7 Beautiful Cacti to Grow in Hawaii

A cactus is a type of plant that is known for its distinctively spiky leaves and thick stem. As succulents, they can survive in hot climates with little water, making them an ideal choice for growing in tropical areas like Hawaii. While not native to the islands, many species of cacti have been introduced over time and can be found living wild or cultivated in gardens around the state. Cacti are popular plants due to their unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. They also make great additions to landscape designs as accent pieces since they come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. Growing cacti can help add beauty and interest to any outdoor area while still being easy enough for people of all gardening skill levels!

How to Grow Cacti in Hawaii

The gardening climate in Hawaii is generally warm and humid year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA Hardiness Zones for the state range from 9a to 13a, indicating that a variety of cacti can be grown in the area. Cacti require direct sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive, so planting in an area with adequate drainage is essential when growing cacti in Hawaii. Additionally, due to the high levels of humidity and rainfall common during certain times of the year, it may be necessary to protect your plants from excess moisture by covering them or otherwise shielding them from rain. With these considerations taken into account, however, many types of cacti can grow happily within Hawaiian gardens.

1. Fairytale Castle Cactus

The Fairytale castle cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus) is a species of cacti cultivated in Hawaii. Also known as the “columnar” or “four-angled” cactus, it’s an evergreen perennial plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 1 foot wide. It has slender, four-sided stems with sharp spines along the edges and small white flowers on long stalks in late spring. The Fairytale castle cactus likes partial shade and well-drained soil; however, it can tolerate full sun if necessary. This type of cactus prefers warm climates but can survive temperatures down to 50°F for short periods of time. This interesting succulent will soon become a showpiece in any garden when given enough light and water!

2. Can Cholla

The Can Cholla, also known as “Eve’s Pin Cactus” (Austrocylindropuntia subulata), is a cactus that thrives in Hawaii. It is an evergreen shrub with cylindrical stems that grow up to 4 feet tall and are covered in spines. The overall cactus height can reach 13 feet tall! The bright green branches branch out in all directions, and the white flowers appear on the tips of these branches during springtime. This cactus grows along rocky hillsides or roadsides and does best in full sun with well-drained soil. While this species of cactus is drought tolerant, it will benefit from occasional watering during especially dry periods. Pruning should only be done when necessary, as too much pruning can damage the plant’s natural shape and structure. If you’re looking for a unique addition to your garden or yard, consider adding some Can Chollas!

3. Lady of the Night Cactus

The Lady of the Night Cactus (Cereus hexagonus) is a species of cacti that grows well in Hawaii. It can typically be found growing in dry, rocky areas and coastal cliffs near the sea. The plant’s stems are thick, cylindrical, and filled with white spines, giving it a unique texture and look. It can reach an incredible height of 50 feet tall if the growing conditions are perfect. During the night time around early June to late July, this cactus blooms beautiful fragrant flowers that only last one night before wilting away.

These flowers range from white to orange or even pink and have an unmistakable aroma making them very popular among Hawaiian locals who often use their petals for leis or decorations. In addition to its lovely appearance and smell, the Lady of the Night Cactus is also known for its medicinal properties, which make it useful when treating illnesses such as headaches or stomachaches.

4. Hedge Cactus

The Hedge Cactus (Cereus uruguayanus) is a species of columnar cacti native to the tropical forests of South America. It has many names and is also called the candelabra cactus and Peruvian apple cactus, among others. It can grow up to 25 feet in height and often forms large, dense clusters. Its stems are covered with spines that help protect it from animals and drought conditions. The flowers produced by this cactus are white or yellowish-white in color and have an intensely sweet scent that makes them attractive to pollinating insects like bees, butterflies, and moths.

This cactus species is also well adapted for growth in Hawaii due to its ability to survive periods of dryness and its capacity for storing water for emergencies. However, hedge cacti require ample sunlight and soil drainage to thrive despite these adaptations. If not taken care of properly, they can suffer from fungal diseases such as root rot or be attacked by pests like mealybugs or scale insects.

5. Golden Rat Tail Cactus

The golden rat tail cactus (Cleistocactus winteri) is a species of cacti native to the high-altitude deserts of Bolivia and Peru. It can grow up to three feet tall and has long, thin branches covered with wispy spines. Its characteristic yellow flowers are shaped like tubes that bloom in the summertime. The fruits produced by this plant have edible seeds inside them, which can be used for culinary purposes as well as for making medicine. It is an increasingly popular ornamental plant in Hawaii because it does not require much water, and its bright colors blend well with other tropical Hawaiian vegetation.

6. San Pedro Cactus

The San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi) is native to the Andes Mountains in Peru and Ecuador. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people for medicinal, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes. The cactus typically grows up to 5 feet tall but can get to 20 feet tall with time. It has a cylindrical shape and green-blue spines along its body. Its flowers are white or pinkish-white in color and bloom at nighttime from June to August. The flowers open in the evening time and only bloom for a few days, so don’t miss the display!

7. Spice Cactus

The Spice cactus, also known as “Drunkard’s Dream cactus” (Hatiora salicornioides), is a small evergreen flowering cactus in the tropical regions of Brazil. It grows to about three feet in height and width with slender stems covered with short spines. The branch tips produce clusters of yellow flowers that bloom intermittently throughout the year, often after periods of rainfall. When in full bloom, these flowers give off a sweet aroma, resembling cinnamon, which gives it its name, ‘spice’ cactus. This plant is an easy-to-care-for houseplant ideal for growing indoors or outdoors in warm climates like Hawaii, where temperatures don’t drop too low at night. It doesn’t need much water and prefers light shade rather than direct sunlight, so make sure you place it somewhere out of direct sunlight if you plan on keeping this beauty indoors!

Summary of 7 Beautiful Cacti to Grow in Hawaii