From the sun to the sunset, orange is everywhere, even in the cacti world—check out the best cactus with orange flowers listed below!
Orange is a warm and cheerful color—not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cacti, right? But surprise, surprise—some cacti bloom with stunning orange flowers that can be just the cherry on top of your garden!
Cactus with Orange Flowers
1. Indian Fig Prickly Pear
Botanical name: Opuntia ficus–indica
Did you know that this cactus was once used by farmers as a natural fence and barrier against wild animals that wandered into agricultural areas? But the irony is that the Barbary fig, or Indian fig cactus, feeds people, animals, and even insects.
Bonus tip: If you’re into edible gardening, the pads (called nopales) and fruits (called tunas) are both edible and super healthy!
2. Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus
Botanical name: Echinocereus coccineus Englem
Hummingbirds in deserts, who would have thought? But the Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus makes that possible, thanks to its being a high-energy nectar source in a harsh desert environment for hummingbirds. This cactus can survive in temperature extremes, from the harsh desert heat to freezing temperatures down to -10°F or -23°C. The spines help shade the plant, reducing water loss—basically, it acts as built-in UV protection.
What makes this plant even more beautiful are its spring-blooming flowers showcasing shades like orange, scarlet, and even pink.
3. Claret Cup Cactus
Botanical name: Echinocereus triglochidiatus
Like the Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, the Claret Cup can survive in extreme heat, freezing cold, and even droughts. When this cactus blooms, it explodes in a burst of colors, turning dry landscapes into the land of fiery red cup-shaped flowers.
It has really short spines, which are almost hidden, which makes its flowers stand out even more. This is also used in traditional medicine for its potential healing properties.
4. Fishhook Barrel Cactus
Botanical name: Ferocactus wislizeni
This cactus has curved, red-tinted spines that look like old fishhooks and keep animals at bay. It produces golden-orange fruit even in the harshest droughts for the desert animals. Some say that the thirsty travellers could open it to get water. But don’t go trying the juice as it is more likely to give you a stomachache than quench your thirst!
Besides the distinct spines, this cactus produces orange, red, or yellow flowers that bloom around the top of the plant.
Fun fact: This cactus always leans towards the southwest—earning it the nickname “compass barrel cactus.” Handy if you ever lose your way in the desert!
5. Icosagon Cactus
Botanical Name: Cleistocactus icosagonus
This is a type of clumping cactus that is quite interesting to look at, all year round, thanks to its spines that glow due to the light from the rising or setting sun. Growing to about 2 feet in height, they spread well and create clusters of thin, finger-like structures that look lovely in sandy spots and rock gardens.
Icosagon cactus starts to bloom at the start of summer, throughout fall, with flowers sprouting on the top of the cactus-like bright orange tubes that flare open like flames.
6. Orange Crown Cactus
Botanical Name: Rebutia fiebrigii
Don’t be surprised if the Flame Crown quickly becomes your favorite cactus! Native to the Bolivian Andes, this small cactus features round ball-like structures growing on naturally rocky terrain. As they mature, they form into piles of these ball-like structures covered with silky white hairs and spines.
The Orange Crown Cactus is popular as an ornamental cactus, especially because of its daisy-like, bright orange blooms growing on the “crown” or top of the cactus.
It’s also known to rebloom multiple times in a season if kept in bright light and cooler temperatures during winter—perfect for eager flower lovers!
7. Peanut Cactus
Botanical Name: Echinopsis chamaecereus
One of the most beautiful hanging cacti on this list, the Peanut cactus has a clumping and trailing habit. Its long, slender finger-like structures grow up to 6 inches in length and are covered in small white hairs instead of spines. Alongside moderate watering, it needs slightly cooler temperatures to produce buds, but it is not frost-tolerant.
As spring arrives, you will be greeted with deep rust-colored buds peeking out from among the white hairs, which start to bloom into vibrant orange flowers.
Fact: The orange blooms of this cactus resemble straw flowers and last well into the summer.
8. Orange Snowball
Botanical Name: Rebutia muscula
Did you know that this cactus is also known as the Little Mouse Cactus? Well, there is a good reason, of course! It is a small cactus with a clustering growth habit, such that it forms mounds of spherical or even sometimes elongated stems.
Besides the white to slightly yellowish spines that beautifully contrast its green body, Orange Snowball truly lives up to its name with bright orange-red flowers.
Here we are at the end of this beautiful collection! Would you like to add some to it? Why not? Tell us more about it if you have any in mind.
