If you’ve been feeling the call to make like Joanna Gaines and embrace your inner “crazy planter,” an indoor cactus or succulent garden is a great place to start. All succulents store water in their stem or foliage, but cacti also feature areoles, the little bumps on the outside of the plant that the spines grow from. With the proper care, these desert-native plants can be just as happy growing on a shelf inside your home. A cactus requires little care-it can even tolerate some neglect as some types only need to be watered every two to three months. They can live for decades, so even the black-thumbed among us can find success. Cacti come in all shapes and sizes, and some even boast brightly colored flowers.

Christmas Cactus

With proper care, the bright pink blooms of a Christmas cactus will return year after year during the holiday season. A Christmas cactus prefers a humid climate and requires more watering than other types.

Barrel Cactus

This plant, nicknamed the “mother-in-law cushion” (ouch!), needs plenty of sun and not much water. A barrel cactus can thrive with watering as infrequently as once every two to three months.

Fairy Castle Cactus

Who knew a cactus could be whimsical? The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 6 feet in height. Take note that the Fairy Castle Cactus rarely produces flowers—they’re often sold with artificial blooms attached.

Star Cactus

The star cactus (also called sea urchin cactus or starfish cactus) is a small plant, making it ideal for an indoor succulent garden. A yellow or white bloom is the show-stopper on this petite cactus.

Feather Cactus

Don’t be fooled! The white “feathers” on this cactus look fluffy and soft, but they actually act as camouflage for the sharp spines that cover the surface.

Saguaro Cactus

The Saguaro Cactus is native only to the Sonoran Desert and can live for 200 years. Its slow growth rate (about an inch per year for the first eight years of its life) makes it possible to grow indoors.

Why do cacti have thorns?

Thanks to these thorns, the air layer around the plant is protected and used, water loss from the plant is reduced.

Blue Columnar Cactus

The fast-growing blue columnar cactus can reach heights of 30 feet tall, and when mature, it boasts funnel-shaped blooms

Moon Cactus

Moon cactus is a popular addition to a succulent garden thanks to their bright color. The hybrid plant is actually two types of cacti grafted together, and their lifespans are short compared to other species.

Ladyfinger Cactus

Ladyfinger cactus (also called gold lace cactus) is a sweet addition to a succulent garden. This petite cactus only grows to 6 inches tall and blooms with white flowers.

Old Lady Cactus

The old lady cactus, a type of powder puff cactus, is covered with spines and white down, hence its name. This easy-to-grow plant is a great choice for a beginner.

Bunny Ear Cactus

The bunny ear or angel wing cactus is a popular choice for its cute shape. This plant does not have spines like a traditional cactus, but that doesn’t mean it’s cuddly! The glochids (which give it a polka-dot appearance) can still stick you.

Bishop’s Cap Cactus

The star-shaped bishop’s cap cactus features a short-blooming yellow flower. It requires little water and space, making it easy to grow.

African Milk Tree Cactus

Technically succulent, the African milk tree cactus is a relative of the poinsettia. Take care when handling this one—the sap can cause skin irritation.

Easter Cactus

With the proper care, the Easter cactus blooms in early spring. Even without the bright flowers, the green segments make for an attractive plant.

Parodia Cactus

The ball-shaped Parodia cactus boasts showy flowers. This type of cactus prefers less light and more water than others.

Melandra House Has Plenty Cactus in its Garden

Located in Yeniboğaziçi, Melandra House has a gigantic garden that is home to many types of cacti. We hardly knew there were so many types until we got there and saw them for ourselves. If you are looking for somewhere different to go to for breakfast then Melandra House is the place to be. You are served a traditional Cypriot breakfast followed by a tour of the museum based on the history of old Turkish Cypriot lifestyles. If you wish, you may have coffee in the large, green garden.

The Melandra House takes pride in its cacti garden and other different types of plants. You can even buy the plants and cacti you can not find anywhere else on the island.


 

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