Plants in family cactaceae
Rhipsalis oblonga
Rhipsalis oblonga is an epiphytic cactus native to Brazil, featuring olive green segmented stems that can grow up to 8.2 feet long. It produces yellowish-white flowers and prefers morning sun with full shade in the afternoon. This plant is threatened by habitat loss in its natural subtropical environment.
Thelocactus setispinus
Thelocactus setispinus, also known as the miniature barrel cactus, is a globular cactus native to southern Texas. It features silky yellow flowers with a deep red center that bloom from summer to fall. This cactus thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, with watering about once a week. It is frost-tolerant when kept dry and can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F. Its unique appearance and vibrant blooms make it a striking addition to any cactus collection.
Thelocactus hexaedrophorus
Thelocactus hexaedrophorus is a solitary, strongly armed cactus native to Mexico. It features grey to bluish-green coloring with reddish-white-brown central spines and yellowish-crimson tips. In summer, it blooms with light pink to almost white flowers. This cactus requires full sun and is frost tolerant to 41°F.
Soehrensia spachiana
Soehrensia spachiana is a drought-tolerant cactus that thrives in sunny areas with ample light. It requires well-draining soil and minimal watering, making it ideal for xeriscaping. This plant can reproduce in numerous ways and benefits from periods of drought between waterings. Its unique appearance and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice for cactus enthusiasts.
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.
Rhipsalis baccifera
Rhipsalis baccifera is an epiphytic cactus native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida. It is unique as the only cactus species naturally occurring outside the Americas, possibly spread by migratory birds. This plant adapts to shaded, tropical environments, growing on trees with long, slender stems and producing small, berry-like fruits.
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.
Pilosocereus ulei
Pilosocereus ulei is a tall, columnar cactus native to Brazil, reaching heights of up to 20 feet. It features dense spines and blooms with white or cream-colored flowers in the summer. This slow-growing cactus is drought-tolerant and prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-11 and is propagated by stem cuttings. The plant produces small, edible fruits and requires well-draining soil.
Pilosocereus pachycladus
Pilosocereus pachycladus is a cactus native to eastern Brazil, known for its unique shapes and adaptability to dry, arid climates. It is versatile for both indoor and outdoor spaces and has been introduced to the Canary Islands. This cactus is drought-tolerant and can withstand freezing temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
Echinocereus coccineus
Echinocereus coccineus, native to the Southwest US, is a striking cactus with bright orange flowers and thick clumping stems. It forms an 18-inch tall by 2-foot wide patch and requires excellent drainage. This plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it ideal for rock gardens and xeriscaping.
Haageocereus kagenekii
Haageocereus kagenekii is a shrubby cactus found in Peru, known for its upright shoots and large areoles lined with white wool. It produces white flowers with dark purple outside and bright red fruits. This variable species is appreciated for its unique appearance and adaptability.
Opuntia quimilo
Opuntia quimilo, commonly known as the Common Prickly Pear, is a cactus native to Argentina, characterized by its treelike form and distinct trunks. It can grow up to 13 feet tall and features long spines on older segments. The cactus produces shiny carmine or red flowers, adding a splash of color to desert or Mediterranean gardens. It is relatively fast-growing and requires full sun and well-drained soil. This cactus is hardy to 23°F for short periods, making it suitable for zones 8-10. Its striking appearance and resilience make it a popular choice for xeriscaping.
Browningia hertlingiana
Browningia hertlingiana, a columnar cactus native to southern Peru, can reach heights of 26 feet. Juvenile plants have a distinctive blue frosty covering, and it produces nocturnal white flowers in summer. This cactus is frost hardy and prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
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.
Ferocactus macrodiscus
Ferocactus macrodiscus is a globular cactus native to Mexico, known for its 13 to 21 vertical ridges and colorful spines. It grows up to 18 inches wide and blooms with pink flowers in spring and summer. This drought-tolerant plant requires ample light and well-draining soil, making it a resilient choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a blue, highly branched cactus that grows up to 15 feet tall, resembling a candelabra. It thrives in sunny, well-draining conditions and is drought-tolerant. This cactus produces sweet, edible fruits and greenish-white flowers, making it both an ornamental and functional plant for arid landscapes.
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.
Cleistocactus samaipatanus
Cleistocactus samaipatanus is a cactus native to Bolivia, growing up to 5 feet tall with pale gold spines and pinky-red flowers in summer. It forms branched groups from the base and produces small, spherical fruits. This species is listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List.
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.
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.
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.
Opuntia microdasys
Opuntia microdasys, also known as Angel's Wings, is a cactus native to central and northern Mexico. It forms a dense shrub with pad-like stems covered in white or yellow glochids, which can cause skin irritation. This cactus produces bright yellow flowers and edible red fruit, preferring dry soil and full sun. It is slow-growing and can reach heights of 2 to 3 feet.
Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis'
Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' is a fast-growing cactus native to Peru, capable of reaching heights of 6 to 13 feet with a diameter of 4 to 5 inches. This spiral-shaped cactus is one of the fastest-growing varieties, making it a striking addition to any cactus collection.
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.
Pachycereus pringlei
Pachycereus pringlei, also known as the cardón, is the tallest living cactus, native to northwestern Mexico. It can reach a record height of 63 feet and has a stout trunk up to 3 feet in diameter. This cactus is heavily branched, with branches near the base, and features large, white, nocturnal flowers. It is slow-growing, with a lifespan that can extend for hundreds of years, and can weigh up to 25 tons. The cardón is an important food source for the Seri people and is used for construction and firewood.