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Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a large showcase cactus for desert-themed gardens. This slow-growing cactus eventually reaches 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. The pale green cactus produces vertical rows of 3-inch-long gold spines. In the summer, small yellow blossoms appear in a circle on top of the cactus. Plant the golden barrel cactus in groups of three or more to add greater drama to your low-water landscape.
Variously called "Ruby Ball," "Red Cap Cactus," "Moon Cactus" or "Hibotan" (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. friedrichii "Rubra" graft), this brightly colored plant results from grafting two different species of cactus together. The top part, the scion, can't live on its own, since it lacks chlorophyll, and it is essentially a parasite on the bottom rootstock plant. To grow the plant successfully you need to consider the growing requirements of both the scion and the rootstock.
Nopal cactus, also known as prickly pear cactus or Indian fig, is a versatile cactus plant that produces both colorful flowers and a sweet fruit. The nopal cactus is native to the southwestern United States, as well as Mexico and South America. Similar to most members of the cactus family, nopal cactus is hardy and can grown virtually anywhere in wet or dry conditions. Planting a nopal cactus is done simply by removing part of an existing nopal cactus and planting it into the ground.
Ouch! The prickly spines of a cactus are intimidating, and the fear of being poked may make you hesitant to relocate the plant. There's no way to avoid replanting, however; once a cactus outgrows its pot, you'll need to move it to more spacious accommodations. By using an old newspaper, you can save your hands the pain of the cactus's spines. The newspaper will allow you to replant without fear of injury, and you can ensure that your cactus reaches its new home safely.
Moving plants from one spot to another is a natural part of shaping a garden and getting all the plants in their ideal environments. Transplanting does cause stress in plants, including cacti -- but if you do it at the right time of year, your cacti will recover rapidly and resume growth quickly.
Terrariums are closed or small enclosures that have several different types of plants growing inside. Many cactus plants don’t like high humidity, which is common with a closed terrarium. The open terrarium, however, is ideal for growing many different types of cactus plants of the same group together.
While a cactus may seem sharp and prickly, it often has tender spines that need to be handled gently when it is transported or repotted. While some cacti are just plain sharp, others such as the Chollas have barbed spines that are very painful to remove. It is therefore in the best interest of the plant and your hands to use tools when you handle it. A pair of padded tongs can help you move the plant without damaging the fragile epidermis.
Disease, pests or environmental issues cause brown spots on cactus. Before you discard the cactus or treat it for brown spots, determine what is causing the problem. Then, you know how to treat it.
For much of the year, a cactus disguises itself in the muted gray-greens typical of plants in the arid deserts. Then, with the suddenness of a Fourth of July grand finale, its blooms burst forth in glorious color. Cacti will add interest to your garden. According to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, many varieties will grow in colder and wetter regions than their own desert environments.
At first glance, the prickly cactus plant may appear unapproachable and inhospitable. Yet, wait until the flowering season and many cactus varieties will charm you with their vibrant and intriguing blossoms. Even if you profess to dislike the thorny plant, one or more cactus type is capable of winning you over, considering there are over 2,000 species of cactus.
If a chef described a roast as succulent, you'd expect to dig in to something juicy. Succulent plants are juicy, too, distinguishing themselves from other kinds of plants by holding water in roots, leaves and/or stems. Succulents preserve water because they must; in their native environments they endure periods of drought. Succulents are popular with indoor gardeners because the plants are stoic in the face of low-humidity conditions and occasional holiday absences by their caretakers. Vining succulents can be hung in baskets.
Of all the tasks facing a homeowner, transplanting a large or unusual plant often ranks at the top of the list of most frightening. For homeowners in areas where cactus can be grown in the landscape, it is possible to move a small cactus that has become too large for its surroundings or is in a difficult-to-manage spot. With a few garden tools and careful attention, your cactus can make its way across the yard in no time.
The totem cactus (Lophocereus schotti f. monstrose) is more correctly called the totem pole cactus. It is a columnar cactus with irregular bumps along the sides that resemble faces. The formations are characteristic to cacti that did not form ribs but have raised swellings along the stem instead. The monstrose form of the cactus is a vegetative reproduction that doesn't flower or form seed. It must be propagated vegetatively, which produces a clone or exact replica of the parent plant. Cloning cacti is fairly easy and vegetative reproduction takes place often in nature without human intervention.
If you have any on your property, you know what a menace the jumping cactus can be. While the spines don't actually jump onto passersby, the jumping cactus' spiny joints can be dislodged with the slightest brush. And, once in your skin, the cactus' spines expand upon contact with the moisture, making them a pain to dislodge. Even if they don't prick you, those joints are problematic. They can root nearly anywhere they land, send up a whole new jumping cactus and compound the problem. Killing jumping cactus takes a fair amount of effort, but it's worth it to have…
The opuntia, commonly known as the prickly pear cactus, is found throughout the American Southwest. It has flat, fleshy pads that store water. Although the opuntia is tolerant of different types of soil, various temperatures and moisture levels, care must be taken to prevent the onset of serious diseases.
The plant commonly known as a firestick cactus is not actually a cactus at all, but a succulent Euphorbia related to poinsettia. Stems of the plant grow upright with only a few tiny leaves. New growth is a dramatic red-orange color looking something like sticks on fire. The plant's succulent nature allows it to survive very well in dry conditions as a houseplant or in the landscape. These are fascinating plants and it is possible to quickly start more of them from cuttings.
Saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) are large plants that grow in the American southwest. This variety of cactus can reach over 6 feet tall and can produce flowers year round. Dead saguaro cacti may look unattractive in your landscape and require removal. Whether a saguaro is alive or not, it can be very heavy and difficult to move because of the spines and weight. You will need assistance removing a dead saguaro.
Nurse plants are plants in an ecosystem that provide shelter for younger, smaller, developing plants that can't protect themselves from environmental elements when they're seedlings. In the desert, nurse plants provide shade for developing barrel cacti. Without the nurse plant, a barrel cactus would have a difficult time establishing itself in the harsh conditions of the desert. Without nurse plants, young barrel cacti would not be able to take hold in their environments.
While survival myths and old-time cowboy movies indicate otherwise, drinking water from a cactus is not a good idea. Aside from the fact that most cacti do not have plentiful amounts of water inside, the water that they do contain is not ideal for someone dying of thirst. Cactus water is highly acidic, chemically harsh and possesses diuretic properties. The effects of drinking cactus water range from dehydration to intense vomiting and diarrhea -- conditions not advantageous to someone already suffering from dehydration. Nonetheless, water can be extracted from cacti.
The round, spiny barrel cactus, Ferocactus wislizenii, gets its common name from its distinct barrel shape. The cactus grows between 2 to 5 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches in diameter. The spines grow from ridges that run up and down the length of the plant. Barrel cactus grows in the deserts of northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
Thanksgiving cacti are a member of a group of flowering succulents commonly known as "holiday" cacti. The group also includes Christmas and Easter varieties, and each is named based on its approximate blooming time. These hardy plants can last for years as indoor-outdoor potted plants. They are often passed on from one family member to the next and can be a colorful part of your holiday decorations. By mimicking their native tropical environment with a few simple tricks, you can encourage dramatic flowers each year.
The Opuntia genus includes around 300 cacti species, including the well-known prickly pear cactus. The plants in this family develop in segments. The prickly pear, for example, has pads that grow off of each other. On cholla cacti, the segments are cylindrical. Opuntia's territory encompasses arid and semiarid areas from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America. There is wide diversity within the genus, but a few requirements are shared among the various Opuntia cactus species.
Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly called pencil cactus, is a conversation-starter plant. It looks like all its leaves have fallen off, when actually it has tiny inconspicuous leaves that are overshadowed by its long, thin, round branches. Euphorbias contain a milky sap that can irritate the skin and has been known to cause serious reactions in hypersensitive people. This is not a plant you want to grow around children or animals that tend to chew on things. Still, it's a fascinating, easy-to-grow plant whether grown indoors or outdoors.
If you have an unwanted cactus on your property, tackling the spiny intruder can be a daunting proposition. Not only are cacti prickly, but they're heavier than they look. A round cactus with an 18-inch diameter can weigh up to 80 lbs. A 30-inch specimen or clump can weigh as much as 250 lbs. Luckily, the job is not as daunting as it looks. Although heavy for their size, cacti have shallow roots, making them easy to dig up and haul away if you know how. However, wear thick gloves and long clothing -- since it's easier to accidentally brush…
Pencil cactus is named for its twiggy, pencil-like branches and superficial resemblance to cacti, although it is actually a species within the genus Euphorbia. It is sometimes grown as a houseplant for its unusual appearance and will typically only reach 5 feet in height under indoor conditions, but it is capable of growing much larger and must be pruned to maintain a reasonable size. Pruning pencil cactus plants is simple to do, but it requires forethought and preparation since the branches exude a toxic, latex-like sap when cut. The sap causes burning and severe pain when it touches skin and…
Christmas cactus, named for the time of year the plant blooms, is relatively easy to care for and can survive generation after generation. Regardless of the type of fertilizer you choose to use, you'll need to apply it to the plant at the right time of year for best results.
A large, decorative cactus as a focal point turns a cacti landscape into a desert showplace. Since cacti require minimal water, they are low maintenance. They all thrive in full sun, sandy soil and hot, arid climates. Each cactus has distinguishing characteristics making it desirable.
Cacti are succulent plants that collect water in their flesh. This allows the cacti to survive in the desert with very little rain fall. The same collection of water that allows the cactus to survive in the desert also makes it an ideal house plant. Buying a large amount of cacti for the home can be expensive. Instead of buying new plants, cuttings can be taken, rooted and grown from plants you already own.
Dragon cactus, also known as dragon fruit cactus or pitaya cactus, produces a sweet fruit. Growing the dragon cactus from seed to mature plant that produces fruit can be a difficult task. In order for the dragon cactus to grow properly, you will need to follow the right gardening methods.
Cacti appeal to many gardeners in arid and semiarid climates around the world, both for their resistance to drought conditions, and the great diversity of unusual and ornamental forms they take. Like most succulents, cacti grow easily from cuttings and are among the easiest plants to raise, making them a suitable starter plant for novice gardeners. The basic steps for growing cactus are the same regardless of the species, and although it takes few tools or materials to accomplish, the cacti must be provided with constant warmth and strong light during the rooting process.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a native of Brazil. Not at all like the familiar desert cactus, Christmas cactus is tropical, spineless and it blooms in trailing flowers. It requires long periods of darkness at night, in the fall, to bloom for Christmas. Pruning the Christmas cactus after it blooms is an important part of its care. The removed stems, as long as they contain at least two sections, can be rooted in water.
The many similarities between euphorbia and cacti result from convergent evolution. For example, both euphorbias and cacti are stem succulents, a type of plant that stores water in stem tissues. This adaptation, along with lack of leaves, allows these plants to survive in highly arid conditions. Similarly, presence of spines or thorns protects the juicy stems from attack by thirsty desert animals. Once you know what to look for, however, euphorbias and cactus are quite distinct.
All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Cactus plants --- native to the Americas --- store water inside the plant for use later. Both indoor cactus houseplants --- such as the Christmas or Easter cactus --- and outdoor cactus are hardy plants and relatively simple to care for, and can survive for generations.
The word "propagate" might sound difficult, but propagating many types of plants, such as the cactus, can be easier than you think. Arizona Cooperative Extension assures gardeners that propagating most types of cactus is a "very simple procedure." When you propagate a cactus, you are making a new plant from existing vegetation. Cacti that have paddles include prickly pears in the Opuntia genus. Others that lend themselves to vegetative propagation include Cereus, Echinopsis, Mammillaria, Lophocereus, Stenocereus and Trichocereus.
Native to Africa, living rocks, or lithops, resemble pebbles, with stripes and dots in hues of gold, brown and gray. Members of the succulent family, lithops require little care, aside from a source of direct light and occasional watering. Fluorescent plant lights allow you to grow lithops in rooms that otherwise would be too dark for this unusual-looking plant.
Some species of cactus are considered to be invasive or weeds. This is especially true in the Southwest. Killing a cactus can be accomplished using a chemical spray, but sprays can take years to work on a large area. If you need to remove only a handful of cactus plants, it's better to use a mechanical method. By destroying the roots and pads, you can get rid of a cactus invader.
If a cactus breaks off, don't throw the broken piece away. Put it into cactus soil and start a new plant. Cacti, also known as succulents, are slow-growing plants native to the Americas, and grow well without needing water. By following a few steps, it is possible to plant the broken section of the cactus that will take root and grow for years to come.
Taking cuttings from a cactus plant is an easy method of propagation, as long as you're careful around the spines! Pad-forming, columnar, or segmented cacti can all be cloned in this way. Since cacti are drought-tolerant, cuttings will not suffer when exposed to the air, and actually prefer to dry out in order to propagate. Ideally, plant in the springtime when cacti are beginning to initiate new growth. Cuttings will only propagate successfully during certain months. When nighttime temperatures are 60 degrees F and above, its a good time to take cuttings.
The red pitaya cactus (Hylocereus undatus) grows wild in tropical America, from southern Mexico to Brazil, and travels under many dramatic aliases including dragon fruit, strawberry pear and night-blooming cereus. This cactus produces red berry-like fruit on its three-sided stem. For centuries, Latin Americans have eaten pitaya fruit and in recent times, its popularity has spread to international markets. Both Israel and Viet Nam grow pitayas commercially and export the fruit.
Dog-tail cactus, or Selenicereus testudo, is a variety of flowering cactus native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and Central America. As an epiphyte, dog-tail cactus grows naturally in trees, but the trailing, segmented stems work well in hanging baskets, and it will grow well as a houseplant if provided with a well-draining potting medium and a source of bright light. Like most succulents, dog-tail cactus benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and overall health, but it should only be done if the leaves are beginning to yellow or the stems have suffered damage.
The Christmas cactus gets its name because it blooms in the winter and is often available in stores and nurseries during the holiday season. The plant has long green stems that often trail down over the sides of the pots but can also be erect. The flower blooms appear at the tips of each stem and are typically bright pink in color. If you have a Christmas cactus stem that has broken off, plant it to grow a whole new cactus.
Cacti are perennial plants that grow in hot, dry climates. Some varieties of cactus, such as the saguaro, grow to more than 6 feet tall. Cacti store water in their tissues, making them heavy. Members of the plant family Cactaceae also usually have spines that make handling them difficult. To get rid of a problem cactus in the yard, it is easiest to pry it out of the ground and then chop the cactus into manageable pieces.
The name Christmas cactus refers to several species of epiphytic succulents within the genus Schlumbergera. They commonly appear in stores during the holiday season and instantly are recognizable by their lightly scalloped, segmented leaves and showy blossoms. The delicate leaves break off and dry out easily. In many instances these leaves will propagate more easily than fresh ones because the stress of drying out prompts the production of extra roots to save the plant from dying. Propagating dried Christmas cactus is a simple project, but the newly rooted leaves must be kept warm and moist to ensure success.
Euphorbia, part of the spurge family, is a plant of many colors, shapes and sizes. The genus contains more than 2,000 species of both annuals and perennials. Choose the most recognized euphorbia on the planet, poinsettia, or select the delicate-looking hybrid euphorbia, Diamond Frost, a one-footer that produces masses of small white flowers from spring to fall. If you want more drama in the garden, plant tropical smoke bush (Euphorbia cotinifolia). Growing to 15 feet tall, this treelike euphorbia has red leaves that darken to burgundy. You can propagate most euphorbias with stem cuttings, but you can grow some from…
Cacti are part of the succulent classification of plants and come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Although many people grow cacti from seeds or buy them as small plants, they can be propagated from cuttings. The process is similar to taking cuttings from other type of plants; however, the cutting must cure prior to planting. Cactus cuttings take root much quicker and with less effort than other plants.
A cactus is a succulent plant, storing large amounts of moisture within it to survive in arid environments. While new cactus plants can be grown from seeds, if you already have a mature cactus you can propagate it by taking a cutting. A properly made cactus cutting can start growing new roots within a matter of weeks. The cactus plant that the cutting was taken from will typically heal quickly as well, suffering no ill effects from having a portion removed.
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) flowers during late fall and winter. The flowering period overlaps the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season, so it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Christmas cactus. True, Thanksgiving cacti have pointed leaf sections while true Christmas cacti feature rounded leaf sections. Both types of tropical cacti grow well in the home, providing up to four months of flowers. The cacti benefit from light pruning in mid-spring to control their size and shape.
Cacti are easy to identify since they are succulent and spiny plants but remember that not all succulents are necessarily cacti. Cacti are native to the Americas but can be found worldwide. They prefer hot, desert-like conditions, and one sure way of killing your cactus house plant is through over-watering. They come in varieties of shapes from flat and padded to columnar to round and shrubby. They can be tiny, or they can be huge like the Saguaro cacti of Arizona; they grow very slowly, only about an inch a year and can live up to 100 years.
Cactus plants are succulents, plants that have evolved a particular ability to retain large amounts of water inside their vasculature. Succulent plants evolved these water-retention abilities as a matter of necessity since they are all native to desert climates in which they face long, dry, particularly hot summer seasons punctuated by brief periods of intense rainfall. If you wish to grow some cactus plants at home, it is important to understand the differences between each type of plant so as to better know what varieties of cactus will flourish in your geographic area.
Most people think of a cactus as a plant that does not require any water. Images of cacti littering the desert abound in media and reinforce this perception. In reality, cacti require plenty of water. However, they require less water than many other plants. In fact, watering a cactus often requires the gardener to strike a very difficult balance. Like other plants, cacti will die if they don't receive enough water. The problem is that cacti also quickly die if overwatered.
Cacti propagate from seeds, division and cuttings. Take cuttings for rooting when the temperature begins to hold at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. You need a healthy mother plant to donate the sample tissue. Use a plant without bruises, blemishes and rots. Make the cut with a sharp, pathogen-free, serrated knife. After the cutting heals, plant the cactus piece in a propagation soil blend.
Including cactus in your desert landscaping is a great way to add visual interest. Cactus, just like plants, can have texture, form and color. A tall, columnar cactus is strong in vertical form, while a golden barrel provides a bold texture with strong color. Do not confuse cactus with succulents, which have different water requirements. Cactus species include saguaro, prickly pear, cholla, hedgehog, pincushion and barrel varieties. Succulents include agave, ocotillo and yucca. Combining cactus and succulents to your landscape design is certainly recommended, as you will have more opportunities for variety.
A Christmas cactus, sometimes known as an orchid cactus, flowers in early winter, inspiring its name. The tropical succulent usually blooms once or twice a year with vibrant flowers in pink, red, fuchsia and purple, among other colors. The cactus is comprised of a series of phylloclades, the green segments that look like leaves and from which the blooms grow. Christmas cacti generally respond well to propagating, the term for taking a cutting from the plant. Doing so involves removing several phylloclades and replanting them.
Butter beans, or Phaseolus lunatus, come in a wide variety of types including one commonly referred to as calico bean. Calico beans are a pole or climbing type of butter bean meant to be cultivated on poles or trellises. They grow to between 8 and 10 feet in height with pointed bluish-green foliage and an abundant crop of 4 to 6-inch long seed pods in mid to late summer. Like most beans, calico beans are very easy to grow and will prosper even under difficult circumstances, but they bear the greatest yield when provided with full sun and well-draining soil.
Christmas cactus (Schumbergera bridgesi) is a departure from the stereotypical prickly, sun-loving, dry weather, desert plant, as Christmas cactus is tropical and has different growing requirements. Although Christmas cactus appreciates bright sunlight, it blooms best with moist soil and cooler temperatures. Christmas cactus isn't a demanding plant, and with proper care, it will reward you with colorful blooms in time for the winter holidays. Propagate Christmas cactus by rooting sections of stem in May or June.
The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) isn't a true cactus, but a sun-loving, spineless succulent plant native to tropical areas of India and Africa. Pencil cactus plant is named for the thin, somewhat brittle, pencil-like stems. Once established, pencil cactus thrives with little water and tolerates extended periods of neglect, but doesn't survive cold temperatures. Also known as milk plant, pencil cactus isn't difficult to propagate by taking cuttings in spring.
Cactus plants with modified leaves, like the Christmas cactus, require annual pruning maintenance. Occasionally, a few of the leaves may become limp, develop discoloration or die. As the cactus grows, its branches become longer. Pruning them back once annually will encourage the cactus to produce denser growth and prevent breakage of overly long stems. The best time to prune a cactus's leaves for health or shape is in March or April after it has finished flowering for the season.
The peanut cactus bears the scientific name Echinopsis chamaecereus, although it is often labeled for sale as Chamaecereus silvestrii. A small cactus native to Argentina, the peanut cactus is recognizable by the characteristic peanut-shaped offshoots it produces. Commonly sold as a houseplant in the United States, this cactus is often used in planters and pots and will grow outdoors in warmer areas of the United States.
The Euphorbia genus contains roughly 2000 species, according to the Ars Informatica Grow 'Em Plant Propagation Database. Most of them thrive in hot, arid climates where they have access to full sun, and they are propagated in a number of ways, including root cuttings.
Dragon fruit, also known as strawberry pears or pitaya, are a common sight in Southeast Asian markets and now often are found in other regions either as an import or a locally grown crop. The fruit comes from a cactus and these plants are easy enough to grow either for ornamental value or for their fruit. In hot climates, you can grow dragon fruit cacti outside, and in colder areas, they thrive inside. However they need regular pruning indoors since they can grow to more than 20 feet high. Dragon fruit cacti are usually grown from cuttings, although you can…
Cactus plants are succulents from dry desert climates. The plants' fleshy parts retain water to prepare for times of drought. Cacti can also thrive indoors and make easy-to-care-for houseplants. If a friend loves the desert or southwestern lifestyle, treat her to a cactus plant as a thoughtful holiday or birthday gift.
Native to the Mediterranean, the agave plant family includes hundreds of different species known as succulent rosettes. Closely related to cacti, agave plants store water in their fleshy foliage, making them perfect candidates for planting in the desert landscape. Like most succulents, agave cactus plants prefer to grow in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Agave thrives in full to partial sun within USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
A "strawflower cactus" has preserved strawflowers attached to it. Strawflowers are annual flowers that come in many vivid shades. When dried, strawflowers have a crisp texture and are long-lasting.
The cactus family of plants has many different species. These plants are most commonly known as desert dwellers, but many species of cacti grow happily in a number of other regions of the world. Most species of cacti can be planted by seed, and cactus seeds are easy to plant. Unlike adult cacti, however, cactus seeds and seedlings need a considerable amount of moisture and shade until they are well established.
Southern California is home to thousands of plants, including many species of cactus. Some plants are native, but other types are from areas such as Mexico and Arizona. However, both native and non-native cacti thrive in Southern California due to the vast amount of sun throughout the year. Avoid overwatering cactus because this can kill the plant. Cacti prefer rocky, sandy well-drained soils.
The pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a distinctive succulent plant that is sure to draw attention in a landscape because of its masses of cylindrical, pencil-thin branches. Planted outdoors, it can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 10B and 11. In any other climate, pencil plants must be grown indoors, where they can sometimes reach the ceiling. Native to tropical areas of Africa, pencil plants aren't difficult to grow and require only moderate care.
Once established, the cactus garden requires very little care or maintenance to thrive for years. Cacti have the capability of subsisting on annual rainfall alone, which makes the plants ideal for xeriscapes. Select a location of the garden that receives full sunlight to plant cactus plants. The area will require well-draining soil so the root systems of the cacti do not suffer from wet or standing water conditions. Strategically placing large rocks in the garden can provide the cacti shade from the harsh sunlight and also replicate their natural habitat.
Cactus are succulent plants that can survive in long periods of drought. These plants' various adaptations included a hard-walled, succulent stem where water is stored. The stem interior is spongy or hollow, and a thick, waxy coating prevents the water inside from evaporating. However, several cacti used for potting can actually suffer considerable damage from continued, direct, harsh sunlight. It's best to keep these in a partially shaded area.
Tropical cactus plants like the Christmas cactus cascade dramatically from hanging baskets; but you can place other, more subtle cacti or succulent plants in a hanging planter as well. The main consideration is to honor the cactus' preferred growing environment by giving it adequate sun exposure. Expect to spend around an hour getting your hanging plant set up.
Barrel cactus is typically the largest type in the North American desert. Species range from miniature to giant size. You can find them growing naturally in Texas and California and the deserts in between. Barrel cactus flowers grow at the top of the plant. They don't have spines or many scales. The plant also has fruits that become fleshy and contain seeds. These seeds can be planted to grow barrel cactus in other locations.
The Thanksgiving cactus plant (Schlumbergera truncata) is native to the rain forests of Brazil where it grows on the tops of trees. It does not have typical cactus spines, but instead has flat, leaf-like branches with serrated edges. The foliage color varies from vibrant green to red-tinged, depending upon the maturity of the plant. During late fall the Thanksgiving cactus develops delicate flowers available in a multitude of shades including red, pink, white and yellow. It does best in bright, indirect light and soil that remains lightly moistened.
Cactus get their name from the Greek word "kaktos," meaning "thistle." One of the most familiar cactus is the aloe vera whose spiny stems are filled with a gel that is soothing to burns. Though slow-growing, some cacti reach heights of 3 to 10 feet, making them popular as beautiful, low maintenance indoor plants.
If you have a healthy, mature Christmas cactus plant, you can propagate new plants for all of the gardeners on your Christmas list. Christmas cactus is easy to root by taking a cutting from a healthy plant. The best time to begin is in May or June. Often, young Christmas cactus plants will bloom their very first year.
Most Florida cactus plants produce flat stems and no leaves. However, they have characteristics that distinguish them from one another. The prickly pear cactus, for instance, produces flowers while a Christmas cactus might drop berries. Others, like the triangle cactus, only bloom at night. Florida's warm climate is the home to different species of cactus, some of which you can find in nurseries for home growth.
Arisaema dracontium, the green dragon, grows up to 4 feet tall and is native to wooded areas. Green dragon flowers from April through July, and it produces bright orange seeds in the fall. The green dragon is a part of the cactus family, therefore prefering sandy, well-drained soil. The green dragon cactus cannot withstand temperatures below 31 degrees Fahrenheit and is a tropical plant that grows in USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11. They flower for one night and are pollinated by bats and moths. The flower dies and becomes an edible fruit. The fruit is sweet and is similar…
The genus Euphorbia is home to over 1,600 different species of plant. Certain species of Euphorbia with small leaves and spines are often informally referred to as Euphorbia cacti, although they are not true cacti. Other common houseplants of this genus include the croton and the poinsettia.
With unusual spikes and a wide variety of shapes, cactus plants have captivated people for centuries. The coat of arms for Mexico has an eagle atop a cactus, clutching a snake. Many cactus varieties are indeed found in the desert areas of Mexico as well as in southeastern California, Arizona and parts of West Texas and New Mexico. Hundreds of varieties of desert cactus plants exist, with new varieties being discovered often.
Like the more familiar Christmas cactus, the Easter cactus is a flowering jungle cactus. Because this cactus originated in the jungle rather than the arid regions common among cactus plants, its care is slightly different than that of other cactus plants. The Easter cactus can survive cold up to 28 degrees Fahrenheit, but is commonly brought indoors during the winter months so you can manage its light and watering requirements.
Lithops are sometimes called living stones or flowering stones because they resemble pebbles. Most lithops cactus plants resemble two small gray or brown lumps joined together at the center in the shape of the No. 8. Lithops care is different from that of other cactus plants, since each year lithops discard their old form and grow a new one during their winter period. Caring for lithops can take a lot of work but be very rewarding.
The Easter cactus is in the same family as the holiday cactus and the ever-popular Christmas cacti. The plants can easily be mistaken for one another in a store mainly because the customer often assumes all of the plants are the Christmas cactus. They also all blossom on the days with shorter periods of daylight. The cacti originated in the Organ Mountains in Rio de Janeiro where they grow in the forest on trees. The two plants are succulents but with noticeable differences and ways to identify the Christmas and Easter cactus from one another.
The nopal cactus, also known as prickly pear cactus, is a flowering succulent commonly grown for culinary and ornamental purposes. Both the pads and the fruit of the nopal cactus are edible and generally have a pleasing flavor. It typically grows to about 5 feet in height and produces large flowers which can be yellow, orange, red or pink. The nopal cactus is easy to grow in most temperate regions and requires only occasional maintenance to thrive.
There are many varieties of Schlumbergera bridgesii, more commonly known as Christmas Cactus, and all of them propagate in the same way--by cuttings. Whether they are a true Christmas cactus that blooms in December, or a Holiday cactus that blooms anywhere from Halloween to Christmas, it is very easy to root them to start new plants. Just don't expect them to bloom for the first several years.
A cactus can become a house plant as long as the right steps and precautions are taken. Learn more in this free educational video series.
Learn about growing out a parent cactus or succulent plant after cutting it for propagation in this free video clip.
It seems that Christmas Cactus have a mind of their own when it comes to choosing when to blossom. Even plants that have the same parent may blossom at slightly different times, which may be due to a slight variation in light, fertilizer or temperature.
Cactus plants are easy plants to grow in your garden or home. Learn all about cactus plant care with gardening tips from a horticulturist in this free gardening video.
Planting a cactus in the yard can add a landscaping highlight that will make your yard attractive and save on watering at the same time. Once they are even minimally established, cacti do not need much water, if any. Cacti also grow well in pots, since almost all of them are shallow rooted. They make a nice addition to a patio or balcony in cold weather climates, where they can be brought into the house for the cold weather of fall, winter, and spring.
Cactus plants, which have leaves or roots that store water to survive in periods of drought in nature, are easy to grow in your own household and come in many varieties. They make great houseplants because they are extremely hardy and require little maintenance.
A cactus plant needs very little care once it's grown and in a pot. In return, cacti produce beautifully colored flowers and shapes. As houseplants, they can grow just about anywhere. Growing your cactus from seed gives the added advantage of cost savings. The extra plants make nice gifts too.
Cactus are an evolutionary miracle - they have survived in an inhospitable world for thousands of years by adapting to their environment. You can make grafted cactus by joining two separate but compatible varieties of cactus plants. [WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF GRAFTING?]
