Because these areoles differ in structure on different kinds of cacti, this is one way of distinguishing one cactus plant from another.Īn areole is the radial arrangement of spines on pad-like buds where shoots and flowers may appear. Whether or not spines are present, all cacti have areoles. The distinctiveness of the cactus family shows itself not only in the flower structure, but also in one characteristic, that, although possessed by every cactus plant, is absent in all species of all other families. Epiphyllum, the orchid cactus, leads this category with its fragrant flowers that grow up to 8 inches across. The cactus flowers are usually conspicuous, and are so different from those of all other plant families that the cacti are unique and alone, without obvious relationship to other plants. Cactus that have ribs are particularly well adapted to this because the ribs fill in and contract like an accordion. Then during droughts, the stem slowly contracts. During periods of moisture, the stem swells. All the plants in the cactus family ( Opuntiacea = Cactacea) are considered stem succulents. Succulents are plants that have organs such as leaves, stems or roots that are capable of storing water during the rainy or wet season in order to survive extended periods of drought.

Includes about 2,000 species, and all of them are perennial and succulent. The cactus family ( Cactaceae) is one of the most striking, distinctive, diversified and specialized groups in the plant kingdom. These include Cereus peruvianus, Yucca elephantipes, Euphorbias, ponytail palm or bottle palm. Larger-growing cactus and succulent plants make dramatic floor plants with heights from 3 to 10 feet or more. These include Aloe Vera, crassulas, Echeverias, peperomias and kalanchoe. Some cactus and succulent types can be used as pot plants. Other cacti which mimic the appearance of rocks include titanopsis, lapidaria, penestraria and gibbaeum. If you want small specimens (less than one inch above the ground), you will want to grow lithops, which is Greek for 'living rocks'. They make excellent houseplants and many hardy varieties may be grown outside. They can be grown in any sunny, well-drained area. be careful not to OVERWATER!)Ĭacti are a group of plants that are not only easy to grow, but offer a variety of shapes, color and form. Primarily, ease-if you can't grow cactus, we can't help you! Can you imagine anyone having the nerve to admit theyve killed a cactus?! (But a word of caution. For those of you who want to grow a low maintenance plant, you may want to consider cactus. As hot and dry as the summers in Texas are, some people wonder if there is anything that is really easy to grow during the dog days of June through September.

Cactus plant