Are succulents and succulents the same? The terminology can be confusing, but although both concepts are closely related in the world of botany and gardening, They should not be taken as exact synonymsThe differences and similarities between them go far beyond appearance or ease of cultivation. Today, it's still common to think of succulents as just succulents, but the reality is much more complex and interesting.
Both succulents and crass plants stand out for their extraordinary adaptation to drought environments and their morphological diversity. They are ideal plants for creating low-maintenance gardens, both indoors and outdoors. They also have unparalleled ornamental appeal, making them perfect for use in compositions, small pots, living walls, and terrariums. Next, Discover in depth the differences, similarities, care and uses of succulents, cacti and succulents, as well as a selection of popular species.
What are succulents and succulents? Key concepts and differences
Succulent plants They include all those species capable of storing water in their tissues, whether in leaves, stems, roots or a combination of these. This quality is the result of a convergent evolution, that is, the ability to retain water appears independently in different botanical groups due to adaptation to similar environmental conditions, such as aridity, high sun exposure and low rainfall.
In the broad group of succulents there are several families: Crassulaceae, Cactaceae, Agavaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Aizoaceae, among others. Thus, we can say that succulents and cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are succulents or cacti.
On the other hand, succulent plants (derived from the Latin “crassus”, meaning thick), are those that have leaves, and sometimes stems, noticeably thickened and fleshy. Botanically, the term "succulent" is usually used strictly to refer to plants of the Crassulaceae family (such as Sedum, Echeveria, Crassula, Rhodiola, among others). However, in practical gardening and in common parlance, "succulent" is used for any succulent that does not have areoles (a structure unique to cacti) and whose adaptation is visible in fleshy leaves.
Essential comparison:
- Succulents: These include all plants with specialized fleshy organs for storing water (stems, leaves, and/or roots). Examples include cacti, succulents, agaves, certain euphorbias, Pachypodium, and Adenium obesum (desert rose).
- Succulents: Succulents, generally from the Crassulaceae family, that accumulate water primarily in their leaves. They lack areoles and, with a few exceptions, have no noticeable spines.
- Cactus: Succulents exclusive to the Cactaceae family, easily recognizable because have areolas, from which thorns, flowers, and new shoots emerge. They usually store water in their stems.
This botanical and morphological classification is essential for understand the type of care required by each group, as well as to correctly identify each plant.
Botanical and physiological characteristics: adaptation to drought
Succulent plants They have developed several strategies to survive in arid habitats with limited water sources.
- Water storage: The common feature of all of them is the presence of fleshy organs (leaves, stems or roots), where they store large reserves of water to survive during long periods without rainfall.
- Reduction of exposed surface: Many succulents have small leaves, either absent or transformed into spines (as is the case with most cacti), which reduces transpiration and water loss.
- Covered or pruinose surfaces: Some species have a type of wax or hairs (pubescence) that help retain moisture and protect from excessive solar radiation.
- CAM Photosynthesis: Most plants use crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), a type of photosynthesis that is highly efficient in saving water, as it allows their stomata to open at night, minimizing water loss through evapotranspiration.
The succulents, in particular, show fleshy leaves, which by accumulating water, can acquire very variable shapes: rosettes, columns or even resemble small stones (in the case of Lithops). The absence of areolas This is its main distinction from cacti.
For its part, The Cactus They are identified by their thick photosynthetic stems filled with water reserves and the unmistakable presence of areoles. These structures are essential, as they are where thorns, flowers, and new shoots emerge.
Key differences between succulents, succulents, and cacti
- Main storage organ: Succulents store water primarily in their leaves; cacti in their stems; other succulents may do so in one or the other, or also in their roots.
- Areolas: Only cacti have these structures, which are important for identifying the Cactaceae family. No other succulent plant has areoles.
- Thorns: Many cacti have transformed their leaves into spines, while only a few succulents and succulents exhibit true spines.
- Botanical classification: Succulents are usually in the Crassulaceae family, although the term is more flexible in gardening. Succulents include a huge variety of families and genera.
- Origin and distribution: Cacti originate primarily from desert areas of the Americas, but succulents (including succulents) are distributed across all continents, from Africa to Asia and Europe.
Similarities between succulents and cacti
- Ability to withstand long periods without irrigation.
- Preference for sunny or bright environments.
- Well-drained substrate essential for healthy growth.
- Sensitivity to excess water and prone to root rot in case of waterlogging.
- Low maintenance and easy to grow.
These common points have made succulents, succulents and cacti Ideal plants for those looking for sustainable gardens, interior decoration or natural solutions for low-water spaces.
Care and recommendations for succulents, cacti, and succulents
The care for these three types of plants is similar, although there are nuances that are important to know to ensure their proper development and avoid problems such as rot or water stress.
- Irrigation: All of them require spaced watering. It's best to water only when the substrate is completely dry and minimize watering during the winter. Cacti generally require even less water than other succulents. Overwatering is the most common cause of death in this group of plants.
- Light: They prefer locations with plenty of natural light. Succulents and succulents generally tolerate bright, indirect light, while cacti thrive in direct sun. Succulents should be avoided from midday rays, which can cause sunburn, especially in very hot climates.
- Substratum: Always use a well-draining substrate, specifically for succulents or cacti, usually composed of coarse sand, perlite, gravel, and a small amount of organic matter.
- Flowerpot: The container should have drainage holes and, preferably, be round to promote root development. Avoid pots without drainage, as they retain water and promote disease.
- Temperature and humidity: They prefer dry and warm environments, although some succulent species tolerate cool temperatures better than cacti.
Proper care not only ensures the health of the plant, but also enhances the beauty of its flowers and shape, allowing you to enjoy its splendor for years.
Uses in gardening and decoration
- Xerophytic gardens: Succulents, succulents, and cacti are the central choice in low-irrigation gardens designed for dry climates or to reduce water consumption.
- Interior design: Thanks to their compact size and variety of shapes and colors, they are used in pots, terrariums, kokedamas, and living walls for modern, minimalist, or oriental-inspired interiors.
- Ornamental compositions: The different textures and shades of green, blue, gray, or reddish of these plants allow for the creation of true works of natural art in small containers.
- Low maintenance: Adapted to a lack of attention, they are ideal for those looking for hardy, undemanding plants.
Most representative families and genera of succulents and crasses
Within the enormous diversity of succulents, some families and genera stand out that are worth knowing:
- Crassulaceae: Includes genera such as Sedum, Crassula, Echeveria, and Aeonium. Perfect for rock gardens or containers.
- Cactaceae: All cacti. Prominent genera include Mammillaria, Opuntia, Echinopsis, and Lophophora.
- Aizoaceae: Famous for the Lithops or "stone plants".
- Euphorbiaceae: Various genera with very varied shapes and colors, such as Euphorbia obesa or Euphorbia millii.
- Agavaceae: Includes the well-known Agave.
- Asphodelaceae: The Aloe genus belongs to this family. Aloe vera is especially famous for its medicinal benefits.
Outstanding examples of succulents: species to inspire
Below is a selection of succulents and succulents ideal for the home or garden, including both popular species and varieties with notable medicinal or ornamental uses.
Aloe vera (Aloe)
Succulent with fleshy, green leaves, sometimes with white spots when young. It grows to about 40 cm tall and produces yellow flower spikes. Valued both as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal uses on the skin.
Crassula perforata
Succulent with stems first erect and then prostrate, up to 45 cm, with fleshy leaves and cream panicle flowers.
echeveria lilac
Silver rosette succulent plant 12 to 25 cm, blooms in winter with delicate pink or coral flowers.
Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro Cactus)
Column up to 7 meters, dark green stems with areoles of short spinesIt blooms with large, very aromatic white flowers.
Lophophora williamsii (Peyote)
Dark green globular cactus, very small (5 cm high x 10 cm diameter), extremely slow growing and appreciated for its cultural value and its pink flowers.
Mammillaria gracilis (At the moment Mammillaria vetula)
Small cactus with blue-green stems and white spines, with white flowers arranged in a crown.
sedum palmeri
Hanging succulents with green rosettes and yellow flowers In spring, recommended for covering soil or growing in hanging pots.
Frequently asked questions about succulents, cacti, and succulents
- Are all succulents succulents?
No, although all succulents are succulents, not all succulents are succulents. The term succulent is generic and encompasses any plant with modified tissues for storing water, while succulents typically have the adaptation in their leaves. - How to distinguish a cactus from another succulent?
Due to the presence of areoles, the rounded structures from which thorns and flowers grow. For more details, visit our page about differences between succulents and crasses. - Can they be grown together in the same container?
Yes, as long as species with similar light, water and substrate requirements are selected. - Are they all suitable for indoors?
Many are, especially succulents and succulents with moderate light requirements. Cacti prefer sunnier environments.
Expert tips for enjoying your succulents and succulents
- Avoid excessively wet plants: Underwatering is always better than overwatering. Drainage is vital.
- Rotate the pots: Do this occasionally to ensure even growth and prevent the plant from leaning in search of light.
- Fertilize wisely: Use specific fertilizers, always at the minimum recommended dosage, only during the active growth period.
- Caution with transplant: Change pots only when strictly necessary and with completely new substrate.
The richness and diversity of succulents, succulents and cacti lies both in their unique adaptations and in the enormous variety of shapes and colors they offer.Understanding their botanical and care differences not only helps you identify them correctly, but also makes the most of their ornamental and ecological value. Whether for a dry garden, an indoor collection, a minimalist design, or original compositions, This type of plants is synonymous with resilient beauty and intelligent nature.
