Cactus and succulent plants have distinct characteristics that differentiate them. Although, they may appear similar at first glance. All cacti fall under the category of succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Understanding their relationship aids in accurate identification.
Cacti belong to the botanical family ‘Cactaceae,’ while succulents encompass various plant types across several families.
Let us explore the differences, similarities, care, and maintenance of succulents and cacti in this blog post.
What is a succulent plant?
Succulents are renowned for their distinctive traits and remarkable ability to retain water. Derived from the Latin ‘sucus,’ meaning juice or sap, succulents thrive in dry, arid climates where they depend on dew and mist for sustenance, rather than frequent rainfall.
A key feature of succulents is their thick, fleshy leaves or stems, specially adapted to store water. This adaptation allows succulents to flourish in arid environments with minimal rain. The leaves of succulents are often thick and waxy, minimizing water loss through evaporation. Some succulents also possess specialized water-storing tissues in their leaves or stems, capable of holding substantial amounts of water.
These water-retaining abilities enable succulents to endure extended droughts. They efficiently absorb excess moisture during rainy or humid periods and gradually release it when water is scarce, ensuring their resilience in both outdoor and indoor settings. Succulents encompass a diverse range of popular varieties, each uniquely adapted to thrive in challenging conditions.
Succulent Plant Varieties
- Echeveria: These succulents form rosette shapes and display a range of colors including green, purple, and blue. They are known for their beautiful, fleshy leaves.
- Aloe Vera: Famous for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera features spiky leaves containing a gel-like substance. This substance is often used for skincare and to alleviate burns.
- Sedum: This adaptable succulent comes in various forms. They range from trailing or hanging varieties to upright types that thrive in succulent planters with ease.
- Haworthia: These small succulents feature unique, textured leaves. They come in a variety of shapes and patterns, making them popular among collectors.
- Crassula: Commonly known as Jade Plants, they are characterized by their thick, oval-shaped leaves. They are often cultivated as houseplants or bonsai.
- Senecio: These are trailing succulents distinguished by their unique bead-like leaves. String of Pearls and String of Fishhooks are popular among Senecio variety.
A Cactus is Considered a Succulent
When we think of cacti, the image that often comes to mind is a plant bristling with spines and lacking traditional leaves or stems. However, this is only partly accurate. While many cacti do indeed possess spines, not all of them do. Cacti are a type of succulent characterized by their fleshy stems that store water. The defining feature that distinguishes a succulent as a cactus is the presence of areoles — small, round bumps on their surface. From these areoles, cacti produce leaves, hair, and spines.
What is a Cactus?
Cacti (plural of Cactus) are a distinct group of succulents that have developed unique adaptations to thrive in harsh desert environments. One of their key features is their spines. These are actually modified leaves resembling sharp needles. These spines serve several purposes, including protecting the cactus from predators, reducing water loss, and providing shade to help the plant stay cool under the scorching desert sun.
Another fascinating feature of cacti is the presence of areoles. Areoles are small, specialized, cushion-like structures found on cactus plants where spines, flowers, and new growth emerge. Acting as the cactus’s “growth points,” areoles are crucial for the plant’s development. Areoles enables a cactus to produce new spines, flowers, or even branches and adapt to its environment.
Cacti are low-maintenance plants that have evolved several strategies to survive in dry conditions. One of the most notable adaptations is their ability to store water. Cactus plants have thick, fleshy stems that act as water reservoirs. These allow them to endure long periods without rainfall. Additionally, these drought-tolerant plants use a unique form of photosynthesis called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism). This process allows them to open their stomata at night to minimize water loss through transpiration.
Cacti come in a wide variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics, making them popular and diverse additions to many collections.
Cactus Plant Varieties
- Golden Barrel: Famous for its golden-yellow hue, this round and spiky cactus can grow to substantial sizes.
- Bunny Ear: Characterized by its flat, paddle-like pads that resemble bunny ears, this cactus is stunning and easy to care for.
- Christmas Cactus: Known for its vibrant flowers that bloom around the holiday season, this cactus is a festive and popular choice.
- Saguaro Cactus: The Saguaro cactus is known for its impressive height and distinctive arm-like branches. It is a variety of cactus that symbolizes the desert.
- Bishop’s Cap: (Astrophytum myriostigma): Featuring a unique star-shaped pattern on its surface, this cactus resembles a bishop’s cap.
- Fishhook: Named for its curved spines that look like fishhooks, this small cactus variety is both intriguing and distinctive.