The Cost of a Cactus

Last Updated on September 9, 2021
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If you are looking for a unique way to personalize your home, without considerable effort, then the cactus is the most inspired choice for you. You can forget about these succulent plants, which can have countless shapes, sizes, and shades, from time to time, without fear that they will dry out. Once you understand the essential rules for their maintenance, you can enjoy the green corner you have arranged for a long time.

Cacti is the name of a plant in the cactus family. In nature, there are over 3000 species of cacti. The homeland of these “green hedgehogs” in the plant world is the American continent. It stretches from Canada to Patagonia, including some islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

How much does a cactus cost?

The price range of your average cactus will depend upon its size, type, where it’s purchased from, and quality.

If you want to grow your own plant, packs of 20 seeds or more can be as cheap as $5 to $8o.

For a Golden Barrel Cactus expect to pay somewhere around $9 to $25.

Small versions of cacti, that grow in a one-inch pot like Little Baby Cactus can cost somewhere between $5 and $14.

Prickly Pear is one of the most popular species of cacti and it can be planted also in your yard. The price for a small one is around $7, while a large one is more than $25.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a palm tree, an aloe vera plant, or a bamboo plant.

A 1-gallon cactus can cost anywhere from $18 to $85 depending on the location you buy it from and how much shipping will be.

The older the Saguaro Cactus, the more will it cost. If a cactus has lots of arms then it’s worth even more because this means that there is enough calcium to maintain such growth and age. Expect to pay more than $5,000 for one like this.

Cactus details

Cacti are perennials, with a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades. They have a fleshy appearance, with spikes instead of leaves. They rarely bloom, usually with a single flower. Flowering cacti can have inflorescences in various colors: white, yellow, red, or purple. There are over 2500 species of cacti, which either grow vertically or remain dwarf and grow in diameter. They develop very slowly over several years.

To grow your plant, you’ll need a pot. Your typical houseplant will come in one of these containers when purchased from the store.

Purchasing from different companies may have varying benefits. For example, depending on the company you purchase from, they might include fertilizer and cactus food with your plant so that it’s ready for planting as soon as it arrives at your doorstep.

If you are looking for a more professional experience, some nurseries offer delivery and planting services at an additional cost.

If you live in a geographical area that can accommodate them, cacti are available at specialized nurseries. If not, they’re generally sold at your local home improvement retailers or department stores such as Wal-Mart and Target.

What are the extra costs?

These pants are going to require some work.  They need food or fertilizer in order to grow the way you want them to, so be prepared. As time goes by and your plants get bigger, it’ll be recommended for you to pick up new bags of fertilizer every once in a while. Nurseries usually sell this too.

There are some extra costs that may surprise you when buying a cactus. For example, if your plant is large in size, it will cost more to ship which can make the overall price of your purchase higher than expected.

If you want to pot a smaller cactus, special pots will be required. Pots can cost anywhere from $7 to more than $2,000 depending on the type of pot that’s desired.

Due to their size, a cactus that is larger than six inches will likely need professional help for planting. If the nursery does not quote this in your estimate, you may have to spend around $110 to $260 for each one depending on how complex and large they are.

Important things to consider

With great care and attention, a cactus can live for decades. Every two weeks sprinkle fertilizer on the soil of your cactus to keep it lush and healthy. Each type of climate will affect how much sun or water is needed so check online guides for advice specific to where you live before taking any actions with your plant.

The cactus will live a good life in porous and well-drained soil, mixed with sand. You can easily find special mixtures for succulents. Therefore, do not forget that you need to recreate its natural habitat as much as possible. On the surface, it is recommended to add clay granules to ensure optimal drainage.

Cacti should not be watered often. As they come from hot, dry environments, cacti are accustomed to not receiving water often and store their reserves themselves. It is even contraindicated to water your cactus too often – it will rot due to excess water and will die. Wet it when you see that the soil has dried.

In Arizona, saguaro cacti must be transported with a permit. They are protected under law and harming them is illegal because of the importance they have in desert ecosystems.

Before you make the purchase, check with your desired desert supplier to see if they ship out of state. Some distributors may not be able to do so because of legal restrictions in their area or due to other specific company policies.

Cacti absorb some of the radiation emitted by electronic devices. The larger a cactus, the more radiation it absorbs.

The American cactus flower is the most fragrant flower known. Its smell can be felt from 1 kilometer away.

How can I save money?

Online, there are multiple listings for Cacti. Some people want to get rid of them in their yard and they will even pay you or someone else to remove the cactus from where it is planted.

Nurseries offer deals when you purchase in bulk. You can add more cacti to your collection and save money with these deals.

Keep an eye out for liquidation sales at nurseries to find low prices on plants.