Many people are fascinated by the beauty of cactus. The majority also wonder if a cactus can be considered a flowering plant. Generally, they are considered as one.
They make your gardens and homes look nicer and more pleasing to the eyes, and that is why almost everyone is attracted to this plant. So, do cactus grow flowers?
Almost every type of cactus plant is capable of producing flowers that would make all the efforts worth it. Even though you have to wait for quite some time, the results will be rewarding.
Several cactus plants produce flowers at a specific age. Some types only start producing once they reach 30 years of age.
Even though you have to wait for a bit, once you see your cacti grow and bloom, all the effort would surely pay off.
One of the most rewarding things in gardening is when you witness your plants bloom with beautiful flowers they are meant to produce.
What Kinds of Cacti Grow Flowers?
Contrary to popular beliefs, cactus blooms with flowers. With the proper care and under the right conditions, all species are meant to grow flowers once they mature.
The main determining factor is its age and the conditions where it is planted. So, if you want beautiful flowers, expose them to sunlight accordingly and water the plant too.
Since a majority of the species are kept as indoor cactus, they are not able to produce flowers.
This is because they are not getting the proper balance of darkness and light when they are placed indoors. Indoor cacti are less likely to grow in size due to this reason too.
Here are some species of flowering cacti that are quite well-known for being able to bloom with flowers easily:
Pincushion cactus
- You will get Mammillaria spinosissima, Spiny Pincushion cactus seeds.
- Sow directly into rich garden soil or in pots. A popular mix consists of 50% aged, black, fine compost (from bark), 15% sandy, sterile loam, 15 % pumice or perlite, and 20% fine peat moss. I use a mix of 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 perlite.
- Sprinkle seeds on surface, they should not be completely covered. Water from beneath. If watering from above, be sure that the mist is quite fine. Seal growing area with glass or plastic.
Christmas cactus
- Blooms between Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Prefers morning sun or very bright indirect light
- Water when dry
- Great gift item
- Immediate Shipping. The plant you will receive is growing in a 4
Notocactus
- Cactus plant fully rooted in soil in a 4 inch standard growers plastic pot
- We recommend opening the gift box and sliding your cacti out the bottom for best results
- See product description for details on individual species.
Spiny cactus
- 100 Seeds
- Mammillaria Nejapensis Flowering Cacti Rare Globular Spiny Cactus Seed jocad (100 Seeds)
- Beautiful flowers, the seeds were took this season
Dwarf cactus
- We guarantee plants safe arrival otherwise we will refund or send you a replacement plant
- Gymnocalycium baldianum is a small cactus with solitary, flattened-globose stem, usually unbranched, up to 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter, with 9 – 10 broad ribs and 5 – 7 bristle-like radial spines. Purple-red, sometimes pinkish-purple (but also white, pink or orange) flowers, up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter.
- G. baldianum is a cactus with solitary, flattened-globose stems with 9-11 tubercled ribs and bristle-like radial spines.
When Do Cacti Grow Flowers?
Cactus flowers are unique and beautiful – that is why a majority of people caring for this plant give them all the care they need so they would bloom.
These flowers come in different varieties of color and shapes that would surely catch the eyes of people.
As mentioned, cactus blooms depending on their condition, care, and age. Some species do not bloom at least they are at least 30 years of age.
Some cactus grow but do not produce flowers because they are not properly taken care of or their conditions do not permit them to do so.
Letting your cactus grow under good conditions that include proper light conditions, water, and nutrients would help them bloom.
Aside from cactus care, some species are known to bloom during spring and summer.
Here are examples of cacti that bloom under a particular season:
Cacti That Bloom During Spring
Most cacti species bloom during the spring. After the winter season wherein, they remained in a state of dormancy, the warm weather helps them bloom and produce beautiful flowers.
Spring can be considered as a growing season because of the warm weather along with the light rains.
It is the perfect time for producing flowers because the temperature is just perfect – not too hot and not too cold.
Even if it does not rain during the spring season, the cacti can use their stored water found in their stems.
Cacti That Bloom During Summer
Not all species of cacti are known to bloom during the spring season. Other types wait for the summer heat to produce their flowers.
Most of the cacti that bloom during this season are the larger species, like desert cacti, because they can store more water than usual in their stems. This aids in the production of flowers even during extreme temperatures.
It is still important to water your cactus during this season to keep them under their proper condition. Some examples of cacti that bloom in the summer are the Saguaros.
These plants are known to reach the height of 60 feet and unlike other cacti, they need to be at least 40 years old before they start blooming.
Cacti That Bloom During the Holiday
Some special types of cacti bloom only during the Christmas season. Holiday cacti include the Christmas cactus and are perhaps the most well-known cactus that blooms during the festive season.
This cactus with a flat, leaf-like stem is known to produce its beautiful flowers during December, nearing Christmas day.
Christmas cactus produces flowers with a wide variety of colors that include purple, red, pink, and white.
This type of cactus requires a colder temperature and does not require much sunlight. It blooms when they are kept in the dark for 13 hours each day.
Final Thoughts
Cacti produce beautiful flowers that make all the waiting worth it. Aside from waiting for your cacti to mature, ensuring that it is well taken care of also helps it bloom.
Check its drainage hole, along with the potting mix, ensure adequate sunlight exposure, nutrients, and water for it to bloom beautifully.
These flowering cacti would surely bring your garden and your home to life and be the center of attention!
