Are you fond of collecting unique plants? Here are some rare cacti you can add to your indoors and grow them as houseplants!
Having some attractive, less common species of plants in the garden is something to boast about, right? So, here we bring you some beautiful rare cacti you can add to your indoors and show off to your plant-enthusiasts circle as much as you want!
Rare Cacti You Can Add To Your Indoors
1. Bishop’s Cap Cactus
Botanical Name: Astrophytum myriostigma
The Bishop’s Cap Cactus comes with many feathers in its cap! Firstly, it has a small and round structure that has no spines on it, unlike other cacti species. Then, the plant is said to have a perfectly star-shaped form when observed in a transverse section that appears like the Bishop’s miter (where the common name comes from).
It is ideal to grow in both indoor and outdoor settings as it requires minimal care like less water, dappled sunlight, and less fertilizer hence, a perfect choice. Additionally, when the flowers bloom your house will be filled with its misty fragrance.
2. Queen of the Night
Botanical Name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum
The “Queen of the Night” cactus is nothing less than Cinderella with its white hues, and you only get to see it under the moonlight, justifying its name. It belongs to the family of cacti and is a rare type of flower that only blooms for one night, once a year.
Besides, it is also a good air purifier that thrives best in bright indirect sunlight with temperatures between 50°F to 80°F with well-drained soil. Below 50°F, it is not suitable as these plants are not frost-resistant.
3. Peanut Cactus
Botanical Name: Echinopsis chamaecereus
Have you come across this plant? It is a sight to catch when the bright orange flower appears in between the overly crowded stems. Mature ones can reach a height of 15 cm and spread 30 cm or more wide.
You can plant the Peanut cactus in hanging baskets to highlight the best appearance of this beauty. Just make sure that the soil is porous enough so it doesn’t hold water for a long time.
4. Fairy Castle Cactus
Botanical Name: Acanthocereus tetragonus
The Fairy Castle Variegated Cactus is a unique plant that grows in some specific areas of America only which makes it quite a rare cacti species. Its slow-growing stems have different sections of divided colors, with a spiked texture.
The amazing thing about this cacti species is the mound-like structure it forms after reaching a certain maturity, or even the small ones attain this structure. Additionally, the tiny white beads surrounding each rib from all sides bring out the most spectacular ornamental look!
5. Turk’s-cap Cactus
Botanical Name: Melocactus matanzanus
Growing best between April and October, the plants have a unique hat-like crown on the top, from which they get the name ” Turk’s Cap Cactus”. In the early growing stage, it is hard to identify but easy once they reach maturity by their whitish cephalium.
These little plants grow best in dry areas with adequate sunshine and low water requirements. Due to their low-maintenance nature, these rare beauties are best for beginners in gardening who have a soft corner for cactus.
6. Star Cactus
Botanical Name: Astrophytum asterias
Thriving in areas with hot, muggy summers and short, dry winters these plants are one of a kind. The Star cactus has a unique compact structure showcasing funnel-shaped flowers. They come in a range of colors from white to yellow with orange or red centers.
This rare species has an adaptable slow-growing nature which is best for small and compact spaces unless it is bright enough for healthy growth.
7. Miracle Cactus
Botanical Name: Setiechinopsis mirabilis
Also known as the Flower of prayers, the Miracle cactus is a short-lived cactus species that is more related to the Cereus group of plants than to Echinopsis, even though its name appears to relate it to the latter! It is a small cactus that usually grows solitary.
Besides, this flowering loner produces bright white flowers with long narrow petals in a compact rosette on top of a long narrow tube-like stalk. Surprisingly, these blooms last only one night during the summer season.
8. Peyote
Botanical Name: Lophophora williamsii
Peyote is a small, rare cactus specifically available in the Chihuahuan desert regions of the South Texas plains. It is yet another solitary grower but with no spines. It displays a graceful daisy-like flower on top with a nice light shade of pink.
Besides, it has a weird structure and produces wooly grayish hairs from its areoles. This unique plant grows best in temperatures between 70°F and 90°F (21°C to 32°C) during the growing season. Interestingly, the plant is a natural fighter and can sustain temperatures down to freezing briefly, but extended exposure to cold temperatures can harm the plant.
A Fact: Some research says that in the US, it is illegal to possess peyote.
9. Fishhook Barrel Cactus
Botanical Name: Ferocactus wislizeni
A majestic long-living cacti! The Fishhook Barrel cactus usually stays in a single column for a very long time, with a lifespan of 50 to 130 years. It grows in the desert shrub and grasslands of the Sonoran deserts of Arizona and interestingly this plant contributes a great deal to the food cycle of the inhabitants of this region as well.
Anyway, coming to the point it will grow effortlessly in your home garden because it tolerates almost all kinds of weather and seems to require very little care and maintenance. In fact, you might as well be gifted with its fiery orange flowers that grow at the top of the crown and later give out juicy edible fruits.
Cacti are some of the most famous plants that enhance the look of your home, office, or any space. So, would you like to grow these awesome plants indoors? If you do, let us know because that is how we will know if you like this collection!
