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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

Can a cactus survive in cold weather?

Yes there is several prickly pears and some others that are hardy well below freezing, as long as they are well drained and dont stay moist for too long they should be fine. the cold and snow arent what is gonna kill it but the moist soil will make it rot. Planting them in a raised bed with a soil mix designed for cacti should help and they will do fine

Are those needles in the cactus really needles?

As in sewing needles or pinhead needles - no. But they're long, narrow and really pointy, which make them very much like needles.

Where are cacti originally from?

Cacti are members of the plant family Cactaceae, which is found naturally only in the Americas and on nearby islands. They range from southern Canada to southern Argentina and can be found coast to coast in both North America and South America. The centers of diversity for the family are in Mexico and in South America south of the Amazon Basin. One species of "Mistletoe Cactus" (Rhipsalis baccifera) that grows mostly as an "epiphyte" in trees, is found naturally in tropical regions scattered around the globe. It is believed to have been spread, most likely by birds, from the Americas, where it originated. Other species, mostly Pricklypears (of the genus Opuntia) have been introduced more recently by humans into areas with suitable climates around the world, and have become weeds in a few regions.

Is a cactus covered with thorns?

The jumping cholla [Cylindropuntia bigelovii] doesn't need to launch its thorns. The thorns just loosen easily in response to strong wind events, or contact. The cactus is native to North America. In Mexico, it's found in the Sonoran Desert. In the U.S., it's found in Arizona, California, and Texas. It's also known by a number of common names, including the ironic Teddy Bear cholla.

What kind of cactus is the biggest?

Pachycereus pringlei, also known as Mexican Giant Cardon or Elephant Cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to northwestern Mexico and grows to 63 feet in height, the largest in the world.

How is cactus well adapted in desert?

Cacti are well adapted to deserts due to their water-storing ability in their thick, fleshy stems and spines that help reduce water loss by providing shade and reducing air flow around the plant. Their shallow, widespread root system allows them to quickly absorb water after a rain event, and their ability to conduct photosynthesis at night reduces water loss through transpiration during the day.

Where is cactus found in?

Cactus plants grow natively in the southwestern United States of America. But they may be found throughout the dry, hot Great Plains' states all the way to North Dakota. Additionally, they may be grown inside in many of the states as long as levels of heat, humidity, light, and moisture are controlled and monitored.

What is the ecological niche of saguaro cacti?

Saguaro cacti occupy the ecological niche of desert plants, specifically in the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. They provide food and shelter for various species such as birds, bats, and insects. Their tall, columnar shape allows them to store water and provide shade for other desert organisms.

How is temperature a limiting factor for a cactus in a desert?

Temperature can be a limiting factor for cacti in deserts because extreme heat can lead to dehydration and damage the plant's tissues. Cacti are adapted to hot desert climates, but if temperatures become too high, the plant may struggle to conserve water and photosynthesize effectively. Additionally, freezing temperatures can also harm cacti by causing damage to their cells if not properly insulated or protected.

What type of tropism do cactus plants show?

Phototropism is the type of growth that the desert cactus plant shows above ground. It grows in response to the high levels of heat and light in the desert. The above ground parts are called the shoots, and the below ground roots. The roots grow in response to the search for moisture in the soil.

Can all types of cactus plants be eaten?

Some cacti can be eaten, such as the prickly pear. However, there are a number of species of cactus that have toxic or hallucinogenic properties that can make ingestion a less than pleasant experience. Both the tender young pads as well as the fruit of the prickly pear are eaten by many people in Mexico as well as in the southwestern United States. The pads are called nopales and the fruit tunas and both are frequently sold in markets and grocery stores in these regions. They can be eaten raw (after removing the tiny spines called glochids) or cooked.

What is an adaptation of cactus plants underwater?

There is no adaptation of cactus plants underwater. The cactus plant is built to withstand light deprivation if it's a jungle cactus. It's built to withstand moisture deprivation if it's a desert cactus. But either way, the cactus can't tolerate excesses in the fulfillment of its moisture, light and heat requirements.

Excess cold and damp soften and blacken cactus tissue. It's an open invitation to fungal problems. No cactus can withstand the large scale softening and blackening of its tissue by being subjected to the constant moisture of underwater living.

Where are cactus in AZ?

Cacti are found throughout the state of Arizona. Some common places to find cacti in Arizona include the Sonoran Desert, Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and various other desert regions within the state.

Which deserts do cacti live in?

Cacti are primarily plants found in the Americas. Some have been taken to other areas of the world and introduced where they quickly become noxious invasive plants. Various prickly pear species are the prime culprits.

What nutrients does a cactus need?

Obviously judging from the cacti's arid environment where water is a rarity, one must conclude that in fact they eat dirt, sand, or any other soil like material. Cacti also most likely use the power that they gather from the sun to lure unsuspecting victims to them where they impale them upon their many spikes and absorb the nutrients from the carcass much like a fungus.

How is a peyote adapted to its environment in the Sahara Desert?

Peyote is not naturally found in the Sahara Desert. It is native to North America, specifically the Chihuahuan Desert. In its native habitat, peyote has evolved to survive in arid conditions with minimal water by storing water in its fleshy stem and having shallow roots to capture rainwater.

What do you do if you get cactus all over yourself?

If you get cactus spines on you, use tape or a lint roller to lift them off. For tiny spines, apply a layer of glue or hair removal wax to the area, then peel it off gently. If spines are deeply embedded, seek medical attention to have them removed safely.

How do you cook cactus?

To cook cactus pads (nopales), start by removing the thorns and outer skin. Then, you can slice, dice, or boil them depending on the recipe. Common cooking methods include sautéing them with onions and garlic, grilling, or adding them to soups and stews.

How is the prickly pear cactus adapted to desert life?

v They are covered in a waxy substance that helps them keep water under the 'skin' of the plant.

v Theirs 'leaves' are in the shape of needles which helps them retain water as it has less surface area. They also act as self defence to stop animals from eating them.

Hope this helps =)

What are three adaptations of a cactus?

  1. Reduced leaf surface area to minimize water loss through transpiration.
  2. Stem modifications, such as succulence, to store water and perform photosynthesis.
  3. Waxy cuticle to prevent water loss and spines for defense against herbivores.

How do you tell the age of a barrel cactus?

There is no way to tell the exact age of a cactus. Unlike trees you can count rings, but for cacti some believe like the saguaro cactus you can use the arms to tell the age, but in the life span of a saguaro it can grow at different rates. if you have to estimate a saguaro it takes the base an average of about 60 years to grow to the size of a male adult.

Is a cactus a houseplant?

Yes, a cactus is a houseplant. In fact, it's a good houseplant. It requires little or no attention during its dormant season. During its growing season, it tends to need no more fertilizing and watering than every 10-14 days. It adds beauty, cleanses the air, and demands little in return other than vigilance against chilling and overwatering.

What is the name of the 45 foot tall giant cactus of Mexico?

Carnegiea gigantea is the scientific name of the 45 foot tall giant cactus of Mexico. The giant saguaro cactus is the common name. The cactus also is found in the southwestern United States of America. It's a towering plant that grows steadily and that may live for more than 100 years.

Why do cactus grow flowers?

Cacti grow flowers to reproduce and produce seeds. The bright, showy flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which transfer pollen between cactus flowers, allowing them to be fertilized and produce seeds for new cacti plants to grow.

How do you exterminate a large cactus?

To exterminate a large cactus, you can cut it down to ground level using a saw or axe. Then, carefully dig around the base of the cactus to expose the roots, and remove as much of the root system as possible. You can also treat the remaining roots with herbicide to prevent regrowth.