Do you think every cactus needs full sun? These beautiful low light cactus houseplants grow happily indoors in bright rooms with indirect light!
Most people imagine cacti growing under the burning desert sky, but many cactus plants enjoy much milder conditions. Some grow naturally under trees, where sunlight filters through the branches rather than shining directly overhead. This makes them ideal for bright rooms in your home.
If your space has plenty of indirect light, these beautiful plants can stay healthy for years with very little fuss.
Low-light indoor cactus
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1. Christmas Cactus
Botanical name: Schlumbergera × buckleyi
A blooming Christmas cactus can completely change the feel of a room, especially when most other houseplants slow down for the season.
Just give your spot near an east-facing window or a few feet behind a brighter window, and the flattened stems will stay plump and healthy. And this it comes in these colors!
2. Pencil Cactus
Botanical name: Euphorbia tirucalli
Although technically a succulent instead of a true cactus, its smooth green branches create the same sculptural look that cactus lovers enjoy. Growth may slow down a bit in low light, but this often works to your advantage because the plant remains easier to manage.
Pro tip: Wear gardening gloves every time you prune or move this plant. The milky sap can irritate the skin and eyes.
3. Mistletoe cactus
Botanical name: Rhipsalis bacifera
Nothing about the Mistletoe cactus is like the classic desert plants most people imagine, and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. And since this species naturally grows high in trees under leafy canopies, it has learned to make excellent use of filtered light.
Rooms that receive soft daylight most of the day are often all this plant needs to stay lush and full.
4. Orchid Cactus
Botanical name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum
The cactus orchid is famous for producing huge fragrant flowers. This ability comes from naturally growing in trees, where sunlight filters through the tall branches instead of reaching the plant directly.
So a bright spot with indirect light is ideal for growing it indoors! Just do these things to help growing better!
5. Fishbone cactus
Botanical name: Epiphyllum angularis
One look at the deeply zigzag stems tells you this cactus houseplant is anything but ordinary. Fishbone cactus has become a favorite for hanging baskets for its long stalks fare beautifully as it matures.
And all it needs is bright indirect light, so a spot near an east-facing window or in a bright corner often gives this plant everything it needs to stay lush and green. Here it is our developing guide!
6. Bunny Ears Cactus
Botanical name: Opuntia microdasys
Compared to the woodland species on this list, Bunny Ears enjoys a bit more light. Even so, it can adapt well to a bright room as long as it is sitting near a window.
Its thick cushions store water for long periods, helping the plant handle slower growth during days with less sunlight. Just keep the soil a little on the dry side.
Pro tip: Treat the plant with thorn resistant gardening gloves or folded newspaper. The tiny spines are hard to see and even harder to remove once they stick to your skin.
7. Thanksgiving cactus
Botanical name: Schlumbergera truncata
Many gardeners mistake the Thanksgiving cactus for a Christmas cactus, and it’s easy to see why. Care is very similar, however the pointed tips on each stem segment help distinguish them.
Since it also comes from Brazilian forests, direct sunlight has never been a part of its daily life. Soft natural light is more than enough. Here it is interesting facts about this plant!
8. Fairy Castle Cactus
Botanical name: Acanthocereus tetragonus
Since this variety grows at a leisurely pace, it is usually better adapted to indoor conditions than many fast-growing desert cacti. A bright room provides enough light to maintain its solid shape for many years.
Here’s a tip! Skip frequent feeding. A light application of fertilizer for cacti in the spring is usually all this plant needs for the entire growing season.
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9. Ladyfinger Cactus
Botanical name: Mammillaria elongata
These clusters of slender stems covered in neat rows of tiny spines give the Ladyfinger Cactus a neat appearance that fits almost anywhere indoors. The small size makes it easy to place on shelves, desks or sunny tables without taking up much space.
Just place it in a bright location with indirect light. it is enough to keep the stems healthy and uniform.
10. Rat tail cactus
Botanical name: Disocactus flagelliformis
Red tail cactus natural habitats include rocky slopes and tree-covered areas where sunlight is strong but rarely feels harsh throughout the day. That’s why low light is great indoor cactus that can beautify any corner.
With enough time, the stems can grow 3-6 feet in length and eventually reward you with bright pink flowers that stand out beautifully against the rich green foliage.
Pro tip: Young stems are more sensitive than they look. You should support them gently during replanting to avoid accidental breakage.
Growing beautiful cactus plants indoors is all about choosing the right varieties for your space. Just give these plants bright indirect light, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering and they will reward you with years of healthy growth!
