Cacti are renowned for their resilience and adaptability. But not all cacti are created equal. What makes the difference in terms of taking care of them is size, water requirements, sunlight needs, and where they’re native.
The Christmas cactus is possibly the easiest type to take care of. It’s a popular choice because it doesn’t require extreme amounts of sun or water and can be grown indoors year-round on a windowsill.
The Easter cactus is another option for those looking for visual appeal and easy maintenance. Although it needs more sunlight than the Christmas cactus, it only requires occasional watering — so long as you harden them off when buying them new.
Sansevieria plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plants, can tolerate low light and thrive with weekly watering during dry spells. They come in wide varieties from small plants to tall trees, making them incredibly versatile for decorating purposes too.
Cordyline fruticose or Dracaena make good houseplants thanks to their ease of care, vibrant foliage colors, and resistance to pests. They need light but not direct sun exposure, so stick them on east-facing or west-facing windowsills instead. Remember, though, that these plants like humidity; misting their leaves regularly helps keep the earth moist.
Finally, Ponytail Palms prefer bright direct sunlight and minimal soil moisture, while hardy Echeveria succulents require neutral temperatures and should never get cold or wet as this could cause rot and disease. Like cacti, they do well when overwatered occasionally — just let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot!