An indoor cactus garden can be one of the best aspects to improve your indoor decor but this can only be possible if you have the right plants. If you are looking for some plants to include in your indoor cactus garden then this blog post is perfect for you. Let’s go through the ten best succulents that can be included in an indoor cactus garden.
Ideal plants for an indoor cactus garden should be low maintenance and easy to take care of. They should also be easy to maintain indoors in terms of watering. Some notable indoor plants for your indoor garden include alove vera, Jade plant, Bromeliads, Agave, Orchid and a majority of cactus species like moon cactus, old lady cactus and Bishop’s cap.
This article will be looking at the most ideal plants you can include in your indoor cactus garden. It will look at their characteristic and care practices and how best to blend with other plants.
1. Bromeliads
Bromeliads make ideal indoor plants because they are simple to maintain and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They grow well indoors when you provide them with indirect light, making it an easy addition for the garden as they will not need much care.
Bromeliads come in many forms which includes some being tall while others may be compact or cascading (Dudleya). They thrive best with moist soil and can be trimmed to fit the space you have available. Bromeliads can make good companions for cactus because they also like the same conditions.
Bromeliads are simple to maintain and thrive in a variety of conditions. When watering, just make sure to allow the soil surface to dry before adding more water.
2. Old Lady Cactus
The Old lady cactus is a unique plant that can be great for the flower garden and is often called “old woman” cactus. The name comes from its distinctive look, resembling an elderly woman with a shawl on her arm. The Old Lady cactus is also stingless and can be planted in the ground or in containers that are well drained. This also make it safe to plant in pots with children and pets.
One of the major benefits is that it looks great when in bloom. The flowers are a bright, vibrant orange color. This plant also makes an excellent choice for those looking to add some greenery to their indoors. Its growth pattern is relatively slow, making it an excellent candidate for those looking to add a green touch to their indoors without worrying about rapid growth.
When grown with other indoor plants, the old lady cactus also makes a great companion. The colors will look amazing when in bloom with other plants that have similar bright and vibrant petals.
The Old Lady cactus prefers soil that is well drained and a warm to hot temperature range. It also prefers direct sunlight for the best blooms.
The Old Lady cactus has been known by many names throughout history, including: lace plant or bird nest plants. This name came from its intricate but delicate growth pattern that resembles an old lady’s dress with her skirt.
3. Agave
Agave is a drought resistant plant that has a tall, thick and woody stalks. It provides additional height to any design as well as stunning leaf cluster at the top. Agave is one of the most popular additions to a cactus garden due to its high tolerance for hot temperatures and arid environment.
Some other notable features of the Agave include the unique, fleshy leaves that have a blade-like shape and are capable of reaching up to 12 feet in height.
The Agave is not only known for its beautiful leaf clusters but also its hardiness. It can be grown outside as well because it doesn’t require too much water or fertilizer which makes them perfect for people who don’t have enough time or patience to care for their plants.
When grown indoors Agave can have the same height and width but it doesn’t have quite as many leaves.
The Agave is also known to be a great candidate for people who are looking to remove thorns from their cactus garden because not only do they not inflict pain when touched, they also don’t possess any spines at all!
4. Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera is a succulent that is known for its medicinal benefits.The Aloe Vera has long and slender leaves, each with a point at the end- making them perfect for poking into open wounds or skin abrasions to soothe pain and promote healing. The plant also contains two clear gel like substances called aloins which can be extracted from cuts.
Aloe vera works best when grown indoors because they require less sun than other succulents. They are excellent for those who need to take a break from watering. Apart from this, they help improve skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema. This means you will not need to go far when trying to find a plant that can help with your skin condition!
Unlike other succulents, they do not have harmful spines and can be placed in areas where you have children or pets who might not always behave.
When planted with other indoor plants, the Aloe Vera will ensure the plants get enough sunlight, while they in turn will help with Aloe Vera’s water needs.
The best type of soil for Aloe vera is a light and porous mix that allows plenty of air circulation to prevent rot from setting in. You can also choose to put your plant on top of rocks or stones to replicate the conditions in the desert.
5. Orchid
Orchid is a perfect indoor plant for those people who have a hard time remembering to water their plants.
They are native to places where rain is scarce or completely absent, so they can go without being watered for weeks at a time!
The plant also has an interesting history as it was once used in China and Japan by royalty which meant that all orchids were reserved for the most royal in society.
Orchids prefer to grow in bright light, but an east window is fine too if the other conditions aren’t met. The orchid also likes to have some potting material below it’s roots and should only need watering every three weeks.
When grown in an indoor garden, orchids are usually placed in pots or containers so they can be brought outside during the summer months.
The plant should also have a cool basement, garage, and/or attic to spend time over winter if you live somewhere that frost is possible year round.
Orchids prefer temperatures from 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit (with 50 being best). When watering, ensure that the water is not too cold or hot.
The best windows for your house are those that have a lot of sunlight coming in through them, but only if you can control the temperature as well.
If this isn’t possible, then keep the plant near an east window with plenty of indirect natural light to supplement it’s needs.
6. Ficus tree
Ficus tree is a large tree that is typically grown as an indoor plant.
Ficus tree, like most plants in this list, needs at least six hours of sun a day and just a little water from time to time. When grown in an indoor garden, this plant can survive in temperatures of up to 80 degrees.
For indoor planting, a good rule of thumb is to use soil that has been sterilized with boiling water or bleach (a teaspoon per gallon) and mix it 50/50 with sterile potting compost before using. Do not forget the humidity tray!
Ficus tree prefers to be watered regularly with a watering can, as it does not like to have wet feet. The tree also does well in the presence of other plants from this list! It complements other house plants like Mrs. McGregor’s cactus and the living room palm tree, as well as other flowering plants like Begonia or any kind of Poinsettia plant.
While in the indoor garden, position the Ficus tree in a sunny area to enjoy its green leaves and the airy look of its branches.
7. Blue Columnar Cactus
The Blue Columnar is a type of cactus that starts to grow its stem directly from the ground, forming a narrow, round-edged column. It is usually found in shades of blue and green with some red on it.
The Blue Columnar Cacti are very easy plants to maintain indoors because they do not need too much water or light. These conditions will work best especially when planted in a pot with sand.
As it is also easily recognized by its round and cylindrical shape, the Blue Columnar cactus can easily turn your indoors into a modern and contemporary space. However, ensure that you give this plant enough light and water when in its initial growth stages.
The Blue Columnar Cactus will grow in pots, hanging baskets or as a free-standing succulent. The cacti have few spines to protect them from predators because they are not juicy like other types of plants so do not worry about your pets eating them.
8. Moon Cactus
The moon cactus is a unique looking succulent with its distinctive shape and moon-like colors. Moon cacti are not only attractive, but they are also low maintenance as well. This plant is a perfect addition to your indoor garden because of the vibrant yellows and oranges that it displays in sunlight.
The moon cactus prefers dry soil that can be watered every two or three weeks. The moon cactus stands out with its unique look and is a great addition to your indoor cactus garden.
When potting the moon cactus, make sure to provide a well-draining potting mix and avoid using soil that is too wet. For better results, use a succulent potting mix.
The moon cactus will do best when grown in bright, indirect light and needs to be watered sparingly throughout the year. The moon cactus is an easy addition to your indoor garden because they are low-maintenance plants that can withstand temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit without any harm coming their way.
9. Burro’s Tail
The Burro’s Tail is an indoor plant that is perfect for those with a brown thumb. The Burro’s Tail requires little water and can be placed in any room of the house, including bedrooms
The Burro’s tail prefers bright, indirect light which will help it grow to its full potential. Although this plant does need some sun exposure, too much sunlight may cause leaf scorch or kill the plant altogether.
When grown in an indoor garden, it blends with most plants especially those in hanging baskets. The Burro’s tail is perfect for beginners because it is hard to kill. Only make sure that you keep it away from drafts and cold air vents.
When potting the Burro’s tail, consider its growth pattern because it grows in a hanging pattern. If you are planting the Burro’s tail by the verandah or balcony, place it in a sheltered location with partial sun exposure.
10. Bishop’s Cap
Bishop’s cap cactus is a single-stemmed succulent that grows in a symmetrical triangular shape. This plant is ideal for gardens or pots because it doesn’t grow very tall and can be placed anywhere without taking up too much space
The Bishop’s cap cactus prefers to live in dry soil so never let the potting mix get soggy. It also thrives on sunlight but make sure not to get the plant too hot.
Bishop’s cap cactus can grow to a height of about 12 inches and can be planted in a pot or garden zone. When grown with other indoor plants, ensure you have enough space for this succulent to thrive.
Considering its small size, Bishop’s cap will fully blend in with your other plants and won’t overwhelm the arrangement.
The Bishop’s cap cactus is a great addition to any indoor garden or potted plant because it can grow in different shapes, sizes, colors and even in partial sun exposure. It only takes about three years for this succulent to fully mature which makes these ideal for beginners who are just starting their indoor gardening.
If grown indoors, this type of cactus only needs watering once every few weeks because it can store water for up to six months.
Considerations when creating an indoor cactus garden
1. Positioning
Choose a sunny spot for your cactus garden. This ensures that you will keep the plants healthy and happy.
Outdoor gardens can get lots of sun exposure, but indoor cactus gardens need to be placed in a place that gets direct sunlight for six hours or more each day.
In order to make sure your succulents are getting enough light they should not have any obstructions on their leaves either.
2. Soil Moisture
Make sure the soil is well-drained and has good drainage. Indoor plants can be forgotten easily when it comes to watering and so you may need to create a watering schedule. However, avoid excessive water, as this can rot the roots.
Some succulents like to be watered once a week or more often than others. The rule of thumb is that if your soil feels dry then it needs water.
Some plants need a little protection for their root system. For example, aloe vera needs to be planted in pots that have holes on the sides so it can get the water and nutrients it needs without being squeezed close against other objects.
3. Ideal Potting Mix
Use potting mix that provides adequate moisture and nutrients to the plants. This will keep them go for longer without watering.
Use potting mix that contains loam, sand and peat moss or compost mixed in equal amounts to create a light mixture for your succulents.
Since they are so small the pots do not have to be too big either! You can use something like an egg carton with its divots around each hole.
4. Mulching
Contrary to popular belief, indoor plants can grow weeds. Add mulch or pebbles around the base of the plants to keep weeds away from them.
5. Constant Attention
Keep an eye on your plants and make any necessary adjustments as needed. This may be in terms of access to sunlight or simply redesigning your indoor garden.
Indoor plants are also susceptible to disturbance by children and pets, so you may need to keep moving your plants to a new location in case you feel the current location is not idea.
Managing an indoor garden can be a hassle but it can be worth it in the long run. You can grow succulents indoors without too much difficulty and you don’t have to be an expert gardener in order to take care of them properly!
There are many different types of succulents that allow for a variety of arrangements and can make your garden pop. Just make sure, you have the right combinations to ensure your indoor garden no only pops out but also remains intact much longer. The rule of thumb for an indoor cactus garden is that you should include at least one plant from each of the following groups: Small cactus, Aloe and flowering plants.
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
