Cacti - Cactus Plants

Cacti come in huge variety of types and species and most gardeners can find easy Cacti or 'Cactus' plants that are easy to care for either in the garden or in pots or containers.

In the UK they are commonly grown as indoor plants, and they do make wonderful specimen plants when grown in containers. Over recent years they have become popular as indoor plants as well as landscaping plant in the UK

The Golden Barrel Cactus, pictured right is Echinocactus grusonii and can easily be grown indoors in a container. Reaching over 3ft (1m) in height they can make a wonderful architectural plant in the right surroundings.

Many better known and easy to grow species can be found at retail garden centers across the UK however the more exotic ( and sometimes more difficult to care for) species can be found for sale at specialist mail order Cactus Nurseries or can be grown from seed

Cactus Types

All cactus are succulents (however the reverse is not true) and most do require well drained soil, warmth and good light. And with literally 100s of species with enourmous variety you will be certain to find a plant that intrigues you.

One of the most popular is the Orchid Cactus, these are the Epiphyllums and Epiphyllums oxypetalum or Night Blooning Cereus may not fit the typical image of a cactus, however it is widely grown on patios and hanging baskets across the UK.

Cactus Care in the UK

Cacti (cactus plants) are often grown in pots or containers indoors in the UK. However many are also suitable for general garden

Growing cacti (cactus) plants outdoors in the UK does require a little research, even within species some plants are happier in cold climates than others.

Growing cacti in raised beds with good drainage is essential in the UK as plants can survive the cold but only if the roots are well drained and dry.

Popular cacti and succulents include:

Aeonium, Echeveria, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Epiphyllum or 'Orchid Cactus', Euporbia, Gymnocalycium, Haworthia, Hoya, Lithops or 'Living Stones' Lobivia, Mammillaria, Notocactus, Opuntia or 'Prickly Pear', Rebutia and Stapelia, Tephrocactus.