Flowering Cactus Care
Different types of cacti produce flowers. Many of these cacti need precise conditions for optimal blooming. However, these conditions aren’t impossible to recreate and cacti can still grow indoors without question. The key to getting a cactus to flower is to mimic the cactus’ natural environment as closely as possible and understanding why a cactus blooms in the first place.
Some Common Flowering Cacti
Prickly Pear Cactus
One of the most famous flowering cacti is the prickly pear, which can be seen growing from Canada all the way down to Argentina. This cactus blooms beautiful flowers but be wary of its spikes which can easily lodge into people’s skin.
Saguaro Cactus
The saguaro cactus, commonly found in dry and arid regions, blooms in the spring, showcasing some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever see.
Holiday Cactus
Holiday cacti are a type of cacti that typically bloom flowers on or near the holidays they were named after. They showcase bright colors and are great ornaments for your home.
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) – This cactus blooms in the winter making it a popular gift choice for the holidays. The Christmas cactus is native to the tropics, where it grows on top of trees, benefitting from ample sunlight and humidity.
- Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) – Some people mistakenly identify this cactus as the Christmas cactus. However, it can be easily distinguished by its jagged leaves.
- Easter Cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) – Also native to rainforests, the Easter cactus grows on top of trees and blooms beautiful, star-like flowers.
How to Properly Care for Flowering Cacti
Light
Give your flowering cacti ample amounts of sunlight from spring to fall. When winter arrives, it is necessary to place them in a shaded area to induce dormancy, during which they begin budding.
Temperature
Depending on the type, certain flowering cacti like the Saguaro are capable of surviving in hot climates. Holiday cacti, on the other hand, tend to benefit more from the shade as they are natives of tropical rainforests.
Watering
Flowering cacti require water even when they flourish in arid environments. It is important to water your cactus once the soil has dried out, and ensure that their pots have proper drainage for good irrigation.
Why You Should Own a Flowering Cactus
Most cacti make excellent additions to gardens and serve as attractive indoor ornamentals. They are easy to care for, and with the right amount of attention, will grow into beautiful, flowering plants. They sport an array of vibrant colors that give life to the corners of your home. They also turn into the centerpieces of your garden plant collection. When considering what kind of flowering cactus to take home, it is advisable to conduct some research on the specific species to ensure you provide them with the best care possible.