The differences between cacti and succulents

Some of the best houseplants you can grow for yourself are cacti and succulents. Easy to care for, adaptable, and readily available for purchase. You may use the words cactus and succulent interchangeably. While not necessarily always wrong, cacti and succulents are often confused for one another, but they are actually quite different plants. Cacti are a type of succulent, but not all succulents are cacti.

Cacti are characterized by their thick, fleshy stems and leaves that are modified into spines. These adaptations help cacti conserve water in their arid native habitats. Cacti come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from the towering saguaro cactus to the small, round peyote cactus. Some popular houseplant cacti include the Christmas cactus, Easter cactus, and the Schlumbergera.

Succulents, on the other hand, are characterized by their thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water. These adaptations allow them to survive in dry, desert-like conditions. Unlike cacti, succulents do not have spines, but some species have adapted to have a waxy or hairy surface to reduce water loss. Some popular houseplant succulents include the Jade Plant, Aloe vera and the Echeveria.

In terms of growth habits, cacti are generally slower-growing and have a more upright or columnar growth habit, while succulents can be faster-growing and have a more sprawling or rosette-like growth habit. Cacti also typically have fewer, but larger, flowers, while succulents can have many small flowers.

While both cacti and succulents are known for their ability to thrive in dry, sunny conditions, they can also be grown as houseplants. When grown indoors, it is important to provide them with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They should also be allowed to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Cacti and succulents are like the desert warriors of the plant world, with their thick and fleshy stems and leaves, they are able to store water for long periods of time. They remind us of the resilience and adaptability of nature. Both cacti and succulents are perfect for those who have busy lifestyles, with minimal watering and maintenance needed, they are perfect for the forgetful plant parent.

In conclusion, while cacti and succulents are both adapted to survive in dry conditions, they are distinct groups of plants with different characteristics and growth habits. Cacti are characterized by their thick, fleshy stems and leaves that are modified into spines, while succulents are characterized by their thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water. Both can make beautiful and low-maintenance houseplants.