Best Cacti You Can Buy For Your New Zealand Garden

Best for: Hanging baskets and trailing displays.
NZ Growing Tips: Great for indoor spaces or covered patios. Not frost-hardy — protect from cold.

Needs bright light in spring and summer; boost light in winter for better flowering.
Thrives in temps between 18–24°C; in winter, prefers cooler 10–13°C range.
Water thoroughly in spring/summer, less in cooler months — but don’t let it dry out completely.
Repot young plants each midsummer; older ones need it less often.

‍Pro tip: Keep away from walkways — the short spines can be sharp!

Best for: Bold, sculptural indoor centerpieces.
NZ Growing Tips: Best kept indoors; can be moved outside in summer if sheltered and stable.

Likes bright light from late spring to early fall; dappled sun outside is okay.
Prefers 21–27°C in summer, tolerates down to 10°C in winter.
Water when soil becomes almost dry — it should feel spongy before perking up after watering.
Repot every 2 years; heavier pots help prevent tipping.

‍Pro tip: Look for the unique ‘Ming Thing’ variety with exotic jade-colored swirls.

Best for: Small pots, dish gardens, or sunny sills.
NZ Growing Tips: Does well indoors, especially with bright light. Can handle cooler temperatures in winter.

Needs half-shaded light outdoors in summer, bright light indoors during winter.
Thrives in 21–27°C; winter rest at 13–18°C encourages blooming.
Water when soil nearly dries out; mist lightly during dry winter periods.
Repot when crowded or when offsets reach 2.5 cm diameter.

‍Pro tip: Blooms form exotic, bouquet-style clusters — stunning as a table centerpiece.

Best for: Bright indoor spots and decorative dish gardens.
NZ Growing Tips: Indoor only — protect from direct sun to prevent scorching.

Needs bright but indirect light all year round.
Prefers 21–27°C; winter rest between 10–16°C.
Water when soil is nearly dry — avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Repot every 1–2 years. Red top is grafted and won’t grow on its own.

‍Pro tip: Makes a perfect focal point on a windowsill or kitchen bench.

Best for: Small containers, windowsills, or dish gardens
NZ Growing Tips: Excellent for indoor growth in well-lit areas.

Requires 4 hours of direct sun or bright light all day.
Warm summer range: 21–29°C; needs to stay above 10°C in winter.
Water deeply then let soil dry; in hot summer weather may need water twice weekly.
Repot every 2–3 years if grown in shallow containers.

‍Pro tip: Try the powder puff (M. bocasana) or golden star (M. elongata) for soft textures.

These compact, showy cacti are ideal for windowsills or desks. They rarely grow taller than 25 cm, and their symmetrical ribs are adorned with striking spines. Flowers bloom near the crown and may be yellow, orange, pink, or red.

‍Care Tips:
‍Light: Partial shade in summer, bright light indoors in winter.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist in summer, allow to nearly dry out in winter.
Soil: Sandy, humus-rich cactus mix with added sand.
Repotting: Every 2–3 years when roots fill the pot.
Fertilizer: Monthly during late spring to late summer.
Propagation: Seeds or offsets.

‍Display Idea: Place on a low table to showcase their striking spine patterns; ideal for dish gardens.

Native to the Andes, Rebutia are small but bold bloomers with tubular flowers in spring and summer. The compact globular shape is perfect for cluster growth.

‍Care Tips:
‍Light: Bright light spring to fall; rest in moderate light during winter.
Temperature: Warm (18–24°C) in growing season; cool (10–18°C) in winter.
Water: Allow to nearly dry between waterings; water every 7–10 days in summer.
Soil: Cactus mix with grit or sand.
Repotting: Every other summer, or when offsets crowd the pot.
Fertilizer: Once in spring and again in late summer.
Propagation: Offsets or seeds.

‍Display Idea: A full cluster of Rebutia in bloom can be breathtaking—perfect for shallow pots or a vibrant indoor centerpiece.