It is inevitable to think of thorny plants when talking about cacti, but Did you know that there are some species and / or cultivars that are completely harmless? They are perfect for those who want to have a collection without having to take risks, especially if there are small children.
And if you don't believe me, here's one list of the most interesting spineless cacti.
Astrophytum asterias
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- Astrophytum asterias 'Nudum'
El Astrophytum asterias it is a globular cactus that reaches about 5 centimeters in height and 10cm in diameter native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. There are different cultivars, the most popular being the 'Nudum' that you can see in the image above and the 'SuperKabuto', which has very beautiful drawings on its fleshy body. None of them are dangerous.
Astrophytum myriostigma
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- Astrophytum myriostigma 'Nudum'
Known as Bishop's Bonnet, Bishop's Birrete or Cimarrón Peyote, it is an endemic cactus of Mexico that it can reach a height of up to 100cm and a diameter of about 20cm. Very short spines come out of its areoles, barely visible, but if you want it not to have any, I recommend the 'Nudum' variety, which is a beautiful green color. You can see photos of both above.
Echinopsis subdenudata
It is one of the most common cacti, but no less beautiful for that. Endemic to Tarija (Bolivia) and Paraguay, it has a green globular shape formed by 8 or more ribs. Its diameter is about 7-8cm and its height does not exceed 8cm. The areolas (those fuzzy white "dots") are white, and do not have spines.
Lophophora
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- Lophophora diffusa
Known as peyote, it is a genus of cactus native to Mexico. It is globular in shape, and often grows in groups. It does not exceed 5cm in height and has a diameter of 4-5cm. There are only two species, the Lophophora diffusa, bluish-green in color, and the Lophophora williamsii, which is yellowish-green. But be careful, both are in danger of extinction, so you should be well informed where the specimen you want to buy comes from so as not to have problems.
rhipsalis
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- Rhipsalis cereuscula
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- Rhipsalis oblongata
Its epiphytic cactus (that is, they grow on the branches of trees) native to Central and South America, Africa, India and Nepal. There are several species, such as Rhipsalis cereuscula that produces beautiful and curious white flowers, or the Rhipsalis oblongata, which has very, very elegant leaves.
Did you know that there are cacti without spines? If you need more information about them, do not hesitate to contact me  .