The Indoor Gardener: Crazy for Cacti
Surprisingly versatile and blessedly hard to kill, cacti are showing up in homes far from the middle of nowhere
Cacti aren't just for Southwestern locales. You can grow these prickly succulents anywhere that has lots of sunshine and maintains a temperature of at least 65 degrees, making them a good candidate for a houseplant. In addition to full sunlight, cacti like to grow in places where the humidity is low.
As they hail from the desert, cacti don't need much water: Give it to them only when they have thoroughly dried out, and do so sparingly when you do. While cacti are hard to kill, overwatering is a sure way to do just that.
Cacti can mesh well with all kinds of interiors, from country-cute homes to supersleek high-rise apartments. They also come in many shapes and sizes, from a miniature specimen to Carnegiea gigantea, a large, tree-sized species. Here are nine photographs of cacti to inspire you to add these spiky plants to your indoor garden.
As they hail from the desert, cacti don't need much water: Give it to them only when they have thoroughly dried out, and do so sparingly when you do. While cacti are hard to kill, overwatering is a sure way to do just that.
Cacti can mesh well with all kinds of interiors, from country-cute homes to supersleek high-rise apartments. They also come in many shapes and sizes, from a miniature specimen to Carnegiea gigantea, a large, tree-sized species. Here are nine photographs of cacti to inspire you to add these spiky plants to your indoor garden.
Classic Cactus Garden
VivaTerra sells this miniature cactus garden already planted in a white ceramic urn. The tiny succulents would make a lovely alternative to a bouquet as a hostess gift.
An unusual draping cactus adds to the eclectic mix in this modern living room. Its green flesh is similar to that of the vintage cafe sign behind it.
A globular cacti sits to the left of a leafy houseplant in this West Coast sunroom, proving that there's no reason not to mix cacti with deciduous plants.
A pair of cacti flank this unique antique table. The cacti echo the space's Southwestern décor without feeling like stage props.
A tall cacti accents the corner of this sophisticated living room by Marcelo Brito Interiors. It's a welcome touch of life in a room full of neutral tones.
Tip: Wipe pests off cacti with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Tip: Wipe pests off cacti with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
A pair of large cacti grow in the corner of this sunny room. Stretching higher than the doorframe, these impressive specimens have clearly had many years to reach these heights.
Walnut Wooden Stand
A midcentury-style planter with a wooden stand is an elegant way to display a tall cactus. Here a layer of gray rocks covers the soil — an easy way to give your planted cacti a more polished look.
Here three modern planters are filled with pencil cacti. These tall, slender plants are a modern way to add a little greenery to an interior.
Modern Outdoor Planters
A petite prickly plant rests in this mod wall planter. The pot features holes for drainage and a powder-coated finish suitable for both inside and out.
More:
See How to Grow Cacti in Glass
The Succulence of Succulents
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
More:
See How to Grow Cacti in Glass
The Succulence of Succulents
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes