Starting from Scratch: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Collecting Cacti

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of cacti collecting? Look no further because this is the ultimate beginner's guide to collecting cacti!

Cacti are known for their unique shapes, sizes, and colors, and trust us, starting your own collection is an adventure you don't want to miss. We'll take you through some of the most popular and easy-to-care-for cacti, like the Gymnocalycium, Astrophytum, Opuntia, Golden Barrel, and Cereus cacti.

With this ultimate beginner's guide, you'll be able to confidently start your cactus collection and add a touch of excitement to your garden or home. So, grab your gardening gloves and let's get started on this thrilling journey of cacti collecting with the ultimate beginner's guide!

Gymnocalycium

Moon Cactus in different colors

One of the cacti that should be on every beginner's list is the Gymnocalycium. This cactus is known for its small, globular shape and vibrant colors that range from deep reds to soft pinks. Another great thing about Gymnocalycium is its hardiness and low maintenance, making it the perfect addition to any cactus collection.

This cactus is easy to propagate and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It's also relatively inexpensive and readily available at most nurseries and online shops. Overall, Gymnocalycium is a great option for those just starting out with cacti collecting and looking for a hardy and colorful addition to their collection. It's a perfect fit for the ultimate beginner's guide to collecting cacti.

opuntia sunburst variegata

Opuntia

Another beginner-friendly cactus is the Opuntia. This cactus is known for its large, paddle-shaped pads that are covered in spines. Opuntia cacti are native to the desert regions of the Americas and can grow up to 6 feet tall. They are easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors, just place it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and water it when the soil is dry.

Astrophytum Asterias variegata hybrid by SnS

 Astrophytum

Another must-have cactus for beginners is the Astrophytum. This cactus is known for its unique, star-shaped appearance and can be found in various sizes, from small to large. The

Astrophytum cactus is easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It's a slow-grower, making it perfect for those who want to start a cactus collection but don't want to worry about them outgrowing their space too quickly.

The Astrophytum cactus is also relatively inexpensive and readily available at most nurseries and online shops. It's a great option for those just starting out with cacti collecting and looking for a unique and easy-to-care-for addition to their collection. It's a great fit for the ultimate beginner's guide to collecting cacti.

Golden Barrel

Another beginner-friendly cactus is the Echinocactus grusonii A.K.A. Golden Barrel. This cactus is known for its round shape, golden spines and large, yellow flowers. Golden Barrel cacti are a great choice for beginners because they are easy to care for, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. To care for your Golden Barrel, place it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and water it when the soil is dry.

Cereus 

Finally, we have the Cereus cactus. This cactus is known for its tall, columnar shape and can grow up to 20 feet or more in height. The Cereus cactus is easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It's a slow-grower, making it perfect for those who want to start a cactus collection but don't want to worry about them outgrowing their space too quickly. The Cereus cactus is also relatively inexpensive and readily available at most nurseries and online shops. It's a great option for those just starting out with cacti collecting and looking for a unique and easy-to-care-for addition to their collection. It's a great fit for the ultimate beginner's guide to collecting cacti.

different kinds of cereus plants

Cereus cacti are a great choice for beginners because they are easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors. To care for your Cereus cactus, place it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and water it when the soil is dry.

Overall, cacti are a great choice for beginners looking to start their own garden. With their unique shapes, sizes, and colors, cacti are sure to add a touch of interest and intrigue to any garden or home. 

Whether you're looking for a small, easy-to-care-for cactus or a showy, flowering cactus, there is a cactus out there that will fit your needs. So, go ahead and start your cactus collection today!