Cactus Care Guide

Cacti are iconic houseplants for good reason—tough, beautiful, and full of character. From the architectural shapes of Euphorbia to the furry stems of Monkey Tail Cactus, cacti are as diverse as they are low-maintenance. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to grow happy, healthy cacti indoors. 

Plant Profile

Cactus Light requirements

Cacti love sunlight—ideally bright, direct light for at least 4–6 hours a day. South-facing windows are best. If natural light is limited, consider an LED grow light to prevent stretched, pale growth. While most cacti thrive in full sun, always acclimatise new plants slowly to avoid scorch marks.

Cactus Watering

Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially in winter. Overwatering is the number one cause of cactus problems, so err on the side of caution. In the warmer months, watering once every 2–3 weeks is usually enough indoors. Reduce to once a month or less in winter.

Cactus Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots begin to outgrow the pot. Use a cactus-specific compost or mix your own with our organic houseplant compost plus added grit or perlite for drainage. Choose a pot just slightly larger than the old one, always with a drainage hole.

Cactus Native habitat

Cacti are native to arid regions of the Americas—from deserts in Mexico to high-altitude grasslands in South America. They’ve adapted to survive extreme heat and drought, storing water in their thick, fleshy stems and developing spines to protect against the sun and herbivores.

Styling ideas for Cactus

Cacti are brilliant for architectural styling—use them to create contrast with softer plants like ferns or trailing varieties. Group multiple species together on a sunny windowsill for a desert-inspired look, or showcase a large Euphorbia in a modern ceramic pot as a standalone feature. Shallow bowls of mixed cacti also work beautifully on coffee tables or sideboards.

Wellness benefits of houseplants, like Cactus

Caring for cacti can be grounding—they require minimal fuss, yet checking on them regularly builds a quiet routine. Their slow, deliberate growth reminds us to be patient. And because they need less water and attention, they’re perfect for busy households or those looking to reduce stress, not add to it.

Common Cactus problems

Wrinkled cactus: Usually a sign of underwatering—give it a good soak and wait for plumping.
Soft or mushy cactus: Almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Yellowing: May indicate too much water or not enough light.
No growth in summer: Likely due to insufficient light or pot-bound roots.
Brown scabs or scars: Often sunburn—move out of intense midday sun.

Quick care summary

FAQs

Can I keep a cactus in low light?
No—cacti need bright, direct light to thrive. Without it, they may stretch, yellow, or stop growing.

Why is my cactus going soft?
Overwatering is the likely culprit. Check the roots and soil. Remove affected areas if rot has started.

Should I mist my cactus?
Definitely not. Cacti prefer dry air and do not need misting.

How often should I repot my cactus?
Every 2–3 years is ideal, or when it outgrows its pot.

Do cacti flower indoors?
Some do! With the right light and care, many indoor cacti will eventually bloom.

Why choose this plant?

Cacti are perfect for beginners or anyone looking to add striking shapes and low-maintenance greenery to their home. With a wide range of forms—from columnar giants to tiny globes—they’re endlessly collectable and surprisingly rewarding to grow. Give them sun, the right soil, and time, and they’ll flourish.

Featured Cacti from Happy Houseplants

Monkey Tail Cactus – Cleistocactus colademononis
A showstopper with long, furry tendrils that trail dramatically as it matures. Best in a hanging pot with lots of bright light. View Monkey Tail Cactus

African Milk Barrel – Euphorbia horrida
A striking cactus lookalike with ribbed stems and tiny spines—low maintenance and great for sunny spots. Shop Euphorbia horrida

Explore more

Explore more sculptural plants in our Cactus and Succulent collection, or read our full houseplant blog for expert care tips, styling guides, and seasonal advice. And if you're curious about soft-leaved companions, don’t miss our upcoming Succulent Care Guide. Why not read our houseplant blog to keep growing your green knowledge?

We also have a houseplant blog on unusual cacti and styling here