Cacti and succulents might be the perfect plants for beginners or busy people who want to keep plants in their homes. They’re low-maintenance, plus they make for great decor!
Here’s a list of our favorite no-frills cacti!
1. Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
| Scientific Name | Opuntia microdasys |
| Common Name | Bunny Ears Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Bunny Ears cactus is a unique and attractive cactus native to Mexico, known for its distinctive paddle-shaped pads, which grow in pairs and resemble bunny ears.
The pads are covered in a soft, velvety fuzz, producing bright white or yellow flowers in the spring and summer. It’s a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
2. Blue Hens and Chicks (Echeveria glauca)
| Scientific Name | Echeveria glauca |
| Common Name | Blue Hens and Chicks |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining succulent mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Blue Hens and Chicks is an attractive succulent indigenous to Mexico. It produces distinct blue-green rosettes, which grow in clusters and resemble hens and chicks, covered in a powdery coating, giving the plant a frosted appearance.
The leaves of this plant are also valuable since you can eat them fresh or cooked or use them to make natural dyes and soaps. They make excellent plants for terrariums and succulent arrangements.
3. Star Cactus (Astrophytum asteria)
| Scientific Name | Astrophytum asteria |
| Common Name | Star Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Star Cactus is native to Mexico and is known for its star-shaped ribs, which give the plant a geometric and sculptural appearance. Its ribs are covered in tiny spines, and the blooms bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer.
The Star Cactus is drought-tolerant and non-toxic, making it a good choice as a houseplant for beginners and experienced gardeners. Its unique shape and color make it a stunning addition to any terrarium or arrangement.
4. Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)
| Scientific Name | Aporocactus flagelliformis |
| Common Name | Rat Tail Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Rat Tail cactus is indigenous to Mexico and Central America, and it’s famous for its slender and cascading stems, reaching up to 4 feet long. This epiphytic plant has green cylindrical stems covered with clusters of small spines.
This drought-tolerant plant is easy to care for and is an excellent addition to your home or garden. It helps improve air quality by removing toxins from the air and reducing stress and anxiety.
5. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
| Scientific Name | Sedum morganianum |
| Common Name | Burro’s Tail |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining succulent mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Burro’s Tail is another unique succulent plant native to southern Mexico, with cascading stems reaching 3 feet long. Its branches are covered in plump, fleshy, deep green leaves.
It is a fast-growing drought-tolerant plant, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. It not only gives a touch of greenery and interest to any space but also removes toxins from the air and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
6. Feather Cactus (Mammillaria plumosa)
| Scientific Name | Mammillaria plumosa |
| Common Name | Feather Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The feather cactus is indigenous to northeastern Mexico and is known for its white, feathery spines, which are modified hairs that help to protect the plant from the sun and predators. This small cactus has a mounded habit, growing to only about 5 inches tall.
It also blooms pink and white flowers in the late summer or early fall. The good thing about having a feather cactus is that it can help remove toxins like carbon dioxide and benzene and can help to create a more calming and relaxing environment in your home.
7. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)
| Scientific Name | Euphorbia trigona |
| Common Name | African Milk Tree |
| Origin | Africa |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans |
The African Milk Tree is a unique succulent plant indigenous to West Africa. It’s famous for its slender stems, reaching up to 9 feet tall. These stems are covered in triangular ridges but contain a milky sap irritating skin and eyes.
It is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant plant that can live for many years. You can add it to your home or garden if you want a low-maintenance plant that can add a touch of greenery and improve air quality to your space.
8. Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
| Scientific Name | Carnegiea gigantea |
| Common Name | Saguaro Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico and the southwestern United States |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 20-50 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Saguaro cactus is indigenous to the Sonoran Desert, reaching over 50 feet tall. It has a woody trunk covered in accordion-like ribs, allowing the plant to expand and contract as it absorbs and releases water.
This cactus also has arms that can grow over 10 feet long and help the plant collect more sunlight. It’s a great low-maintenance plant that will bring desert vibes to your space and improve air quality by removing toxins from the air.
9. Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger)
| Scientific Name | Epiphyllum anguliger |
| Common Name | Fishbone Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Fishbone cactus is native to the jungles of Central and South America and is famous for its flat and segmented stems, resembling the bones of a fish. It also produces beautiful fragrant flowers in the spring and summer.
This great low-maintenance plant can add a touch of the tropics to your home or garden. It’s also known to improve air quality by removing toxins from the air and reducing stress and anxiety.
10. Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
| Scientific Name | Gymnocalycium mihanovichii |
| Common Name | Moon Cactus |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Moon cactus is native to Paraguay and Brazil and is unique for its round, ball-shaped body and golden yellow spines. It’s a grafted cactus comprising Gymnocalycium mihanovichii at the top and Hylocereus undatus at the bottom.
The Moon Cactus produces colorful flowers in the spring and summer. You add this drought-tolerant and easy-to-care-for plant to your home or garden, add a touch of beauty, and improve air quality to your space.
11. Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum ornatum)
| Scientific Name | Astrophytum ornatum |
| Common Name | Bishop’s Cap |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Bishop’s Cap is indigenous to the semi-arid regions of central and northern Mexico. It’s a small, globe-shaped cactus covered in small white tubercles that give it a bumpy texture.
The tubercles are arranged in a spiral pattern, with short, thin spines at the tips of the tubercles. It’s an excellent houseplant and garden plant, known for its air-purifying properties, making it a beneficial plant in your home or garden.
12. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
| Scientific Name | Schlumbergera |
| Common Name | Christmas Cactus |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Christmas cactus is an epiphyte native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. It has segmented stems that resemble leaves and bloom flowers in various colors, including red, pink, white, and yellow.
Christmas cacti are easy to care for and can live for many years. Not only will it improve your mood and reduce stress, but it also has air-purifying properties and helps reduce the risk of respiratory problems in your home.
13. Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus)
| Scientific Name | Ferocactus |
| Common Name | Barrel Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico and the southwestern United States |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Barrel cactus has rounded, barrel-shaped bodies and sharp spines and is native to southwestern North America and northern Mexico deserts. This plant can store water in its thick stems and has a thick waxy coating that helps to reduce water loss.
This low-maintenance cactus plant can give your landscape a touch of the desert. It’s also known for its air-purifying properties and ability to reduce stress and improve mood when you see it in your home or office.
14. Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)
| Scientific Name | Hatiora gaertneri |
| Common Name | Easter Cactus |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Easter cactus is an epiphyte indigenous to the rainforests of southeastern Brazil. It has unique segmented stems and blooms its beautiful flowers multiple times yearly.
Easter cacti are an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy colorful flowers all year round, especially since it’s easy to care for and can live for many years. They also have air-purifying properties and can help to reduce stress and improve mood in your space.
15. Melon Cactus (Melocactus)
| Scientific Name | Melocactus |
| Common Name | Melon Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico and the Caribbean |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
Melon cactus originally came from the dry regions of the Caribbean and northern South America. They’re widely cultivated for their rounded, melon-shaped bodies and spiky cephalium, or dense spines that protect the plant from predators and the sun.
The cephalium is also where the plant’s colorful flowers bloom, making it an exotic and beneficial addition to any home or garden. They’re also low-maintenance plants that can filter harmful toxins from the air.
16. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
| Scientific Name | Echinocactus grusonii |
| Common Name | Golden Barrel Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Golden Barrel cactus is native to the central deserts of Mexico. It’s famous for its bright yellow spines, rounded shape, and ability to thrive amid extreme heat, drought, and poor soil.
Its yellow spines are sharp, overlapping each other to form a protective barrier around the plant, which helps to keep it cool in the hot desert sun. This makes it a popular choice for landscaping in arid regions, adding a touch of the desert to any space.
17. Indian Head Cactus (Parodia ottonis)
| Scientific Name | Parodia ottonis |
| Common Name | Indian Head Cactus |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Indian Head cactus is a globular cactus indigenous to the coastal regions of Uruguay and Brazil. It’s covered in dense, white spines that radiate from its apex, tipped with a reddish-brown color.
This cactus blooms showy, colorful flowers profusely and can last for several weeks.
They’re an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor gardening since they’re slow-growing, air-purifying and can add a touch of the desert to any space.
18. Mexican Fence Post (Pachycereus marginatus)
| Scientific Name | Pachycereus marginatus |
| Common Name | Mexican Fence Post |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 20-50 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Mexican Fence Post cactus is a columnar plant native to the deserts of Mexico. It has a unique slender shape and dense, white spines. It has a strong, central trunk that supports its weight while the spines protect the cactus from predators and the sun.
The Mexican fence post cactus is also unique in its ability to produce colorful flowers for several weeks. They’re a great addition to your home or office, adding a touch of desert to your space or as a privacy screen or windbreak in your garden.
19. Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)
| Scientific Name | Echinopsis chamaecereus |
| Common Name | Peanut Cactus |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Peanut cactus is a globular, peanut-shaped cactus indigenous to the semi-arid regions of Argentina and Bolivia. It’s covered in dense, white spines, tipped with a reddish-brown color, giving the plant a unique appearance.
Peanut cacti also produce large flowers profusely in various colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. It’s a slow-growing plant, so they make a good choice for small spaces like window sills or office desks.
20. Rebutia Cactus (Rebutia heliosa)
| Scientific Name | Rebutia heliosa |
| Common Name | Rebutia Cactus |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Rebutia cactus is indigenous to Bolivia and Argentina and is famous for its bright orange flowers and dense, silvery-white spines. Its colorful orange flowers are funnel-shaped and bloom profusely during the spring and summer.
This cactus also has dense, silvery-white spines arranged in a spiral pattern, which protects the cactus from predators and the harsh desert sun. They’re slow-growing, easy to care for, and can add a touch of the desert even to small spaces in your home.
21. Heart Hoya (Hoya kerrii)
| Scientific Name | Hoya kerrii |
| Common Name | Heart Hoya, sweetheart hoya, lucky heart plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining succulent mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets and humans |
The Heart Hoya is a vining succulent plant native to the Philippines. It’s unique for its thick, heart-shaped leaves, which have earned it its nickname, and small white flower clusters.
This is a slow-growing plant with a vining habit that you can train to climb a trellis or other support structure. It symbolizes good luck in love, so that you can add it to your space for a romantic vibe.
22. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
| Scientific Name | Rhipsalis baccifera |
| Common Name | Mistletoe Cactus |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Mistletoe cactus is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It’s famous for its long, slender stems hanging down like moss, covered in small, green leaves resembling a mistletoe.
Another unique thing about the Mistletoe cactus is that it can grow without soil or on other plants. This plant, a symbol of good luck and prosperity, is an excellent addition to indoor and outdoor spaces, giving them a tropical vibe.
23. Peyote (Lophophora Williamsii)
| Scientific Name | Lophophora Williamsii |
| Common Name | Peyote |
| Origin | Mexico and the southwestern United States |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans |
Peyote is a small, spineless plant indigenous to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and the United States. It has psychoactive properties caused by the presence of the alkaloid mescaline.
Peyote is a slow-growing plant with a distinct shape and lack of spines, adding interest or a desert vibe to your home or office. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases because of the alkaloids that deter them.
24. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum Oxypetalum)
| Scientific Name | Epiphyllum oxypetalum |
| Common Name | Queen of the Night |
| Origin | Mexico and Central America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Queen of the Night is a cactus native to Mexico and Central America. Its unique feature is that it blooms only at night, and its large, fragrant flowers typically last only a few hours.
It’s also an epiphytic plant, which means it can grow without soil or on other plants, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening. It also helps improve air quality by removing toxins from the air, while its sweet fragrance can relax you at night.
25. Sand Dollar Cactus (Astrophytum asteria)
| Scientific Name | Astrophytum asteria |
| Common Name | Sand Dollar Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Sand Dollar cactus is a small, spherical plant indigenous to Mexico. It has unique star-shaped ribs that can produce a thick, waxy coating that protects it from the sun and heat.
It’s a low-maintenance plant, making it a good choice for busy gardeners, requiring only minimal watering and sunlight. It’s also easy to propagate, so you can start new plants, which can be a fun and rewarding experience as you decorate your space.
26. Zig Zag Cactus (Selenicereus Anthonyanus)
| Scientific Name | Selenicereus Anthonyanus |
| Common Name | Zig Zag Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Zig Zag cactus is a tropical plant indigenous to Central and South America. It has zig-zag-shaped stems and long, trailing vines reaching up to 20 feet.
This is a fast-growing plant, so it can quickly fill the space and add volume and interest to your home or garden. You can also grow them in pots, hanging baskets, or even on the ground to add interest and improve air quality in any home or garden area.
27. Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis)
| Scientific Name | Mammillaria gracilis fragilis |
| Common Name | Thimble Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Thimble cactus is a cylindrical plant native to Central Mexico with white spines that give it a soft, velvety appearance. It blooms delicate, white or pale yellow flowers every spring and summer.
It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that’s great for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Apart from its air-purifying properties, it’s also easy to propagate, so there’s no limit to using them to decorate your home, office or garden.
28. Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
| Scientific Name | Acanthocereus tetragonus |
| Common Name | Fairy Castle Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico and Central America |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Full sun |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Fairy Castle cactus is indigenous to Central and South America and known for its eye-catching shape, resembles a miniature castle, and spine-covered stems growing in different directions.
This is an easy-care cactus resistant to pests and diseases and can live for many years, making it a long-term investment for your home or garden. It’s also a slow-growing plant, so you can add it to small spaces without worrying about repotting them often.
29. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
| Scientific Name | Mammillaria hahniana |
| Common Name | Old Lady Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 3-6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Old Lady cactus is a spherical cactus native to central Mexico covered with white spines, giving it a soft, velvety appearance. It also blooms delicate, white or pale yellow flowers in the spring and summer.
We recommend this to busy gardeners since they require only occasional watering and sunlight. It also helps improve air quality and is drought tolerant, so you won’t have to worry about them if you’re out of the house or travel frequently.
30. Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
| Scientific Name | Mammillaria elongata |
| Common Name | Ladyfinger Cactus |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Allow soil to dry completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining cactus mix |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
The Ladyfinger cactus is a small, cylindrical plant indigenous to central Mexico. It has unique elongated, finger-shaped stems and is covered with dense white spines.
It’s a low-maintenance plant that requires only occasional watering and sunlight. Its distinctive appearance, with its finger-shaped stems and white spines, can add a touch of interest to your home or garden while removing toxins from the air.
