Cactus plant lovers, rejoice—your dream indoor garden starts here.
Whether you’re working with a sunny windowsill or a shaded apartment corner, there’s a cactus plant that can thrive in your space. These resilient beauties are more than just prickly décor—they’re low-maintenance, stylish, and perfect for adding a bit of nature to your everyday life.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 best cactus plants to grow indoors, from flowering favorites to sculptural showstoppers. Each one brings its own unique charm, and with the right care, they’ll flourish in your home year-round.
Table of Contents
1. Christmas Cactus
If you’re looking for a cactus plant that blooms with color during the holiday season, the Christmas Cactus is a must-have.
Unlike desert varieties, this tropical cactus thrives in indirect light and enjoys a bit more humidity. Its segmented, flat green leaves trail beautifully, while its pink, red, or white flowers create a stunning display in winter—just in time for Christmas.
This cactus plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Let the soil dry out between waterings, but don’t let it sit completely parched for long periods. It also benefits from cooler night temperatures to encourage blooming.
With the right care, your Christmas Cactus can bloom for many winters to come—and even be passed down from one generation to the next.
2. Easter Cactus
The Easter Cactus brings a fresh burst of color to your indoor space just as spring rolls in. Known for its vibrant star-shaped blooms in shades of pink, red, and orange, this cactus plant is a seasonal favorite.
Like its Christmas cousin, the Easter Cactus prefers bright but indirect sunlight and thrives in moderate indoor temperatures. It’s native to the cloud forests of Brazil, meaning it appreciates a bit more humidity than desert cacti.
Water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering—it’s the quickest way to stress this otherwise easygoing plant. Use a well-draining cactus mix to keep its roots happy.
Place it near a bright window and you’ll be rewarded with cheerful flowers right around Easter.
3. Barrel Cactus
The Barrel Cactus is a round, spiny standout that adds bold structure to any indoor cactus plant collection. Its iconic shape—like a green ribbed barrel topped with yellow or orange spines—makes it a sculptural centerpiece for tabletops or sunny shelves.
Native to arid deserts, this cactus plant thrives in bright light and needs very little water. In fact, too much moisture is a common cause of root rot, so make sure the soil is bone-dry before watering again.
Barrel cacti grow slowly, which makes them ideal for indoor growing. They can live for decades with minimal care, and their striking appearance makes them a favorite for modern, minimalist interiors.
Just handle with care—the spines are sharp and sturdy!
4. Bunny Ear Cactus
The Bunny Ear Cactus, also known as Opuntia microdasys, earns its name from its adorable pad-like stems that resemble rabbit ears. This cactus plant is both cute and compact—making it a favorite for small indoor spaces.
It prefers bright, direct sunlight and dry conditions. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to completely dry out between drinks. Overwatering is the most common mistake with this species.
Instead of long spines, Bunny Ear Cactus has tiny glochids—small hair-like bristles that can easily stick to skin—so it’s best handled with gloves.
This cactus plant stays relatively low in height, grows in clumps, and brings a playful yet modern aesthetic to your home. With its fun shape and easy care, it’s a great pick for beginners.
5. Hedgehog Cactus
Don’t let the name fool you—Hedgehog Cactus is one of the most charming cactus plants you can grow indoors. Its short, cylindrical shape and dense spines give it a hedgehog-like appearance, while its vivid blooms in pink, purple, or red add a burst of unexpected beauty.
This cactus plant is native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico and thrives in sunny windowsills with plenty of direct light. It’s drought-tolerant and only needs watering once the soil is thoroughly dry.
In the right conditions, Hedgehog Cactus will reward you with stunning springtime flowers that contrast beautifully with its rugged exterior.
Its compact size and hardy nature make it ideal for windowsill gardens or mixed succulent arrangements.
6. Fishbone Cactus
The Fishbone Cactus, also known as Epiphyllum anguliger or the zigzag cactus, stands out from the crowd with its wavy, flat stems that resemble a fish skeleton. Unlike most traditional desert cacti, this cactus plant is a tropical epiphyte—meaning it grows naturally in trees, not soil.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates a bit more humidity than its desert cousins. Water moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist but never soggy. A well-draining mix with orchid bark or perlite works best.
Its unique shape makes it a perfect candidate for hanging baskets or decorative planters. If you’re lucky, it might reward you with large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night.
This cactus plant is quirky, low-maintenance, and a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts who want something a little different.
7. Star Cactus
The Star Cactus, also known as Astrophytum asterias, is a true gem among indoor cactus plants. Its perfectly symmetrical, star-shaped form and speckled skin give it a unique, almost otherworldly appearance.
This cactus plant stays small—usually just a few inches wide—making it ideal for windowsills or compact plant shelves. It thrives in bright light and well-draining soil, and it prefers a dry environment. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
Despite its exotic look, it’s surprisingly easy to care for and makes a striking statement in minimalist or modern home decor. In spring or early summer, it may produce soft yellow flowers that contrast beautifully with its muted green body.
The Star Cactus is perfect for plant lovers who appreciate symmetry, simplicity, and a touch of the unusual.
8. Old Lady Cactus
The Old Lady Cactus, or Mammillaria hahniana, is as delightful as its name suggests. This cactus plant is small, spherical, and covered in a dense layer of white, hair-like spines that give it a soft, fuzzy appearance—like a tiny grandmother wrapped in a shawl.
Don’t be fooled by its fluff, though—beneath the fuzz are sharp spines, so it’s best admired hands-off. What really sets this cactus apart are the bright pink or purple flowers that form a crown around its top, often blooming in spring and summer.
It prefers bright, direct light and dry conditions. Let the soil dry out completely before watering, and make sure it’s potted in a container with good drainage.
This cactus plant is a charming conversation piece and an easy addition to any sunny indoor collection.
9. Pincushion Cactus
The Pincushion Cactus, part of the Mammillaria genus, lives up to its name with its rounded shape and tight clusters of spines that resemble sewing pins in a cushion. It’s one of the most popular cactus plant varieties for indoor growers, thanks to its compact size and forgiving nature.
This cactus thrives in full sun and prefers a dry environment. Like most cacti, it needs well-draining soil and infrequent watering—wait until the soil is fully dry before giving it another drink.
Pincushion cacti often bloom with vibrant flowers in a ring around the top, creating a crown-like effect. With a little care and sunlight, these blooms can appear multiple times a year.
This hardy cactus plant is perfect for beginners and adds a classic desert look to any indoor space.
10. Lepismium Cruciforme
The Lepismium Cruciforme is a lesser-known but wonderfully unique cactus plant that brings a touch of the jungle into your home. Unlike traditional spiny cacti, this species features long, trailing stems with a cross-like (cruciform) shape and smooth edges.
It’s native to the rainforests of South America and grows well in hanging baskets, where its cascading stems can spill over the edges. It prefers bright, indirect light and a bit more humidity than desert cacti, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens with filtered sun.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t let it sit in water. Use a loose, well-draining potting mix with added orchid bark or perlite.
Lepismium Cruciforme is a great cactus plant for those who love unusual textures and graceful, trailing greenery.
Conclusion
Cactus plants are the perfect indoor companions for busy plant lovers. From the festive blooms of the Christmas Cactus to the sculptural charm of the Barrel and Star varieties, there’s a cactus plant for every style and space.
Their low-maintenance nature, combined with unique textures and colorful flowers, makes them ideal for adding life to your home—without the fuss. Just remember: bright light, dry soil, and minimal watering are the golden rules.
Ready to start or expand your indoor cactus collection? Choose a few favorites from this list and bring a little desert (or jungle) beauty indoors.
Written by Elly 🌿
Founder of Flora Nurture, Elly is a lifelong garden lover inspired by her grandfather’s teachings. She shares soulful gardening wisdom rooted in nature, creativity, and mindful living.
Read more about Elly →FAQ
Can cactus plants survive indoors without sunlight?
Most cactus plants prefer bright, direct sunlight, but some—like the Christmas or Fishbone Cactus—can tolerate lower light levels. However, no cactus can thrive in total darkness. Place them near a window with filtered light for best results.
How often should I water an indoor cactus plant?
In general, water only when the soil is completely dry. For most indoor cactus plants, this means watering every 2–4 weeks. Always use pots with drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Do cactus plants need fertilizer indoors?
Yes, but only occasionally. Use a diluted cactus-specific fertilizer once during the growing season (spring to early summer). Avoid fertilizing during the winter, when most cactus plants go dormant.
What’s the best soil for cactus plants indoors?
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. You can also create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Can I keep cactus plants in the bathroom?
Some cactus plants—like the Fishbone or Lepismium Cruciforme—can tolerate higher humidity and may do well in a bright bathroom. Most desert species, though, prefer dry air and should be placed elsewhere.
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