Need a plant with lots of character that likes low humidity, warm temperatures, lots of light and not much attention? Look no further. There are literally hundreds of cacti and succulents that would fit into that setting perfectly. There are such a wide variety of sizes and shapes among them that you can find one to fit almost every conceivable space. Almost always teamed together, cacti and succulents have lots in common and several important distinctions. This information sheet will point out the distinctions and similarities. For more information on some of the best specific cacti and succulents, pick up a copy of Favorite Cacti for Indoors and Favorite Succulents for Indoors. To select a healthy cactus or succulent, look for a plant with good color. It should be in a pot large enough to provide the plant stability. Look for signs of recent growth and check to make sure it is firmly rooted.

What is the difference between a cactus and a succulent?
This is like those lessons in new math · all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The word succulent simply means juicy and fleshy. All succulents have the ability to store water in their flesh. Cacti are succulents with spine cushions called areoles that can bear spines and/or flowers but the plants do not have branches or leaves. Succulents do not have areoles and can have branches and leaves.

Does that mean all cacti have spines and succulents don't?
There are enough exceptions to that rule that it really isn't very useful. Holiday cacti are true cacti and they don't have any thorns. And on the other hand, many indoor plant growers have had to pull out the Band-Aids after dealing with their agaves, a type of succulents known for wicked spines.

Are there lots of types of cacti?
Cacti all belong to one family, Cactaceae. There are hundreds of varieties offering almost every imaginable shape and size. With the exception of few varieties that are protected and a few that get too large, most cacti make great indoor plants.

Which is correct, cacti or cactuses?
Even though "cacti" is used much more often, "cactuses" is perfectly acceptable.

Are all cacti desert plants?
Of the hundreds of varieties, almost all of them originated in the Americas, and most of them in deserts and arid regions. Some varieties of cacti are jungle plants, such as the Holiday cactus and orchid cactus. (Note: true orchids are neither succulents nor cacti.)

Do all cacti have the same basic growing requirements?
All cacti that come from hot, dry areas can be treated alike. They need 5-6 hours of direct sunlight year around, average indoor temperatures and low humidity. They should be thoroughly watered once every 2-3 weeks.

What type of soil should I use with cacti?
Cacti like a well-drained soil. Specially formulated mixes made up of sand mixed into potting soil are available for small jobs. If you are repotting a larger plant, better drainage can be achieved by making your own mixture with 3 parts peat-based potting soil and 1 part poultry grit (a fine-grade crushed granite or limestone). Those few cacti from the jungles prefer to stay just barely moist and may require water weekly. They also should be protected from direct sun in the afternoon.

How should I fertilize cacti?
Avoid any fertilizer in the winter. During the rest of the season, give them an all-purpose water soluble fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel Gro. Mix it half-strength and fertilize every other time you water.

Are there lots of types of succulents?
Lots! is an understatement. Unlike cacti, which all belong to one family; there are succulents in 12 different families. Some of those families have several succulent geneses and many of those have several species. In other words, there are lots of different succulents. Of all those, many are very suitable as indoor plants.

Do succulents all have the same basic requirements?
There are some basic similarities, but there are so many distinctively different plants in this category that it is difficult to make useful generalizations. By their nature, succulents are more drought tolerant than the average plant and need at least 4 or 5 hours of bright light each day. They tend to be more tolerant of low humidity. Succulents prefer a well-drained potting soil such as Bachman’s Mighty Earth potting soil with 25% sand added to the mix.

How do I approach repotting cacti and succulents?
Other than the thorns and bristles, you can handle repotting as you do with any other plant. To avoid the thorns, either work with heavy leather gloves, handle the plants with tongs or wrap the plant with several layers of newspaper to protect your hands.

How can cacti and succulents be propagated?
In nature, they rely primarily on seeds, but that is a long, slow process for the home gardener. Propagation through cuttings is easy and reliable for these plants. Dip the raw end of the cuttings into a rooting hormone with fungicide and let them dry for several days to form a callous. Next, stick the cutting just deep enough into dry soil to keep it upright but do not water. After a few weeks, roots will begin to form and you can water. If you water before you have roots, the cutting may rot. Some succulents will grow from seeds. There are a few varieties of cactus that need to be propagated by grafting.

Are there any insect or disease problems with cacti and succulents?
When these plants are over-watered or planted in soil that is not well drained, they are prone to rot at the base. Occasionally they will have problems with mealy bug or white fly. Treat them carefully with the mildest insecticides available, since many of them are sensitive to chemicals. Healthy plants are much more resistant to problems.

For Additional Information on Cacti and Succulents
The House Plant Expert by Dr. D. G. Hessayon
Ortho's Guide to Successful House Plants
Bachman's Information Sheet Favorite Succulents
Bachman's Information Sheet Favorite Cacti
Indoor Garden Book by John Brookes

Recommended Products
Quality Cacti and Succulents
Bachman’s Mighty Earth Potting Soil
Cactus Potting Soil
Containers and Saucers
Gardening Tools and Gloves
Dish Gardens

© Bachman's 2009