Cactus tattoos

The beauty of a cactus tattoo is more in it’s meanings than it’s looks. The word cactus originally came from the Greek word “Kaktos” for plants with spiny thistles.  Cactus grows in very dry areas specially in the deserts. Because of its prickly cloak and its uninviting appearance, people often jokingly call it the “Mother-in-law’s Cushion”. However, in general Cactus tattoo represents endurance, protection, warmth and care.

Meanings and Designs of Cactus Tattoo

Cactus is native to America. The giant Saguaro cactus grows in north American desert is commonly used in cactus tattoo. Cactus has been very meaningful to Native American tribes for many centuries. The native Americans used nature to give meanings to life, so their tattoos, totems and war paint designs were often inspired by cactus. In fact, many people these days are getting native American tattoos include cactus in their tattoo design for both its looks and meanings.

Cactus Tattoo Symbolizes Adaptability

Cactus is well known for its adaptability. They can adapt the harsh climate and grow in it. People who have overcome obstacles or going through big changes in their lives usually get cactus tattoo to represent their toughness or to remind themselves to adapt and grow like the cactus.

Cactus Tattoo represents being a Survivor

Similar to adaptability, the cactus also represents being a survivor. Cactus survives the harsh climate even tough plenty of other species of plants and animals have gone extinct. Some people often get cactus tattoo to symbolize their survival. It can mean that either they survived something or that they are willing to fight through whatever life throws at them.

Maternal Love

Cactus flower symbolizes warmth and protection for its protective qualities and also represents maternal love, warmth and care because it endures and thrive in harsh conditions. The cactus flower tattoo is very popular among the women because of their meanings and colorful designs.

Beauty of Desert

Cactus signifies the desert. Many people have cactus tattoo to capture the power and loneliness of the desert.

Cactus tattoo for Couples

Cactus tattoo also represents lust and sexual attraction between two people. So matching cactus tattoos are very popular among the couples.

Express Humor

People get Cactus tattoo to express humors like “Don’t Touch Me”, “Don’t be a Prick “, etc.

Traditional Tattoo Designs

Cactus tattoo is also very popular in Traditional tattoo design.

Like any other tattoo designs, some people get cactus tattoo simply because they like the look of it. It’s one of those plants that really stands out because of its many unique properties and just look great in a tattoo.

There are a lot of great plant tattoos out there, but the cactus tattoo is the perfect one for certain personalities. It’s also a very attractive tattoo in most cases, which is yet another reason why these designs have shot up the rankings in recent years. Below you will find some information on cactus tattoos, including some of the more commonly used meanings and some of the ways that these tattoos can be designed.

Before we go into the cactus tattoo meaning, let’s take a look at the cactus itself. It’s a plant that’s generally found in dry locations because it has a rare ability to conserve water for very long periods of time. It also has a natural defense system in the form of a spiny exterior. Unsurprisingly, those unique qualities have made the cactus one of the most respected and revered plants on earth.

If we go way back in time, the Greek meaning for cactus is mystery. Even though it might not be clear to outside observers, some people will get the cactus tattoo to represent their mysterious side. That kind of makes sense since those people might not want others to know the meaning. Of course, if you do want the meaning to come through the design, you can always add in other symbols of mystery with the cactus if you find something that blends into the design well.

When using the mysterious meaning for the cactus tattoo, the design will usually be unique rather than simply being a standard cactus plant. Even those who want the meaning itself to be mysterious will usually do something extra to the design to make it stick out more than a basic cactus would. An easy way to do this is to make the cactus a bit cartoony, but you can take that a step further by putting small symbols of mystery on or around the cactus.

Naturally, the cactus has been very meaningful to Native American tribes for centuries. They have long used nature to help give life more meaning, and the cactus has inspired many tattoos, totems, and war paint designs over the years. In fact, many people who still get Native American tattoos today will include the cactus for both its looks and its meanings. You might not be able to imagine it, but a cactus can easily be included in one of these designs without throwing off the look of the tattoo. The meanings you’ll find below are usually the same ones that Native Americans have used for their designs.

Perhaps more than anything, the cactus is known for its adaptability. Throw any type of climate at it and it will usually be able to adapt. People who want to make big changes in their lives such as moving to a new location will get the cactus to represent their willingness to try new things. It can also remind the owner to not be afraid of trying new things.

Similar to adaptability, the cactus also represents being a survivor. The cactus plant has been able to survive even tough plenty of other species of plant and animal have gone extinct in the dry southern and western states. Some people will get the cactus tattoo to symbolize their survival. This can mean that either they survived something or that they are willing to fight through whatever life throws at them.

Even the cactus flower has multiple meanings to people. One of those meanings is motherly love since it is able to protect itself in the harshest of conditions. This is the perfect cactus tattoo meaning for women who do not want to use one of the more commonly used mother tattoos. It can also be combined with other mother tattoo designs to create a cool-looking combo tattoo design.

The flower is also known for its protective qualities because its juice was long used as a medicine to cure both wounds and multiple sicknesses. The cactus flower might not be the most popular of the cactus tattoos, but it could be argued that it is more meaningful than the cactus itself. Some people might even argue that it is the more attractive tattoo choice because you get to add in a bit of color to the design.

As is the case with most other tattoo designs, some people get the cactus tattoo simply because they like the look of the plant. It’s one of those plant tattoos that really stands out because it has so many unique properties that just look great in tattoo form. On top of that, there are many different cactus tattoo styles, which makes them a nice options to anyone that finds that one or two of the plant’s meanings work for them.

There are cartoony cactus designs, designs that stretch around the torso, and there are even simple black and white designs that can be placed anywhere on the body. To be honest, we are sure you would be able to find a great design for your tattoo if you are at all interested in cacti and any of the cactus tattoo meanings listed above.

We’ve been pointing out each individual cactus tattoo meaning, but it’s important to remember that you can use as many of these meanings as you want. You might find that more than one of these meanings really does define a part of who you are. That’s great! You can use the exact same design regardless of the meanings, or you can tweak the design a bit to make all of the meanings clearer in a single design.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t feel like you can’t get one of these cactus tattoos just because one or more of the meanings don’t make sense for you. Yes, it would be nice to pick a design that encompassed everything that means something to us, but it’s nearly impossible to find that design. All that really matters is that the cactus represents something truly special to you and then you can forget about all of the other meanings. In some cases you might look at those meanings later on in life and find that one or two more now do mean something to you.

The cactus tattoo has so much meaning in it regardless of the design, so people can get the tattoo and wait until later to figure out the meaning. This isn’t the approach that we suggest, but we also get it when someone sees the cactus tat and can’t help but get one. Plus, as we mentioned, it’s pretty easy to pick out a meaning or two that really does work for you after you get the design inked on your skin.

Those who do want to add in a little bit more meaning to their cactus tattoos can simply find other plants or completely unrelated images and add them to their designs. You don’t want one image to take over the design, but there are some ways to make everything blend into an awesome design. If you don’t have drawing skills, you can hire an outside artist or even talk to your tattoo artist about the ideas that you have.

Another thing you can do to make your cactus tattoo meaning a bit clearer is to tweak the cactus itself. For example, those who are using their cacti to represent protection can add in extra detail to the spines of the plant. You want to be happy with your design for the rest of your life, so it’s important that you are patient throughout the design process. Think of your meanings, then think of how you want to design your cactus tattoo to express those meanings. You might find that you still stick with a more basic cactus, or you might make big changes to it to make it unique to you.

If you do plan on getting a cactus tattoo, be sure to tell your artist the meanings you plan to use. This is a step in the process that many people don’t take very often, which is a shame. If your artist knows exactly why you are getting your cactus tattoo, they will naturally take that job more seriously because they know you put thought into it. It will also help to explain any design decisions you’ve made and you might even find that your artist can give you some tips on the design based on the meanings that you’re using. You don’t have to tell your artist the meanings you’re using, but it can definitely help in multiple ways.

You’re probably a bit shocked by how many great cactus tattoo meanings there are, and we don’t blame you. It’s not a plant that people think about all the time and it’s not as popular as flower tattoos, but it is one of those tattoos that can work for a lot of people. If you found that one or more of the meanings makes sense for you and you really like the look of the cactus, definitely consider getting one of these tattoos.

Cacti make the best house plants. They need no trimming, they don’t make a mess of your floor, and they’re able to survive on an almost biyearly watering schedule. Low maintenance, decorative, and down right beautiful. What more could you ask for in a house plant?

Cactus tattoos, are, for lack of a better word, cool. Their intrigue can only be attributed to their unexpected presence. It’s not every day you see a cactus tattoo, in fact, most of us have probably never even seen one in the flesh. So be unique. Be cool. And get that cactus tattoo you never knew you wanted.

This adorable cactus tattoo.

Here we have a delicate tattoo of a prickly pear cactus. The prickly pear is well-known for its culinary uses. There are three different areas of the pear that are edible. The pear (fruit) is eaten just like any other fruit. The pads are treated like a veggie and prepared in a variety of different ways. And the flower petals are often added to salads. (Photo: Sol)

This neo traditional cactus tattoo.

Thanks to TV and film, it’s tough to picture a cactus in your head without the addition of a skull lying somewhere on the desert sand beside it. This delightful neo traditional desert scene is nothing short of spectacular. (Photo: Victor Hugo)

This minimalistic cactus tattoo design.

A minimal design of a minimal landscape. How fitting. (Photo: Janis)

This awesome ankle tat.

The roots of the Mexican cactus (peyotl) have become one of the most popular hallucinatory drugs in the world. The effects are said to be similar to that of magic mushrooms or LSD. Native Americans have used the mind expanding cacti in religious ceremonies for centuries and are still in use today. (Photo: Mason Chimato)

This sprawling thigh piece.

A Spanish style pot holds three different varieties cacti along with an ice plant. Tiny flowers can be seen blooming on each of the cactus plants. There are over 2,000 different species of cacti throughout the world, with some reaching heights of over 60 feet. (Photo: Holly Jade Ashby)

This tiny tricep tat.

An adorable linework cactus complete with pot. (Photo: Anderson Felix)

These matching cacti.

You’d think matching cactus tattoos would be a pretty rare thing but while putting together this list we came across no less than twenty different unique pairs. (Photo: Custom Grey)

This lowly cacti.

How cool is this? Instead of leaves, cacti have spines. Spines serve as a defense against predators and a deterrent against moisture loss. (Photo: Daniel Ward)

Don’t be a prick.

A little wordplay. (Photo: Tom Veling)

This framed cactus tattoo.

The bold blackwork frame contrasts with the red and green ink wonderfully. (Photo: Saige)

To proudly usher the preeminent power of prickly pizzazz, sharp-minded men everywhere are grandly pursuing righteous cactus tattoos. For some divinely decadent desert ambiance, you cannot fail with these poignantly passionate portraits of nature.

Thanks to the genre’s newly boosted popularity, cactus ink is completely revolutionizing the tattoo industry.

These supreme illustrations boldly mix a keen attention for fine detail with a superb appreciation of earthly beauty.

Of course, there all all kinds of cacti to choose from, so the decision must be made carefully. One widely respected selection typically consists of the infamous peyote cactus, which carries vast significance among aboriginal communities for it’s hallucinogenic and spiritual properties.

This deep level of iconic imagery is striking in all contexts, and these grandiose pieces are often complemented with complete landscapes. Cactus tattoos are often done as shadows or silhouettes too, so fashionable fellows can peruse some black ink alternatives to the green as well. The most striking accompaniment for a cunning cactus creation is usually a striking orange sunset.

With this kind of aesthetic adornment, guys can take the desert with them everywhere they travel. To cultivate some classic Midwestern ambiance, nothing packs on the cowboy charm more than a cactus tat. Explore this catalog for some seriously sharp inspiration!

1. Forearm Cactus Tattoos

2. Bicep Cactus Tattoos

3. Arm Cactus Tattoos

4. Sleeve Cactus Tattoos

5. Wrist Cactus Tattoos

6. Back Cactus Tattoos

7. Side Cactus Tattoos

8. Rib Cactus Tattoos

9. Leg Cactus Tattoos

10. Calf Cactus Tattoos

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11. Thigh Cactus Tattoos

12. Ankle Cactus Tattoos

13. Skull Cactus Tattoos

14. Japanese Cactus Tattoos

15. Traditional Cactus Tattoos

16. 3D Cactus Tattoos

17. More  Cactus Tattoo Ideas

A thorn in your eye that actually is very pleasing to see; these are the cactus tattoos so let’s jump right into their fascinating meanings. We’ll start from the way back – ancient Greece. Kaktos was the word for the unknown mysterious spiny plants for which Greeks didn’t have a name yet. So the mystery is the number one meaning for the cactus tattoo. Secondly, Native American Indians were spiritual people who carved cactus shapes in stones around their homes for protection. Believing that a plant that could survive in such conditions where many simply can’t, is a reflection of strength, and people should be strong as well yet still carry warmth inside – as a cactus has its wonderful flowers, besides its rough spiny outsides. Next for cactus tattoo symbolisms can be endurance, adaptability, as already said, the harsh climate, still, life grows. It tells you’re tough. It can say you’re a survivor, someone who lived through something extremely heavy, or that you’re willing to go to hell and back in life just to get what you want. As for ladies, when it comes to cactus tattoo designs, the best is saved for last. Wonderful colorful flowers of cactus can mean certain things for each color, but generally, for cactus tattoos, it directly symbolizes maternal love. Warmth, protection, and taking care of somebody; cactus juice was used for a long time as a medicine for wounds and sicknesses. On a fun side, it can simply say “Don’t Touch Me”, but as well it can symbolize power and loneliness (desert). For couples, it’s lust and sexual attraction. For artists, it’s an everlasting play with green shapes of often cute smiling spiky plants. So many brilliant reasons, and now even I want one.

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One of the most requested tattoos is the cactus withIndian geometric details

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Native American Indians carved cactus shapes around their house for protection

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They believed people should be strong and adaptable as cactus, yet gentle and warm inside due to wonderful flowers

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For couples, cactus tats symbolize lust and sexual attraction

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Maternal love, tenderness, consistency, endurance, power, loneliness… just to name a few reasons why

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Under harsh climate where most living things die, cactus lives and grows

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Ancient Greeks called Kaktos every spiny plant for which they didn’t have a name yet, so the mystery is also a great reason

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Now combining anything from above or everything with this kind of adorable approach tells another story once again and it’s very popular with ladies of course

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Ah you can hear the western music and feel the sun boiling your brains, yet this cactus feels like dancing

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Let’s be real, cactuses are freaking awesome and now you need one cactus tattoo too. Me too. Too-too-roo-too-too.

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