Cacti — Cactaceae

Most cacti are pet-safe. Of the 300 cacti we cover, 257 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 43 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even in a mostly-safe family, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.

Most cacti want plenty of direct sun — 215 of the 300 in our library do best there. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it needs more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much.

Some cacti suit experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime before you buy.

The Cactaceae family — the cacti — groups 300 species across 37 genera in the Growli library, most prominently Mammillaria, Gymnocalycium, Rebutia. Members share a broadly similar light, water and soil pattern, which is why it pays to learn the family before the individual plant.