Think every cactus needs full sun? These beautiful low light cactus houseplants grow happily indoors in bright rooms with indirect light!
Most people picture cacti growing under blazing desert skies, but plenty of cactus plants enjoy much gentler conditions. Some naturally grow beneath trees, where sunlight filters through the branches instead of shining directly overhead. That makes them a great fit for bright rooms inside your home.
If your space gets plenty of indirect light, these beautiful plants can stay healthy for years with very little fuss.
Low Light Cactus Houseplants
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1. Christmas Cactus
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera × buckleyi
A blooming Christmas cactus can completely change the feel of a room, especially when most other houseplants are slowing down for the season.
Just give yours a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a brighter window, and the flattened stems will stay plump and healthy. And it comes in these colors!
2. Pencil Cactus
Botanical Name: Euphorbia tirucalli
Although it is technically a succulent instead of a true cactus, its smooth green branches create the same sculptural look that cactus lovers enjoy. The growth may slow a little in low light, but that often works in your favor because the plant stays easier to manage.
Pro Tip: Wear gardening gloves any time you prune or repot this plant. The milky sap can irritate skin and eyes.
3. Mistletoe Cactus
Botanical Name: Rhipsalis baccifera
Nothing about Mistletoe cactus looks like the classic desert plants most people picture, and that is exactly what makes it so interesting. And since this species naturally grows high in trees beneath leafy canopies, it has learned to make excellent use of filtered light.
Rooms that receive gentle daylight for most of the day are often all this plant needs to stay lush and full.
4. Orchid Cactus
Botanical Name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Orchid cactus is famous for producing enormous fragrant flowers. That ability comes from growing naturally on trees, where sunlight filters through overhead branches rather than reaching the plant directly.
So a bright spot with indirect light is perfect for growing it indoors! Just do these things to help it grow better!
5. Fishbone Cactus
Botanical Name: Epiphyllum anguliger
One look at the deeply zigzag stems tells you this cactus houseplant is anything but ordinary. Fishbone cactus has become a favorite for hanging baskets because its long stems drape beautifully as it matures.
And all it needs is bright indirect light, so a spot near an east-facing window or a bright corner often gives this plant everything it needs to stay lush and green. Here’s our growing guide!
6. Bunny Ears Cactus
Botanical Name: Opuntia microdasys
Compared to the forest species on this list, Bunny Ears enjoys a little more light. Even so, it can still adapt well to a bright room as long as it sits close to a window.
Its thick pads store water for long periods, helping the plant handle slower growth during days with less sunlight. Just keep the soil a bit on the dry side.
Pro Tip: Handle the plant with thorn-resistant gardening gloves or folded newspaper. The tiny spines are difficult to see and even harder to remove once they stick to your skin.
7. Thanksgiving Cactus
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera truncata
Many gardeners mistake Thanksgiving cactus for a Christmas cactus, and it is easy to see why. The care is very similar, yet the pointed edges on each stem segment help distinguish them.
Since it also comes from Brazilian forests, direct sunshine has never been part of its daily routine. Soft natural light is more than enough. Here are interesting facts about this plant!
8. Fairy Castle Cactus
Botanical Name: Acanthocereus tetragonus
Since this variety grows at a relaxed pace, it usually adapts better to indoor conditions than many fast-growing desert cacti. A bright room provides enough light to maintain its compact shape for many years.
Here’s a tip! Skip the frequent feeding. A light application of cactus fertilizer during spring is usually all this plant needs for the entire growing season.
Check out this quality cactus fertilizer option on Amazon.
9. Ladyfinger Cactus
Botanical Name: Mammillaria elongata
Those clusters of slender stems covered with neat rows of tiny spines give Ladyfinger Cactus a tidy appearance that fits almost anywhere indoors. The compact size makes it easy to place on shelves, desks, or sunny tables without taking up much room.
Just place it in a bright location with indirect light; it’s enough to keep the stems healthy and evenly shaped.
10. Rat Tail Cactus
Botanical Name: Disocactus flagelliformis
The Red Tail cactus’ natural habitats include rocky slopes and tree-covered areas where sunlight is bright but rarely feels harsh all day. That’s why it’s a lovely low-light indoor cactus that can spruce up any corner.
Given enough time, the stems can grow 3-6 feet in length and eventually reward you with bright pink blooms that stand out beautifully against the rich green foliage.
Pro Tip: Young stems are more delicate than they look. You should support them gently during repotting to avoid accidental breaks.
Growing beautiful cactus plants indoors is all about choosing the right varieties for your space. Just give these plants bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering, and they will reward you with healthy growth for years!
