Cactus is a part of the cactaceae family and is the world's largest family of juicy plants species. There are around 2000 different types of Cactus plants species around the world and most of them are found in America. Cactus is very well suitable for desert weather conditions, using their stems to store water in the dry and harsh climatic conditions. All cactus varieties are not suitable for desert weather. Each cactus variety differs from one another in shape as well as in size. Some varieties grow tall, some are slim and many of them are dwarf. Some of them also bear flowers.
Cactus plays a very important role in the ecosystem. They provide food, and shelter to the countless forms of animals, reptiles and birds. Some of the desert tortoise snack on the neighboring cacti stems for food. Some of the most hostile weather conditions in the world where water is difficult to find, you may find cactus surviving. They store water in their leaves and stems. The skins are thick and most of them have thorns. Some varieties of cactus bloom at night and are pollinated by moths and bats. Animals like goats, mice and ants eat cactus fruits for survival.
Cactus family consists of more than 200 different types of Cactus plants or varieties. Some of the most popular types of Cactus plants are listed below:
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Types of Cactus
We've listed cactus in alphabetical order and included, families, specific cacti species as well as general categories:
Ariocarpus
Also known as desert cactus, are well suitable for desert conditions. Some of these species of plants have thick and dense thin skin. The thick skin leaves become flat and hides itself in the ground for the dry weather, while some have sharp ribs for shade. Some of these plants also have thorns resembling a thick brush. The roots of these species are radish shaped and are able to store ample water in them. The fruits are white or green in color with a lot of seeds in them.
Astrophytum asterias
These cactus species is also known as the mountain cactus. They grow on rocky surfaces; they have a unique ability to cling to any surfaces. They survive hot humid weather in the day and bear the freezing mountain cold conditions. The thick wool like cover on this species of cactus protects the plant from sunburns and cold. They are white or golden in color. You need to take good care of this cactus by keeping them sufficiently dry and cold in winter and also enough sunlight in summer. They are bloom within two years.
Echinocactus
Barrel Cactus is a type of cactus under the Echinocactus family of cactus. There are around six species of these cacti and the most famous is the golden barrel. They grow fast as compared to other cactus. They are found in desert regions of North America. It grows towards the sun like most cacti. After many years of full growth they bloom with yellow flowers and fruits which resemble a pineapple. Their roots are perfect to absorb water very efficiently. They are very popular due to its barrel shape.
Eriosyce Senilis
This species of the cactus family is found in abundance in Chile. They are short and spherical with stems resembling a spine of 30 to 40 cm tall. The color of the spine varies from dark green to purple. The color of the spines vary from plant to plant, some turn to grey in color with age while some spines are short and thin. These cactus species bear flowers which are pink in color. It is a good summer plant needing sufficient air. They have good tolerance to heat and hence there is no need to water them regularly in summer months.
Cholla Cactus
Cholla Cactus is a word that represent Opuntia genus of the Cactacea family, which has more than 20 species. These species are shrubby in nature, and have segment-jointed cylindrical stems, which are useful for photosynthesis, water storage and production of flowers. The chollas have a distinctive appearance, thanks to the sheath on the spines, which is brightly colored.
Columnar Cactus
There is a vast array of cacti. These succulents can come in varied shapes and sizes - among which are tall, slender cacti called columnar cactus. Albeit the rarity of being under cultivation, columnar cacti is one of the most favorite picks of cactus enthusiasts for their grandiose sizes and artful upright branches. A typical cactus of this kind can stand 15 feet tall with each branch measuring up to 6 inches in diameter.
Coryphyanta
This is a savanna variety usually found in open grasslands, and under small trees. The savanna climate is most suitable for these species. They have the ability to bear cool and dry winters, while needing sufficient water and sunlight during the summer months. Beware of water stagnation near their roots; they need proper water drainage facilities. The stems are 5cms in diameter and roots are short tap roots. They flower early but need almost 10 years to attain full growth.
Epiphyllum Cactus
The Epiphyllum family of cacti are cacti prized for their spectacularly beautiful flowers, which give them the name orchid cacti. These blossoms can be large and come in colors of white, lemon yellow, lavender, pink or red. They're epiphytes, which means they grow in the wild on trees or other structures and their bare roots get their nutrients and water from the rain and air. A gardener who wants to grow epiphyllum cacti can buy them either rooted or unrooted. Cacti that are unrooted are less expensive to buy. However, the gardener will have to wait for flowers, as it can take an epiphyllum cacti up to four years to bloom. Many of these cacti bloom at night, and can also be propagated by cuttings from mature plants.
Ferocactus horridus
This species of cactus are found in Mexico. They are primarily of garden variety and grow on hill sides with sufficient water and sunlight for it to grow. These species of cactus are short and stocky. The stem is elongated and very dark green in color growing from 40 to 100 cm tall. The seeds are dark black and shining. They also bear fruits and flowers. The flowers are yellow or orange in color with lemon yellow fruits.
If you are looking for an indoor cactus or just looking to add color to your home or garden, there are a number of flowering cacti that are perfect for the job.
Gymnocalycium Bruchii
This variety is originated from Argentina and found in wide range of environments. They are slow growing plants forming clusters of 15 cms. When small they are succulent clusters with flat stems growing up to 6cm long. The spines are white and curved sometimes also straight. The funnel shaped flowers are lavender white in color bearing green fruits. This cactus species are cold tolerant preferring low PH, otherwise the growth will be affected. These plants can tolerate bright sunny weather also, but need shade during peak summer months. You need to water them in summer and keep them dry during winter months.
Hedgehog Cactus
Another commonly recognized type of cactus is the Hedgehog Cactus. These short stubby, and bristly cactus have beautiful red and sometimes pink flowers.
Hylocereinae
They are also referred to as forest saguaros, are a type of cactus which changes its texture according to the climatic conditions. They have thin and supple creepy stalks and roots on them which deliver moisture from air. They grow on the outer part of the forest area where there is light and air. In case of dry weather conditions their stalks wrinkle, but turn green and juicy as soon as it gets rain. They are designed to protect themselves from extreme heat and water evaporation.
Nopal Cactus
The Nopal Cactus has become increasingly popular over the years seeing as how it can be grown for a number of purposes, whether one is looking to cultivate food or simply use it as a decoration. In addition, the Nopal cactus can also be used to create fodder for a farmer's livestock as well as clothing fibers. Even though it is possible to plant a Nopal cactus using seeds, most people prefer to use cuttings as it propagates much more easily. Luckily, contrary to some cacti the Nopal is relatively easy to grow, and what's more, it requires very little input from you once it has been planted.
Opuntia basilaris
They grow in very dry plains in rocky soils. The stem is oval and round in shape with purplish pigmentation. They are generally without spine with rare occurrence on the rim of the leaf pad. The color of the flower varies from rose to magenta. This plant is very prone to rotting; hence need very little water once it has grown to its full size. They need maximum sunlight and avoid shadow.
Orchid Cactus
The orchid cactus has a beautiful appearance in full bloom, but getting it to that stage requires a fair deal of knowledge and knowing how to care for it is important. We all know that a cactus is not a plant that needs a huge amount of maintenance since this is something that is found in dry, arid areas. However, in saying that, you also have to be aware that you are now taking the plant out of its natural environment and if you want to grow it indoors then you will have to feed it and care for it so that it grows to the same rate. You can also grow it outdoors, but it is slightly more tricky.
Pincushion Cactus
Pincushion cactus appear like balls that have fine needles. This cactus is very decorative because of its bright colored flowers, shape and even its spines. Pincushion cacti are also called Fishhook and they belong to the group of Barrel cacti. Perhaps they are the most common kind of cactus grown inside houses. They are pretty easy to take care for, that is why they are popular among countless homeowners. If you want to grow one for your own, we provided a simple and useful guideline that you can follow.
Pencil Cactus
The pencil cactus is part of the Euphorbia Tirucalli family. It has a milky white stem, which can be an irritant so you should be careful of direct contact with this on your skin. It is also known as the Milkbush, due to that fact. These cacti are grown in hot areas and they grow with ease.
Prickly Pear Cactus
Most of us tend to think of cacti in terms of the tall Saguaro cacti that you see in westerns, while these are indeed one of the largest species of cactus in the world, they are not the only ones and they are a protected species. If you are looking for one that you can plant in your garden and will grow in almost any climate, you should consider the Prickly Pear Cactus. This particular cactus is easily recognized by it flat stems that are oval in shape that are often crowned with fruits that are called tuna and are reddish colored.
Rebutia albipilosa
This type of cactus is found in Argentina. This cactus type has dense and long white bristles with several offsets. The stem is fat and grows 4 to 6 cm tall. They are very easy to farm but require care while watering to keep the plant compact with its spines. They need to be sheltered and should not be watered too much as there is a fear of rotting. Keep them dry during the winter months.
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Saguaro Cactus
The Saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran desert is the best known cacti species. It is a slow growing plant that only takes about 35 years to flower and 75 years to develop an arm. The plant also lives long reaching up to 200 years. In the right growing conditions the plant can grow up to a height of 50ft. The plant has tall and thick stem and branches, when the plant grows to maturity the stem can achieve a width of 24inches in diameter and will have an average of five arms. Its slow growing property makes it a great indoor as well as outdoor plant. If you are interested in growing your own Saguaro cactus here are tips to help you get started.
Star Cactus
The star cactus is a flowering cactus that has the reputation of being difficult. That's because its flowers bloom only during March to May. There is no guarantee that you can bloom it out of season. Nevertheless, you can try by using the tips that we provided below. But before we proceed, it is important to note that by now, there are very few Star Cacti in the wild. If you are fond of the plant, you certainly have more than enough reasons to grow them.
Cactus growing has found interest among people around the world. More and more cactus varieties are being discovered by scientists, though some species are getting endangered.
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