Cacti in Louisiana: A Guide to Growing and Caring for Cacti in the Bayou State

When you think of Louisiana, you might imagine the state’s iconic swamps and bayous, filled with lush greenery and wildlife. Images of alligators and Spanish moss may come to mind. However, the state’s unique geography and climate also provide an ideal habitat for a surprising number of cacti species. In the article below, we’ll explore the types of cacti that can successfully grow in Louisiana. Then we’ll take a look at some tips for growing and caring for these unique plants. 

Types of Cacti That Grow in Louisiana

Cacti typically get associated with arid climates. However, many species can actually thrive in Louisiana’s hot and humid environment. Here are a few cacti varieties well-suited to the state’s climate:

Opuntia aciculata 

Also known as the Chenille prickly pear cactus, this species is part of the Cactaceae family. It is highly recognizable for its flat, paddle-shaped segments and spines. These cacti develop stunning flowers during the summer. The floral display also attracts plenty of bees! Opuntia aciculata is a hardy plant and can grow quite tall. It is well-known for its culinary uses, with the fruit and paddles both harvested for food. If you decide to plan this prickly pear for an ornamental cactus or food, beware of its spines. They show no mercy when bare skin is around.

Echinocactus 

This genus of cacti, known as the barrel cactus, is easily recognizable thanks to its round body and sharp spines. The flowers on the Echinocactus species’ are fairly small compared to the larger body of the cacti. And it produces flowers that have a wooly appearance. This slow-growing genus can live for several decades. It is a common ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.

Escobaria vivipara

If you look around well enough, you may luck out and find this unique cactus at your local Louisiana nursery. It is a small cactus that only reaches 6 inches in height at the peak of maturity. That means you can keep multiple containers of this lovely species in your home or office. It is round with shiny white spines that develop almost a star-shaped appearance. The pink, purple, yellow, or red flowers will delight you during the summer.

Epiphyllum anguliger

You may have heard about this unique cactus. Its common name is the fishbone cactus, thanks to its angular stems. The bright green cactus produces large, fragrant, yellow or white flowers in the fall. The fishbone cactus is highly prized as an ornamental and best grown as an indoor container.

Opuntia microdasys 

This lovely cactus makes a great addition to a pot kept indoors or out. It does grow relatively tall, reaching two to three feet at maturity. However, it is also sensitive to frost, so it will not thrive in unprotected outdoor environments during the winter. It has pads with tiny spines and only produces flowers occasionally. When the cactus decides to flower, you will get treated with lovely yellow blossoms. 

How to Grow Cacti in Louisiana

While cacti can be relatively easy to grow, they do require specific care to thrive in Louisiana’s unique climate. Here are some tips on how to grow cacti in Louisiana:

1. Water Sparingly — Cacti survive in arid conditions and can go long periods without water. So water your cacti sparingly. Make sure the soil is completely dry before any new watering session. It is easy to overwater cacti in Louisiana’s humid climate. However, avoiding this common mistake is vital. Cacti are prone to root rot, so watering less rather than more is advisable.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil — You can further protect your cacti against root rot by planting them in well-draining soil. If you plan to keep your cactus in a pot, use a cactus-specific potting mix or add perlite or sand to regular potting soil. You can also work the latter amendments directly into your soil if you plant your cactus outside in your garden. The key is to ensure that the roots of your cacti are not sitting in waterlogged soil for a long time.
3. Pick the Right Location — Cacti need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Opt for a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in an area that has scorching mid-days during the summer, you may want to find a spot that does not receive the brunt of that intense sun. Alternatively, if you’re growing cacti indoors, find a sunny window or add artificial lighting to get the optimum exposure.
4. Choose the Right Container — Speaking of containers, if you’re growing cacti in containers, choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure proper drainage. Your cactus does not need a huge pot. So choose one only slightly larger. Purchase a potting mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents. Those mixes have a formulation that provides the proper nutrients and drainage.
5. Fertilize Occasionally — Cacti are low-maintenance plants, so they don’t need much fertilizer. You can use a cactus-specific fertilizer (and should if your cactus is in a container) to ensure it gets the proper nutrients. Fertilize your cactus sparingly during the growing season.
6. Winter Considerations — While Louisiana’s winters are relatively mild compared to other parts of the country, it’s still important to protect your cacti from frosts and freezing temperatures. If you’re growing cacti outdoors, consider covering them with a blanket or burlap during cold snaps. If you’re growing cacti indoors, make sure to keep them away from drafty windows or doors.
7. Keep an Eye on Temperature and Humidity — Cacti love hot, dry conditions. But they can still be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Many species are particularly ill-suited for the low temperatures that bring on a frost. Keep your indoor cactus away from drafty windows or doors. Also, avoid placing it near air conditioning or heating vents. If your cactus is outdoors, bring the container in on cold nights or cover it with a frost blanket for protection.
8. Propagation — Cacti can get propagated easily. The two most common methods are through seeds or taking stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, simply cut a section of the stem and let it dry for a few days. Then plant it in well-draining soil. It may take several weeks for the new roots to form. During that period, keep the soil watered appropriately but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
9. Pruning — Pruning cacti is generally unnecessary. But the process can help promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged sections.
10. Repot as Needed — Some cacti species are naturally small, but others grow fairly large. And that means that they may outgrow their containers and require repotting. If you notice that your cactus is becoming root-bound or is starting to lean over, it’s time to repot them in a larger container.
11. Watch for Pests — Cacti are generally pest-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they are pest free. They can still fall victim to mealybugs, scale bugs, and occasionally spider mites. Inspect your cacti regularly for signs of pests, and treat the plant rapidly with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

Enjoy Their Unique Beauty

Cacti are fascinating plants with unique shapes, colors, and textures. With over 2,000 species, it is easy to find one that fits your style. And while not all cacti will thrive in Louisiana, many will. If none of the species above strike your fancy, head to your local nursery or garden center. They will carry species that are particularly suited for your environment. Above all, once you have picked your cactus (or cacti), take the time to appreciate its beauty. And enjoy watching it grow and thrive in your home, office, or garden.