CACTUS BUYING GUIDE: DON’T KEEP THESE Cacti indoors!
With lots of first-hand experience, you can count on our mistakes and research to guide you on
WHAT cacti “NOT” TO HOUSE INDOORS.
First things first, we always recommend going for mature and slow-growing cacti species for indoor use. And if you come across a cactus with hairy bits, steer clear! These little hairs can obstruct sunlight from reaching your plant, so don’t place any “fluffy” cacti in your indoor spaces unless the area gets full-day, direct sunlight.
Now, if you're living the high life with a full-day sun-drenched home, you're in luck! Most cacti (even those NOT recommended for indoors) can live happily in your abode, with the correct TLC and airflow. Just place your cacti near a sunny window with at least 5 hours of direct sun and you'll be good to go. But let's be real, not all of us have that much sun shining in.
If your home only gets 1-3 hours of direct sun, it’s best to do some research on your cactus species, so you can assert if your plant is OK in these “minimal light areas”.
If your space receives ZERO direct sun, there is always a risk that even hardier arid plants won’t do great. If you’re local, it’s best to consult us when you’re about to purchase your plant so we can help you find a rotation routine, space or species that will work best.
When it comes to cacti and other desert plants, the rule of thumb: the lower the light, the higher the risk of disease, stretching, accidental over-watering, and over time; plant death!
5 species you should think twice
about before putting them indoors:
"Opuntia Genus "
First off, let's talk about the "Burbank Spineless Prickly Pear" (Opuntia burbank), because it requires a whole lot of sunshine to keep it looking its best. Like all prickly pear cactus, the Burbank is a faster-growing variety that prefers a lot of sunlight to grow healthily. We don’t recommend this species indoors unless your space is FLOODED with full-day direct sun. New paddles may stretch indoors and look very thin and weak, it’s best to give them appropriate light and cut off any stretching paddles if they occur."Trichocereus Genus"
And have you met the Trichocereus genus? They’re always looking for the perfect rays to soak up. The Trichocereus genus is a group of cacti that includes several different species. Some of the more well-known species within this genus include: Trichocereus pachanoi, also known as San Pedro cactus, Trichocereus spachianus, also known as the Golden Torch cactus, Trichocereus peruvianus, also known as the Peruvian Torch cactus, Trichocereus scopulicola, also known as the Super Pedro Cactus, Trichocereus bridgesii, also known as Bolivian Torch cactus. In short, don’t put these guys indoors, because they stretch and elongate easily over growing months.”Cleistocactus Genus”
And let's not forget our South American friend, the Cleistocactus. He's like a hairy sunlover, always needing lots of direct sunlight to thrive. Like the Oreocereus genus, this genus typically has a lot of hair, which means more sunlight is required in order to penetrate through to the plant’s skin. This is a group of cacti that includes several species, some of the more well-known species within this genus include: Cleistocactus strausii, also known as Silver Torch Cactus, Cleistocactus winter (also known as Golden Rat Tail Cactus), Cleistocactus tominensis, Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus, Cleistocactus hyalacanthus. Placing this genus of cacti indoors can increase the chance of rotting, infection, and elongation.“Euphorbia Ammak”
With its majestic stature and striking presence, the Ammak may tempt indoor plant enthusiasts with its exotic appeal. However, despite its allure, this desert-dwelling succulent is not an ideal candidate for indoor cultivation. Indoor living can lead to issues like stretching, weakened growth, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. After years of trial and error, we are confident that the Ammak indoors, is a high-risk option. If you do decide to place this indoors, ensure it receives good ventilation and over 3 hours of direct sunlight."Agave Blue Glow"
With their architectural elegance and dramatic foliage, the agave Blue Glow may seem like an enticing choice for indoor greenery. Indoors, most Agave species struggle to receive the intense sunlight they require, leading to etiolation, a condition where the plant stretches and becomes weak in its search for light. Furthermore, inadequate airflow and moisture can promote fungal diseases, root rot, and pest infestations. While Agaves make resilient and low-maintenance additions to outdoor gardens or xeriscape landscapes, their high light and low humidity requirements make them less than ideal for low-light indoor spaces, where they may struggle to thrive.
what DESERT species work best indoors?
Visit our blog post “INDOORS AND THRIVING” to learn more about the best cacti species for indoor spaces!