Cacti and other succulents are known for their exotic look and the aesthetics they provide to any home or garden. However, we are all used to seeing cacti in scorching deserts in the middle of nowhere in movies. So, our natural perception of these plants is that they live in conditions where the sun is always shining. But is there a low light cactus?
Cacti make great decorative houseplants. Most of them usually require a lot of sunlight to grow. But, in case you live in a place where sunlight is hard to come by, or your house lacks exposure to the sun, don’t fret!
When it comes to cacti and succulents, they tend to be diverse, requiring different surroundings and conditions. However, they grow even in extreme environments and are known to be resilient.
With this article, we will look into 7 low light cacti and succulents that you can quickly grow indoors.
Table of Contents
1. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
Unlike many of its relatives living in the desert, the Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera) hails from tropical rainforest regions.
The Mistletoe cactus is miles apart from other cacti in terms of its requirements, and happens to be our favorite low light cactus!
Easy to Grow At Home
Mistletoe cactus does well in shady, moist environments. Since it is an epiphytic cactus, it grows on the surface of other plants or trees in natural conditions. However, you can also easily grow it in your home. They are mostly set up as hanging plants, with their characteristic thin succulent stems dangling below.
Even though it is epiphytic, the Rhipsalis baccifera grows well in pots. With some rocky soil, cactus soil mix, and minimal sunshine, this cactus will flourish well and display its unique long spineless appearance.
This appearance also earns them a famous name: spaghetti cactus.
Requires Filtered Sunlight
The spaghetti cactus also likes to be in places not exposed to direct sunlight. Direct exposure to sunlight can lead to wilting and even the death of the cactus. However, moderate amounts of filtered sunlight contribute to its growth.
The Right Environment
Additionally, you will need to place this plant in a warm area as it grows best in tropical regions. Since this cactus is fond of moisture, you might need to create a humid environment.
Since it’s straightforward to propagate spaghetti cactus, you can easily create your small hanging garden with this eye-catching specimen.
2. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata)
The next addition to this list is a plant that most people mistake for a cactus, but is a succulent. We can’t blame them, since this succulent is popularly known as the Zebra cactus!
This splendid plant gets its name from its peculiar look. It has pointed dark-green succulent leaves (much like the Aloe Vera), with horizontal white stripes.
Grows Well in the Right Light
Haworthia fasciata grows exceptionally well in low-light areas. However, this plant does not respond well to direct sunlight or complete shade. It requires a balanced exposure. Too much sunlight and it will develop red spots and dry quickly. Too much shade, it will eventually start getting weaker.
As a general rule of thumb, a few hours of morning sunlight each day is recommended.
Be Judicious With Water
Its resilience also applies to its water requirements. The Zebra cactus can survive well even if rarely watered (once a month). In most cases, it is best to let the soil go dry before going for another watering.
However, if you are trying to get the plant to rise and flourish, watering once every two weeks is recommended. In hotter climates, you may need to increase the watering frequency.
All in all, the Zebra cactus is an aesthetically pleasing plant that goes well with indoor decor. Not only that, but it’s also straightforward to grow and propagate. So, with little effort, you get this beautiful plant that elevates the look of your house.
3. Trumpet Jade (Crassula Ovata)
Crassula Ovata, more commonly known as Trumpet Jade, is a plant in the succulent family. It is known to have a few branches with interesting hollow tubular leaves.
These leaves also have a reddish tip that adds to the funky appearance of this plant.
The leaves resemble trumpets, giving the plant its famous name.
Flowers That Beautify
This succulent, much like the rest of the Crassulaceae family, has thick sappy leaves that store water. If your Crassula Ovata is happy, you may also see splendid star-shaped hermaphroditic flowers during the onset of winter. The flowers are also symmetrical, owing to the plant’s actinomorphic nature.
Likes to Bask In The Morning Sun
This beautiful plant needs a low-to-moderate amount of sunlight. However, a few hours of full, unfiltered sunlight will do.
With this in mind, keeping them indoors near a west-facing window will allow them to fulfill their daily sunlight requirement.
Trumpet Jades are also compatible with outdoor environments that might receive direct sunlight for more extended periods.
Work Up To The Intense Sunbathing
However, these plants might need some acclimatization before they start reacting well to such intense amounts of lighting. In some cases, minor burns may be noticeable.
Our advice going forward? Put the plants through a progressive sunlight overload schedule instead of suddenly putting them out in the sun.
In our opinion, Crassula Ovata produces a bold look and overall elevates the appearance of your indoor decor and garden.
4. String of Bananas (Senecio Radicans)
A close sibling of the famous String of Pearls, the String of Bananas is a member of the Asters family. The name is pretty straightforward since this plant is nothing but several strings of small banana-shaped leaves.
Add To Your Hanging Garden
Like the Mistletoe cactus, this succulent is ideal for hanging pots, with its cascading stems of glossy miniature bananas. This plant is versatile, as it can also be trained to grow upwards with the help of external support (a pole).
In well-draining soil with very little water supply, these plants thrive and produce the unique look they are known for.
Sunlight, But Use Caution
The Senecio Radicans tend to prosper in moderately lit conditions and also serves well as an indoor plant. Like the Trumpet Jades, you will need to show this plant a few hours of filtered sunlight to keep it thriving. This plant also tolerates direct sunlight.
In shady settings, you will see that the leaves are less populated. However, don’t worry if you live in a region where sunlight is very scarce. The Strings of Bananas also does well with artificial plant grow lights.
5. Ox-Tongue (Gasteria Obliqua)
The Ox-tongue plant gets its name from its foliage; long, smooth leaves resemble an ox’s tongue. The distinctive growth of these signature leaves makes this plant one of the most aesthetically pleasing indoor plants.
Survival Expert
The oblong leaves are fleshy and store water since the Gasteria Obliqua tends to survive even in extreme conditions. They are usually dark green with white/yellow spots throughout the surface.
A Little Fussy About The Water
This low-maintenance plant is highly sensitive in terms of watering. Even the slightest bit of overwatering can produce visible results. Any contact between the leaves and water can cause decaying. The root also follows a similar pattern if you overwater your plant.
Given this nature, the Gasteria Obliqua tends to best work with well-draining soil. Its hardiness makes it a low-maintenance plant, so you do not have to care for the plant frequently.
Photosensitive! Handle With Care
However, it does have particular needs when it comes to exposure to light. The Ox-tongue plant prospers in full shade or semi-shade conditions. Therefore, any exposure to the sun shouldn’t be direct.
These plants also enjoy slightly filtered sunlight during the early hours. However, any intense sunlight will make the plant go whitish and dry. Prolonged exposure will lead to the death of the plant.
Considering the exotic look and the extremely low maintenance that comes with this plant, Gasteria Obliqua is one of the most beginner-friendly plants to grow in a dimly-lit area.
6. Scarlet Ball Cactus (Parodia Haselbergii)
Compared to the other plants on this list, the Scarlet Ball Cactus is fast-growing. However, this cactus is also quick to catch an onlooker’s gaze, with its perfect shape and the red crowning flowering on top.
An Extravagant Plant
Its surface is characterized by ribs running vertically across their spherical shape and tubercles protruding out of them. The texture is also almost entirely covered in spines, with noticeable yellowish spines on the top.
This plant features a bright reddish-orange flower on top like a cherry on the cake. Because of this flower, this plant is extremely popular among gardening and home decor enthusiasts alike.
Requires More Sunlight For a Low Light Cactus
While bringing the looks levels up a notch, the Parodia Haselbergii does not forget its cacti ‘roots’ and maintains specific hardiness. This means that the plant requires little personal care and thrives excellently on its own.
This ball cactus requires more sunlight when put against other plants in this list. However, it prefers direct exposure only to the less-intense morning sunlights. This plant is better off in a semi-shade area during the hottest day hours. Some filtered sunlight in the afternoon sun can also do wonders for your Scarlet Ball Cactus.
Its water requirements are also quite specific. For example, during fall or winter, they require no water. However, during the summer, periodic watering may be necessary.
The amount of effort that goes into growing your own Scarlet Ball Cactus gives an exotic, distinctive look to your yard or indoor decor.
7. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
The Schlumbergera is a genus of six spineless cacti that are epiphytic. This means they grow on other trees, moist rocks, or shrubs. Schlumbergera truncata, a tropical cactus, is known to bloom in late fall, early winter, giving it its popular name, Thanksgiving Cactus.
“The Crab Cactus“
The short, flat stems have a crab claw-like texture, giving it the name Crab Cactus. When they are blooming, the flowers come out of these stems. The flowers are usually pink in color and are erect, unlike some of the other Schlumbergera plants in which the flowers hang from the stem.
Infrequent Water Needs
When it comes to its watering needs, the usual ‘soak-and-dry’ method is recommended; this means that the soil should be allowed to dry thoroughly before watering it again.
This ensures that the plant is not overwatered and prone to rot or other moisture-borne diseases.
Unlike Other Cacti
The light requirements for the Schlumbergera truncata are unique. Therefore, it tends to develop only in cooler temperatures with shorter days and longer nights.
This plant prospers exceptionally well in light shade and seldom requires filtered sunlight.
Thanks to the bright flowers and the appendaged crab-like stems, this flowering cactus is a definite eye-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
All the cacti and succulents mentioned in this list tend to work well with low-light surroundings. Some of these plants are also comfortable growing in outdoor environments. Other criteria for selecting these plants were aesthetics, ease of propagation, versatility, and maintenance.
If you are looking for further guidance on taking care of cacti and other succulents, go through some of our other articles!