Origami Cactus

A cactus is the perfect origami plant — it looks great, takes almost no care, and never needs watering. This little paper version stands up on its own and even sprouts a small arm, so it reads as a cactus at a glance rather than just a green blob.

The build is friendly for confident beginners. Most of it is simple center folds, with one fun move in the middle — a rabbit-ear fold that pulls a hidden flap out into the cactus's arm. Follow the photos, take your time on that step, and you will end up with a charming desk companion. Pair it with a tiny origami pot and your paper garden is underway.

These instructions will teach you how to make a simple origami cactus. If you are new to origami, it helps to learn the basic valley and mountain folds first.

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half and then unfold it.

STEP 2. Fold both sides to the center line.

STEP 3. Fold the bottom sides of the paper to the center line.

STEP 4. On the right side, pull out the paper trapped underneath.

STEP 5. Flatten this flap into a rabbit-ear fold.

STEP 6. Fold the bottom flap of paper up and behind the model.

STEP 7. Fold the bottom triangle of paper up along the dotted line.

STEP 8. Turn the paper over.

STEP 9. Fold the top flap of paper down along the dotted line and fold the side in along the dotted line. This will sit behind the cactus, so it does not have to be perfect.