, rhipsalis) prefer bright indirect light. If a cactus starts stretching or leaning toward the light, it’s not getting enough.
The most common mistakes are overwatering, using the wrong soil, giving too little light, and repotting too often. Cacti are adapted to harsh conditions and generally prefer benign neglect over attentive care.
Do coffee grounds help cacti grow? They’re mildly acidic and contain some nitrogen, so they won’t harm your cactus in small amounts mixed into the soil. But they’re not a substitute for proper cactus fertilizer, and too much can retain moisture and attract fungus gnats. A balanced cactus fertilizer applied once or twice during the growing season is a better approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main types of cacti? The two main types are opuntia cacti (the paddle-shaped prickly pears and chollas) and non-opuntia cacti (everything else, including columnar, globular, epiphytic, and barrel types). Opuntias are distinguished by their flat pad segments and tiny hair-like spines called glochids.
What is the easiest cactus to care for indoors? Christmas cactus and chin cactus (Gymnocalycium) are two of the most forgiving indoor cacti. Christmas cactus tolerates lower light and more moisture than most cacti, while chin cactus is compact, flowers readily, and is less prone to rot than many species.
What is the prettiest cactus? This is subjective, but the rainbow cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus) with its multicolored spine bands, the orchid cactus with its dinner plate-sized blooms, and the spiral cactus with its twisted geometric form are frequently cited as the most visually striking.
What cactus is illegal to cut down? Saguaro cacti are legally protected in Arizona under the Native Plant Protection Act. Cutting down, destroying, or removing a saguaro without a permit is a class 4 felony (for plants valued at $1,500+) that can result in fines and prison time. The severity of the charge scales with the plant’s value.
What cactus is illegal to own? Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal to possess, cultivate, or distribute. A federal exemption allows members of the Native American Church to use peyote in religious ceremonies. Some states extend this exemption more broadly to bona fide religious use, while others are more restrictive.
What plant looks like a cactus but isn’t? Many euphorbias are mistaken for cacti, including Euphorbia trigona (candelabra “cactus”), Euphorbia obesa (baseball “cactus”), and Euphorbia lactea cristata (coral “cactus”). The easiest way to tell the difference is the sap — euphorbias produce milky white sap, while true cacti produce clear sap.
How much does a 10-foot saguaro cactus cost? A 10-foot saguaro typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the number of arms, overall health, and your location. Prices can exceed $100 per foot, and very large, multi-armed specimens can cost $5,000+. They must be legally sourced and often require a permit to transport.
What cactus blooms every 100 years? This is a myth — no cactus actually waits 100 years to bloom. The legend likely originates from the queen of the night (Selenicereus grandiflorus), whose enormous white flowers bloom for a single night per year and wilt by morning, making them extraordinarily easy to miss. The century plant (Agave americana) blooms once after 10–30 years and then dies, which may also contribute to the myth, though agaves are not cacti.
What does gifting someone a cactus mean? In many cultures, gifting a cactus symbolizes endurance, protection, and resilience — the ability to thrive in harsh conditions. In some traditions, cacti represent unconditional love (surviving anything) or warmth (desert association). In parts of East Asia, they’re associated with warding off negative energy. As houseplant gifts, they’re simply a practical choice for someone who wants a low-maintenance, long-lived plant.
What cactus shoots at you? The cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia), particularly the teddy bear cholla, is famous for seeming to “jump” onto people. It doesn’t actually shoot or jump — its spines have microscopic backward-facing barbs that catch on skin or clothing with the lightest contact, often pulling an entire segment off the plant. The sensation is so sudden and unexpected that it feels like the cactus attacked you.
Last Updated: March 2026