The best low-maintenance succulents and cacti to grow indoors are the ones that bring beauty without demanding much of your time.
These plants naturally store water in their leaves and stems, allowing them to thrive even in dry air and under minimal care. With their sculptural forms and unique textures, they can transform a simple corner into a lively display.
You can group them in decorative pots, place them on sunny windowsills, or let them trail gracefully from hanging baskets. Their slow growth and forgiving nature make them ideal for busy plant lovers or anyone new to indoor gardening.
Keep reading to discover 13 succulents and cacti that are not only easy to grow but also striking enough to become favorites in your home.
#1 Feather Cactus
Feather Cactus looks soft and cloud-like with its delicate white plumes, but don’t be fooled, they hide sharp spines underneath. It stays small, only a few inches tall, making it perfect for tabletop displays.
Place it in bright light to maintain its fluffy appearance. Water lightly and allow the soil to dry fully before giving it another drink. Use a sandy cactus mix for healthy roots. This plant is a charming option if you love compact, quirky succulents.
#2 Rat Tail Cactus
Rat Tail Cactus produces long, trailing stems that look striking in hanging baskets. Over time, the stems can grow several feet long, spilling over the pot’s edge for a dramatic effect.
In spring and summer, you may see reddish-pink flowers that add extra charm. Keep it in bright sunlight to encourage growth and blooms.
Water sparingly, as too much moisture can cause rot. Its cascading shape makes it a favorite for sunny balconies and windows.
#3 Fishbone Cactus
Fishbone Cactus stands out with its zigzagging stems, giving it a playful, architectural look. It prefers bright, indirect light and appreciates a bit of humidity. Water when the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch.
A hanging planter or decorative pot highlights its unusual shape beautifully. You can also propagate it easily from stem cuttings in water or soil. This cactus brings a tropical flair while being low-maintenance.
#4 African Milk Tree
African Milk Tree grows upright with tall green stems edged in spines and small leaves. It’s hardy and thrives on neglect, making it a perfect plant for beginners.
Keep it in bright light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Use a heavy pot to support its height as it grows.
Handle with care, since the sap can be irritating. This succulent adds bold structure to modern interiors.
#5 Bunny Ears Cactus
Bunny Ears Cactus gets its name from its pad-like segments that resemble rabbit ears. It stays compact but can grow a few feet tall with time. Place it in a sunny window and water only when the soil is completely dry.
Use gloves when handling, as its tiny glochids can irritate skin. A shallow clay pot is ideal to keep it stable. This cactus is both fun and easy to care for indoors.
#6 Saguaro Cactus
Saguaro Cactus is an iconic desert plant that can start small and adapt to life indoors. With enough sunlight and warmth, it slowly grows and may eventually reward you with white blooms.
Keep it in a deep, well-draining pot to accommodate its root system. Water sparingly, especially in winter. Position it in the brightest window available for steady growth. It’s a plant that feels timeless and majestic even in its early years.
#7 Barrel Cactus
Barrel Cactus is round and ribbed, often with striking spines that give it a bold look. It thrives in full sunlight, so a south-facing window is ideal. Water only when the soil is bone dry, as overwatering can harm it.
Repot every few years into a slightly larger container to give it room to grow. In the right conditions, it may produce vibrant flowers. This plant is a sturdy, low-maintenance companion for sunny spots.
#8 Blue Hens and Chicks
Blue Hens and Chicks form lovely rosettes with bluish tones that shift with the seasons. They multiply by producing offsets, so you’ll quickly have more plants to fill containers. Keep them in full sun and use gritty soil for best results.
Water moderately during the growing season and cut back in winter. Bring pots indoors to protect them from frost. These succulents add texture and year-round interest to any collection.
#9 Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus is loved for its colorful blooms that often appear in winter. It prefers bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil during the growing season. Mist occasionally to increase humidity and encourage bud formation.
Prune after flowering to shape the plant and promote branching. With proper care, it can live for decades and bloom reliably each year. This cactus brings festive cheer right when you need it most.
#10 Bishop’s Cap
Bishop’s Cap is a star-shaped cactus with a ribbed structure that looks sculptural and modern. It thrives in full sun and needs very little water. During winter dormancy, water even less to keep the roots safe.
Repot in spring to refresh the soil and encourage new growth. Over time, it may produce small yellow flowers. This cactus is perfect if you enjoy minimalistic, striking plants.
#11 Burro’s Tail
Burro’s Tail is a trailing succulent with long stems covered in plump, teardrop-shaped leaves. It looks best in a hanging basket where the stems can drape several feet. Keep it in bright light but protect it from harsh direct sun.
Water only when the soil is dry, as the leaves store plenty of moisture. Handle gently, since the leaves fall off easily. Its cascading form makes it one of the most eye-catching indoor succulents.
#12 Moon Cactus
Moon Cactus stands out with its bright grafted tops in shades of red, orange, or yellow. It’s actually two cacti fused together, creating a colorful, cheerful display. Keep it in bright but indirect light, as too much sun can fade its colors.
Water when the soil is nearly dry, and avoid letting it sit in water. It stays small, making it perfect for desks or windowsills. This cactus is loved for its bold pops of color.
#13 Star Cactus
Star Cactus, also known as sand dollar cactus, is a small, rounded plant with a patterned surface. It thrives in full sun, ideally 8 to 10 hours a day. Water sparingly, only when the soil is fully dry.
A gritty, well-draining mix prevents root problems. It stays compact, so it fits easily into small containers. Its unique shape makes it a fascinating addition to any succulent collection.