Which Cactus Is Best for Hanging or Trailing Displays?

Rat’s Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is ideal for hanging baskets. It thrives in bright light and forms long, trailing stems with vibrant blooms in spring or summer.

What Is the Most Sculptural Indoor Cactus?

The Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus peruvianus) is a bold, upright cactus with an architectural shape, perfect for indoor statement pots or containers.

Which Cactus Blooms the Most Indoors?

Sea Urchin Cactus (Echinopsis species) produces bouquet-style blooms in vibrant clusters and is perfect for sunny sills or indoor pots with bright light.

What’s the Best Low-Maintenance Cactus for Indoors?

Red Top Cactus (Gymnocalycium 'Red Cap') is a grafted cactus with a bright red head, requiring bright indirect light and minimal water—ideal for windowsills or kitchens.

Which Cactus Is Best for Small Containers?

Mammillaria species are compact and thrive in shallow containers or dish gardens. They tolerate direct sun and bloom easily indoors.

Are There Cacti Suitable for Cool Climates in NZ?

Parodia and Rebutia are small, cool-tolerant cacti that bloom in vibrant colors and thrive indoors with moderate to bright light during NZ winters.

How Often Should I Water Indoor Cacti?

Water when soil is nearly dry. During summer, this might be weekly for fast growers like Mammillaria. In winter, water less frequently—every 2–3 weeks or less depending on species.

Do Cacti Need Fertilizer?

Yes, most cacti benefit from light feeding during the growing season. Use a cactus-specific fertilizer once monthly from late spring to late summer.

Best Cacti You Can Buy In New Zealand

Content of the article

1. Rat’s Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

2. Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus peruvianus)

3. Sea Urchin Cactus (Echinopsis species)

4. Red Top Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Red Cap')

5. Mammillaria (Mammillaria species)

6. Parodia (formerly known as Notocactus)

7. Rebutia species (Crown cactus)

Cacti are the ultimate low-maintenance plants for New Zealand homes, thriving in bright light and needing minimal watering. This guide features 7 beginner-friendly varieties, including trailing Rat’s Tail Cactus, sculptural Peruvian Apple Cactus, and colorful bloomers like Rebutia and Parodia. Most can grow indoors year-round or move outside in warm, frost-free areas. Each species brings a unique shape and growth habit—perfect for windowsills, hanging baskets, or mixed cactus gardens. With the right light, soil, and temperature, these striking plants will reward you with long life and bold textures.

Infographic with three garden-friendly cacti: Rat’s Tail Cactus with trailing stems and pink blooms, Peruvian Apple Cactus with upright growth, and Sea Urchin Cactus with a flower-topped round body.

Infographic showing four cacti: Red Top Cactus with a bright crown, Mammillaria with clustered blooms, Parodia with spiny texture, and Rebutia species with orange flowers.

1. Rat’s Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

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!

Mature Rat’s Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) in a hanging basket, covered in bright pink tubular flowers.

Close-up of a flowering Rat’s Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) with vibrant pink blooms cascading from long trailing stems.

**2. Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus peruvianus)**

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.

Tall, crested Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus repandus) with unique sculpted growth indoors near a mirror.

**3. Sea Urchin Cactus (Echinopsis species)**

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.

A Sea Urchin Cactus in a clay pot with a tall stalk bearing a large pink flower, placed on a patio.

potted Sea Urchin Cactus with a single pale pink bloom emerging from its rounded, ribbed body.

**4. Red Top Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii 'Red Cap')**

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.

A potted Red Top Cactus with multiple flower buds and partially opened pink flowers on top.

A close-up top-down view of a Red Top Cactus with deep burgundy-colored ribs arranged in a symmetrical pattern.

**5. Mammillaria (Mammillaria species)**

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.

A flowering Mammillaria cactus covered in vivid pink daisy-like blooms arranged in a ring around the spiny surface.

Potted Mammillaria cacti with spiky green mounds, viewed from above in a cardboard tray.

6. Parodia (formerly known as Notocactus)

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.

A Parodia cactus with a round, spiny green body topped by a large, vibrant yellow flower in full bloom.

A top-down view of several small Parodia cacti in pots, showing clusters of rounded, golden-spined bodies.

7. Rebutia species (Crown cactus)

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.