Sure, most cacti get a bad rap for being prickly, unassuming, desert-dwelling Flora, but I think they are widely misunderstood. These tough little plants come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, and some even boast breathtaking blooms. Today, I want to share five of my favorite colorful cacti with you, in the hopes that you’ll see them in a new light. From fiery reds to pastel pinks, there’s a cactus out there for everyone. So let’s get started!
So if you don’t know cacti, it’s time to learn, because special, rare, and colorful cacti are taking the botanical world by storm!
From the Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata to the Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Cristata Variegata, these very special plants boast a variety of different shapes, sizes, and more importantly stunning colors!
For example, the Echinopsis Eyriesii (Black Kingkong) boasts its dark forest green flesh graffitied in shades of chartreuse and yellow that stands out from the classic desert shades. Add in some Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus Rigidissimus) with its needles bright contrasting in vivid pink and near-white hues. And the Opuntia Monacantha Variegata comes in equally as special with its bright green flesh, marbled in white while all blushed by the sun! Consider these living works of art as the gems of the desert and potentially your home! There is nothing boring about these treasures.
Blooming cactuses are truly a fascination to behold.
Ok so a lot of you may be familiar with the stunning blooms of the Christmas cactus, but they honestly pale in comparison! The collision of thorns and delicate flower petals evokes emotion while capturing its viewer’s attention.
Spectacular in their own way, these little wonders come in a wide range of colors from pure white to varied shades of beautiful pink, ranging anywhere from light dusty rose to electric fuchsia. In case you did not know this already, quite a few varieties of cactuses also have bright yellow blossoms or even orange! On top of that, the flowers can be quite large in comparison to their size, especially small cacti. The shape of many cacti flowers can also be a pleasant surprise. Including tea cups, daisies, bells, and even frilly stars! All in all, blooming cactus and cacti flowers will be sure to leave you mesmerized with their eye-catching beauty.
The Rare-Colorful-Cacti included on my favorites list are:
- Gymnocalycium – Mihanovichii Variegata
- Myrtillocactus – Geometrizans Cristata Variegata
- Echinopsis Eyriesii – Black king kong
- Echinocereus Rigidissimus – Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus
- Opuntia Monacantha Variegata – Joseph’s Coat
1. Gymnocalycium – Mihanovichii Variegata
When lacking the ability to produce chlorophyll, this colorful cactus can be grafted to another cactus, to form an entirely new plant called Moon Cactus.
While I love all of my plant children, the true non-grafted Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata is one of my most cherished Cacti!
Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata is a South American cactus species native to Paraguay and Argentina. It’s commonly known for its striking colors that vary from dark green to yellow and even orange-red.
While this is a pretty low-maintenance plant, this cactus also comes with a high price tag so It may not be the best choice for beginner-level gardeners. If you are a new and aspiring plant parent and have fallen in love with Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata, consider starting with a moon cactus first.
-Moon Cactus
The Moon Cactus is a Franken-Cactus with a Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata grafted to Hylocereus cactus also known as the cactus that produces dragon fruit. The moon cactus can be found in-store or online. This mutant option is much less expensive and a great option to learn from while enjoying its stunning color!
While Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata is bathed in Jewel tones, they can survive entirely in neglected conditions making them an excellent addition to any plant parent household!
In essence, Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata prefers partial shade to indirect sunlight, normal household temperatures, and a porous soil medium with good drainage. Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata also requires extremely little water, as its barrel or globular shape body is great at storing water for those times in drought. Making it suitable for dry, desert climates (and dry households!).
In summer months, allow soil dry completely before giving it a thorough watering. There is no need for watering in winter months, this will help to avoid root rot!
When taken care of properly, this unique cactus can exceed 20cm in size with varieties providing colorful flowers along the way. So if you’re looking for an eye-catching yet easy-going houseplant look no further than the captivating Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata!
2. Myrtillocactus – Geometrizans Cristata Variegata
This cactus is native to Mexico and has pretty blue and purple flowers. It’s a great plant for people who want something a little more challenging, as it requires more attention than some of the other cacti on this list.
If a life full of unique texture and color is what you seek, then look no further than the colorful Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Cristata
Variegata. Hailing from Mexico and boasting lovely blue green and yellow variegated flesh, this challenging cactus offers a degree of difficulty that will keep even the seasoned expert engaged.
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Cristata Variegata prefers similar conditions to Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii Variegata, including indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, a porous soil medium with good drainage, and little to no water most of the time. Crested plants prefer good airflow and drainage and tend to be especially prone to root rot if overwatered or left to sit in standing water.
While there are many varieties to choose from on the market, this cactus always stands out with its artistic shape and eye-popping hues. Making it a favorite among discerning plant parents looking for something a little more special. So why not make your otherwise dull decor come alive with some colorful cacti today?
3. Echinopsis Eyriesii – Black King kong
This cactus is native to Bolivia and can be a bit of a difficult plant to care for, but it’s definitely worth the effort!
The special and relatively rare cactus, Echinopsis Eyriesii “black king kong,” native to Bolivia, is a special addition to any garden. It can be a bit tricky and labor-intensive to care for, but the end result of its beautiful variegation and stunning flowers will make it worth your endeavor! Echinopsis Eyriesii Black King kong needs fertile and well-draining soil with bright sunny exposure and very little water.
Only water this cactus thoroughly in the summer months, allowing them to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter allow it to stay dry for most of the winter checking in on it periodically to insure its fairing well. It’s also a good idea to use a special fertilizer for these special cacti.
With its unique shape and color, this plant will definitely draw attention with its unexpected yet special visual appeal. If you’re looking for a colorful and special way to bring life into your garden, then Echinopsis Eyriesii ‘Black King kong’ is a perfect choice!
4. Echinocereus Rigidissimus – Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus
This cactus is native to the United States and has gorgeous rainbow-colored spines. It’s an easy plant to care for, making it perfect for beginners or busy people who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to their plants.
Looking for something colorful, unique, and low-maintenance? The Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, commonly known as the Arizona rainbow cactus, seems like something out of a fairytale. This cactus is native to the United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and adjacent Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora), which makes it easy to find and enjoy in your own home! This Cacti treasure not only is stunning on its own, but its massive pink flowers are also a show stopper and are then followed by tasty fruit!
The Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus needs well-draining soil, a location with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, and very little water! As with all of these desert treasures, it’s best to air on the side of caution and under water rather than over water.
But don’t be fooled, these plants are anything but ordinary––their gorgeous rainbow spines make them a great conversation piece for any home or office. It will certainly bring some life and color to the room.
Thanks to its easy-to-care-for adaptability, even beginner gardeners or busy people can reap all the rewards that come with owning this one-of-a-kind plant. So why not bring the rainbow indoors with a beautiful Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus?
5. Opuntia Monacantha Variegata – Joseph’s Coat
This cactus is native to Mexico and has beautiful yellow flowers. It’s another easy plant to care for, so it’s perfect if you’re new to gardening or don’t have a lot of time on your hands.”
For those looking to add a bit of color and greenery to their home, Opuntia Monacantha Variegata is a perfect choice. This Mexican native cactus comes with easy-care instructions we’ve all grown to expect from these hardy desert plants. But it amps up the beauty factor by cladding itself with absolutely stunning yellow flowers followed by bright red edible fruits.
Both seasoned gardeners and newbies alike can rejoice knowing they can effortlessly care for this plant while they bask in its vibrant hues and capture a little piece of Mexican beauty in their very own home.
I hope you now see what I see in these fabulous desert dwellers!
All in all, there’s a cactus for everyone! Whether you’re a beginner gardener looking for an easy-to-care-for plant, or a more experienced green thumb on the hunt for something more challenging, one of these five varieties of cacti is bound to be a great fit. With such diverse aesthetic offerings from some of the hardiest plants out there, there really is something for everyone when it comes to cacti options.