Cacti and succulents are very similar to each other, but we can also appreciate important differences between these plants.
You will surely like both varieties and, precisely for this reason, we want to talk to you about how to care for them.
Are cacti and succulents from the same family?
Not exactly. Cacti belong exclusively to the cactus family. cacti, while succulent plants can belong to various botanical families, such as crassulaceae, euphorbiaceae y asphodelaceae, Among others.
All cacti are a type of succulent plant and, instead, Not all succulents are cacti.
Succulents are plants that have developed the ability to store water in their tissues, whether leaves, stems or roots. This adaptation allows them to survive in regions where water availability is limited.
Cacti, on the other hand, are characterized by having areoles, which are small areas where spines, flowers and buds grow. In no other succulent can we see areoles.
Similarities between cacti and succulents
Both groups of plants are characterized by their incredible ability to adapt to hostile environments, and they achieve this largely thanks to a series of characteristics that they share:
Water storage
Both cacti and succulents have developed the ability to store large amounts of water in their tissues. This reserve allows them to survive in arid regions, where the rains are scarce and the sun shines brightly.
Their leaves, stems and roots act as real water reservoirs, ensuring their hydration during periods of drought.
Adaptation to the environment
Both plants have evolved to adapt to extreme conditions. Their leaves, often transformed into spines in the case of cacti, reduce water loss through transpiration and serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
On the other hand, its thick, fleshy stems also minimize evaporation and protect its water reserves.
Efficient metabolism
Cacti and succulents share a special type of metabolism called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism)This allows them to open their stomata (pores) at night to absorb carbon dioxide, thus avoiding water loss during the day, when the heat is more intense.
This metabolism gives them an adaptive advantage that manifests itself in:
- Efficient use of water. By opening their stomata at night, plants minimize water loss through transpiration, allowing them to survive in dry environments.
- Adaptation to high temperatures. Closing stomata during the day reduces leaf exposure to high temperatures and prevents overheating.
- Carbon sequestration efficiency. The temporal separation of CO2 fixation and the Calvin cycle allows CAM plants to efficiently capture carbon even under water-stressed conditions.
Main differences between cacti and succulents
They have a lot in common, but there are also things that differentiate them and that allow us to speak of two different species.
Areola
The main difference between cacti and succulents lies in the presence of areoles. Small specialized areas where spines, flowers and new shoots are born in cacti.
In nature there are no other plants that have areoles, which allows us to quickly identify cacti.
Thorns
Both cacti and some succulents can have spines, but the Cactus spines always originate from the areoles.
As for their shape and arrangement, they can vary greatly between different species of cactus.
Diversity of families
Cacti belong exclusively to the Cactaceae family, a well-defined family with unique characteristics. Succulents, on the other hand, are a broader group that includes plants from various botanical families, such as Crassulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asphodelaceae and many others.
shape and appearance
While cacti often have globose or columnar forms, succulents show a greater diversity of shapes, sizes and colors.
Succulents can have fleshy leaves, thick stems, or even resemble stones, like lithopsThis diversity reflects the wide range of families to which they belong.
Flowering
Cactus flowers are also unique and develop from areoles. They are often large, showy and funnel-shaped.
Succulent flowers, on the other hand, vary greatly in shape and structure, depending on the family to which they belong.
Resumiendo:
- Areolas. Present only in cacti.
- Thorns. In cacti they arise from areoles; in succulents, they may have another origin.
- families. Cacti belong to the Cactaceae family; succulents to various families.
- Shape. Cacti are usually globose or columnar; succulents have more varied shapes.
- Flowers. In cacti they grow from large, showy areoles; in succulents they are very varied.
Care tips for cacti and succulents
Despite their differences, the care required by both types of plants is very similar. Therefore, if you follow these instructions, you will obtain good results.
Luz
- Intensity. Most cacti and succulents need plenty of direct sunlight. Ideally, they should be placed in a spot where they will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you don't have such a spot, you can use grow lights to supplement the natural light.
- Adaptation. If you are going to move a plant from a low-light location to a bright location, do it gradually to avoid burning it.
- Rotation. Rotate the plants occasionally so that all parts receive light evenly.
Irrigation
- Frequency. The biggest mistake people make with cacti and succulents is overwatering them. Watering frequency will depend on the time of year, temperature, humidity, and type of plant. In general, it's better to underwater than overwater.
- How to water. When you water, water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole in the pot. Then, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
- Sewer system. It is essential that the pot has good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting.
Substratum
- Mixture. Use a special soil mix for cacti and succulents. This usually contains potting soil, sand, and perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
- pH. The ideal pH for most cacti and succulents is slightly acidic or neutral.
Temperature
- Rank. Most cacti and succulents tolerate high temperatures well, but they do not like the cold. Ideally, they should be kept in a temperature range between 18°C and 35°C.
- Frost. If you live in a place where frost is common, it is important to protect your plants from the cold. You can bring them inside or cover them with a blanket.
Fertilizer
- Epoca. Fertilize plants during the growing season (spring and summer) with a special fertilizer for cacti and succulents.
- Dilution. Dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Transplant
- Frequency. Repot plants every 2 to 3 years, or when the pot becomes too small.
Plagues and diseases
- Prevention. Inspect plants regularly for pests or diseases.
- Treatment. If you find any insects or fungi, treat the plant with a specific product.
Similar, but also very different from each other, cacti and succulents are easy-to-care-for plants that cannot be missing from your home.