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The Indoor Gardener: Crazy for Cacti
Surprisingly versatile and blessedly hard to kill, cacti are showing up in homes far from the middle of nowhere
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures like cooking, crafts and decorating. When I'm not on assignment, I can be found dreaming up projects for my home, which I chronicle in my blog The Little House in the City (thelittlehouseinthecityblog.com).
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures... More »
Cacti aren't just for Southwestern locales. You can grow these prickly succulents anywhere that has lots of sunshine and maintains a temperature of at least 65 degrees, making them a good candidate for a houseplant. In addition to full sunlight, cacti like to grow in places where the humidity is low.
As they hail from the desert, cacti don't need much water: Give it to them only when they have thoroughly dried out, and do so sparingly when you do. While cacti are hard to kill, overwatering is a sure way to do just that.
Cacti can mesh well with all kinds of interiors, from country-cute homes to supersleek high-rise apartments. They also come in many shapes and sizes, from a miniature specimen to Carnegiea gigantea, a large, tree-sized species. Here are nine photographs of cacti to inspire you to add these spiky plants to your indoor garden.
As they hail from the desert, cacti don't need much water: Give it to them only when they have thoroughly dried out, and do so sparingly when you do. While cacti are hard to kill, overwatering is a sure way to do just that.
Cacti can mesh well with all kinds of interiors, from country-cute homes to supersleek high-rise apartments. They also come in many shapes and sizes, from a miniature specimen to Carnegiea gigantea, a large, tree-sized species. Here are nine photographs of cacti to inspire you to add these spiky plants to your indoor garden.
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VivaTerra sells this miniature cactus garden already planted in a white ceramic urn. The tiny succulents would make a lovely alternative to a bouquet as a hostess gift.
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| An unusual draping cactus adds to the eclectic mix in this modern living room. Its green flesh is similar to that of the vintage cafe sign behind it. |
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by Julie Smith
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| A globular cacti sits to the left of a leafy houseplant in this West Coast sunroom, proving that there's no reason not to mix cacti with deciduous plants. |
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A pair of cacti flank this unique antique table. The cacti echo the space's Southwestern décor without feeling like stage props.
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A tall cacti accents the corner of this sophisticated living room by Marcelo Brito Interiors. It's a welcome touch of life in a room full of neutral tones.
Tip: Wipe pests off cacti with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Tip: Wipe pests off cacti with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
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by Natalie Blake
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| A pair of large cacti grow in the corner of this sunny room. Stretching higher than the doorframe, these impressive specimens have clearly had many years to reach these heights. |
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A midcentury-style planter with a wooden stand is an elegant way to display a tall cactus. Here a layer of gray rocks covers the soil — an easy way to give your planted cacti a more polished look.
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by Design West
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| Here three modern planters are filled with pencil cacti. These tall, slender plants are a modern way to add a little greenery to an interior. |
by Design Public
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A petite prickly plant rests in this mod wall planter. The pot features holes for drainage and a powder-coated finish suitable for both inside and out.
More:
See How to Grow Cacti in Glass
The Succulence of Succulents
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
More:
See How to Grow Cacti in Glass
The Succulence of Succulents
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
Comments
brooke The modern planters are not filled with pencil cacti, they are actually filled with horse tails, Equisetum arvense. Unlike cacti they love water and don't grow so well indoors.
14 months ago · Like
ebea The "leafy plant" you show with a cactus is a beefsteak begonia. I have a plant from a plant that has been in my family for 2 centuries. They have tiny white/pink flowers.
14 months ago · Like
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Sara Bates love my little cacti/succulent filled terrarium. I made it myself using the instructions at the apartment therapy website. they make great gifts! 
14 months ago · Like
Susan Hanley I love succulents - they are so easy and fit in well with modern decor. I took an old brick I found in my garage and made it into a planter by filling the holes with small succulents and moss. It looks great on my outdoor table and requires very little attention. 
14 months ago · Like
samantha2 How much light do succulents require indoors?
9 months ago · Like
samantha2 Sara, I just love the little soldier in your terrarium!
9 months ago · Like
samantha2 Sara, I just love the little soldier in your terrarium!
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on March 13, 2012.
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