Cacti are often admired for their resilience and striking forms, but their blooming phase is what truly steals the show. Their flowers are delicate, vibrant, and often short-lived, making them even more precious.
As a gardener, I’ve always found it thrilling to witness these blossoms emerge, knowing that each species has its own unique needs and surprises.
Some flowering cacti thrive in arid deserts, while others prefer humid, tropical environments. Their care varies, but one thing is certain, once you see a cactus in bloom, you’ll never look at them the same way again.
#1. Prickly Pear Cactus
The Prickly Pear Cactus is one of the most recognizable and widely grown cacti, famous for its flattened, paddle-like pads covered in small spines. In spring and summer, it bursts into bright yellow, orange, or red blooms, which later develop into edible, sweet-tasting fruit.
This hardy plant thrives in dry, well-draining soil and full sunlight, making it a great choice for desert landscapes and xeriscaping gardens. Its ability to store water in its thick pads allows it to survive extended droughts.
#2. Night Blooming Cereus
This stunning climbing cactus is famous for its large, white, and highly fragrant flowers that bloom for only one night before wilting by morning. The flowers can reach up to 12 inches across and are pollinated by bats and moths.
Native to the Caribbean and Central America, it thrives in warm, humid environments and prefers well-drained, sandy soil with partial shade.
As an epiphytic cactus, it can be grown in hanging baskets or trained along trellises. While it requires moderate watering, too much moisture can lead to root rot.
#3. Scarlet Ball Cactus
The Scarlet Ball Cactus is a small, round cactus with a bright red, woolly crown from which stunning orange-red flowers emerge. These blooms appear in late spring and summer, adding a pop of color to any cactus garden.
This species is native to South America, where it thrives in rocky, well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for container gardening.
Regular watering during the growing season helps promote healthy flowering, but excess moisture should be avoided.
#4. Totem Pole Cactus
Unlike many cacti, the Totem Pole Cactus has a smooth, almost sculptural surface, with no spines and deep ridges that give it a wrinkled appearance. Though it rarely flowers in cultivation, when it does, it produces pink, cup-shaped blossoms.
This cactus thrives in hot, arid climates, preferring full sun and sandy, well-draining soil. It is perfect for landscapes where a dramatic, architectural plant is needed.
Since it stores water in its thick stems, it requires very little maintenance beyond occasional watering during hot months.
#5. Argentine Giant Cactus
With its large, sprawling growth habit, the Argentine Giant Cactus can quickly become a centerpiece in any garden. Its most striking feature is its gigantic white flowers, which can measure up to eight inches across.
These blooms open at night and give off a strong, sweet fragrance. This cactus is extremely drought-tolerant, preferring full sun and sandy or gravelly soil.
It benefits from occasional deep watering during the growing season but requires a dry period in winter.
#6. Powder Puff Cactus
This small, round cactus is covered in soft, white, hair-like spines, giving it a fluffy appearance. In spring and summer, it produces delicate pink or white flowers that form a ring around the top.
It thrives in dry conditions with full sunlight and is a great choice for windowsills or small container gardens. While it looks soft, its spines can still be sharp, so handling with care is recommended.
#7. Peanut Cactus
The Peanut Cactus is a low-growing, trailing species with thin, segmented stems that resemble a cluster of peanuts. In spring and summer, it produces bright orange-red flowers, sometimes covering the entire plant.
Native to Argentina, it thrives in warm climates with well-draining soil. It does well in hanging baskets or shallow containers, making it a popular choice for indoor cactus collections.
Though it requires minimal watering, occasional deep watering during the growing season encourages better flowering.
#8. Claret Cup Cactus
A native of the Southwestern United States, the Claret Cup Cactus is a low-growing, clumping variety with dense spines and an ability to survive extreme heat and drought.
When it blooms, it produces brilliant scarlet-red flowers that form a cup-like shape, hence its name. These nectar-filled blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds and bees.
It prefers rocky, well-drained soil and full sun and thrives in rock gardens or dry landscapes. Regular watering during the growing season can encourage more flowers, but overwatering can cause root rot.
#9. Parodia Cactus
The Parodia Cactus is a small, globular species with ribbed, green stems and soft, golden spines. In summer, it produces bright yellow flowers that emerge from its crown.
Unlike many cacti, it prefers slightly more moisture and thrives in well-drained but lightly watered soil. It’s a great beginner-friendly cactus, as it grows well in pots or rock gardens with minimal care.
#10. Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus
This small, clumping cactus is known for its brilliant magenta-pink flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The flowers, which can last for several days, attract bees and butterflies.
Native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, it prefers full sun and rocky, well-draining soil. The stems are covered in dense spines, giving it a hedgehog-like appearance.
It’s highly drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent addition to desert gardens and rock landscapes.
#11. Mexican Fence Post Cactus
As the name suggests, this cactus is often planted in rows to create a natural, living fence. Its tall, columnar stems grow quickly, reaching heights of up to 20 feet in ideal conditions.
Though it’s mainly grown for its imposing structure, in spring and summer, it produces small, pinkish-red flowers. This cactus thrives in full sun and requires very little water, making it an excellent choice for dry, hot climates.
#12. Easter Lily Cactus
This small but striking cactus produces some of the largest, most beautiful flowers of any cactus species. Its blooms, often white, pink, or lavender, open in the evening and release a sweet, pleasant fragrance.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Easter Lily Cactus is incredibly resilient, growing in poor soils with little water. It prefers full sun to partial shade and benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
The contrast between its small, rounded body and its huge, trumpet-like flowers makes it a favorite among cactus enthusiasts.
#13. Turk’s Cap Cactus
The Turk’s Cap Cactus is unique for its cylindrical body topped with a woolly red “cap”, which later produces small pink flowers. Native to the Caribbean and South America, it requires warm temperatures and well-draining soil.
This cactus is a slow grower but develops an eye-catching structure over time. It’s perfect for desert gardens or potted displays.
#14. Torch Cactus
Named for its tall, columnar growth, the Torch Cactus produces some of the most vibrant and showy flowers of any cactus species. Its blooms, which appear in shades of red, pink, orange, and white, can be as large as a dinner plate.
This fast-growing cactus prefers full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. Despite its tough, spiny exterior, it’s highly ornamental, making it a favorite for desert gardens.
Given enough space and proper care, it can reach up to six feet in height, creating an eye-catching display.
#15. Button Cactus
This tiny, spherical cactus is covered in short, white spines, giving it a fuzzy, button-like appearance. It produces small pink flowers in the warmer months, followed by red fruit.
It thrives in full sun and sandy soil, requiring very little water. Due to its compact size, it’s a great houseplant or terrarium cactus.
#16. Fishhook Cactus
Named for its curved, hook-like spines, the Fishhook Cactus is a small but charming species that produces delicate pink or lavender flowers in spring and summer.
These flowers encircle the top of the plant in a ring-like formation, creating a crown effect. It thrives in hot, arid conditions and is often found in rocky desert landscapes.
It requires well-draining soil and full sunlight to flourish. Because of its compact size, it’s a great choice for small gardens or container planting.
#17. Queen of the Night
The Queen of the Night is a climbing, epiphytic cactus known for its rare, breathtaking flowers that bloom only at night.
These large, snow-white blossoms have a strong, intoxicating fragrance that attracts nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. Unlike desert cacti, this species prefers humid conditions, indirect sunlight, and rich organic soil.
It’s an excellent houseplant, thriving in hanging baskets or mounted on trees, and rewards patient growers with a spectacular, fleeting bloom. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
#18. Blue Torch Cactus
The tall, columnar Blue Torch Cactus is famous for its bluish-green skin and bright yellow spines. It produces large, white, night-blooming flowers that are pollinated by bats.
Native to Brazil, it thrives in hot, dry conditions with well-draining soil. This fast-growing cactus is ideal for landscaping, creating a striking vertical element in gardens.
Though it requires little water, occasional deep watering can encourage faster growth.
#19. Peruvian Apple Cactus
This tall, tree-like cactus produces huge white flowers that bloom at night and are pollinated by moths and bats. Following the blooms, it develops edible fruits, known as Peruvian apples, which are sweet and refreshing.
It thrives in hot, dry climates with well-draining soil and full sun. Due to its size, it makes a striking landscaping plant, but it can also be grown in large pots for those with limited space.
#20. Golden Barrel Cactus
This iconic, globe-shaped cactus is a favorite in succulent gardens due to its symmetrical form and golden spines. As it matures, it can reach over three feet in diameter. In summer, mature plants produce small, yellow flowers at the crown.
Native to Mexico, it thrives in hot, dry climates and requires minimal watering. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it perfect for rock gardens and desert landscapes.
#21. Moon Cactus
Moon Cacti are famous for their brightly colored tops, which come in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. Since they lack chlorophyll, they must be grafted onto a green cactus base for survival.
This cactus is ideal for indoor gardening, thriving in bright, indirect light with occasional watering. Though it doesn’t often flower, its vibrant appearance makes it a popular decorative plant.
#22. Cholla Cactus
Cholla Cacti are tall, branching species with cylindrical stems covered in sharp spines. They produce vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange, depending on the species.
These blooms appear in spring and early summer and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Chollas prefer desert environments with full sun and sandy soil.
While they can withstand harsh drought conditions, they do best with occasional deep watering. Due to their spiny nature, they are often used as natural barriers in landscapes.
#23. Bishop’s Cap Cactus
Unlike many other cacti, the Bishop’s Cap Cactus lacks sharp spines, instead featuring smooth, bluish-green skin that sometimes develops tiny white speckles.
In spring and early summer, it produces bright yellow flowers that contrast beautifully against its muted body. This cactus thrives in warm, arid environments and does best in gritty, well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.
It’s extremely drought-tolerant, needing water only when the soil has completely dried out.
#24. Star Cactus
This small, spineless cactus resembles a green sea urchin, with a round, flattened body and white speckling. It produces bright yellow flowers with orange centers, appearing in late spring and summer.
Native to Texas and Mexico, it prefers dry, sandy conditions and is perfect for desert gardens or indoor pots.
Its slow-growing nature makes it an ideal choice for patience-rewarding gardeners, and it requires only minimal watering to thrive.
#25. Old Man Cactus
This fascinating cactus is covered in long, white, woolly hairs, giving it the appearance of an old man’s beard. Native to Mexico, it thrives in dry, rocky terrain and grows best in full sun with well-draining soil.
It produces pink or yellowish-white flowers, but these often appear only on older plants. The hairs help protect it from extreme temperatures, making it resilient in both hot and cold conditions.
Though it grows slowly, it is highly decorative and easy to care for, making it a popular indoor cactus.
