Cactus with Pink Flowers

When it comes to cacti, one particular favorite among enthusiasts are cacti with pink flowers. There’s something truly captivating about these plants, whether they have a subtle pink tint or boast vibrant pink blooms. If you’re considering adding a different type of cactus to your landscape or indoor collection, why not choose one that displays stunning shades of pink?

There are various species of cacti that boast pink flowers, making them perfect for your home or garden. Let’s explore some unique pink-flowering cactus species and learn how to care for them:

Moon Cactus (grafted)

The moon cactus, or also known as the Hibotan cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii), is a colorful cactus that is created through the process of grafting. When you see a grafted moon cactus, you’re actually looking at two cacti joined together. It consists of an eye-catching pink top called a scion and a tall, green rootstock that serves as the host cactus.

The vibrant scion lacks chlorophyll and cannot produce its own food. As a result, it relies on the rootstock for nutrients and water. These cacti are typically grown in small four-inch containers, but if you want to promote their growth and blooms, it’s best to repot them into a larger container and provide fertilization a few weeks before their expected blooming period. 

To keep your moon cactus healthy, make sure to provide it with bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining water. The moon cactus has a relatively short lifespan of approximately 1-3 years, but you can regraft it to a new compatible rootstock, allowing it to continue to display its vibrant colors.

Holiday Cacti

The holiday cacti group, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti, are well-known for their beautiful pink blooms. These plants are popular among houseplant enthusiasts and often bloom around their respective holidays. However, some varieties within this group may flower even when it’s not a specific holiday, depending on the right conditions.

To ensure holiday-specific blooming, these cacti can be trained to flower at desired times. By providing them with six weeks of 12-hour nighttime darkness leading up to the holiday, you can encourage their vibrant pink flowers to emerge. 

To promote their healthy growth, it is important to water these cacti regularly during active periods and use well-draining soil to prevent overwatering. After flowering, it is recommended to water them sparingly until the dormant phase ends and new growth begins. They prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Propagation is a straightforward process that involves taking stem cuttings with two to five segments and planting them in well-draining soil. Also ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent rotting of the stem.

Mammillaria

Mammillaria includes several species that produce lovely pink blooms. For instance, the rose pincushion cactus (Mammillaria zeilmanniana) features delicate pink flowers that create a striking contrast against its spiky green body.

They produce pale pink flowers with yellow stigmas. To care for this cactus, place it in ample bright light, use porous cactus soil, and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

The powder puff cactus (Mammillaria bocasana) is another variety known for its clusters of pink flowers that adorn its globular shape. It resembles a cotton ball due to its silky white hairs. During the spring and summer, it produces lovely funnel-shaped, pinkish flowers. To keep this cactus thriving, provide it bright sunlight, use well-draining soil, water it every two weeks, and apply 5-10-5 liquid fertilizers.

Twin-spined cactus (Mammillaria geminispina) features thick spines and bell-shaped flowers ranging from pink to carmine red. Each stem’s top develops a ring of magenta flowers and the blooms can be scattered throughout the entire cactus.

Rebutia Pink Sensation

This cylindrical cactus from South America has a clumping habit, with green globular heads and soft golden-brown spines. It produces charming pink flowers with a yellow center in spring. To ensure its well-being, make sure to provide well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape easily.

Additionally, this cactus thrives when bathed in ample sunlight. The flowers themselves have a mesmerizing behavior, opening during the day and closing at night. Smaller cacti showcase their blooms for a few days, while larger cacti can extend their blossoms up to two weeks.

Beavertail Cactus

The beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is a low-spreading cactus that adds unique charm to any garden with its wide and flat, gray-blue pads resembling beaver tails. It features beautiful rose-purple flowers in spring to early summer which turn into small, spineless brownish-gray fruits that attract birds. Growing up to 6-12 inches tall and spreading up to 4 feet wide, it thrives in full sun, well-drained soils, and requires minimal water once established.

With its low-maintenance nature, adaptability to different soil types, the beavertail cactus is an excellent choice as a ground cover cacti in and around your garden. You can easily propagate the beavertail cactus through stem cuttings or seeds, making it a hassle-free addition to your landscape.

Several other cactus species have the capacity to produce pink blooms, so if you’re specifically interested in growing pink-flowering cacti, take the time to conduct a thorough research and pick the appropriate cultivar for your needs. With proper care, these captivating pink cacti will add beauty and uniqueness to your plant collection.

Remember to tailor your care routine to each cactus species’ specific needs to ensure optimal growth and blooming. Embrace the beauty of cacti with pink flowers and let them become the centerpiece of your botanical sanctuary, bringing elegance and color to your garden or indoor space.