Discover how to build a colorful, diverse cactus collection without overspending or overcrowding your space. Learn how to choose plants intentionally, mix ages for visual interest, and use a cactus wishlist to guide your collecting.

This post introduces my full cactus rescue series—how I found the plants, what condition they were in, and the multi-phase restoration plan I’ll be following to bring them back to health.

When my cactus started yellowing on one side and developed a small dent on top, I assumed the worst—rot, disease, something serious. But what I discovered was far more simple and unexpectedly insightful. This little plant was showing me the signs of sun stress, new growth, and natural aging, teaching me how much cacti communicate if you know how to read them. This is the lesson my cactus taught me about paying attention, adjusting its environment, and trusting the process.