Interior Trend: CACTUS
The interior world (as well as the Pinterest/diy and crafts community) has gone crazy over cactus plants! Just check out how many new and collectable items are on Etsy. In addition to the fiddle leaf fig, snake plant and succulants, the cacti has fast become the new favorite indoor plant and a sought-after design image of choice.
A popular plant during the 1950s (also making a 1970s comback), it seems only natural that with the revival of mid-century design elements in home furnishings and accessories, architectural plants like cactus would be embraced once again. But how you display your cactus plant is the key to creating a fresh, modern look fit for today's interiors.
The cacti (of many varieties) is both traditional and contemporary. It fits sleek and modern environments, as well as aged and worn textural surroundings. Cacti can be used in the same way you would use a sculpture or piece of art. They are graphic and bold. Their very structure seems harsh and abrasive, and yet can be used to cheer up and add warmth to a space.
"Succulents . . . pineapples . . . now cacti- it seems like a natural progression. Maybe it’s just because I’m looking for them, but I’m noticing a big cactus trend - lots of cool restaurants and shops are adopting them as their plant of choice. I gather they’re pretty easy to take care of, and they fit nicely with mid century decor." - Being JO
"Cactus-everything is officially a THING. While those not-so-sharp succulents will always have a place in our hearts (and pots), cacti offers that Southwest-chic vibe we are totally digging right now. From prints to pillows and textiles, cacti accessory and decor finds are on trend and on point." - Katie Bond
There are so many ways to bring that chic desert decor into your home and lifestyle.
Mexican designer Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers created The Prickly Pair Chairs. The classical French Louis XV chair has been transformed into an avant-garde cactus design with traditional French buttoned upholstery detail.
"I’m totally into the cactus trend. What’s not to love about them? They have amazing textures, interesting colors, extraordinary varieties and the best of all, minimum care and water needs.
I like the way a cactus can give a different feeling to a corner in your living room, a more Mexican kind of taste, which in my house would blend in perfectly." - Cherry & Mint
"One of our favorite new trends in interiors is the oh-so drought-friendly indoor cactus. A longtime fixture in southwestern design, the spiny succulent has ventured beyond its usual warm-weather confines to interiors across the globe, from chic Parisian living rooms to chilly Scandinavian lounges. We’ve been bitten by the bug ourselves (or pricked, we should say), and our love for the low-maintenance plants shows no signs of waning." - Julia Millay Walsh/My Domaine
"If your vision of growing cactus involves a dry desert look, think again. Cactus and succulents are one of the hottest garden trends going on right now, and we all should give them a little look. Fewer plants on this earth have such amazing adaptive qualities. They are a lesson in form and function, in the beauty of nature, and in her harshness as well. Used in a repeat pattern they are an exceptional design element. Nothing adds more texture and interest to a garden or landscape." - Kathy Woodard/The Garden Glove
There are literally hundreds of species of cacti—certainly too many to name. But if you’re interested in buying cacti, the best way to identify them when you’re perusing a nursery is by their growth forms. Some of the most popular cacti that we’re seeing include columnar, cylindrical, flattened-padded (the ones with leaves), shrubby, and treelike. Visit CactiGuide.com to learn more.
This past summer showcased cactus as a party trend. The prickly plant was popping up on invitations, cupcakes and cakes, even as macaroons and cookies.
What is NOT a new cactus appearance is the popular house plants known by a variety of names, including Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus and Holiday Cactus. These are Schlumbergeracultivars, and flower in white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. These have been in many of our homes for decades and annually bloom during the winter holiday seasons
You can also tap into the terrarium trend and pair it with this prickly partner. Pair a large glass option with a few succulents and cacti, and you’ll have a whole new coffee table piece. You can also use various potting options and keep them on a shelf for an equally unique look.
Terracotta is experiencing a renaissance thanks to pots in faceted forms and unique glazes. Norwegian designers Anderssen & Voll and Toronto retailer Mjölk have partnered to create a set of designs that allow cacti to drain properly and soil to be watered from the bottom.
This attention grabbing yet non-fussy plant is a perfect addition to the modern lifestyle. It's been pushed aside for some time now, but has exploded into the interior trend spotlight as a prefered low-maintainance, yet high-style greenery.
