There are many types of tall cacti, and they come in all shapes and sizes. In this article, we will explore the top 20 types of tall cactus.
From the towering saguaro to the unique organ pipe cactus, there is a tall cactus for everyone.
Whether you are looking for a plant to add to your landscape or simply want to learn more about these fascinating plants, read on!
1. Mexican Fence Post Cactus
The Mexican Fence Post cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall.
The Mexican Fence Post cactus is also known as the Pachycereus Marginatus and is a member of the Cactaceae family.
This cactus has a single, thick trunk with 8-10 ribs running down its length.
The Mexican Fence Post cactus is covered in small, sharp spines that protect it from predators.
The flowers of this cactus are white or pale pink and bloom in the springtime.
The fruit of the Mexican Fence Post cactus is edible and tastes similar to a watermelon.
[Related Article: 7 Types Of Cactus With Red Flowers]
2. Blue Myrtle Cactus
The Blue Myrtle Cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 15 feet tall. This cactus is native to Mexico and can be found in desert regions.
The Blue Myrtle Cactus has blue flowers that bloom in the springtime.
This cactus is drought-tolerant and does not require much water to survive.
3. Candelabra Cactus
The Candelabra cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 15 feet tall.
This cactus is native to South America and can be found in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
The Candelabra cactus is also known as the ‘Pilosocereus azureus’ and is a member of the ‘Cactaceae’ family.
This cactus is easily recognizable by its long, thin, green stems that branch off into smaller stems.
This cactus blooms beautiful white flowers that have a sweet fragrance.
This cactus grows best in hot, dry climates and does not require much water to survive.
In fact, if you live in an area with high humidity, it’s best to keep this cactus outdoors.
This cactus is also relatively easy to care for and can be propagated from cuttings.
If you’re looking for a unique addition to your home or garden, the Candelabra cactus is a great option!
4. Organ Pipe Cactus
The organ pipe cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall.
This cactus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and it is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
The organ pipe cactus has long, thin, green stems that are covered in spines.
The flowers of this cactus are white or pink, and they bloom in the springtime.
5. Blue Columnar Cactus
The blue columnar cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 30 feet tall. This cactus is native to Mexico and is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
This cactus has a distinctive blue-green color and is covered in spines.
This cactus also does not produce flowers, but it does produce small, red fruits.
6. Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus
The Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 60 feet tall.
This cactus is native to Mexico and can be found in the deserts of northern Mexico.
This large cactus is the tallest cactus in the world and is a member of the family Cactaceae.
This cactus has a columnar growth habit and can be either single or multi-stemmed.
The stems of this cactus are covered in spines that are up to 10 inches long.
The flowers of the Mexican Giant Cardon Cactus are white and bloom in the springtime.
7. Barrel Cactus
The barrel cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow 3 feet tall. These cacti are native to North America and can be found in deserts and dry plains.
The barrel cactus is adapted to its hot, dry environment with its thick, green skin that helps it store water.
This cactus also has long, sharp spines that protect it from predators.
The barrel cactus blooms in the springtime and produces beautiful flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, or red.
These flowers attract bees and other pollinators that help to cross-pollinate the cactus.
This cactus fruits are edible and have a sweet taste. These fruits are often used in jams, jellies, and pies.
This large cactus is a unique plant that is an important part of the desert ecosystem.
These cacti provide homes for many animals and help to stabilize the desert landscape.
8. Old Man Cactus
The old man cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 50 feet tall.
This cactus is native to Mexico and can be found in the desert regions of the country.
This cactus gets its name from its white, fluffy flowers that bloom at the top of the plant.
These flowers resemble an old man’s hair, hence the name.
The old man cactus is a popular plant for people who live in desert regions.
Not only does it provide beautiful flowers, but it is also a drought-resistant plant that can survive in hot, dry conditions.
If you are looking for a tall cactus to add to your desert landscape, the old man cactus is a great option!
9. Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 40 feet tall.
This cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, and is one of the most iconic plants of this region.
This cactus is easily recognizable by its tall, slender body and its many arms, which it grows as it gets older.
The Saguaro cactus is a succulent, meaning that it stores water in its fleshy tissues.
This allows the Saguaro to survive in the hot, dry desert conditions.
The Saguaro cactus blooms between May and June, and its flowers are white with yellow centers.
This cactus is an important food source for many animals in the desert, including birds, rodents, and even bears!
If you’re ever in the desert, be sure to look out for the Saguaro cactus. This towering plant is truly a sight to behold!
10. Eves Needle Cactus
The Eves Needle cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 13 feet tall.
This cactus is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, and is named after its long, thin needles.
This cactus is also known for its beautiful flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, purple, and red.
If you’re looking for a tall cactus to add to your collection, the Eves Needle cactus is a great option.
This cactus is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of climates.
Just be sure to give it plenty of sun and well-draining soil, and you’ll soon have a beautiful blooming Eves Needle cactus of your own!
11. Senita Cactus
The senita cactus is a type of tall cactus that can reach up to 15 feet in height. This cactus is native to Mexico and is often found in desert regions.
The senita cactus has long, sharp spines that can grow up to 6 inches in length.
These spines help protect the senita cactus from predators and also help it retain moisture.
The senita cactus blooms flowers that are white or pink in color.
These flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects.
12. Totem Pole Cactus
The Totem Pole Cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 15 feet tall.
These cacti are native to the desert regions of North America and Mexico, and they get their name from their tall, slender shape.
This cactus is an easy plant to care for, and it makes a beautiful addition to any home or garden.
If you’re looking for a tall, stately cactus to add to your collection, the Totem Pole Cactus is a great option.
These plants can reach up to 15 feet in height, and they have a slender, pole-like shape.
The Totem Pole Cactus is native to the desert regions of North America and Mexico, so it’s well-suited to hot, dry climates.
Care for this cactus is easy – simply plant it in well-draining soil and give it plenty of sunshine.
These cacti are drought-tolerant and don’t need much water, so they’re perfect for busy people or those who often forget to water their plants.
The Totem Pole Cactus makes a beautiful addition to any home or garden, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.
13 Giant Club Cactus
The Giant Club Cactus, also known as the Saguaro, is a type of tall cactus that grows to be about 33 feet tall.
This cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, and is one of the most recognizable cacti in the world.
This cactus has long, sharp spines that grow out from its body, and a large number of small flowers that bloom on its top.
This cactus gets its name from its club-like shape, which is created by its many branches that grow upwards.
The Saguaro is an important plant in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a variety of animals.
These cacti can live for hundreds of years, and are a true symbol of the desert landscape.
14. Cleistocactus Strausii
The Cleistocactus strausii is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
This cactus is native to Bolivia and Argentina and is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
This cactus is a fast-growing cactus that does not require much care. This cactus prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
15. African Milk Tree
The African milk tree is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 9 feet tall. This plant is native to Africa and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
This cactuse has a thick, green trunk and branches that are covered in sharp thorns.
The leaves of this plant are small and oval-shaped, and it produces white flowers that bloom in the summer months.
The African milk tree is a beautiful plant, but it can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
The sharp thorns on this cactus can easily puncture skin, so it’s important to be cautious when handling this plant.
If you have young children or pets, it’s best to keep them away from the African milk tree as well.
Even though the plant is beautiful, the sharp thorns make it a hazard in the home.
16. Echinopsis Atacamensis
Echinopsis atacamensis, also known as the Peruvian torch cactus, is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 33 feet tall.
It is native to the Atacama Desert in Chile and Peru and is one of the most popular cacti among collectors.
The Peruvian torch cactus is easily recognizable by its long, thin stems that are covered in spines. Flowers bloom from the top of the cactus and are typically white or pink in color.
This cactus is not for the faint of heart – it requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant, this is not the one for you.
But if you’re willing to put in the work, the Peruvian torch cactus is a beautiful and unique addition to any home or garden.
While they are many tall cactus types that can be found all around the world.
These cactuses can reach heights of up to 30 feet and sometimes even more.
What makes these plants so special is their ability to survive in very difficult environments.
17. Cardon Espinoso
The Cardon Espinosos is a type of tall cactus that grows 20 feet tall. This cactus is native to Mexico and can be found in the deserts there.
This cactus has long, sharp spines that can grow up to 6 inches long.
These spines are used for protection from predators and for collecting water.
The Cardon Espinosos also has a large root system that helps it to store water.
18. Fairy Castle Cactus
The Fairy Castle Cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
This cactus gets its name from its unique appearance, which resembles a miniature castle.
The Fairy Castle Cactus is native to Mexico and can be found in desert regions.
This cactus is covered in sharp spines that protect it from predators.
The spines also help the cactus to trap moisture from the air, which it uses to survive in dry conditions.
These cactuses have large flowers that bloom in the springtime.
These flowers are usually white or pink in color and have a sweet fragrance.
If you’re looking for a unique and interesting plant for your home, the Fairy Castle Cactus is a great option!
This plant is relatively easy to care for and will make a beautiful addition to any space.
19. Gray Ghost Organ Pipe
The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 16 feet tall. This cactus gets its name from its ghostly gray color and the fact that it looks like a pipe organ.
The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe is native to Mexico and can be found in desert regions.
This cactus is adapted to its hot, dry environment in several ways. The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe has long, thin leaves that minimize evaporation.
The cactus also has a shallow root system that allows it to quickly absorb any rainwater that does fall.
Finally, the Gray Ghost Organ Pipe’s thick, waxy skin helps protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.
The Gray Ghost Organ Pipe is a beautiful addition to any desert landscape.
If you are lucky enough to see one in person, be sure to admire it from a distance!
20. Blue Cactus
The blue cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow up to 15 feet tall. This cactus is known for its beautiful blue flowers that bloom in the springtime.
The blue cactus is native to the desert regions of Mexico and the United States.
This cactus gets its name from its beautiful blue flowers. The blue cactus blooms in the springtime, and the flowers are a deep blue color.
The blue cactus is native to the desert regions of Mexico and the United States.
