The best hanging cactus types that you should consider adding to your plant collection. Hanging cacti are a unique and eye-catching addition to any home decor. I like them because not only do they add a touch of natural beauty to any room, but they are also easy to care for.
Hanging Cactus Types
I recommend hanging cacti as a great choice for anyone who wants to incorporate some greenery into their home. In this article, I will explore the different types of hanging cacti as well as provide care tips and information on popular varieties.
Chain Cactus
Rhipsalis baccifera is commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus or Chain Cactus. I have grown it and found that it is a popular choice among hanging plant lovers.
The Mistletoe cactus has long, thin stems that hang gracefully from its container, creating a beautiful cascading effect. The stems are covered in small, green leaves that give the plant a delicate appearance.
Chain Cactus Care Tips
Rhipsalis baccifera prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soils. It is important not to overwater this plant, as it is susceptible to root rot. I would recommend allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and reducing watering during the winter months when the plant is in its dormant phase.
Popular Types of Rhipsalis Baccifera
Rhipsalis baccifera ‘Mistletoe Cactus’ is a popular variety with small, round stems that resemble mistletoe berries. Rhipsalis baccifera ‘Chain Cactus’ has long, thin stems that resemble chains.
Orchid Cactus
Epiphyllum is also commonly known as the Orchid Cactus. I love this stunning hanging cactus that produces large, colorful blooms.
Its flat, segmented stems are an unusual feature for a cactus which I consider part of its beauty. It also has big flowers that are a beautiful addition to any home.
Orchid Cactus Care Tips
Epiphyllum prefers indirect, bright light, and well-draining soil. Always water the plant regularly during the summer season, but reduce watering during the winter months.
Don’t forget to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy bloom production.
Popular Types of Orchid Cactus
Epiphyllum anguliger, also known as the Fishbone Cactus, has unique, flat stems that resemble a fishbone.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as the Queen of the Night, produces large, white blooms that open at night. I have camped out during the night just to catch this flower bloom. Check this post on Queen of the Night complete care guide.
Hurricane Cactus
The hurricane cactus is also known as the Lepismium cruciforme. It produces long slender stems that first grow upwards before they drop and grow downwards. It is an awesome hanging cactus that is also a great conversation starter.
Hurricane Cactus Care Tips
The hurricane cactus is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. As long as it gets bright indirect light it will thrive. Water is when the soil feels dry. Overwatering will lead to root rot and when done for a long time the plant might not be salvageable.
Dancing Bone Cactus
Hatiora salicornioides, commonly known as the Dancing Bones Cactus or Easter Cactus, is a colorful and unusual hanging cactus that produces bright orange or red blooms.
Its thin, branching stems create a delicate appearance, and the plant is a popular choice for Easter decorations.
Dancing Bone Cactus Care Tips
Hatiora salicornioides will thrive when provide with bright, indirect light and well-draining soils. Also, remember to water the plant regularly during the summer months, but reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilize the cactus plant once a month during the growing season to support bloom production.
Popular Types of Dancing Bone Cactus
Hatiora salicornioides ‘Dancing Bones’ has thin, branching stems that resemble dancing bones. Hatiora salicornioides ‘Easter Cactus’ produces bright orange or red blooms. This cactus should not be confused with the Christmas Cactus.
Rat Tail Cactus
Aporocactus flagelliformis, also known as the Rat Tail Cactus, is a unique hanging cactus with long, thin stems that resemble a rat’s tail. The stems are covered in small, white spines and produce bright pink or red blooms in the spring and summer.
Rat Tail Cactus Care Tips
Aporocactus flagelliformis does well when grown in well-draining soils. They also require bright, indirect light similar to most cacti.
Water the cactus plant regularly during the growing season, but don’t overwater during the winter months. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to encourage blooms.
Popular Types of Rat Tail Cactus
Aporocactus flagelliformis ‘Pink’ produces bright pink or red blooms in the spring and summer. Aporocactus flagelliformis ‘Red’ produces deep red blooms.
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera, commonly known as the Christmas Cactus, is a popular hanging cactus that produces stunning, colorful blooms in the winter months. It is popular because it’s one of the plants that bloom during winter, unlike most plants that bloom during spring and summer.
I love its flat, segmented stems that give the plant a unique appearance, and the blooms add a festive touch to any home during the holiday season.
Christmas Cactus Care Tips
Schlumbergera prefers bright, indirect light. Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Most plant owners especially beginners tend to overwater. You can also fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to encourage flower production. Christmas cactus complete care guide.
Christmas Cactus Types
The popular variety is Schlumbergera truncata which produces bright pink or red blooms, while Schlumbergera bridgesii produces white, pink, or red blooms.
Fishbone Cactus
Selenicereus anthonyanus, commonly known as the Fishbone Cactus, is a unique hanging cactus with thin, flat stems that resemble fish bones.
The stems have small, green leaves that add to the plant’s delicate and beautiful appearance. This cactus also produces stunning pink or white flowers in the summer months.
Fishbone Cactus Care Tips
Fishbone cactus is easy to care for. As long as you provide them with indirect, bright light and well-draining soil they will thrive.
Water the plant regularly during the growing season and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. As with most cacti, reduce watering frequency during the cold months.
Popular Varieties Of Fishbone Cactus
Selenicereus anthonyanus ‘Variegated’ has green and white striped stems, adding an extra touch of visual interest to this unique plant. The second one is the normal fishbone cactus that has green stems.
Final Thoughts on Hanging Cactus Types
In conclusion, hanging cacti are a great addition to any home décor or outdoor garden. They are easy to care for and add a unique touch of natural beauty to any space. With so many different types of hanging cacti to choose from, it is easy to find a plant that will fit your style and preferences.
When caring for hanging cacti, it is important to remember that they prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water the plants regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering during the winter months. Fertilize the plants once a month during the growing season to encourage blooms.
If you are interested in hanging plants check out this awesome post on 20 hanging plants including the hoya, the string of pearls, the string of bananas, and the string of hearts.
I hope this post on hanging cactus types gave you some ideas on some gorgeous cactus plants you can get. If you love plants don’t forget to follow me on flowerthings Pinterest for more awesome plant posts.
