Guide to the Blooming Cactus

Pink Hedgehog

• The blooming cactus Echinocereus engelmannii "Pink Hedgehog" is typically crowned at the top with a circle of tiny flowers that are a soft pink in color. The flowers normal reach a diameter of 4 inches. The pink hedgehog's flowers only open once. Typical of the cactus' ability to flourish in extreme circumstances, the flowers on a pink hedgehog have been known to bloom when there is snow on the ground.

Prickly Pear

• The blooming cactus Opuntia "Prickly Pear" is one of the more common breeds of cactus found in the American Southwest. Although there are many different types of prickly pear cacti, they all have in common the ability to grow both flowers and fruit. Depending on the type of prickly pear, the flowers can resemble carnations, tulips or even roses. Some cacti enthusiasts even plant entire gardens containing nothing but varieties of prickly pears. This is quite easy to do, as the sheer range of cacti in this family ensures that several will be in bloom at some point throughout the year.

Saguaro

• The blooming cactus Carnegiea gigantea "Saguaro" is one of the world's best-known cacti. Reaching a height of up to 20 feet, it is the type of desert cactus that normally comes to mind when you hear the word. What most people are unaware of, however, is that the saguaro is also a blooming cactus. Periodically throughout the year, you can discover pale white blossoms resembling sunflowers sprouting from the body of the cactus.

Night-Blooming Cereus

• Many cacti only bloom at night. Known as night-blooming cereus, the most popular form of this blooming cactus is the Epiphyllum oxypetalum "Gooseneck cactus," which is commonly grown as an indoor houseplant and whose flowers feature long white petals. A popular outdoor night-blooming cereus is the Hylocereus "Nightblooming cactus." It features large white flowers that are quite fragrant and is also the source of the dragon fruit crop.