Cacti and Succulents

Xerophytes Adapted for Drought, Modified for Water Conservation

Stems and leaves modified for water storage, a waxy coating, or in some cases spines or wool to create shade, and ways of going into dormancy in times of extreme stress enable these fascinating plants to survive.

Each type of plant has evolved to perfectly fit its environment – in the case of cacti and succulents, their natural habitats can be hostile places, with very dry conditions, sometimes lasting years. The plants go dormant under times of drought, to burst forth with incredibly huge brightly coloured blooms when rains come.

Seeing the fantastic explosion of bloom is becoming a pilgrimage for many collectors, both human and insects, as this opportunity of gathering nectar and pollen for pollinators is not to be missed.

After the blooms are finished, many cacti go on to produce fruit which in an amazing number of species can be eaten. Find out more about edible cacti and succulents here (opens in a new window).

The natural habitat of many cacti and succulents is in desert like places, leading us to refer to them as desert plants; however, there are also species that make their homes in treetops, on cliffs and screes.

See more about cactus plants here.

In many jungles, the succulents that we call Christmas cactus, more correctly called Schlumbergera, inhabit treetops to get the light they need, and are watered by rainfall, nourished by the falling leaves and twigs decomposing in the crooks of branches.

Epiphyllum, the Orchid Cactus, is known for the gorgeous blooms, best seen from below.

Hardy and prolific, in some areas these succulents make a textural carpet. They're valued for growing in hypertufa troughs, rock gardens, crevice gardens and planting in rock walls.

Wherever you choose to grow them, these hardy succulents are a 'must have' in every garden.

All kinds of tender succulents are finding new favor with florists for using in wedding bouquets, succulent wedding favors, inspiring a new trend. See more in the Succulent Wedding Gallery

Cacti and succulents come in every imaginable shape, size and colour, with the impressive ability to survive cold, drought and nutrient poor environments.

These strategies make them particularly effective as houseplants, and as valuable additions to the xeric garden.

See how to make a terrarium with cactus and succulents with your kids!

go to Drought Smart Plants home page

Succulents

Succulent Plants

Epiphytes

Xerophytes

Hardy Cacti