Cactus, a succulent plant has received little attention. It has big flowers, a showy look with dozens of petals and stamens. Its stems, roots, and leaves store water to survive drought conditions. Red cactus varieties range from yellow to pink, and cacti with red flowers. Some cacti flowers bloom for several days, while others die within a day. But the cactus plant life is 25 to 300 years on average.
Red Cactus Flowers
Red cactus flowers display unparalleled beauty. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, multiple eye-catching shades available can be a great addition to the collection of your succulent house plants. Let’s explore all the red cactus flowers produced by the different cactus species.
Types Of Red Cactus Flowers
Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus, botanically named Schlumbergera x buckleyi, seeks your attention as soon as you look at it. It produces striking pink to red flowers that look appealing to the eyes. This cactus with red flowers adapts to low light conditions but starts blooming as soon as it gets brighter light.
The reason why it is called Christmas cactus is that it starts producing flowers around the Christmas season. Typically, from the start of the winter season to the mid-season.
Water and sunlight
You should increase watering it once it starts blooming because water keeps its red flowers fresh and eye-catching for longer. It does not require direct sunlight as it can burn the plant’s leaves. Indirect sunlight during the day is enough to keep it alive and healthy.
Prickly pear cactus
Prickly pear is a red flowered cactus botanically named Opuntia and is known for its beautiful and delicious sweet fruits. It draws the eyes toward its yellowish-red flowers when it blooms during summer and then turns to sweet edible berries.
The plant grows to 6 inches in height. It survives freezing temperatures as it contains antifreeze chemicals in its cells.
The prickly pear red cactus flowers are known for their cup shape. It is usually found in the North and South American parts.
Water and sunlight
It thrives in full sun. Requires at least 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight, meaning west- or south-facing windows work perfectly. Place it under shade during hot temperatures. It does not require watering like Christmas cactus. It likes dry conditions. So, watering every two or three weeks works for it.
Barrel cactus
It is one of the longest life span red cactus varieties botanically named Ferocactus Cylindraceus. This is usually spherical shaped covered with many spines. It is often found in the southwestern United States and Northern Mexico regions.
It takes a very long period before it starts flowering (usually 20 to 30 years). It grows in a dry environment, so it grows in the deserts of Mexico.
Water and sunlight
As it grows more during the summer, spring, and fall seasons, it requires more water and fertilizer. Also, spray water to keep its temperature regular during hot weather. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight in the summer.
Moon cactus
The Moon cactus is a grafted plant with red flowers, botanically named Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, which produces red flowers in the late spring and summer. Once its red cactus flowers bloom, they last for 12 hours.
Water and sunlight
Moon cactus requires water and sunlight as energy to produce flowers. So, watering it more helps bloom flowers healthily. It blooms once a year, and the flowers grow on top of the reddish spot you’ll mistakenly take as a red flower.
Orchid cactus
This cactus plant with red flowers is botanically named Disocactus ackermannii. If you want to grow the cactus plant in a hanging basket, orchid cactus would be the best choice you’ll ever make. It has red-orange shaded flowers that are 4 to 8 inches wide.
Give it a winter rest of around 8 to 10 weeks to make it start blooming. Spray water but do not apply fertilizer during the rest period.
Also, do not place it out during winter. Move the hanging basket inside and keep it at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Apply fertilizer a couple of times a year for its healthy growth.
Water and sunlight
It requires sunlight but not direct. Keeping it in the dark may lead to few blooms or weak growth. From spring to fall, keep its soil moist because these are the growing seasons for it. During winters, water rarely until spring.
Peanut Cactus
The peanut cactus is a branched cactus botanically called Echinopsis chamaecereus. It has finger-like stems and is suitable for hanging baskets like orchid cacti. It can also produce orange flowers in some cases.
Red cactus flowers have a long life span of around a week. But they bloom only if you take extra care of the plant. It cannot survive low-freezing temperatures so keep it inside if your area goes to freezing temperatures during winter.
It is usually found in the Argentina mountains and grows at its best. It can also be grown outdoors in Florida, Arizona, and California.
Water and sunlight
It blooms well during hot temperatures and bright sunlight. Six to eight hours of sunlight a day is enough for blooming. If it does not get enough sunlight, it can grow thin stems. It can store water so it can survive drought conditions. Water deeply when the soil completely dries out. Avoid frequent watering during winter.
Claret cup cactus
This ruby flowering red flowered cactus is botanically known as Echinocereus triglochidiatus. it is found in southwest American regions. Claret cup red cactus flowers have an impressive floral display and grow best in warm desert areas.
Hummingbirds pollinate its flowers because they get attracted to its brightly red colored flowers and a large amount of nectar.
Claret cup cactus are not commonly found in nurseries but can be found in the regions where it is grown significantly. Also, it is relatively easy to grow than many other cacti varieties.
Water and sunlight
Watering it every two weeks is good to keep it alive if you grow it in the open garden. During its dormant periods ie., winters, stop watering it and let it rest. Planting this cactus with red flowers in direct sunlight benefits its growth and flowering.
Fishhook cactus
This red flowered cactus is botanically named Mammillaria. It was named a fishhook because it has hooked spines used for fishing by local people in America. It grows as a cylindrical cactus up to 16 inches in height.
It is primarily found in South and North America, the Caribbean, Colombia, and Venezuela. It grows ideally outdoors in pots in warmer climates.
Fishhook cactus has a longer life span of usually 50 to 100 years. Let the plant rest during the winter and prepare it to bloom after winter.
Water and sunlight
For attractive spines, place them in bright sunlight. Also, change the direction of the pot from time to time to ensure the growth is even. During summer and spring, water the fishhook cactus moderately. But during winters, only water when the soil dries out completely.
Wrap up!
The red cactus flowers are not only attractive, but also many of them need little to no maintenance, unlike other plants. You need to determine the right temperatures and seasons to grow them. They last for longer and can also be placed indoors. Water frequency and sunlight play a significant role in the flowering of these cactus plants.
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