Succulents And Cactuses

Succulents and cactuses are popular plants for displaying in households and around offices. Known for their durable nature and need for minimum attention and water, these fashionable plants have become favorites of people with busy lifestyles. Succulents and cactuses are a great low maintenance way of brightening up any space. 

Are Cactus And Succulents The Same?

Many people are unsure what the difference is between a cactus and a succulent. Some have similar appearances, although many can look quite different. Both are known for flourishing in dry, hot climates and neither needs much water to get by. But are cactuses and succulents the same, and if not, how are they different? 

Succulent plants are considered to be water storing plants of many varieties. They are not their family of plant, but instead a way to describe a type of plant that is able to store water. Cactuses are a family of plant characterized by their spines, which are a sort of spikey branch than can produce flowers. All cactuses fall under the category of succulents, but not every succulent is a cactus. 

Cactus Vs Succulent Care

Cacti and succulents do best when exposed to light. It’s good practice to keep your plants where light can reach them. Depending on the species of succulents you have, it may need quite a lot of light or be best kept out of direct sunlight. The amount of light they need will also change during the seasons. Many succulents and cactuses go dormant during the fall and winter months, and as such will require might less sunlight and water during these times. 

In summer, you may be surprised to learn that cacti and succulent plants require more water than you would expect. As they are most active during the summer months, they should typically be given water once a week. 

Types Of Cactus

Burro’s Tail cactus is also called a donkey tail plant and is one of the easiest plants to grow and care for. This plant takes its name from the way its grows in a long manner that resembled a tail. 

The pincushion cactus is a miniature sized cactus that grows no larger than six inches. It has very small pointy spikes covering it and grows very small flowers. 

Types Of Succulents

The Aloe Vera plant is a well known and popular house plant. Known for its spiky shapes leaves and medicinal qualities, the aloe vera plant is a great addition to any home. 

Echeveria is another one of the more popular indoor succulents, with a blooming formation of leaves.