Flowering cacti are an excellent option for those looking decorative, original and easy-care plants.

In general, these species not only add an exotic and attractive touch to any space, but they are also one of the best plants for beginners or people who don’t have much time to dedicate to the care of plants.

With a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, cacti with flowers can adapt to any decoration style, from the most minimalist to the most exuberant.

In addition to its beauty, They are resistant plants that require only basic care. Below, we present a selection of the most beautiful and easy-to-care flowering cacti, along with some tips to keep them healthy and full of life.

The 8 most beautiful cacti with flowers

1. Gymnocalycium (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)

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He Gymnocalyciumalso known as «moon cactus», is a small and very popular species for its intense colors.

In its natural form produces flowers in pastel shades, such as pink, white or yellow. It is an excellent option for interiors, since it does not require a lot of direct light.

2. Aporocactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

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Also known as «rat tail cactus», it is characterized by its long hanging stems covered with thorns.

In summer, it produces abundant flowers in red, pink, fuchsia, yellow or white tones. It is perfect for hanging in flower pots and adding a touch of color to balconies or terraces.

3. Echinopsis (Echinopsis spp.)

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Echinopsis is a genus of cactus, which includes more than 150 species, it is Known for its spectacular trumpet-shaped flowers.

The flowers, which can be serrose, white, yellow or orange, are usually large and striking, although ephemeralsince they only last a day or two.

The Echinopsis They are easy to care for and They grow well in pots, making them ideal for indoors and outdoors.

4. Rebutia (Rebutia spp.)

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Rebutia It is a small cactus but with great visual impact. Blooms in spring with flowers in warm tones such as red, yellow or pink.

These flowers, although small, They appear in groups, creating a spectacular effect. It is an easy to grow and very resistant species, ideal for beginners.

5. Astrophytum (Astrophytum asterias)

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Known as «star cactus», the Astrophytum is a species of slow growth but great beauty.

The body, spherical, segmented and smooth, is reminiscent of a pumpkin. Its flowers, which can take up to five years to appear, They are large and white with an orange center. This cactus is perfect for those looking for a unique and very decorative plant.

6. Mammillaria (Mammillaria spp.)

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This genus includes more than 350 species, many of which produce small flowers in pink, red, yellow or white tones.

The Mammillaria They are globular cacti covered in thorns, ideal for creating compositions in pots. Are very resistant and easy to care for.

7. Coryphantha (Coryphantha spp.)

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The Coryphantha They are small cacti with a rounded body and covered with large thorns.

Its flowers, which grow at the ends of the plant, They are usually yellow, although there are also red and pink ones. This genre is perfect for adding a touch of color to small spaces.

8. Mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru)

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Native to Brazil, the mandacarú is a columnar cactus that produces large white flowers with a green exterior.

Although does not tolerate very long periods of drought, It is a resistant plant that prefers warm climates. It is ideal for gardens or sunny patios.

Basic care for flowering cacti

To enjoy the beauty of flowering cacti, It is important to follow some basic care:

• Direct sunlight: Most cacti need several hours of sun a day to bloom.
• Moderate irrigation: Let the substrate dry completely between watering. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.
• Fertilization: Apply a specific fertilizer for cacti a couple of months before flowering time.
• Protection against cold: Although they are hardy, cacti do not tolerate extremely low temperatures.

Why do cacti produce flowers?

Flowering is a natural process in the life cycle of cacti, indicating its maturity and reproductive capacity.

In its natural habitat, flowering usually coincides with the rainy season, which facilitates the germination of seeds.

At home, provide adequate light, temperature and watering conditions is key to stimulating this process.

How long do cactus flowers last?

Cactus flowers They are usually ephemerallasting from a few hours to a maximum of two weeks.

Some species, such as Astrophytum and Coryphanthahave longer lasting flowers, while others, such as Echinopsisthey have flowers that barely last a day.

With this guide, you will be able to choose the cactus with flowers that best suit your needs and enjoy its beauty without complications.

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