Ferocacti
Grafted Cactus
Gymnocalycium ("Chin Cactus")
Mammillaria
Opuntia - Icon of the Southwest
Rebutia
Rhipsalis
Christmas Cacti
Orchid Cacti

All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Simply put, what separates cacti from succulents are the organs that produce the spines, and some other characteristics specific to fruit formation, differences between dicots and monocots and a few other differing charcteristics. Cacti are native to the United States, mostly in the southwestern states, Mexico, Central and South America and a few species are native to Haiti, and other islands. They are grown for their spectacular flowers and plant shapes.

Usually, when one thinks of cacti, one thinks of deserts with inhospitable temperatures and levels of light. However, many of the smaller cacti that live in this environment are situated under bushes or in behind rocks and do not receive constant, intense solar radiation. The native habitat of many other cacti is often at a higher altitude (where the light is strong but the temperatures are far cooler than on the desert floor), or, in tropical jungle-like environments. Many cacti, such as the Astrophytums, dwell at higher altitudes and underneath pine trees, where they receive very little direct sun. All cacti require light to flower and to photosynthesize, however a plant can absorb a lot of light with nothing more than morning sun or reflective light. Practically all of the cacti enjoy a lot of sunlight. But be careful not to expose them to unrelenting hot sun for an entire day. Even in the deserts, as young plants, they grow in the shade of larger plants until they are large and well established in the ground. In pots, on heat reflecting patios, a full day's sun can put a lot of stress on your plants. Good partial sunlight or half day of full sun is usually excellent. Exceptions to this are the jungle or tree cacti, of course, and also some of the Astrophytums and other naked cacti which like more filtered or shaded sun since they have no spines to shade them.

All cacti need a rapidly draining, porous soil mix. It is always better to water well and thoroughly, letting water pour out of the drain in the pot. Never let cacti sit in standing water. Let them go thoroughly dry between waterings. Water sparingly during winter months (by sparingly we mean infrequently) as cacti do very little growing when cold. If you can keep night time temperatures above 50°F, the plants will perform very well through the winter. However, most can tolerate, without difficulty, night time temperatures which are consistently as low as 32°F, if kept fairly dry.

An all around name brand house plant fertilizer should be used during growing season, only at half the recommended strength.

Cacti will reward you with their blooms if given lots of bright light or sun daily.

They are slow growing, for the most part, and will not need frequent transplanting.

We wish you many happy years of growing and enjoying your desert treasures.