10 Easy To Maintain Cactus Indoor Plants To Start Your Plant Parent Journey

Echeverias, commonly known as Mexicak Snowball, are like the supermodels of the cactus world. These rosette-shaped succulents come in various hues, from pastel pinks to vibrant greens. Their symmetrical patterns and tight foliage make them the darlings of any indoor garden. It's like having a cactus for your home that looks like a flower! Plant them in well-draining soil, provide ample sunlight, and voilà—your indoor garden just got a lot chicer!

There's no indoor cactus without mentioning the ever-famous aloe vera! This succulent is not only a fantastic cactus plant but also an herbal powerhouse. I've personally used so much of it for skincare, and it has usually always worked. Beyond its spiky exterior lies a gel that's a go-to for soothing sunburns, minor cuts and just hydration in general. It's a multitasker that thrives as an indoor cactus, provided it gets ample sunlight and isn't over-watered.

Watering: Once in two to three weeks

A beautiful cactus that blooms? Well that's Opuntia aka Angel Wing Cactus, or the prickly pear cactus. It's a showstopper in the cactus world with its flat, paddle-like stems. The colourful blooms are a plus, and in some varieties, they even produce edible fruits. Just ensure you don't overwater and give them some sunshine.

Watering: Every two to four weeks for the first year, and then twice a month in summer and once a month during other seasons.

The Christmas cactus (also known as Schlumbergera) has drooping branches adorned with vibrant, bell-shaped flowers. This cactus adds a festive flair to your home during the holiday season, much like its name. However, this one does require a little more care than others, and with that occasional blooms are guaranteed. Make sure you keep this type of indoor cactus plant in indirect sunlight. 

Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during flowering periods.

Sempervivum, otherwise commonly known as Houseleek, is a rosette-forming succulent that produces 'chicks' around the main 'hen' plant, creating a charming cluster, like a blooming flower. Their captivating symmetry and various colour options make this cactus an excellent choice for your indoor garden.

Watering: Once every two weeks, if the soil is completely dry.

If you're looking for a cactus to hang in your home then meet Senecio. It's an eye-catching cactus that cascades and drapes elegantly. The bead-like leaves (the reason why it's also known as string of pearls) hang gracefully from the planter. I imagine this to be perfect to add a bohemian touch, placed in a crochet hanging planters in the corners of your home, as they require ample but indirect sunlight.

Watering: Usually once every week to fortnight, depending on whether the soil is dry or not. You shouldn’t parch the plant but don't overwater it either. 

Crassula Ovata is commonly known as the Jade Plant and is popular for its symbolic nature for good fortune and prosperity! Sign me right up. Its got oval-shaped leaves and woody stems, is easy to grow and propagate, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Often, this type of cactus makes for a good gift as well, in case you were looking for gifting ideas for the upcoming festive season. This indoor cactus will stay with you for a long time as with proper care, it can grow into small trees; make sure it has access to a good amount of indirect sunlight for optimal growth.

If you love the look of Aloe Vera but are looking for a more compact version of it then you can check out Haworthias. This cactus looks like Aloe but is stripy, which is why it's popularly called the Zebra Plant. Don't be fooled though, it's no Aloe, so don't expect the herbal properties. It's the type of plant I'd put in a Groot planter, as it's perfect for small pots to keep on windowsills or desks. This indoor cactus likes sunlight but not direct sunlight, as too much of that might dry out the plant. 

Watering: Once every fortnight is sufficient.

The Gymnocalycium cactus, also known as the Chin Cactus, has small, round bodies and vibrant flowering, making it a popular choice for an indoor cactus for home. They're low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of indoor settings. Make sure you give this one ample sunlight, especially when it's blooming, but don't keep it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, since when it is kept in sunlight, you might have to water it more often, just enough to keep the soil moist.

Watering: Once every two to four weeks, depending on when the soil dries up, as it is drought-tolerant.

Mammillaria Hahniana, known as the Old Lady Cactus, is a solitary cactus that has white fuzzy hair-like spines (this is where it gets its name from) that provide a layer of protection from the harsh desert sun, so you know that it can handle the heat. This plant often blooms with flowers, usually purplish red in colour—a cherry on the cake.

Watering: Once a week or every two weeks in summer, and once a month in winters.

Looking for more indoor plants? Check out this list of best indoor plants and find planters here.