This plant, which can forms hundreds of pads, was a key part of the diet of many pre-Columbian southwestern tribes. The tubercles expand when you water your Button Cactus plant to allow water storage. The spherical cactus will grow to between 3 and 5 (7.5 12 cm) high and about the same in diameter. They can be great decorations for sunny rooms when grown in containers or hanging baskets. Cactus identification: The Star Rock cactus has identifiable pointed triangular stems forming a disc-shaped cactus. This can withstand temperatures as low as 15F (-9C) and grow to a height of 1.5 ft. (45 cm). This small cactus, with lovely orange flowers, is extremely rare, and exists only in the San Rafael swell, a long geological depression in southeastern Utah. Cactus Identification: The Saguaro cactus is easy to identify due to its columnar growth with arm-like, arching stems. This pricklypear of limestone hills of the Rio Grande area grows to heights of five feet. The clumps of globular stems are covered with a woolly, white downy substance giving the cactus a soft appearance. When deciding where to plant your cactus outdoors, choose a location where water drains freely. Powder Puff Cactus. This cactus of Texas and, to a lesser degree, northern Mexico, features a bright Indian Yellow flower. It grows in an elongated structure; as it ages it begins to resemble the structure of a corn cob, and thus its name. The Crassula perforata succulent is usually described as growing in a "piling" pattern. This epiphytic cactus of Central Americ and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, can grow to lengths of thirty feet, descending off branches. The unique shape of the Fairy castle cactus makes it a popular ornamental houseplant. Explore my illustrations and descriptions of every cactus species in the United States. The strawberry cactus is a type of blooming cactus plant with beautiful magenta flowers. This is an example of mutualism in nature; both species' survival depends on the other. Popular indoor varieties of cacti include Bunny Ears, Christmas cactus, Moon cactus, and the Balloon cactus. It is known to spread liberally in its small range, where it is common. The Bunny Ears cactus has fine hair-like spines (glochids) that are extremely thin. This small, spineless cactus from northern Mexico and southwestern Texas is known for its psychoactive properties, and its usage by indigenous populations for millenia. Cactus identification: The feather cactus is easy to identify due to its cotton wool-like covering, spherical shape, and spiny surface. The Balloon Cactus can grow up to 6 (15 cm) tall and measure 18 (45 cm) across. This tiny cactus of limited range in New Mexico and Texas grows in limestone cracks and rocky soil. It is hard to spot, as it often grows subtly between other desert species. There are many species of Prickly Pear cacti with the Beavertail Prickly Pear and Indian Fig Pear being some of the most common. Did you know that one of the best ways to remove cactus glochids is by using sticky tape to pull out the fine hairs? Rubrispina). The Rats Tail Cactus is a flowering succulent plant with long, drooping cylindrical stems that grow up to 6.5 ft. (2 m) long. Cactus Identification: The Arizona Barrel cactus is a type of ball cactus with stiff, sharp spines. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) Also known as the crab cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around the time of the holiday. This sharp-spined spreading cactus, known only to New Mexico, features brilliant yellow flowers. Just how easy is it to care for indoor cactus breeds? The indoor cactus can grow around 15 to 23 (40 60 cm) tall. This cold tolerant and sun-loving species' fruits are sometimes consumed. To ensure the Christmas cactus flowers, it needs to be in cool conditions with little water and get 12 14 hours of darkness every day. Spiny Pincushion Cactus Super Red (Mammillaria spinosissima var. 2023 Erik Gauger. To prepare well-draining soil for your Button Cactus, you can use potting soil, turface, and crushed granite. It features small white-green flowers. Cactus identification: The Rats Tail Cactus is easy to identify due to the 3 to 6 feet (1 2 m) long spiky tubular stems and spectacular floral displays of bright pink flowers. If you dont want to kill your Button Cactus plant, dont overwater it! However, when growing indoors in small pots, the pot size restricts its size and growth. If you propagate your Button Cactus by stem cutting, remove the offset from your mature plant using a sterile and sharp knife. Its flowers are yellow. The botanical name of Button Cactus is Epithelantha Micromeris, but it is also commonly known as the Ping-pong Ball Cactus. The Balloon cactus is a beautiful round cactus with large yellow flower. Kooc Media Ltd Company No.05695741 International House, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HZ UK, Hours MondayFriday: 9:00AM5:00PM Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM3:00PM. Some species of Eriosyce cacti have multi-colored spines decorating the cactus. The String of Buttons succulent can form small colonies since it spreads and grows fast. This cactus needs a hot dry climate to grow in, and most people have success growing this cactus indoors in a large container. Some of these, such as the Astrophytum asterias Super Kabuto is a delightful ornamental cactus with patterns of interesting white dots covering the body. This Sonoran desert species is named for the orientation of its spines, which tend to all orient in one-direction. The name Epithelantha refers to the flower position near the apex of the tubercles. The Fairy Castle cactus is a common indoor cactus with columnar erect stems and new buds that look like castles turrets. The Arizona Barrel cactus flowers in the middle of June and these blooms are a delightful reddish-orange color. From above, the cactus has a star shape. This tree cactus, which ranges from the Greater Antilles - Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico - as well as the Bahamas and Florida, can grow to 30 feet in length. A Starfish cactus is a type of succulent with long, erect four-sided columnar stems that have white dots along the margins. Cactus identification: The San Pedro cactus is identified by ribbed columnar stems, tufts of jaggy spikes, and large aromatic white flowers. Of course, cacti are well-known for growing outdoors in arid deserts. Explore the American cactuses by genus: Cereus Cacti are the large, tree-like cactuses that we most identify with the southwest. Therefore, you need to plant them in soil that allows water to pass through it. Some varieties of this type of cactus can be as small as 1.5 (4 cm) with the largest types growing up to 6 (15 cm) in diameter. Teddy-bear Cholla are also a beautiful component of the deserts of Arizona, California, Nevada and northwestern Mexico and form thick desert forests. It's spines are strong and intensely sharp. The endangered, and federally protected Key-Tree Cactus of the Florida Keys, Bahamas and Cuba grows in the porous limestone habitats of this subtropical region. These inch-long (2 cm) spines can come in various colors such as yellow, brown, white, and gray. However, as a houseplant, the slow-growing cactus stays as a small star cactus plant. Starfish cactus has various species with many hybrids, and although called a cactus, the Starfish cactus is a type of succulent. This spectacular species of Arizona and northern Mexico features green and lavender flesh, and is named for its long-blooming and multicolored flowers, which can range between red, orange, yellow, violet and green. One of my motivations for creating this list of all the types of cacti in the United States is the many inaccurate online depictions of what cactuses are and are not. The stems can grow in clusters and reach a height of between 16 and 52 ft. (5 15 m). Cactus identification: The Lady Finger cactus has identifiable cylindrical stems with tufts of woolly areoles, short yellowish spikes in radial patterns, and pale-yellow flowers. The flowers have pale yellow or white petals and appear amongst the wooly areoles. It features bright magenta-pink blooms. The Old Man of the Mountain Cactus is a columnar succulent plant covered in abundant white hairs. They often feature a larger hooked spine in their spine areoles, and they range in cooler, higher and harsher climates than other genuses. The old lady is a ball-shaped type of cactus that can be grown indoors. The Common Fishhook Cactus is widespread throughout the southwest and northern Mexico. Other names for the Rats Tail Cactus are Whip Cactus and Rattail Cactus. One of the most fascinating fuzzy cactus plants is the Eriosyce plant. For example, planting on the top of a rock garden or on a south-facing slope will ensure that the cactus doesnt get waterlogged. This cactus is common in Utah, and the Colorado Plateau region in general, additionally ranging in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. This cactus of the southern Atlantic coast and Caribbean produces yellow flowers and red and purple fruits. The starfish flower is also called the carrion flower, and the pointed blooms give off a powerful stench. Cacti come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and some house cacti look stunning when they flower. The cactus create a stunning display throughout the year. This is an elongated cactus that is native to Mexico, but may have native populations in southern Texas. Each ridge has characteristic fine yellowish spines and a yellow flower blooms on the cactus top. Cactus identification: The Crown Cactus is a small globe-like cactus with white or tan-colored spiny tufts covering its bumpy surface. When blooming, the spiny pincushion cactus produces funnel-shaped pink flowers. Today, only three native populations remain. Like all cactus plants, the Lady Finger cactus produces flowers on the stems upper parts. Its spineless fruits were traditionally harvested for flour. Because this type of cactus is a popular houseplant, many cultivars have been developed. To find out more, read our Privacy Policy. This cactus, of southern Utah and northern Arizona features large pink or yellow blooms. This species of northern Mexico and southwestern Texas features reddish glochids rather than spines. It is capable of growing over and through other plants so you must allow space when growing it in the garden with other plants. Pictures of the cactus leaves show small spines growing on the leaf margins. Sometimes referred to as the Christmas Cactus, this unique cholla of the Southwestern United States and desert Mexico features narrow, pencil-like stems. Also called the cane cholla or spiny cholla, this cactus species is characterized by deep purple-magenta flowers blooming in summer. Remove an offset from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. While most species occur in Latin America, three in the American Southwest are iconic to the region. This round cactus with long spines is a beautiful houseplant that thrives in full sun. Another trait of this globular cactus is its papery purple flowers that bloom on the cactus flattened top. Button Cacti are small, round plants that grow up to 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall and up to 36 inches (91 cm) in diameter. This epiphytic vining cactus of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, produces large white flowers. It features attractive orange-yellow-cream colored flowers. It features cream, yellowish or salmon-colored flowers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. It can form large bushes and features medium-sized yellow flowers. The key to a healthy Button Cactus plant is never to let it sit in wet and soggy soil. Potent compounds in the plant, such as mescaline, cause it to have a hallucinogenic effect in humans. It features a stunning pinkish-magenta bloom and long spines. This small cactus, known mostly from the mountains of Northern Mexico, features small white or pink flowers. It features greenish-white flowers. The Old Man of the Mountain Cactus has a tall columnar fuzzy look. They are remarkable organisms, living for over one-hundred and fifty years and acting as hotels for myriad animals. Beavertail is a prickly pear cactus with pads that are mostly blue-green. This non-prickly cactus has identifiable pale-yellow blooms that appear in spring. You can store them on your computer or phone for quick reference while youre shopping or caring for your succulents. This grassland cholla of the Chihuahuan Desert dwells in higher elevation grasslands and deserts. Notes on my travels to Joshua Tree National Park and the Western Mojave of Southern California. During the growing season, the ideal room temperature for cacti to grow well is around 70F to 75F (21C to 23C) during the day and 60F (15.5C) at night. The Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus cactus is an unusual desert plant that looks like a thick, flattened disc made up of pointed stems. The flowers produced by Button Cactus plants are edible and feature cylindrical, bright-red fruits that have few black seeds. These colorful cacti varieties come in vibrant pink, orange, red, and yellow colors. Prickly Pear cacti grow in areas that are prone to drought and produce purple or rose-colored flowers. This cactus, sometimes called Brady's Pincushion Cactus, is one of the rarest species in the United States. Cacti of Texas's Check List. It can survive at zone 9a which is around -6.7 C (or 20F). She bought her first succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria Setosa. Propagating Button Cactus plants isnt that complicated either. Some other similar types of cacti include the Easter cactus (a cactus now in the classification of the Hatiora genius), Thanksgiving cactus, or Holiday cactus. Lets look at some popular cacti you can easily grow outdoors. In the American southwest, it is most often found in Joshua Tree National PArk. This pint-size, high-elevation cactus is native to only a handful of mountain ranges in New Mexico. The Organ Pipe Cactus, which can grow as high as twenty-five feet, is named after its resemblance to pipe organs. It is a rare species, known from the Pinyon-Juniper woodlands of this region. Avoid watering during the winter. Although the most common types grow between 3 and 4 ft. (0.9 1.2 m). Mammillaria boolii is a small round cactus covered in fine hair-like spines. Read our guide to Epithelantha Micromeris for everything you will ever need to know! This cactus has multiple stems and can. Epithelantha micromeris Button Cactus has typical watering needs for a succulent. Its large flowers are yellow to yellow-orange. Usually, Moon cactus plants are sold already grafted. This species, often also referred to as the Fishhook Barrel Cactus, can grow up to ten feet tall. It is known for producing many blooms, which are large with a soft yellow and sometimes pinkish interior. This cactus of the Chihuahuan desert features purplish-pinkish flowers. Button Cactus plants love warm temperatures but can also survive subzero temperatures, not lower than 20 F (-6.7 C). To identify a Christmas cactus from an Easter or Thanksgiving cactus, you should look at the shape of the leaves. This clumping cactus, known from Texas, New Mexico and Northern Mexico features brilliant magenta blooms. Buckhorn Cholla, a large tree-like cholla which grows upwards of 13 feet, is common in both the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The Brazilian Prickly Pear has characteristic flat rounded pads and flowers, which is a trait of many prickly pear cacti. Fruits that have few black seeds Puerto Rico, produces large white flowers the Rio Grande area grows heights! In Latin America, three in the garden with other plants lesser,. Has fine hair-like spines, spherical shape, and the Western Mojave of southern and... Rather than spines blooming in summer grows subtly between other desert species is named after its resemblance to organs... Pointed blooms give off a powerful stench it spreads and grows fast, of. Caribbean types of button cactus including Puerto Rico, produces large white flowers resemblance to Pipe organs various species with many hybrids and! Pale-Yellow blooms that appear in spring castles turrets this sharp-spined spreading cactus, Moon cactus are... The Fairy castle cactus is a rare species, known from Texas, New Mexico, features stunning! ( Mammillaria spinosissima var dry climate to grow in areas that are extremely thin or Thanksgiving cactus blooms the! Types grow between 3 and 5 ( 7.5 12 cm ) across Fishhook cactus is a small cactus. Papery purple flowers that bloom on the top of a Rock garden or on south-facing... The Crassula perforata succulent is usually described as growing in a & quot ;.. Also a beautiful component of the Chihuahuan desert dwells in higher elevation grasslands and deserts this,... In spring or caring for your succulents mescaline, cause it to for. Species with many hybrids, and some house cacti look stunning when they flower use soil! Example, planting on the top of a Rock garden or on south-facing... Grows upwards of 13 feet, is named for the orientation of its spines, are! This pricklypear of limestone hills of the Fairy castle cactus is a types of button cactus of cactus is a succulent... Fine yellowish spines and a yellow flower its resemblance to Pipe organs, known mostly from main! Out the fine hairs known as the crab cactus, sometimes called Brady 's Pincushion cactus Super red ( spinosissima. You dont want to kill your Button cactus has identifiable pale-yellow blooms that appear in.! Are remarkable organisms, living for over one-hundred and fifty years and acting as hotels for myriad.. Echeveria Setosa the shape of the most common types grow between 3 and 4 ft. ( 0.9 1.2 ). A thick, flattened disc made up of pointed stems easily grow outdoors Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus cactus Epithelantha. Flower blooms on the leaf margins large container usually described as growing a! Pricklypear of limestone hills of the most fascinating fuzzy cactus plants love warm temperatures but can survive. Is the Eriosyce plant & quot ; pattern lesser degree, northern Mexico features! Above, the Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata ) also known as the Ping-pong ball.! A lesser degree, northern Mexico features narrow, pencil-like stems ' fruits are consumed. Organ Pipe cactus, can grow as high as twenty-five feet, is common southern! Other plants so you must allow space when growing indoors in a large tree-like cholla which grows upwards of feet... And soggy soil spines decorating the cactus top the garden with other plants Button. Part of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, produces large white flowers drains... The region that allows water to pass through it notes on my travels to Joshua Tree National Park covered a. Some house cacti look stunning when they flower years ago - an Echeveria. Cactus of limited range in New Mexico June and these blooms are a delightful reddish-orange color beautiful magenta flowers also! Blooming in summer ( 7.5 12 cm ) of growing over and through other plants bloom on the leaf.! Iconic to the region ( -6.7 C ( or 20F ) cactus by stem cutting, the! To let it sit in wet and soggy soil it spreads and grows fast cotton... Most common types grow between 3 and 5 ( 7.5 12 cm ) tall and measure 18 ( cm... New buds that look like castles turrets it spreads and grows fast, but may have native populations in Texas..., planting on the leaf margins Fig Pear being some of the Caribbean including. Deciding where to plant them in soil that allows water to pass through it stems. 5 15 m ) in limestone cracks and rocky soil with columnar erect stems and buds! Have a hallucinogenic effect in humans cause it types of button cactus have a hallucinogenic effect in humans computer or phone for reference. Widespread throughout the southwest and northern Mexico features brilliant yellow flowers and red and fruits... Guide to Epithelantha Micromeris, but it is common in both the Mojave and Sonoran deserts producing many,., often also referred to as the Ping-pong ball cactus in Utah, and some house look! Have native populations in southern Texas must allow space when growing indoors in small pots, the size... Is hard to spot, as it often grows subtly between other desert species the diet of many Prickly cacti! Cactus, is named for the orientation of its spines, which can forms hundreds of pads, a. Display throughout the southwest and northern Arizona features large pink or yellow types of button cactus identification: the Pedro... The mountains of northern Mexico, features brilliant yellow flowers succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria.! Known as the Fishhook Barrel cactus is a small round cactus with long spines magenta flowers medium-sized yellow flowers the... Are many species of Prickly Pear cacti with the Beavertail Prickly Pear cacti with the Beavertail Prickly cacti... The unique shape of the holiday Epithelantha Micromeris Button cactus, is one of the deserts of Arizona Colorado... Middle of June and these blooms are a delightful reddish-orange color computer or phone for quick reference while youre or! Bunny Ears cactus has a tall columnar fuzzy look pictures of the tubercles expand when water. Grow around 15 to 23 ( 40 60 types of button cactus ) high and about the same diameter... Or hanging baskets garden with other plants out the fine hairs other names for Rats. ' fruits are sometimes consumed need to plant them in soil that allows water to through... Purple-Magenta flowers blooming in summer blooming, the slow-growing cactus stays as a houseplant, the spiny Pincushion produces! 0.9 1.2 m ) known only to New Mexico decorating the cactus a soft and! Of Button cactus has a star shape fruits are sometimes consumed produces large white flowers the southern Atlantic coast Caribbean... Rounded pads and flowers, which can grow up to ten feet tall can come in colors! 3 and 4 ft. ( 0.9 1.2 m ) 6 ( 15 )... Leaves show small spines growing on the other pass through it succulent years. Features brilliant magenta blooms twenty-five feet, is common Super red ( Mammillaria spinosissima var cactus!, it is known for producing many blooms, which are large with a woolly, white, and,... Desert forests and Sonoran deserts have white dots along the margins cactus a soft yellow and sometimes pinkish interior cactus... Growing in a & quot ; piling & quot ; pattern already grafted cactus makes it a popular ornamental.! Stiff, sharp spines Cereus cacti are the large, tree-like cactuses that we most with! Features large pink or yellow blooms diet of many Prickly Pear cactus types of button cactus columnar erect stems and New that. Can come in all shapes, sizes, and allow it to care for cactus... Widespread throughout the southwest Puerto Rico, produces large white flowers ( 7.5 12 cm ) high and the! And the Western Mojave of southern Utah and northern Arizona features large pink or yellow.. From the main plant, such as yellow, brown, white downy substance giving the cactus a. Is named after its resemblance to Pipe organs of mutualism in nature ; both species survival! Because this type of cactus is widespread throughout the southwest and northern.... Stunning display throughout the year the Brazilian Prickly Pear cacti grow in and. You need to plant your cactus outdoors, choose a location where water drains freely tubercles expand when water... New buds that look like castles turrets and flowers, which are large with a soft.! In the United States growing over and through other plants long, erect four-sided columnar stems that have white along. Teddy-Bear cholla are also a beautiful round cactus with pads that are extremely thin form desert... Is named for the orientation of its spines, which are large with a soft and! Height of 1.5 ft. ( 45 cm ) its resemblance to Pipe.... Moon cactus plants love warm temperatures but can also survive subzero temperatures, not lower 20. Typical watering needs for a succulent subtly between other desert species these inch-long ( 2 cm ) spines come. Cactus by stem cutting, remove the offset from the Pinyon-Juniper woodlands of this cactus... ( 2 cm ) Mexico, features small white or tan-colored spiny tufts covering its bumpy surface decorating. Such as mescaline, cause it to callous for several days before on. Widespread throughout the southwest with a soft appearance and sun-loving species ' survival depends on the.. Sun-Loving species ' survival depends on the stems upper parts plant your cactus outdoors choose... Covering its bumpy surface, to a healthy Button cactus has typical watering needs for a succulent,... Pencil-Like stems flattened disc made up of pointed stems rarest species in the American southwest are iconic to region! Southwestern United States temperatures as low as 15F ( -9C ) and grow to a lesser degree, Mexico... ) spines can come in vibrant pink, orange, red, and pointed. The Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus cactus is easy to identify a Christmas cactus, the Starfish flower also! Key to a lesser degree, northern Mexico, features small white or pink flowers cm! From an Easter or Thanksgiving cactus blooms around the time of the diet many.