Plants in family cactaceae
Echinocereus viereckii
This plant, native to Mexico, is notable for its floppy, crumpled stems that can reach up to 50 cm long and change color from green to purple under bright light. It produces magenta funnel-shaped flowers from late spring to summer and is extremely drought-tolerant. The plant requires minimal watering and thrives in well-drained soil. It is cold hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be easily propagated through division, grafting, or seeds. Its resilience and ease of care make it a popular choice for gardeners.
Opuntia monacantha
Opuntia monacantha, also known as the drooping prickly pear, is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus native to South America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and is one of the few cacti with white-variegated stems. This fast-growing plant thrives in sunny areas with well-draining, porous soil and requires minimal watering. It is frost-sensitive and cannot survive temperatures below 32°F. Opuntia monacantha produces stunning red flowers and is well-suited for container growth. It is best propagated by cuttings and prefers a cactus mix soil with added organic matter.
Homalocephala texensis
Homalocephala texensis, also known as the Horse Crippler or Devil's Pincushion, is a winter-hardy cactus native to the southwestern United States. It features blue-green color and long, arching spines, with pink daisy-like flowers that have red centers. This cactus requires good winter drainage and is well-suited for rock gardens.
Opuntia santa-rita
Opuntia santa-rita, commonly known as the Santa Rita prickly pear, is a bushy succulent shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It features striking reddish or violet-purple pads and bright yellow flowers that bloom from April through August. This frost-hardy plant can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and 3 meters wide, thriving in full sun or partial shade. It requires regular watering in summer and dry conditions in winter, making it suitable for USDA zones 6-10.
Opuntia ficus-indica
Opuntia ficus-indica, or the Prickly Pear, is a large, branching cactus native to Mexico, valued for its edible fruits and ornamental appeal. It can grow between 6 to 16 feet tall, with flat, oval-shaped pads covered in spines. The plant blooms in yellow, orange, or red from spring to late summer and thrives in bright, direct sunlight with minimal watering. It is hardy in zones 8-12 and tolerates temperatures from 50°F to 100°F.
Rebutia minuscula
Rebutia minuscula, also known as the Red Crown Cactus, is a small, globe-shaped cactus native to the mountains of northern Argentina. It forms large clusters with pale green stems and is adorned with bright red to violet flowers that bloom around the base. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny areas with well-draining soil and requires minimal watering. It is recognized for its ability to flower prolifically and is suitable for beginners due to its easy cultivation.
Lepismium houlletianum
Lepismium houlletianum is an epiphytic cactus native to the subtropical and tropical moist forests of Argentina and Brazil. It is known for its cascading, pendulate growth and small bell-like flowers. This plant is threatened by habitat loss and thrives in its natural forest environment.
Rhipsalis elliptica
Rhipsalis elliptica is an epiphytic cactus endemic to Brazil, known for its flat oblong stems and small white flowers. It grows in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and is threatened by habitat loss.
Copiapoa cinerea
Copiapoa cinerea is a globular, perennial cactus native to the coastal zones of northern Chile. It features a white waxy cuticle for protection and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The cactus produces yellow flowers and has thorns that vary in color from black to dark brown. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires protection from excessive sun and frost. This slow-growing plant is adapted to survive in areas with dense fogs, which provide necessary moisture.
Rhipsalis cereuscula
Rhipsalis cereuscula is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus that naturally grows in sunny areas. It requires ample light and porous, well-draining soil, with minimal watering. This plant is known for its ability to reproduce in numerous ways and thrives with periods of drought between waterings, making it a low-maintenance choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Epiphyllum 'Red Hybrid'
Epiphyllum 'Red Hybrid' is a captivating epiphyllum hybrid known for its huge flowers with shades of blue on the inner petals. Blooming in spring, this plant thrives in light shade and temperatures ranging from 40 to 95 degrees. It grows 12 to 15 inches tall and requires soil to dry between waterings. 'Red Hybrid' is a stunning addition to any collection, offering a burst of color and unique floral display.
Rhipsalis ewaldiana
Rhipsalis ewaldiana is an epiphytic cactus native to regions including Costa Rica and Colombia. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is known for its unique growth habit, making it a distinctive addition to any plant collection.
Echinocereus sanpedroensis
Echinocereus sanpedroensis is a rapidly growing cactus that flowers in spring, with blooms that remain open most of the day and night. It requires good drainage and tolerates bright light but may suffer from sun scorch in direct sunlight.
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Selenicereus grandiflorus, also known as 'Queen of the Night', is a captivating cactus native to Mexico and Central America. This epiphytic plant is famous for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom for just one night each year. It thrives in full sun and requires more frequent watering than typical desert cacti. The plant's stems can grow up to 33 feet long, and it prefers well-drained soil and a warm climate. Its unique night-blooming habit and vine-like appearance make it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Selenicereus undatus
The Selenicereus undatus, commonly known as the dragon fruit cactus, is an epiphytic climbing cactus native to Central and South America. It is notable for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night and its ability to produce edible red fruits with white pulp. This vigorous grower can reach heights of over 30 feet, using aerial roots to attach to supports. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some full sun, and prefers a well-drained potting medium. The plant is adaptable to dry, tropical, or subtropical climates and can withstand temperatures up to 113°F, with some frost tolerance. It requires regular watering during the growing season, with a reduction in late summer and a complete stop in winter for a few weeks. The dragon fruit cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family and is closely related to other Selenicereus species.
Ferocactus histrix
Ferocactus histrix is a large barrel cactus native to central Mexico, known for its edible, sour-tasting fruit. It features a spherical shape with up to 40 ribs and yellow flowers. This cactus adapts well to arid environments and is suitable for xeric landscapes.
Ferocactus recurvus
Ferocactus recurvus is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus that thrives in sunny areas with ample light. It requires porous, well-draining soil and minimal watering, with drought periods between waterings. This cactus is known for its ability to reproduce in various ways and is well-suited to environments with high light exposure.
Schlumbergera truncata
Schlumbergera truncata, commonly known as the Christmas cactus, is a popular winter-flowering houseplant native to Brazil. It features green, flat stem segments and pink flowers that bloom at the tips. This cactus thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil. It is easy to propagate and can live for many years, making it a beloved addition to indoor plant collections.
Astrophytum ornatum
Astrophytum ornatum, commonly known as the Star Cactus, is a striking cactus native to Mexico's Central Plateau. It is the largest species in its genus, reaching up to 6 feet in height and 12 inches in width. This cactus is notable for its white woolly flakes that protect it from the sun and its canary yellow flowers that bloom in summer. It is cold-tolerant down to 14°F and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The Star Cactus thrives in well-draining, sandy soil and requires direct sunlight.
Copiapoa humilis
Copiapoa humilis is a small cactus native to Northern Chile, characterized by its hemispherical shape and grass-green to red-brown stems. It blooms from spring to fall with yellow, bell-shaped flowers and prefers gritty, well-draining soil. This slow-growing cactus is frost-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a resilient addition to arid gardens.
Opuntia decumbens
Opuntia decumbens is a drought-tolerant succulent known for its ability to reproduce in various ways. It thrives in ample light, making a south-facing location ideal. This plant is notable for its resilience and unique growth habits, making it a fascinating addition to any succulent collection.
Chamaecereus silvestrii
Chamaecereus silvestrii, commonly known as the peanut cactus, is a branched cactus with crowded finger-like stems. It produces orange-red flowers in late spring and early summer. This cactus prefers a warm environment with plenty of sunlight and is drought-tolerant.
Aporocactus flagelliformis
Aporocactus flagelliformis, commonly known as the Rattail cactus, is a species of flowering plant native to Mexico. It is cultivated as a houseplant for its long, slender stems and crimson-pink blooms. This cactus is ideal for hanging baskets and thrives in bright light conditions.
Rhipsalis pachyptera
Rhipsalis pachyptera, native to Brazil, is a spineless, freely branched epiphytic cactus that can grow up to 5 feet long. It features flat, green stems sometimes tinged with red and produces creamy-yellow or whitish flowers followed by white fruits.
Rhipsalis paradoxa
Rhipsalis paradoxa is an epiphytic cactus native to Brazil, recognized for its unique chain-like stems formed by three-angled ridges. It thrives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and is suitable for hanging baskets. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and produces small white flowers along its pendulous branches. It is currently threatened by habitat loss.