Indoor cacti are not only low-maintenance and stylish but also great for air purification and home aesthetics. Whether you’re a plant beginner or a seasoned collector, knowing the wide range of cactus types can help you choose the right one for your space. This guide introduces 50 indoor cactus types with pictures, along with brief descriptions to help you identify and care for each.
50 Indoor Cactus Types with Pictures
Below is a curated list of 50 popular indoor cacti types, each accompanied by a brief description and an image for reference.
1. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
Round, ribbed, and golden-spined. Needs bright light and little water.
2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Flat, segmented leaves with colorful winter blooms.
3. Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Pad-shaped stems with fuzzy, golden dots (glochids).
4. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
Covered in white, hair-like spines. Flowers bloom in a halo.
5. Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
Flat, spineless, star-shaped body with white dots.
6. Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
Colorful top grafted on a green base; often red, yellow, or pink.
7. Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
Clustered, upright stems resembling towers.
8. Bishop’s Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma)
Five-ribbed, spineless with a matte green finish.
9. Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa)
White, soft feather-like spines covering the cactus body.
10. Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
Slender stems with yellowish-white spines.
11. Parodia Cactus (Parodia magnifica)
Globular shape with soft ribs and yellow blooms.
12. Totem Pole Cactus (Lophocereus schottii ‘Monstrose’)
Smooth, bumpy column without spines.
13. Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
Zigzag-edged flat stems, often grown in hanging baskets.
14. Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus spp.)
Small barrel cactus with bright flowers.
15. Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
Trailing, cylindrical stems with red flowers.
16. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Thin, stringy stems; thrives in humidity.
17. Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)
Cylindrical stems like peanuts; orange flowers.
18. Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)
Tall, blue-green stems with few spines.
19. Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium baldianum)
Round, ribbed cactus with vivid red flowers.
20. Sand Dollar Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
Flat, symmetrical body with tiny white dots.
21. Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus)
Low-growing; known for scarlet blooms.
22. Devil’s Tongue Barrel (Ferocactus latispinus)
Thick ribs and sharp, flat spines.
23. Cobweb Cactus (Mammillaria bocasana)
Small and covered in white web-like threads.
24. Button Cactus (Epithelantha micromeris)
Miniature size with gray spines.
25. Turk’s Cap Cactus (Melocactus spp.)
Rounded base with a red cephalium on top.
26. Paper Spine Cactus (Tephrocactus articulatus)
Loose, jointed stems with papery spines.
27. Golden Rat Tail (Cleistocactus winteri)
Trailing stems with golden hairs.
28. Whortleberry Cactus (Myrtillocactus)
Produces edible berries; bushy growth.
29. Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus repandus)
Tall, tree-like cactus with edible fruit.
30. Window Cactus (Eriosyce senilis)
Round cactus with long, white, hair-like spines.
31. Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris)
Flat, fuzzy pads with pink blooms.
32. Silver Ball Cactus (Notocactus scopa)
Silvery spines and round body.
33. Golden Torch (Echinopsis spachiana)
Columnar, yellow-spined cactus.
34. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Night-blooming cactus with large white flowers.
35. Woolly Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria bocasana)
White woolly top with hooked spines.
36. Living Rock Cactus (Ariocarpus spp.)
Mimics stones; very slow-growing.
37. Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.)
Small, round with central flowers.
38. Snake Cactus (Selenicereus anthonyanus)
Trailing stems with slotted leaf shapes.
39. Snowball Cactus (Mammillaria candida)
Dense white spines, giving a snowy look.
40. Lace Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii)
Delicate white lace-like spines.
41. Arizona Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni)
Stout, ribbed with hooked spines.
42. Miniature Barrel Cactus (Echinopsis spp.)
Tiny version of classic barrel cacti.
43. Tiny Tots Cactus (Rebutia spp.)
Small clumping cacti with bright flowers.
44. Red Cap Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. rubra)
Similar to moon cactus but fully red.
45. Ghost Cactus (Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’)
Twisting, spiral stems with bluish tone.
46. Crested Cactus (various species)
Mutated growths that form fan-like shapes.
47. Giant Saguaro Seedling (Carnegiea gigantea)
Juvenile form of the iconic desert cactus.
48. Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
Soft-looking but very sharp; needs space.
49. White Bunny Cactus (Opuntia albata)
Soft white spines on upright pads.
50. Cathedral Cactus (Euphorbia trigona)
Often mistaken for a cactus; elegant vertical form.
Indoor Cactus Care Tips
- Light: Most cacti prefer bright, indirect light or full sun.
- Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely.
- Soil: Use well-draining cactus mix.
- Temperature: Ideal indoor range is 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).
- Potting: Choose containers with drainage holes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking a tiny desk plant or a bold statement cactus, this list of 50 indoor cactus types offers something for every plant lover. Their unique appearances, minimal care needs, and air-purifying benefits make them perfect for modern indoor living.
Use the pictures and descriptions above to identify your favorite types and build your cactus collection that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance.
Katrine is a curious mind with a passion for discovering and sharing interesting ideas from everyday life. Her writing covers a wide range of general topics designed to spark interest and keep readers engaged.
With a clear and conversational style, Katrine makes complex ideas simple and ordinary topics fascinating. She believes curiosity is the key to learning, and her articles reflect that spirit on every page.