Do you also like to collect unusual plants? Meet some cactus that look like a brain to transform your garden with their unique structures!
Cacti are admired for their resilient nature but some varieties take things to another level- by looking like the human brain! These quirky, head-turning cacti are nature’s way of showing off its creative side. Along with this, they are also easy to care for. Have a look at this list of cacti that look like a brain!
Cactus That Look Like a Brain
1. Brain Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria elongata
The Brain Cactus earns its name with its intricate folds and twists that closely resemble the human brain! This eye-catching feature is a result of fascination, which is a natural mutation that causes its irregular and crested form of growth pattern.
Besides its fascinating features, it is an easy-to-grow specimen and is best to grow in small spaces for its compact structure. To keep it thriving water sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry.
2. Star Cactus
Botanical Name: Astrophytum asterias
A perfectly symmetrical, star-shaped cactus this cactus has smooth ribs with a velvety texture and beautifully aligned dots with tiny, soft white tufts. Its form and subtle beauty make it a pretty impressive charm!
When it blooms, it rewards you with a bright yellow flower with a red center on it, enhancing its beautiful structure.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Star cactus can be your lifetime companion as well? Because it is a slow grower and can live on for decades!
3. Moon Cactus
Botanical Name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
A gorgeous hybrid, the Moon cactus is popularly admired for its bright spherical top in shades of red, orange, or yellow on a green upright base. It looks like a candy-coated object!
This plant is a result of grafting and it doesn’t produce chlorophyll to give away its vivid hues. Grow this playful and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for bringing lively colors to your home and garden.
4. Cristata Cactus
Botanical Name: Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata’
Cristata cacti are a different group of plants that feature crested growth of unusual patterns like fans, waves, or even intricate brain-like folds! These specimens often emerge as one-of-a-kind in the plant diversity because there are no plants that look like them.
To flourish gracefully, these cacti only require a well-draining potting mix, bright indirect sunlight, and minimum watering.
Fun fact: Cristata cacti often develop their crested forms due to injury or genetic mutation, which makes each individual a unique piece.
5. Mammillaria Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria gracilis fragilis ‘Thimble Cactus’
Mammillaria cacti are small, adorable plants with a globular form covered with dense, spines that resemble miniature cushions. Some species even exhibit radial patterns or tubercles that give them an almost brain-like structure.
They are one of the most wanted cacti species, widely popular for their bright pink, red, or white flowers that create a crown around their tops. To grow, these hardy cacti thrive in almost all kinds of climatic conditions, which makes them a great beginner-friendly choice!
Pretty sure that you are happy with this quirky collection of cactus that look like a brain. If you have seen more such plants with interesting shapes and structures, do let us know in the comment section below.
