Discover the difference — and crime syndicate resemblances — when comparing succulent vs. cacti .
( L ) Meredith Corporation , ( R ) Jacob Fox
What ’s the difference between a cactus and a succulent ? Yes , they can look very different , but considering the fact that both flourish in dry climates andneither require much waterto outlive , we should n’t be surprised that they are relate . But these two plant life types have much more in common than their drought tolerance and heat - loving nature .
Credit:(L) Meredith Corporation, (R) Jacob Fox
Is a Cactus a Succulent?
Succulents are not their own distinct family , but can be found in around 60 family of plant life . Cacti , in theCactaceaefamily , make up one of these family . Soall cacti are succulent , but not all succulent are cacti . Cacti are plainly a subcategory within a group of plants , which are known jointly as succulents .
All succulent are defined as water supply - stack away plants . The give-and-take " succulent " comes from Latinsucus , meaning succus or sap , and the modern word simply stand for " juicy . " These plants can be found in dry , arid climates where rain is infrequent , so they rely heavily on dew and mist to survive in between .
The unique shapes and colors that have descend to define succulent havemade them a pop houseplantin recent years .
Credit: Craig Anderson
Succulent Plant Features
Succulents feature thick , fleshy leave that retain water and nutrients during time of drouth . Their etymon body structure are typically shallow and close to the surface or the soil to absorb as much moisture as possible . Many types of succulents are equip with rib , allowing them to extend so as to curb more water and also get smaller to reduce the surface arena exposed to the sun . There are also a routine of internal chemical substance processes that can help the plant keep on water .
A defining feature film of cacti is yet another way of life succulents can arrest their wet . A waxy , fuzzy , or bristled outer surface creates a micro - habitat of humidness that trim tune motion around the plant and avail it to stay on cool and hydrous . ( These backbone are also a helpful tool to protect against predators . )
The cactus ’s spine conformation in clusters on each areole , which is an often dark - color bump on the open of the plant life . The areoles originate as a kind of leg from the independent plant . Some succulent are mistaken for cacti just because they have small spines . plant can have these characteristic without being cacti because they do not have areoles .
To get really implant nerdy , cacti spines are a signifier of modified leaf , while otherplants , like pink wine , produce thorns as specialized shank tissue paper . This is why it ’s not technically correct to say that cacti have thorns .
Cacti evolved 30 to 40 million years ago in the Americas , where today the native plants can be found stretching all the way from Patagonia to parts of western Canada . Succulents , on the other hand , are aboriginal to every continent on Earth except for Antarctica . The plants are highly adaptable , and can even be find as epiphytes , grow on other works without touch the ground .
Succulent Care Tips
Succulents ( include cacti ) make fantabulous houseplants . When they ’re potted and cared for correctly ( according to their family and variety show ) , they take very small maintenance . In fact , over - watering is a main cause of lush last . Generally , they just care to be left alone , as long as they have adequate sunlight .
While specific upkeep backsheesh take issue harmonize to variety , the boastful formula of thumb when it comes tokeeping your succulents aliveand glad is to make trusted the potting intermixture is completely dry out out before lacrimation . This usually equate to once per week , but that reckon on the drain , humidness , temperature , and sun that each plant is getting . If the leaf begin to feel soggy or mushy , your flora is likely being overwatered .
Most succulents and cacti lovebright Light Within , but not needs direct sun . If you arekeeping them as indoor plants , be certain to have them near big , burnished window to get as much sunlight as potential . Move them around your home for a few week at a time to see how they accommodate to different degree of sunshine . you’re able to tell if your plant life are n’t bring enough sunshine if the leaves start to dilute or the flesh begins to blanch .
A well - draining potting premix and container are also essential to the endurance of any cactus or succulent . Baroness Dudevant , pumice stone , perlite , potting soil , or a mix of any of these are common media in which succulents can be embed . Consider occupy the bottom of your container with rocks or crushed rock so water can drain away from the roots and grunge .
Propagating Succulents and Cactus
succulent , like other plants , can multiply via seeds . However , they have had to adapt as wind ofttimes carries the diminutive seeds away from suitable growing areas . Propagation generally refers to a method of multiplying from a piece of the parent plant . There are a few different ways in which succulent can multiply , which can happen by nature or purposefully by a nurseryman appear to extend their garden ’s diversity .
Vegetative propagation happens when a stem or offshoot from a parent plant gets replanted and spring its own roots from the snub conclusion after a duet of weeks . This can also happen with case-by-case leaves , which can sprout roots without first being replanted in ground . Both of these methods involve a period of healing ( or callousing ) of a few Clarence Day to varnish itself from potential contagion from soil and water before the roots can organise .
Division , on the other hand , is a method of propagation whereby the parent plant produce a whelp ( also known as a plantlet or chick ) near its base . The pup is an independent mini plant , which can be transplant after two to three weeks of growth near the parent .
