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3 Unique Cacti Plants to Grow Indoors

When most people think of cacti, they picture the tall, spiny varieties you see in the desert. But did you know there are many unique cacti that thrive indoors, each with its own special charm? Unlike typical houseplants, cacti require little water and minimal care, making them perfect companions for busy plant lovers. Here are three standout cacti to consider adding to your indoor collection:

1. Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)

Why it’s unique:
The Bunny Ear Cactus earns its name from its flat, oval pads that resemble floppy rabbit ears. Instead of long spines, it has tiny clusters of golden or white glochids (hair-like spines) that give it a fuzzy, charming look—though they are still prickly to the touch!

Care instructions:

Light: Place it in bright, direct sunlight—preferably a south-facing window.
Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to completely dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Use a sandy, well-draining cactus mix.
Extra Tip: Keep it away from curious hands and pets, as the glochids can stick easily.

This cactus makes a fun conversation piece because of its playful shape, and with the right light, it can even produce yellow blooms.

2. Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias)

Why it’s unique:
The Star Cactus is a small, round, spineless cactus that looks like something from outer space. Its body is divided into distinct sections, often with tiny white speckles across its surface. In spring, it produces show-stopping yellow flowers with orange centers.

Care instructions:

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is best to prevent scorching its delicate skin.
Water: Water moderately in spring and summer but cut back in fall and winter. Always let the soil dry before watering again.
Soil: Choose a gritty cactus mix with excellent drainage.
Extra Tip: Because it stays compact, it’s ideal for small spaces like desks, windowsills, or plant shelves.

This cactus’ geometric symmetry and petite size make it a favorite among collectors and minimalists alike.

3. Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)

Why it’s unique:
The Old Lady Cactus is a round cactus covered in a halo of fine white spines that look like soft hair—giving it a fluffy, cottony appearance. In spring, it surprises growers with a crown of vibrant pink or purple flowers around its top, almost like a floral crown.

Care instructions:

Light: Provide full sun to partial sun indoors, near a bright window.
Water: Water every few weeks, allowing soil to dry thoroughly. In winter, water sparingly.
Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent soil is essential.
Extra Tip: Use a clay pot to help prevent overwatering.

This cactus is loved for its soft, whimsical look and its showy blooms, making it one of the most delightful indoor cacti to grow.

Final Thoughts

Indoor cacti are not just easy to care for—they bring character and personality to your home. Whether you’re drawn to the playful Bunny Ear Cactus, the geometric Star Cactus, or the whimsical Old Lady Cactus, each one adds something unique to your plant collection. With the right light and a little care, these cacti will thrive indoors and reward you with years of beauty.

🌱 August Planting Guide for Zones 6, 7 & 8: What to Grow Now!

As summer starts to wind down and we inch closer to fall, your garden is far from finished! August is a prime month to refresh garden beds, sow cool-season crops, and even add some late-blooming flowers for fall color. If you’re gardening in Zones 6, 7, or 8, here’s what you can confidently plant this month to enjoy a delicious and colorful autumn garden.

🥕 Vegetables to Plant in August

Here’s what you can grow in each zone before the first frost hits:

Zone 6 (First frost: mid-late October):

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, mustard greens
Root Veggies: Beets, carrots, radishes, turnips
Other Cool Crops: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage (start indoors or buy starts)

💡 Tip: Use row covers or cold frames to extend your growing season into late fall.

Zone 7 (First frost: late October to early November):

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, collards, kale, spinach
Root Crops: Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips
Other Fall Veggies: Bush beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower

💧 Watering Tip: August can still be hot and dry—keep seedlings well-watered and shaded during the hottest part of the day.

Zone 8 (First frost: mid-late November):

Fast-Growing Summer Veggies: Bush beans, cucumbers, zucchini (one last crop!)
Fall Veggies: Kale, collards, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, carrots, radishes
Herbs: Cilantro, dill, parsley, chives

🌿 Bonus: Zone 8 gardeners can succession plant leafy greens every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest.

🌼 Flowering Plants to Add in August

Late summer is a perfect time to plant flowers that will thrive into fall and even next spring. Here are great options for Zones 6–8:

🌸 Annuals & Perennials to Plant Now:

Pansies & Violas (Zones 7 & 8): Plant now for fall and early spring color.
Chrysanthemums (All Zones): Fall favorites that add bold color.
Asters (All Zones): Late-blooming perennials loved by pollinators.
Coneflowers (Echinacea): Still time to plant for pollinators and fall blooms.
Black-Eyed Susans: Heat-tolerant and perfect for end-of-summer planting.

🌼 Other Great Picks:

Snapdragons: Plant in August for fall blooms (especially in Zones 7 & 8).
Ornamental Cabbage & Kale: Add color and texture to your fall beds.
Zinnias: Still going strong—plant seeds for one last flush of flowers.

🌿 Final Tips for August Gardening

Feed & Mulch: Give your new plants a healthy start with compost and mulch to retain moisture.
Start Planning for Fall: Clean up spent summer crops and refresh the soil.
Attract Pollinators: Add late-blooming flowers to support bees and butterflies during their migration.

Whether you’re filling your table with homegrown veggies or filling your beds with fresh blooms, August is a month full of opportunity for Southern and Mid-Atlantic gardens. Happy planting!

🌿 Summer Sale Alert: 20% Off Everything in the Shop Until Monday! 🌞

Hey garden lovers!

We’re celebrating summer in full bloom here at Printhousedesign with a FLASH SUMMER SALE you don’t want to miss! Now through Monday, July 21st, take 20% off EVERY item in the shop—yes, everything!

Whether you’re just getting your garden growing or adding those final touches, we’ve got something for you:

🌼 Gardening Essentials – From practical tools to charming accessories, stock up for your summer gardening projects.
🌱 Seeds – Start planning for your next harvest with our beautiful flower and kitchen herb seed collections.
🌿 Live Plants – Find unique air plants and leafy friends ready to liven up your indoor or outdoor space.
🪴 One-of-a-Kind Planters – Our bestselling 3D printed planters are perfect conversation starters and make great gifts!

This is the perfect time to refresh your garden space, grab gifts for fellow plant lovers, or treat yourself to that planter you’ve been eyeing.

👉 Visit us at Printhousedesign1 on Etsy to shop the sale!

Hurry—sale ends Monday, July 21st at midnight. Happy planting and happy saving!

Stay rooted,

Angela- owner Printhousedesign1

5 Perennials to Prune in Summer for a Better Garden Next Year

When summer is in full swing, many gardeners are focused on watering, weeding, and soaking in the color. But this season is also a key time for one often-overlooked task: pruning your perennials. Giving a few of your plants a careful trim now can lead to more blooms, stronger growth, and a tidier garden next year. Here are five perennials that benefit from summer pruning—and a few tips on how to do it right!

1. Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a garden favorite for its long blooming season and pollinator appeal. After the first flush of flowers in early summer, the blooms can start to fade and look a bit tired. By cutting the plant back by about one-third, you’ll encourage fresh growth and often trigger a second bloom. Deadheading spent flower stalks regularly also keeps the plant looking tidy and productive.

2. Geranium (Cranesbill)

Hardy geraniums can get leggy and flop over by mid-summer. Don’t be afraid to give them a bold haircut! Shearing the entire plant back to about 2–3 inches above the ground helps rejuvenate the foliage and encourages a fuller shape with possible late-summer flowering. Add a bit of compost or liquid feed afterward to support regrowth.

3. Catmint (Nepeta)

Nepeta is a hardy and fragrant bloomer that bees adore. Once the first round of flowers starts to fade, cut the stems back by half to encourage bushier growth and another flush of blooms. This also helps keep the plant compact and prevents it from sprawling too much over neighboring plants.

4. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

While Lady’s Mantle offers beautiful chartreuse blooms in early summer, those spent flowers can turn brown and create a mess. Once the flowering fades, prune back both blooms and any tattered foliage. This encourages fresh new leaves that can stay attractive for the rest of the season.

5. Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow’s flat-topped blooms add structure and color to the summer garden, but once they fade, they can make the plant look tired. Deadheading or cutting back spent blooms not only encourages a second wave of flowering but also helps maintain the plant’s shape and strength for the following year.

Pro Tip: After pruning, give your plants a good drink and consider a light dose of fertilizer to help them bounce back. Also, don’t prune too late in the season—by mid to late August, it’s best to let plants begin preparing for dormancy.

With a bit of summer pruning, your perennials will thank you with a longer bloom time and a healthier, more vibrant return next spring. So grab those shears, step into the sunshine, and give your garden a mid-season refresh! 🌿✂️🌼

How to Change the Color of Your Hydrangeas Naturally

Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, beautiful blooms—and even more exciting, some varieties can actually change color depending on the pH level of your soil! If you’ve ever wondered why your neighbor’s hydrangeas are a deep blue while yours are bright pink, the answer lies in the chemistry of the soil.

Why Do Hydrangeas Change Color?

Not all hydrangeas change color, but Hydrangea macrophylla—commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea—can produce different colored flowers depending on soil pH. The pH level affects how aluminum in the soil is absorbed by the plant. Acidic soil (pH below 6) allows the plant to absorb more aluminum, resulting in blue blooms. Alkaline soil (pH above 7) blocks aluminum absorption, giving you pink flowers.

How to Turn Hydrangeas Blue

If you’re dreaming of blue hydrangeas, you’ll need to make your soil more acidic. You can lower the pH by adding:

Aluminum sulfate (available at garden centers)
Organic materials like coffee grounds, pine needles, or peat moss

Apply these amendments around the base of the plant and water deeply. Be patient—it may take a few weeks or even an entire season to see noticeable changes in flower color.

How to Turn Hydrangeas Pink

To shift your blooms to pink, the goal is to raise the soil pH and reduce aluminum availability. Try adding:

Garden lime (dolomitic lime works well)
Wood ash in small amounts

Test your soil first so you don’t overshoot the target pH. Remember, changing flower color isn’t instant—it’s a gradual process that requires consistent soil conditions.

What About White Hydrangeas?

White hydrangea varieties (like Hydrangea arborescens) usually remain white, regardless of pH. Their color is not affected by soil chemistry.

Final Tips

To control bloom color effectively, use a soil pH test kit regularly. Make adjustments slowly and gently over time to avoid shocking your plants. With a little effort, you can create the hydrangea hue of your choice—and even experiment with having multiple colors in one garden bed!