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Cactus Gardening
All cactus plants are succulents, but not all succulents are cactus plants. Being able to tell the difference is one of the concerns in the cactus gardening section. Other questions to be asked and answered include the specifics of a cactus plant's adaptability, environmental impact, growing conditions, harmful stresses, native habitats, propagation methods, and value for people and wildlife.
918 Questions
A zygocactus is any variety of cactus in the genus Schlumbergera.
A xoconostle is a species of prickly pear cactus, Opuntia matudae, native to Central Mexico, or the acidic fruit from this cactus.
How tall and wide does a desert gem cacti gets?
Desert gem cacti, also known as Echinocactus polycephalus, typically grow to a height of about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) and can reach a width of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). Their globular shape and vibrant colors make them popular in gardens and as houseplants. They thrive in well-drained soil and require plenty of sunlight.
How does a pricky pear cactus store water?
it draws water into its center and swells its tissues with as much as it can hold.
How do wool like hairs benefit some cactus plants?
Wool-like hairs on cactus plants, known as trichomes, provide several benefits. They help reduce water loss by creating a microclimate that traps moisture and lowers the temperature around the plant's surface. These hairs also offer protection from intense sunlight and serve as a barrier against herbivores and pests. Additionally, they can aid in capturing and condensing moisture from the air, further supporting the cactus's survival in arid environments.
What learned behavior does a cactus have?
Plants are not intelligent, and are not capable of learning.
Why cant cacti live by the ocean?
Cacti cannot thrive by the ocean primarily due to their specialized adaptations to arid environments, which include a need for well-drained soil and minimal moisture. Coastal areas often have high humidity and salt levels, which can be detrimental to cacti that are not equipped to handle such conditions. Additionally, cacti are adapted to survive prolonged droughts, whereas coastal ecosystems typically experience more consistent rainfall and moisture. These factors collectively make coastal habitats unsuitable for cacti.
What is the best month for planting Dragon Fruit?
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya or Pitahaya) can be planted at any time. Spring and Fall are suggested as the best time of year, but other months work, also.
What did the cactus look like 100 years ago?
100 years ago, the many species of cacti looked just as they look today. The process of evolutionary change takes much longer than one or two centuries, but several (or many) thousands of years.
Why are bulbs on roots on a cacti?
Some varities of cacti develop bulbs, or more accurately, nodules or tubers, on their roots as a means of storing specific nutrients that the plants need as they grow. Some root nodules store nitrogen while others maintain a high concentration of salts which aid in water absortion. Still other types of nodules may signal disease or infestation of some sort, depending on the species of cactus and its location.
Why does a cactus seed lie dormant for many years?
Cactsus seeds can lie dormant for many years so that they can survive until they have enough water to germinate and sprout. In the desert, many years may need to pass before enough water falls in the right season for cactus seeds to germinate.
Is the prickly pear and cactus relationship mutualism or commensalism?
A prickly pear is a cactus. There is no commensalism or mutualism.
What is the substrate of a cactus?
The substrate of a cactus typically consists of well-draining materials that mimic its natural desert environment. Common components include a mix of potting soil, sand, perlite, and gravel, which help prevent water retention and promote aeration. This type of substrate allows cacti to thrive by providing the necessary drainage while still retaining some moisture for the plant's needs. Additionally, it often has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, suitable for cactus growth.
Why does a cactus have thick stem?
Enlarged stems carry out photosynthesis and store water. Unlike many other succulents, the stem is the only part of a true cactus where this takes place. Much like many other plants that have waxy coatings on their leaves, Cacti often have a waxy coating on their stems to prevent water loss. This works by preventing water from spreading on the surface and allowing water to trickle down the stem to be absorbed by the roots and used for photosynthesis. Cacti have a thick, hard-walled, succulent stem - when it rains, water is stored in the stem. The stems are photosynthetic, green, and fleshy. The inside of the stem is either spongy or hollow (depending on the cactus). A thick, waxy coating keeps the water inside the cactus from evaporating.
