Cacti are among the most fascinating and resilient plants in the world, thriving in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Despite their often spiky exterior, many cacti produce stunning flowers and exhibit unique forms that make them highly prized by gardeners and collectors alike. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most beautiful cacti in the world, highlighting their distinctive features, natural habitats, and cultivation tips.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Cacti in the World
1. Echinopsis (Echinopsis spp.)
Echinopsis, also known as the hedgehog cactus or Easter lily cactus, is renowned for its spectacular and large flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red.
Physical Characteristics
Echinopsis cacti are typically globular or cylindrical in shape with ribs and spines. Their most striking feature is their flowers, which can be as large as 15 cm in diameter and often bloom at night.
Natural Habitat
These cacti are native to South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. They grow in a variety of environments, from high-altitude regions to dry, desert areas.
Cultivation Tips
Echinopsis cacti are relatively easy to grow and require well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. They should be watered sparingly, especially during the winter months when they are dormant.
2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
The Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom around the holiday season.
Physical Characteristics
Unlike most cacti, the Christmas cactus has segmented, leaf-like stems and no spines. The flowers are usually pink, red, white, or purple and can last for several weeks.
Natural Habitat
This cactus is native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in shady, humid forests.
Cultivation Tips
Christmas cacti thrive in indirect light and need well-draining, organic-rich soil. They prefer moderate watering, with the soil kept slightly moist. To encourage blooming, they need a period of cooler temperatures and longer nights in the fall.
3. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
The Golden Barrel Cactus, also known as the golden ball or mother-in-law’s cushion, is one of the most iconic and visually striking cacti.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus has a spherical shape and is covered in prominent, golden-yellow spines. It can grow up to 1 meter in diameter and produces yellow flowers at the top of the plant during the summer.
Natural Habitat
Native to central Mexico, the Golden Barrel Cactus grows in arid, rocky environments and is adapted to withstand prolonged droughts.
Cultivation Tips
Golden Barrel Cacti require full sun and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant and should be watered infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
See Also: Top 10 Small Green Plants with White Flowers
4. Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)
The Star Cactus, or sand dollar cactus, is a unique and visually appealing cactus that resembles a sea urchin or starfish.
Physical Characteristics
This small, spineless cactus has a flat, round body with distinct ribs lined with white dots. It produces large, daisy-like yellow flowers with orange centers.
Natural Habitat
The Star Cactus is native to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas and northeastern Mexico, where it grows in sandy or gravelly soils.
Cultivation Tips
Star Cacti need a sunny location with well-draining soil. They should be watered sparingly and allowed to dry out between waterings. They are sensitive to overwatering, which can cause root rot.
5. Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum myriostigma)
The Bishop’s Cap, also known as the bishop’s hat, is a striking cactus known for its star-shaped appearance and smooth, spineless body.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus typically has five ribs, giving it a star-like shape. It is covered in tiny white scales and produces yellow flowers that emerge from the top of the plant.
Natural Habitat
The Bishop’s Cap is native to the highlands of central and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky, limestone-rich soils.
Cultivation Tips
Bishop’s Cap cacti prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. They are relatively low-maintenance and are well-suited to indoor cultivation.
6. Queen of the Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
The Queen of the Night, also known as the night-blooming cereus, is famous for its large, fragrant flowers that bloom only at night.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus has long, sprawling stems that can grow several meters in length. Its flowers are large, white, and highly fragrant, with a bloom that lasts for only one night.
Natural Habitat
The Queen of the Night is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, where it grows in tropical forests and on rocky cliffs.
Cultivation Tips
This cactus requires partial shade and well-draining soil. It should be watered regularly during the growing season but allowed to dry out between waterings. Its sprawling nature makes it well-suited for hanging baskets or trellises.
7. Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)
The Blue Myrtle Cactus is a striking cactus known for its blue-green color and tall, columnar growth.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus has multiple branches that grow upright, forming a dense, tree-like structure. It produces small, white flowers and edible, blue-black fruits.
Natural Habitat
Native to central and northern Mexico, the Blue Myrtle Cactus grows in arid and semi-arid environments.
Cultivation Tips
Blue Myrtle Cacti prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant and should be watered infrequently. Their distinctive color and shape make them popular in desert gardens and xeriscaping.
See Also: Top 10 Tallest Flowering Plants in the World
8. Red Cap Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
The Red Cap Cactus, also known as the moon cactus, is a popular grafted cactus known for its vibrant, colorful top.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus is typically grafted onto a green rootstock, with the top portion being bright red, yellow, pink, or orange. The colorful top is actually a mutant form that lacks chlorophyll.
Natural Habitat
The Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is native to Paraguay and Argentina, but the colorful grafted varieties are cultivated worldwide.
Cultivation Tips
Red Cap Cacti require indirect light and well-draining soil. They should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The grafted portion is more delicate and should be protected from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
9. Totem Pole Cactus (Pachycereus schottii var. monstrosus)
The Totem Pole Cactus is a unique and visually intriguing cactus known for its unusual, bumpy texture.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus has a columnar growth habit with a twisted, contorted surface covered in irregular bumps and knobs. It can grow up to 4.5 meters tall.
Natural Habitat
The Totem Pole Cactus is native to the deserts of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Cultivation Tips
Totem Pole Cacti prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant and should be watered infrequently. Their distinctive appearance makes them a striking focal point in desert gardens and rockeries.
10. Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus repandus)
The Peruvian Apple Cactus, also known as the giant club cactus, is a tall, columnar cactus known for its large, edible fruits.
Physical Characteristics
This cactus can grow up to 10 meters tall and has ribbed, blue-green stems with prominent spines. It produces large, white flowers that bloom at night and give way to red, apple-like fruits.
Natural Habitat
The Peruvian Apple Cactus is native to South America, particularly in Peru, Brazil, and Argentina, where it grows in arid and semi-arid regions.
Cultivation Tips
Peruvian Apple Cacti require full sun and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly. The edible fruits are a bonus for gardeners who cultivate this striking cactus.
Conclusion
Cacti are a diverse and fascinating group of plants that offer a wide range of forms, colors, and flowers. From the large and showy blooms of the Echinopsis and the night-blooming beauty of the Queen of the Night to the vibrant colors of the Red Cap Cactus and the unique textures of the Totem Pole Cactus, each species has its own distinct charm. Whether you are a seasoned cactus collector or a novice gardener, these beautiful cacti are sure to captivate and inspire. By understanding their natural habitats and specific care requirements, you can successfully cultivate and enjoy these remarkable plants in your own home or garden.
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