The most common types of Indoor Cactus

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Cacti species of plants are well adapted to grow indoors where the levels of humidity are low. Furthermore, they are low maintenance plants; they require only small quantities of water, fertilizer and sunlight for them to grow. Below are some of the most common types of Indoor Cactus:

Hedgehog Cactus

The hedgehog cactus is an exceptional plant for your patio, and grows well in the drier southern climates. It small in size and produces radiant pink flowers during spring which mature into about 2.5 centimeter edible fruits. This type of cactus is also columnar and sprouts 10-15 closely packed clumps. While individual columns can grow up to one foot tall, their average heights do not exceed six inches. Just as the animal, hedgehog, this cactus is covered in of 2-3 inch long spines which appear in groups of four to six spines.

Old Man Cactus

The old man cactus is a popular houseplant that has its origin in Mexico. It is a columnar cactus renowned for its white wispy hair coverings that resemble those of an elderly, white haired man. This hair covering is a special adaptation to protect the plant from the extremely hot Mexican temperatures. In its native habitat, the old man cactus can grow up to 40-feet tall but it matures slowly when planted indoors, remaining manageable for several years.

Tom-Thumb Cactus

The tom-thumb cactus is thrives well in light shade surroundings, and is best planted in its own small pot. It is globe or column shaped with a height of 10 centimeters and a width of 7 centimeters. The tom-thumb cactus also features about 20 vertically inclined ribs, with each rib having about 10 emerging spines that surround the entire body of the cactus. Its large pink and yellow flowers blossom during spring.

Star Cactus Species

This type of cactus refers to a number of related species that include: the Sand Dollar cactus and the Bishop's Cap cactus. The Bishop's cactus emerges as a globe shape, but assumes a columnar shape as it grows older. It can grow to up to 8 inches tall, has lengthy arching spines and generates eye-catching golden yellow flowers during the mid-summer. The bishop cactus grows well indoors, but requires abundant quantities of sunlight.

The Sand Dollar cactus

The Sand Dollar cactus (Sea Urchin Cactus) is a spineless cactus in the shape of a globe that grows well indoors. Every year, it produces huge and shiny yellow flowers. During the dry season, if flattens into a circular shape making it look like a sand dollar.

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The Rat Tail's Cactus

This cactus has long strands of drooping tough flesh, and produces pink flowers that emerge at the bottom of each of strand. It can grow to a height of about 20 inches and can tolerate shade to some extent, but blooms radiantly when exposed to the sun.

Living Rock Cactus

This species of cactus matures slowly and requires very minimal quantities of water for it to survive. It best planted in sandy soils. The living rock cactus can grow to up to 4 inches tall, and contains several spiky lobes that cover the center of the plant. Ensure that the plant is not overwatered because this easily causes root rot. It is mandatory to repot the plant after every four years.