8 Eye-Catching Purple Cactus Plants (With Pictures)

Cactus plants are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of color and architectural interest to their yards. There are thousands of cacti species with an incredibly wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. One favorite is purple cactus plants, which can bring a unique beauty to any landscape.

Bright purple cactus plants are a colorful and unusual addition to any indoor or outdoor setting. These eye-catching cactus plants with a purple hue bring an exotic flair to your home, garden, or office space with their unique shapes and vibrant hues. If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your home, purple cactus plants are a great way to bring life and beauty into any space.

We’ve gathered eight purple cactus plants to consider adding to your home or garden. Read on to learn more about these purple delights and find out which is the perfect fit for you!

List Of Purple Cactus Plants

The purple cactus plants mentioned below are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home or garden. From the exotic Austrocylindropuntia vestita with long white hairs to the colorful purple Echinocereus engelmannii, here are eight purple cactus plants you should consider adding to your space.

Ancistrocactus uncinatus

Ancistrocactus uncinatus, also known as the Chihuahuan Fishhook Cactus, is an eye-catching purple cactus with curved spines and striking, deep purple flowers. Known by the old name, Glandulicactus uncinatus, this plant is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico and grows in various conditions, making it easy to care for.

Its barrel-shaped purple flowers bloom in the late spring and summer months, adding a pop of color to any garden. Despite its spines, Ancistrocactus uncinatus is also enjoyed as a houseplant due to its interesting features and easy maintenance.

Austrocylindropuntia vestita

Austrocylindropuntia vestita, also known as the Cotton Coral Cactus, is a unique cactus species found in Mexico’s arid regions. This plant has an unusual shape with long, slender stems that extend from its base and are covered in soft white hairs or spines.

This cactus produces showy, deep red or purple flowers in the late spring and summer months, adding even more color to its already striking appearance.

Austrocylindropuntia vestita prefers full sun for best growth and can tolerate some drought, making it perfect for dry climates. This eye-catching cactus is a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space.

Echinocereus engelmannii

Also known as Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus, Echinocereus engelmannii is a purple cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has short, thick stems and bright purple flowers with spines that give it an interesting texture.

Its common name comes from its red-tinged fruits that resemble small strawberries when ripe. This plant prefers full sun for best flower production and can tolerate some drought, making it perfect for dry climates.

The flowers of Echinocereus engelmannii will bloom in late spring and summer months with its unique purple color, adding a dramatic pop of color to any garden. This is an easy-to-care-for cactus that is great for any cacti enthusiast.

Mammillaria hahniana

Mammillaria hahniana, also known as Old Lady Cactus, is a small cactus native to Central Mexico. This plant is characterized by its short, rounded stems that can reach up to 4 inches in diameter and is covered with dense clusters of golden yellow spines.

Its purple flowers bloom in the late spring and summer months and attract pollinators to its small but striking blooms. Mammillaria hahniana prefers full sun for best growth and requires little water after it has become established.

This is a great plant for rock gardens, containers, or any other indoor or outdoor space with bright light. Its unique appearance and easy care make it a great addition to any cactus enthusiast’s collection.

Opuntia basilaris

Opuntia basilaris, also known as Beavertail Cactus or Beavertail Pricklypear, is a purple cactus native to the deserts of California and Arizona. This plant grows in clumps of short, stubby stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height and is covered with fine white spines. Its bright purple flowers, which bloom in the late spring and summer months, attract pollinators with their delicate beauty.

Opuntia basilaris is an easy-to-care-for cactus that needs little water once established and prefers full sun for best growth. This is a great addition to any Mediterranean garden or rockery, where all can admire its stunning purple blooms. Its low maintenance and showy flowers make it a great choice for any cacti enthusiast or collector.

Opuntia macrocentra

Opuntia macrocentra, also known as the Black-Spined Pricklypear or Redeye Pricklypear, is a purple cactus native to the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. This plant has short, paddle-shaped stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height and is covered with small black spines.

Its vibrant purple flowers, which bloom in the late spring and summer months, attract pollinators with their bold color. Opuntia macrocentra prefers full sun for best growth and can tolerate some drought, making it perfect for dry climates.

This is a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space with bright light, as its low-maintenance and eye-catching blooms will bring a pop of color to any garden. Its easy care and unique appearance make it a great choice for any cacti enthusiast or collector.

Opuntia violacea var. Gosseliniana

Opuntia violacea var. Gosseliniana, also known as Violet Pricklypear, is a purple cactus native to the deserts of Mexico and the Southwestern United States. This plant has short stems that can reach up to 1 foot in height and is covered with small yellow spines.

Its vibrant violet flowers, which bloom in the late spring and summer months, attract pollinators with their unique color. Opuntia violacea var. Gosseliniana prefers full sun for best growth and can tolerate some drought, making it perfect for dry climates. This is a great addition to any rock garden or outdoor space with bright light, as its low-maintenance and beautiful blooms will bring a unique pop of color to any garden.

Its easy care and showy flowers make it a great choice for any cacti enthusiast or collector. Its vibrant color and small stature also make it an excellent choice for indoor spaces, where it can be admired up close.

Opuntia violacea var. Santa Rita

Opuntia violacea var. Santa Rita, also known as Santa Rita Pricklypear, is one of the purple cactus plants native to the deserts of Mexico and the Southwestern United States. This plant has short stems that can reach up to 2 feet in height and is covered with small yellow spines. Its stunning violet-pink flowers, which bloom in the late spring and summer months, attract pollinators with their unique color.

Opuntia violacea var. Santa-Rita prefers full sun for best growth and can tolerate some drought, making it perfect for dry climates. This is a great addition to any rock garden or outdoor space with bright light, as its low-maintenance and beautiful blooms will bring a unique pop of color to any garden.

Its easy care and showy flowers make it a great choice for any cacti enthusiast or collector. Its vibrant color and petite stature also make it an excellent choice for indoor spaces, where it can be admired up close. Its drought tolerance and ease of care make Opuntia violacea var. Santa Rita is a great choice for novice gardeners or those looking to add a stunning and simple addition to their landscape.

What is the purple cactus called?

The purple cactus is called Opuntia. It consists of various species, such as Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia violacea var. Gosseliniana and Opuntia violacea var. Santa Rita. These cacti are native to the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

They are low-maintenance plants with stunning flowers and spines that come in various colors. They are perfect for dry climates and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.

How do you take care of a purple cactus?

To take care of purple cactus plants, it is important to provide them with adequate sunlight and water. All species of Opuntia should be planted in well-drained soil and exposed to full sun for at least six hours a day. During the hotter summer months, plants will need more frequent watering, while during cooler winter months, they will need less frequent watering.

Additionally, all species of Opuntia should be fertilized at least once a month with a cactus fertilizer to ensure optimal growth and health. Finally, pruning should be done only if necessary, as it can damage the plant.

Why is my purple cactus not purple?

If your purple cactus plants are not purple, it could be due to a lack of sunlight. All species of Opuntia need at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight for the deepest, most vibrant colors. If you are growing your cactus indoors or in an area that does not receive enough light, consider adding artificial lighting to compensate and help it reach its full potential.

Additionally, many species of Opuntia can take up to a year for their color to fully develop, so be patient and enjoy watching your cacti bloom in all their glory.

Conclusion

Purple cactus plants are attractive plants that will bring a unique pop of color to any garden. It is perfect for rock gardens, outdoor spaces with bright light, and even indoor spaces. This cactus requires minimal care — simply providing adequate sunlight and water, as well as occasional fertilization and pruning.

If you are looking for an easy-care plant with stunning blooms, purple cactus plants are perfect for you!  Please be mindful of their slow maturation process, as some species can take up to a year for their color to fully develop. With a little bit of patience and care, your purple cactus plants will bloom into their full glory.