20 Tall Cactus Plants to Grow at Home or Outdoors

Tall Cactus Plants are a great way to add color, texture, and height to your home. You can achieve marvelous results if you have the right spot for these plants. We are going to discuss some of the best tall cactus plants that you can use in your indoors or outdoors.

Whether you are looking for a beautiful cactus to add to your collection of houseplants or want to create a unique and attractive centerpiece for your home, you will need to consider size before buying.

Some cacti don’t reach maturity until they are 150 years old — and you probably have no intention of sticking around that long, so you might want to invest in a mature cactus.

Mexican Fence Post Cactus (Pachycereus marginatus)

The Mexican Fence Post Cactus (Pachycereus marginatus) is a cactus native to Mexico. It grows in the hot, dry climate of the Sonoran Desert. As its name suggests, it’s often used as a fence post in its native habitat.

The Mexican Fence Post Cactus can grow to be quite large. In fact, it’s one of the tallest cacti in the world. It can reach heights of over 20 feet (6 meters). But most specimens only grow to be about 10 feet (3 meters) tall in cultivation. Wild specimens tend to be taller and more robust, as they usually get more time to grow and come into their own.

Keep in mind that these cacti are incredibly slow-growers, taking multiple decades to get as tall as they do. Cultivated specimens simply don’t have the conditions or the time needed to get to their ultimate height. Resulting in most cultivated cacti being miniature versions of their wild cousins.

It’s a columnar cactus with gray-green skin and white spines. The spines are long and sharp, so use caution when handling this plant. However, older cacti tend to have shorter spines than younger ones. The flowers are pink or green and appear in the summer and spring. They ripen into red fruits as the season ends.

The Mexican Fence Post Cactus is a slow-growing plant. But it’s incredibly easy to care for, as long as you give it plenty of space to grow. You can literally forget about this plant after planting and return to it years later, and it will still be there. Settle in for the wait.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Infrequent, during prolonged dry periods
• Height: 12 ft (cultivation) – 50 ft (in the wild)

Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

The Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is a cactus native to Mexico. It’s a columnar cactus that can grow up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall and 16 feet (5 meters) wide. The stems are blue-grey in color with prominent white ribs.

Although it is a columnar cactus, it grows in the shape of a candelabra. Growing sideways instead of upwards, putting up more branches rather than increasing the height of the main branch. The result is a tree-shaped cactus, impressively large when fully grown and a sight to behold. 

Myrtillocactus geometrizans is also called the Blue Candle Cactus for the strong resemblance a fully grown specimen has with an upright candelabra.

It flowers in the summer, producing small greenish-white flowers that fade into the coloration of the stem, barely visible. The red fruits of the plant are edible and have a sweet, tart flavor.

This cactus is best suited for growing outdoors in a hot, dry climate. It doesn’t tolerate cold well and should be brought indoors if you live in an area with cold winters. It’s also not the best choice for a beginner as it requires more care than some other cacti.

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 15 feet

Candelabra Cactus (Euphorbia Lactea)

The Candelabra Cactus (Euphorbia lactea) is native to India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, where it grows in tropical forests. The plant can reach up to 15 feet in height, but the more common varieties only get to about 6 feet.

The Candelabra Cactus gets its name from its unusual growth habit. The main stem looks like a candelabrum, with many “branches” coming off of it at regular intervals.

Some varieties of this cactus tend to grow in batches of columns, with each branch of the candelabra growing completely upright towards the sky. Others like to spread out, like a more traditional depiction of a candelabra.

This plant is usually grown indoors as a houseplant to be displayed around the house. While it can be grown outdoors as well, it is quite difficult. The chief reason is that this plant is very sensitive to frost. If even a hint of frost manages to worm its way into this plant’s environment, it’s done for.

This tall cactus is notorious for being difficult to grow. It’s finicky about light and watering, and it doesn’t like to be moved around. If you’re up for the challenge, though, it can be a stunning addition to your home.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 6-12 feet

Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)

The Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is a type of columnar cactus native to Mexico. It gets its common name from the shape of its trunk, which grows in the shape of a pipe organ. The main trunk is not immediately obvious in most cases, and it resembles a basally branched plant rather than a true cactus.

This is one of the tallest cacti in the world, with some specimens reaching a height of over 20 feet (6 meters). However, it’s more common to see plants that are 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) tall. The individual stems are 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in diameter and grow close together, giving the plant a tree-like appearance.

The flowers of Stenocereus thurberi emerge from the tops of the stems. They’re white or pale pink, sometimes purple, and have a sweet, citrusy fragrance. The fruits that follow are edible and taste delicious. They’re highly sought after by locals and tourists alike.

This tall cactus is not frost-hardy and should be brought indoors or placed in a greenhouse over winter if planted in a pot.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 15-20 feet

Blue Columnar Cactus (Pilosocereus pachycladus)

The Blue Columnar Cactus (Pilosocereus pachycladus) is a large cactus native to Mexico. It gets its common name from its blue-green stems, which are long and slender, resembling columns.

This cactus can grow quite tall, up to 33 feet (10 meters), although it’s more commonly seen at around 10 feet (3 meters).

It is one of the tallest cacti in the world, and coupled with its unique coloration; it looks quite spectacular when completely mature. The stems are quite thin, at least in relation to the overall length, only about 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter. They’re covered in spines that vary in size and color, from white to yellow to brown as they age.

The flowers of this cactus are nocturnal and only bloom for one night. They’re large and fragrant, with a sweet smell that attracts moths and other night-flying insects. The flowers are green on the outside, with a thin covering on the outer shell of the flower, with yellow centers, and they open up in the evening, closing again by morning.

Growing this big cactus in cultivation is a practice of restraint. Don’t fertilize, don’t water, and don’t touch. Leave the plant to its own devices, and it will grow just fine. Some occasional watering is appreciated but not needed. What you need to worry about is overwatering. If the plant is planted outside, make sure no water-hungry plants are near.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Infrequently
• Height: 10-33 feet 

Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus (Pachycereus pringlei)

The Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) is the tallest cactus in the world, reaching a height of over 60 feet. It’s native to Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and can be found in other parts of Mexico as well.

Looking for a tall cactus? Well, you’ve found the tallest one. It doesn’t get any taller than this!

Pachycereus pringlei is also called the False Saguaro because of its strong resemblance. Saguaro is another tall cactus, among the tallest, and we’ll cover it in a bit as well.

Due to its impressive size, this large cactus is a very slow grower. It takes years – measured in centuries – for this cactus to grow. If you were planning to grow a 20-foot-tall Cardon in your backyard, think again.

It needs regular watering during the summer months, especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. It’s best to plant it in a location where it will receive some afternoon shade.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Infrequently
• Height: 20-60 feet 

Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

The Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 2-3 feet in height. It’s native to Mexico and is one of the most popular cacti grown in gardens and landscaping.

It has a spherical shape with deeply ribbed sides. The spines are golden yellow, hence the common name. The flowers are also yellow and bloom from May to June. They’re followed by small, edible fruits that have a sweet flavor.

The golden and green contrast is a treat for the eyes. And in the early stages, when the plant is perfectly spherical, it makes a gorgeous houseplant to be displayed on a windowsill or desktop. Fully grown specimens can be taken out, repotted into larger pots, or even in the garden.

This large cactus is very easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. This barrel cactus can be grown indoors and outdoors. But fast-draining soil is needed in both cases. It’s drought-tolerant but will appreciate some supplemental water during the hotter months.

• Light: Bright, direct, or indirect light
• Watering: Infrequently, when the soil is dry
• Height: 2-3 feet

Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)

The Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) is a slow-growing cactus native to Mexico. It gets its name from the shaggy white hair that covers its body, which makes it look like an old man. The hair protects the plant from extreme heat and sun exposure.

This tall cactus can grow quite large if given enough time. In its natural habitat, it can reach up to 50 feet (15 meters) in height. But when grown in a pot, it’s more likely to max out around 12 feet (3.5 meters).

This tall cactus is usually grown in garden beds near greener vegetation to provide a striking contrast. However, it can also be displayed individually for its own merit. Since this cactus can be grown indoors as a houseplant, you can begin by planting it in a pot and transition to the firmer ground once it has reached unmanageable heights.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Infrequently, when the soil is dry
• Height: 16-50 feet

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)

The Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the most iconic plants in the American Southwest. These massive cacti can grow up to 40 feet (12 m) tall and live for over 150 years.

The flowers of the Saguaro are the state wildflower of Arizona. When you think of Mexico and the American desert, an image of a desert wasteland with a large cactus pops up in your head. That cactus is the Saguaro.

Tall specimens are only found in the wild or in national parks. The patience required to grow one of these tall cacti is ridiculous. This cactus usually has secondary trunks or “arms” that grow out of the main trunk as it ages. The first arm usually only appears after a 100-year span.

Their size and shape make them unmistakable, but it’s the flowers that really set them apart. Saguaros bloom only once a year, and the flowers only open at night. They’re incredibly beautiful, white or sometimes pink with yellow highlights.

The fruit of the Saguaro is also edible and has sweet, juicy flesh. The Native Americans of the region have been eating them for centuries.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Deeply, infrequently
• Height: 40 feet

Eves Needle Cactus (Austrocylindropuntia subulata)

The Eves Needle Cactus (Austrocylindropuntia subulata) is a large cactus that’s native to the Peruvian Andes. It’s known as the Eves Needle Cactus due to the stark resemblance of its leaves to awls used in leatherworking.

As its common name suggests, this cactus has long, needle-like spines that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. The needles are fat, yellow-green protrusions that look nothing like regular leaves. They’re fleshy at the bottom and taper off at the top, looking like an upside-down awl. They’re also quite brittle and will snap easily if they bend too far.

The Eves Needle Cactus is a slow-growing plant that can eventually reach heights of 13 feet (4 m). But it’s more likely to max out at around 10 feet (3 m). It has a slender, columnar shape that makes it an excellent choice for narrow spaces.

The flowers of this tall cactus are small and red, but they’re not particularly showy. They appear in the summer and are followed by red fruits that ripen to darker red or purple in the fall.

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 13 feet

Senita Cactus (Pachycereus schottii)

The Senita Cactus (Pachycereus schottii) is a tall cactus that’s native to Mexico. It grows in the Sonoran desert and gets its common name from the Spanish word for “old woman.” It is also called Old Man Cactus for the same reason.

This cactus gets quite large, reaching heights of up to 15 feet (4.6 m).

The tips of the stems are covered with a tuft of long, bristle-like spines. This gives the cactus the appearance of having a “head,” so to speak, that has more spines than the rest of the body. This is where it gets its common name.

The small, white flowers bloom at night on the tips of the stems. They emit a strong stench, but as they’re usually quite high up, the smell is easily dispersed by the wind. They’re followed by red fruits that are popular with birds and other animals. The fruits are edible but not particularly palatable to humans.

The Senita Cactus is a slow grower but can reach heights of up to 15 feet (4.6 m) given enough time.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 15 feet

Totem Pole Cactus (Pachycereus schottii monstrosus)

The Totem Pole Cactus (Pachycereus schottii monstrosus) is a type of columnar cactus that’s native to Mexico. It’s easily recognizable by its long, bumpy, unblemished green stems that can grow up to 12 feet tall. The plant gets its common name from its resemblance to a totem pole.

This tall cactus is not for the faint of heart. It looks quite freaky at first glance. The entire body of this tall cactus is entirely bare. No spines, no areolas that you can see from afar. It’s an unbroken wall of green that stretches up towards the sky. On top of that, the stem crests outwards in medium-sized bumps (these are the areolas). These bumps look like carved faces, like the ones you would see on a Red Indian totem pole (think Indiana Jones).

It requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. If you live in an area with hot summers, this is the plant for you. It’s also relatively drought tolerant once it’s established, so you won’t have to water it very often.

Keep in mind is that this cactus can get quite heavy, so make sure you have a sturdy support system in place before you plant it.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 12 feet

Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus peruvianus)

The Peruvian Apple Cactus grows in South America and gets its name from its apple-like fruit. It’s a tall cactus from the cereus genus. It is also called the Giant Club Cactus and the Hedge Cactus.

It’s an erect, tree-like plant that can reach up to 10 meters tall (33 feet). The stems are green when young, but they turn brown and woody with age.

One specimen in India has grown over 110 feet with the support of a scaffold. This makes it technically the largest cactus in the world, but it never grows to that height in natural conditions. The specimen in India is considered an oddity and not representative of the overall species.

They’re covered with short, brown spines that give the plant a distinctly ugly appearance. The flowers are white and bell-shaped, blooming at night. They only open for a few hours before closing up again. The beautiful bell-like flowers on the unattractive trunk make for an interesting contrast.

The fruits of this plant are what give it its common name. They’re large (about the size of an apple) and bright red. They’re edible, but they’re used to make jams and jellies. Though most of the fruits in the wild end up as bird feed.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderate
• Height: 33 feet

Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii)

The Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) is a fast-growing cactus that can reach heights of up to 10 feet if given the right conditions. Though it remains half that length in most cases. It’s a native of Bolivia and Argentina.

This tall cactus gets its common name from the silvery sheen of its spines. The plant is covered in long, sharp spines that grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length. These are actually modified leaves that serve to protect the plant from predators.

The flowers of Cleistocactus strausii are small and tubular. They’re deep magenta or purple that appear along the length of the main trunk. They contrast beautifully with the silver covering of the main body. The plant blooms in the late spring and early summer.

The Silver Torch Cactus is a popular choice for rock gardens and xeriscaping. It’s also used as a landscape accent or border plant in warmer climates. It has also received the Award for Garden Merit from the RHS.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 3-10 feet

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

The African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a cactus-like succulent that originates from the tropical regions of Africa. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 9 feet in height.

The stems are triangular in shape and have sharp spines along the edges. The three sides are distinctly ridged, with the ridges lined with sharp spines and small tear-drop-shaped leaves.

This plant can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors as a garden feature. As a houseplant, it will limit itself to the size of the pot – meaning if you have a medium-sized pot, you’ll have a medium-sized African Milk Tree.

For maximum growth and for the plant to reach its ultimate height, outdoor planting is ideal. Do note, however, that you need warmer climates for this to be a possibility; colder regions can’t support outdoor growth as the winter frost tends to freeze these plants to death.

Ultimately, this plant will grow to be about 9 feet tall if optimal conditions are met. It’s a vigorous grower, and it will add a couple of feet every year until it reaches full maturity.

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Watering: Infrequent
• Height: 9 feet

Cardón (Echinopsis atacamensis)

The Echinopsis atacamensis, also called Cardón, is a tall, branching, columnar cactus that’s native to Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It can grow up to 33 feet (10 meters) in height and has a main trunk with a diameter of about 30 inches.

It has a tree-like growth habit, giving off branches from the main stem. Wild specimens often look like candelabras. But the branches rarely stay the same height; some get much, much taller than the others. This lack of symmetry is apparent in wild species quite often.

The spines of the Echinopsis atacamensis are short, thin, and relatively harmless. They’re more of an annoyance than anything else. The main attraction of this plant is its flowers, which appear along the length of the plant in summer.

The Echinopsis atacamensis is a fast-growing cactus and can quickly become too big for its pot. Be sure to repot it every year or two to give it room to grow. Young plants require shady conditions, but once they become established, full sun is the way to go.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 33 feet

Cardon Espinoso (Pachycereus weberi)

Pachycereus weberi, also known as the Cardon Espinoso in Spanish, is a type of cactus native to Mexico. It’s one of the tallest cacti in the world, with some specimens reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) in height.

The Cardon Grande has a massive trunk that can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. The plant’s thick, green skin protects it from the harsh desert sun and helps it store water for long periods of time. The spines on its body are also quite sharp, so be careful when handling it.

What sets this tall cactus apart is its growth habit. It branches from near the base of the main trunk. This has the effect of it looking like a massive candelabra.

The branches tend to straighten up quickly, orienting themselves skyward. However, since multiple shoots of stems originate from essentially the same point, they are forced to extend further sideways as the plant grows. These branches also give off more branches near their base. The result looks majestic. And it ends up taking a lot of space as well.

If you’re planning to grow this tall cactus yourself, be prepared to allot it with significant space and a spot under direct sunlight. But, if all conditions are met, you’ll really have a central feature to write home about.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Infrequently, as needed
• Height: 14-20 feet

Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)

Acanthocereus tetragonus, also known as the Fairy Castle Cactus, is a popular houseplant that’s native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It’s easily recognizable by its deeply ribbed, convoluted stems that are covered in sharp spines.

The Fairy Castle Cactus grows rather slowly, and reaching its ultimate heigh (up to 6 feet (2 m) tall) is a process that will take years.

This tall cactus has five distinct ribs on each stem, and the stem branch out from the main trunk quite frequently. Regular pruning is the name of the game here. If you want your Fairy Castle Cactus looking its best, you’ll have to cut off the excess quite often. Think of it as a bonsai. You’ll have to put in the effort to get the best results.

It blooms in the spring and summer, producing beautiful white or pink flowers that open up at night and close during the day. These flowers only last for one night, but they’re well worth staying up to see! Note that this cactus only flowers when fully mature. Don’t expect young specimens to flower any time soon.

This cactus is relatively easy to care for (other than the pruning) and does well in bright, direct light. Water it moderately, only when the soil is dry.

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Deeply, Infrequently
• Height: 6 feet

Gray Ghost Organ Pipe (Stenocereus pruinosus)

The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe Cactus is a species of cactus that is native to Mexico. It gets its common name from its stem, which is grey-green in color.

The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe Cactus is a slow-growing tall cactus that can reach up to 16 feet in height.

When it’s young, it has a slim columnar shape. But as it matures, it tends to branch out and take on a more tree-like form. A fully mature specimen with lots of branches looks like an overgrown organ pipe, hence the name.

The plant produces beautiful white flowers that emerge from the tips of newly growing stems. These flowers only bloom at night, and they close up during the day. The blooms are very fragrant, and they attract insects who help with pollination. They ripen to form egg-shaped fruits. Fully ripe fruits are deep purple, but fresh ones are yellow in color.

The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe Cactus is a relatively easy plant to care for. It does best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need much water. In fact, too much water can be detrimental as it can cause the plant to rot.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Infrequently, only when the soil is dry
• Height: 16 feet

Blue Cactus (Pilosocereus purpureus)

Pilosocereus purpureus is a cactus native to Mexico and the Caribbean. It has bright blue stems, which make this tall cactus stand out from all the rest.

This large cactus can grow to impressive sizes, reaching up to 15 feet (4.6 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide. It has a columnar shape with many ribs running along its length. The spines are long and sharp, providing an effective deterrent for would-be predators.

Even though it’s native to Mexico, it can be found in other parts of the world as well. Although not quite as widely cultivated as some other cacti, it is nonetheless quite popular. Since it remains of manageable length when grown in a pot, it can be easily brought indoors as a houseplant. Coupled with its unique color, this is a great choice for indoor use.

The flowers are another notable feature, as they’re a bright white color with yellow accents. These flowers appear quite large in relation to the size of the stem. And even though they don’t last long, they’re definitely worth seeing. If you have the opportunity to see them in person, don’t miss out!

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Water: Moderately, when the soil is dry
• Height: 10-30 feet

We hope this article helped you learn about some of the best types of tall cactus plants available. Whether you’re looking to add a unique architectural touch to your home, or you’re trying to add valuable greenery and color, these are some of the best choices to consider.