Types of Yard Cactus Plants

Small

• If you already have several medium or tall plants in your landscaping and want to add cacti to your ground cover, you have several types from which to choose. The pincushion cactus features a round, ball-like shape with tiny spines. You can also plant one of several lithops, or cacti that resemble rocks. They include jewel weed, karoo rose and gibbaeum, which feature velvety-looking leaves and pinkish purple flower blooms.

Tall

• Homeowners who want tall cacti in their landscaping can pick from many different varieties. Tall cacti can grow anywhere from 3 feet to 10 feet high or more. One of the most well-known types is the prickly pear cactus, which features flat, broad prickly stems. This cactus can be eaten -- its stems are called nopales in Mexico, and they are eaten in many dishes. The chola cactus is tall with thin round stems, and it can be an ideal focal point in your yard. You can also plant barrel cactus, which actually looks like a spiky, spine-covered barrel. Ponytail and bottle palms are cacti that resemble shorter versions of the palm tree.

Potted

• Some people don't have very large yards, or they live in places with frigid winter temperatures. Cacti may not thrive well in the ground in these types of environments, so homeowners there can plant cacti in potted growing containers and display them on their porches and patios. Some of these include the notocactus and aeoniums. Notocactus form in small balls or clumps, while aeoniums come in green, silver and bronze and look like flat pinwheels.

Growing Tips

• Choose a sloped location when planting new cacti in your yard, as this will give these hardy plants the best drainage. Try to choose a sunny spot for optimal light coverage. Plant the cactus about 6 to 12 inches deep, and cover the ground with a light layer of rocks or pebbles in lieu of conventional mulch. After they have assimilated to your landscape, they won't need much watering.