Cacti suitable for growing indoors, these 8 potted varieties also have ornamental flowers

When growing plants indoors, the hard part is maintaining air humidity. When the air at home is fairly dry, it is difficult to grow tropical foliage plants. Even pothos and ivy are prone to yellowing leaves and withering because of dry air. However, the following eight desert plants are especially easy to care for, and they can grow healthily indoors too.

The first type, Opuntia microdasys 'Albata'

Opuntia microdasys 'Albata', also called white-haired prickly pear, belongs to a variant cactus variety of Opuntia microdasys. Its plant grows very evenly, has no sharp spines, and is completely fine to keep indoors. Its plant is relatively short, and the pads have small white hairs that feel very soft to the touch. It likes sufficient light but is also fairly shade-tolerant, does not need frequent watering, and likes a dry environment.

The second type, rat tail cactus

If you have a windowsill with fairly sufficient sunlight, you can grow a hanging basket cactus, and you can consider this rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis). It is a native plant originating from Mexico, and people really like its rod-shaped leaves and its magenta flowers.

To care for the rat tail cactus, it needs appropriate scattered light every day. In summer, avoid harsh exposure. When kept indoors in winter, avoid frost damage, but also avoid too high a temperature, otherwise it will affect winter dormancy and make it very difficult to bloom the next year.

The third type, Euphorbia trigona

The one above is red Euphorbia trigona, a very easy-to-care-for indoor cactus variety. In a warm, dry environment, if there is sufficient sunlight, it will grow to several meters tall. However, when grown indoors, the plant is generally very short, and with insufficient light it grows slowly. Euphorbia trigona has red leaves and red stems.

If the air is not circulating, or if it is overwatered, the leaves are prone to dropping. For care, be sure to use soil with very good drainage.

The fourth type, columnar cactus

Columnar cacti are also very suitable for growing indoors and do not have all kinds of sharp spines, such as the common Cereus jamacaru, Cereus repandus, or Hylocereus undatus. Grown indoors, they all grow especially slowly and do not need frequent care. Generally, watering thoroughly once a month is enough. For care, use soil with very good drainage. In a warm, dry place, it is best to give a little scattered light.

The fifth type, Mammillaria hahniana

Mammillaria hahniana is a cactus variety full of character. Its whole body is covered with white hairs, and it is completely non-prickly to the touch. This very warm-looking plant also blooms very easily, and a ring of pink flowers will grow at its top.

To care for Mammillaria hahniana, use sandy soil with very good drainage. Generally, water thoroughly once every 2 to 3 weeks. In cold winter, water thoroughly once a month.

The sixth type, Astrophytum ornatum

People also call it the beautiful star. It is a cactus plant that looks very unique. You can spread some granular soil on the surface, and cultivate it with a mix of well-draining potting soil and sand. Its globe has sharp spines, so pay attention to the care location.

The surface of this cactus grows some white frost-like coating. It looks like it is sick, but it is actually very healthy. This is a defense mechanism of the plant to avoid sunburn. If you want it to bloom, water less and give more light.

The seventh type, Christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is a potted cactus plant very suitable for growing indoors. It belongs to the epiphytic plants of tropical rainforests, likes a warm and humid environment, has slightly higher requirements for air humidity, and does not like dry environments. In addition, it likes scattered light and does not like harsh exposure or direct sunlight.

In winter, keeping the care temperature at a relatively cool 12-18 degrees makes it easy to bloom and allows it to maintain a longer flowering period. The Christmas cactus is very afraid of overwatering; too much water easily causes root rot, so use well-draining soil for care.

The eighth type, golden barrel cactus

The golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a common potted cactus. It has very hard golden-yellow sharp spines. It is an edible cactus variety and can be grown indoors in shade or in a place with sufficient sunlight. When grown indoors with insufficient light, control watering. Be careful to cultivate it in sandy soil, make sure drainage is guaranteed, and the flower pot should also have relatively large drainage holes.