Cacti

- what you need to know about cactus plants

In our Cactus Collection, we have a range of carefully selected plants from the cactus family Cactaceae. These plants are desert plants adapted to extreme conditions. They therefore require very little care. Each plant has unique shades of color and distinctive sculptural shapes, making it easy to choose a plant that fits perfectly in your chosen location. You can find our Cactus Collection in our online catalog here.

Cactus plants are more popular than ever

Cacti are evergreen, easy to care for and healthy for the indoor climate. They originate from semi-deserts and can survive for weeks without water. No need to worry about who will water your plants when you travel abroad.

Botanical name

Cactaceae

Flowers

Many cactus plants bloom with large colorful flowers, the timing depends on the growing conditions but usually in the summer months.

Plant size

The plants in our Cactus collection are offered in pot sizes of 6, 9 and 11 cm. With continuous transplanting to larger pots and plenty of sunlight, the plants will grow larger. Their final height with transplants varies but is typically between approximately 15-40 cm.

Tips for caring for Cactus

The plants in the Cactus Collection series come in peat-free coco soil, which ensures optimal conditions for the roots, good drainage for the plant and an environmentally friendly product.

Watering: These plants can be watered approximately twice a week when the soil is dry. Cactus plants should not be overwatered or left in water for a long time and they thrive best in well-drained soil. As a rule of thumb, a cactus plant can be watered lightly about every 3 weeks or when the potting soil is drying out.

Light: Cactus plants are adaptable and can be placed in most places in the home. They thrive best with plenty of sunlight, which helps the plants grow larger and lush.

Temperature: During the growing season, the plant thrives in temperatures between 18-27 degrees. During the Danish winter, these plants go into a natural dormant period and thrive with less watering and slightly colder temperatures.

Many cactus plants can be propagated by cuttings

It takes some patience for cactus cuttings to take root and start growing, but it is possible to propagate cactus plants. For some plants, it is easiest to take a side shoot, i.e. small new plants that typically form at the root of the plant. Other cactus plants can be propagated by cutting off a shoot/side arm of the stem and letting it take root. Here it is important to cut close to the stem and allow the cut surface of the plant part to dry over 3-4 days to form wound tissue (called callus). The cut plant part can then be planted in moist, well-drained soil in a bright place without direct sun. Push the shoot slightly into the soil and leave the plant in daylight. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely until the plant takes root.

Did you know?

The cactus family is known to be a fascinating family of plants consisting of approximately 1500 species in all sorts of colors and shapes. Cactus plants often have sturdy stems where the tissue can retain water while the leaves are transformed into thorns. If you want to know more about cactus plants, you can find more of the cactus plants we sell in the greenhouses at the Science Museums. Read more on the Science Museums, Aarhus University's website.