Skip to main content
Scroll to top
Header image

How to Grow Cactus in Minecraft

If you want to grow cactus in Minecraft, the process is simple and requires only a few basic blocks. With the right setup and a bit of patience, you can create your own cactus farm in no time.

Steps to Plant Cactus in Minecraft

If you want to grow cactus in Minecraft, you simply need to place it on a sand block and wait.

Get a Cactus Block

To start growing cactus, you first need to obtain a cactus block. Once you find one, simply approach it and break it, for example with your hand.

cactus block minecraft

Where to Get Cactus in Minecraft

Finding cactus is not difficult if you are in a warm part of the world. Just locate a Desert biome, and you will almost certainly find cactus growing around you.

Place Sand or Red Sand

The next step is to prepare the ground for planting. It must be either sand or red sand, as cactus can only grow on these blocks. Regular sand is very easy to find. You can get large amounts of it in desert biomes or on beaches, and you can collect it quickly using a shovel. Red sand is less common, as it only generates in badlands biomes.

Once you have it, prepare a spot for planting on your farm by placing sand as the base.

Plant the Cactus

Now place the cactus block on top of the sand. For it to grow properly, it needs the right conditions – two cacti cannot grow next to each other, so make sure to leave at least one block of space between them. Additionally, leave space above the cactus, as it grows vertically. From this point, you just need to wait for it to grow.

planting cactus block in minecraft

Watch for Cactus Flowers

Sometimes, instead of growing another block, a cactus flower may appear. This flower grows on top of the cactus and stops its further growth. If you want the cactus to keep growing, you need to break the flower.

cactus flower minecraft

FAQ

How to Make Cactus Grow Faster in Minecraft?

There is no way to speed up cactus growth. If you usually use bone meal on other plants, it will not work in this case. This means the only thing you can do is wait patiently.

How Long Does It Take for Cactus to Grow in Minecraft?

On average, a cactus takes about 18 minutes to grow one block, but this time can vary since it depends on the game’s mechanics.

How to Get Cactus in Minecraft Without a Desert?

If you don’t have access to a desert, you can look for badlands biomes. This is where cacti also grow on red sand. If you don’t have any warm biomes nearby, your best option is a wandering trader, who can sell you a cactus for 3 emeralds.

Why Are My Cactus Not Growing in Minecraft?

The most common reason for cactus not growing is lack of proper space. The plant cannot have blocks directly next to it or above it. Make sure it has enough free space around it and give it some time to grow.

What to Do With Cactus Flower in Minecraft?

A cactus flower has several useful applications. One of them is being used as an ingredient to craft pink dye in Minecraft. Simply place it in any slot in the crafting table, and it will turn into one piece of pink dye.

crafting pink dye using cactus flower in minecraft

It can also be used to breed bees – bees will follow the flower, and you can use it to put them into love mode. Additionally, it can serve as a decorative element in builds or be placed in a composter to produce bone meal.