13 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Cactus

Rachel BroughamUpdated: Sep. 15, 2023

From real to fake, the use of cacti as a home decor trend is something to watch. If you have pets or small children, take some precautions when using real cacti around your home. Here are 14 ways to incorporate these popular plants into your decor.

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Plant in Multiple Pots

Try a grouping of three potted cacti for an on-trend addition to any room. Cacti don’t require much maintenance, so they make for a great indoor plant. Cluster with cactus of varying heights and shapes.

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Cactus Bedding

Not sure you’re interested in growing cacti? Try using a cactus theme in your bedroom with a southwest-inspired comforter or pillow.

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Photo: Courtesy of Etsy

Cactus Towels

Bring the cactus theme to your kitchen or bathroom on towels with cactus prints. This hand-painted design from Etsy would liven up any kitchen.

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Terrarium

Try planting a small cactus in a DIY terrarium. Terrariums can be as simple or as complicated as you like, just make sure your cactus is compatible with any other plants you choose.

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Cactus Wallpaper

Try using wallpaper with cactus print as an accent wall. If wallpaper seems intimidating, follow these 10 tips to make hanging wallpaper a breeze.

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Tall Cacti

One or two well-placed tall cacti in a room is eye catching. Make sure they get plenty of sunlight and don’t over water them.

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Alternative Christmas Tree

Don’t have room for a traditional Christmas tree? Use a cactus as an alternative. Whether you go big or small, just decorate with a couple ornaments or even wrap it with a strand of lights.

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In a Large Planter

Plant a grouping of several small cacti in a large planter and fill the bottom with small rocks. This would make a great gift for any gardener or new homeowner.

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Photo: Courtesy of Etsy

Cactus Garland

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Cactus Artwork

Add some framed cactus artwork to your bedroom or living room. Once you choose the right spot, follow these techniques for level hanging.

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Add Color

Try a small potted cactus in a bright color (real or fake) to brighten up the surroundings.

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Photo: Courtesy of IKEA

Ceramic Decorations

Here’s a no-maintenance way to add some cactus to your home.

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Plant in Coffee Cups

If you have some old coffee cups taking up space on your mug tree or shelf, plant cacti in them. Place one small cactus in each mug and display them all on a shelf.

Originally Published: May 15, 2019

Rachel Brougham

Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.