What varieties of cactus can you plant in garden greenhouses?
There are so many varieties of cacti that you may be surprised by what you find. These plants are highly sought after because they are hardy and adorn almost any space. In fact, they adapt very well to environmental conditions and require minimal care.
If you are interested in growing them, you can also do so in controlled environments to achieve a large harvest. Some options are greenhouses, such as: tunnel greenhouse, straight-walled tunnel greenhouse, the mini tunnel greenhouse or the mini chapel greenhouse. These structures are ideal for small collections of cacti, and many varieties.
Throughout this article, you will discover more about this topic. We will explain everything about cacti, including the different types that exist and the most recommended varieties for greenhouses.
- What are cacti?
- What types of cacti are there?
- Varieties of cactus that you can plant in a greenhouse
- Best garden greenhouses for planting cacti
What are cacti?
Cacti are succulent plants that originate mainly from arid and semi-desert areas of America. They are characterised by their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy stems. This allows them to have reserves during long periods of drought.
Most cacti lack traditional leaves, but they have spines that protect them from predators and reduce water loss.
In the case of greenhouses, cacti grow more steadily than outdoors. They would no longer be exposed to continuous rain, frost or sudden changes in temperature.
What types of cacti are there?
Now we will tell you about the varieties of cacti or the types you can find:
- Globular cacti: These are round or semi-spherical in shape, very hardy and easy to care for.
- Columnar cacti: These are elongated specimens that grow upwards like columns.
- Climbing cacti: These are species that develop long, flexible stems that can support themselves on other structures.
- Trailing cacti: These are ideal for large pots or as hanging plants.
- Cacti with abundant flowering: They produce colourful and striking flowers at different times of the year.
- Spineless cacti: They are soft to the touch and highly sought after for interiors or small spaces.
- Miniature cacti: These are small varieties and are perfect for collections in limited spaces.
Varieties of cactus that you can plant in a greenhouse
You have already learned about the different types in general, but we will explain which varieties of cactus are recommended for planting in a greenhouse.
Cactus without flowers
Flowerless cacti are perfect if you want a hardy, low-maintenance plant. They don't usually stand out for their flowers, but they have shapes and textures that are excellent for decorating. They will thrive in a greenhouse because the temperature will be stable.
Vertical cacti
This group includes varieties of columnar cacti that grow upwards, reaching over a metre in height in favourable conditions. They have an elegant appearance that makes them the centrepiece of the greenhouse, provided they have sufficient light and vertical space. They are ideal for large structures where they can develop their shape without limitations.
Saint Peter
The San Pedro cactus is known for growing quickly and having a good ability to adapt to different climates. Its stems need an aerated substrate that allows for drainage. In a greenhouse, it maintains uniform growth even during winter.
Mother-in-law seat
Also known as the "golden hedgehog," it is famous for its spherical shape and striking yellow spines. It is one of the most decorative and hardy species, ideal for displaying in a well-lit greenhouse. Its growth rate is slow, but with proper care it can live for decades.
Water lily
In the case of the water biznaga, it is a variety that has a great capacity to store water. This allows it to tolerate very long periods of drought. If you plant it in a greenhouse, it will fare better because it will avoid the humidity outside. It only requires a lot of light to maintain its compact shape.
Spiral cactus
This is one of the most unusual cacti and sought after by collectors, as it has helical growth. To maintain its shape, it needs abundant light and a well-ventilated environment to prevent moisture build-up. It will thrive in a greenhouse.
Cactus found
This cactus has long, slender stems that hang down like strands of hair. This gives it a distinctive, more ornamental appearance. It is the perfect species for hanging pots inside greenhouses. Just make sure it gets plenty of direct light and a stable temperature.
Cactus Gymno
Gymno cacti are small, colourful and very popular. They have brightly coloured spines in shades of red, yellow or orange. They are one of the cactus varieties that prefer soft light, so in a greenhouse they do well under translucent roofs or in slightly shaded areas.
Star cactus
The star cactus has a geometric and symmetrical shape, making it ideal if you want unusual specimens that are easy to maintain. It needs dry, warm environments, which a greenhouse provides consistently.
Rebutia heliosa
This small variety is prized for its ability to produce numerous brightly coloured flowers. It flowers easily in a greenhouse if it receives good light and moderate watering. Its compact clusters of stems make it a very decorative plant in individual pots.
Peyote
Peyote is known for its rounded, smooth shape, with no visible spines. In a controlled environment, it grows uniformly, although it requires little water and constant temperatures to remain healthy. It is a delicate species, so a greenhouse helps protect it from adverse conditions.
Globe cactus
Finally, we have the globe cactus, which has a round body and can develop small white or pink flowers. This variety grows slowly, so it is ideal if you need long-lasting, easy-to-care-for specimens. They can better maintain their compact shape in a greenhouse.
Best garden greenhouses for planting cacti
Now that you know about the different varieties of cacti, it is ideal to choose a good garden greenhouse to grow them in and have controlled conditions. At FERTRI, we have several models that allow you to have good lighting, manage different temperatures, and even plant directly into the ground if you do not have pots.
Let's start with the tunnel greenhouse, a good option if you want a lightweight structure that is easy to assemble and has excellent air circulation. It can guarantee a stable environment that prevents excess humidity, which is essential for cacti.
On the other hand, we have the straight-walled tunnel greenhouse, which gives you more height and is useful if you want columnar cacti or collections that grow vertically. And if that doesn't suit you, you can choose the mini tunnel greenhouse, as it is more compact if you are starting with small collections.
Many gardening and farming enthusiasts also prefer the mini wide span greenhouse because it combines a small size with the best ventilation for plants. Your cacti will thank you for it.
Each greenhouse is designed with the highest quality materials and can be purchased from our shop. For more details, feel free to explore the products mentioned or contact us for personalised advice.
