Rare cacti are the 'it plants' of 2025, according to new data from houseplant experts – here's why everyone needs a spikey specimen in their plant collection

New data from houseplant retailer, The Sill, reveals rare cacti varieties are expected to be the most popular houseplants of 2025. This comes after skyrocketing sales, driven by the increasing availability of unique varieties.

The Sill saw a 36% year-over-year increase in sales of different types of rare cacti, which it notes is not only reflective of the wide range available, but also the low-maintenance nature of cactus care and their potential to become heirloom plants - it notes some of these 'it plants' even live up to 200 years.

'I'm not surprised by the rise in cacti's popularity. They come in so many diverse varieties, are incredibly easy to care for, and they all have a unique, artistic appeal, like pieces of art created by mother nature,' says Paris Lalicata, head of plant education and community at The Sill.

Why have cacti become so popular?

Cacti are on the list of low-maintenance indoor plants, which The Sill says has aided their surge in popularity.

'All you need to do is place them in bright, indirect light or direct sunlight, depending on the species,' Paris says. 'Use well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix (from Amazon), and water cacti sparingly - only when the soil has completely dried out,' she advises.

Of course, many cactus varieties are also unusual houseplants, and experts observe their unique silhouettes, stunning blooms, and long-life is also attracting many plant enthusiasts.

'They were my first love in the plant world when I first started growing plants, so it's exciting to see others finally appreciating them too,' Paris says.

To join in this celebration of these desert plants, The Sill has also launched a new mini rare cacti bundle. It includes the crested cactus, paper spine cactus, and unicorn cactus among others.

Paris Lalicata

Paris has been at The Sill for five years, looking after Plant Education and Community. She is a self-taught plant expert with over ten years of experience growing houseplants and is currently working on becoming a certified sustainable gardener. She maintains an indoor garden of over 200 plants in the north-east of the USA and is passionate about making plant care more digestible for budding plant parents.

You can take this houseplant trend to the next level by using ideas from succulent styling for cactus plants. Why not extend the joy of these desert plants to your yard by landscaping with succulents and cacti, too?