Plants in family cactaceae
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.
Hatiora salicornioides
Hatiora salicornioides, also known as the bottle cactus or dancing-bones, is an epiphytic plant native to eastern Brazil. It grows to about 3 feet tall with a trailing habit, featuring stems composed of club or bottle-shaped segments. This plant produces small golden yellow flowers and translucent white berries, adding a unique charm to its appearance. Hatiora salicornioides prefers loose, well-drained soil and bright light or morning sun, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as an ornamental plant in bright indoor spaces.
Mammillaria mystax
Mammillaria mystax is a globular cactus species native to central Mexico, particularly the regions of Hidalgo, Oaxaca, and Puebla. It grows up to 6-8 inches tall and features reddish-white spines against a dark green body. This cactus is well-suited for ornamental use and thrives in full sun to light shade, requiring good drainage. It is winter-dormant and can be grown in USDA zones 9 to 10, making it a resilient choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Escontria chiotilla
Escontria chiotilla is a tree-like cactus native to parts of Mexico, including Guerrero and Oaxaca. It can grow up to 7 meters tall and features dark red fruit similar to Pitaya. The cactus has 7 or 8 acute ribs and is adapted to full sun exposure, making it suitable for arid environments.
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.
Echinocereus enneacanthus
Echinocereus enneacanthus, commonly known as the strawberry cactus, features cylindrical stems that form dense or lax clumps. The stems are pale to bright green, with needle-like spines and funnel-shaped flowers that range from purple-red to pink. This cactus blooms in early spring and is hardy in zones 9a to 11b, preferring full sun to partial shade and moderate watering.
Cylindropuntia imbricata
Cylindropuntia imbricata, also known as the tree cholla, is a shrubby or tree-like cactus with cylindrical segments and long spines. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The cactus produces dark pink to purple flowers with yellow stamens and white stigmas, typically blooming when the plant reaches about 2 feet in height. It is a hardy plant, tolerating full sun and a range of temperatures.
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.
Espostoa lanata
Espostoa lanata, commonly known as the Peruvian Old Man Cactus, is a slow-growing, tree-shaped cactus native to the arid regions of Peru. It is characterized by its dense, hairy appearance, resembling a warm woolly coat. This cactus can reach heights of 5 to 23 feet and blooms in late spring to early summer. It thrives in well-draining soil with infrequent watering and bright, indirect light. The plant is non-toxic to humans and pets, though its spines can cause irritation.
Cereus aethiops
Cereus aethiops is a shrubby, columnar cactus native to Argentina, known for its cylindrical, dark bluish-green shoots and almost black spines. It produces night-blooming, fragrant white to pale pink flowers and red egg-shaped fruits. This slow-growing cactus prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Rhipsalis pilocarpa
Rhipsalis pilocarpa is a popular houseplant known for its leafless appearance and trailing stems. It is easy to care for and adds a unique texture to indoor plant collections.
Ferocactus robustus
Ferocactus robustus, also known as the Chin cactus, is a small barrel cactus native to Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. It forms large, clumping colonies with spherical to club-shaped bodies and sharp-edged ribs. The cactus is adorned with reddish or purple thorns and produces striking funnel-shaped yellow flowers. It can grow up to 39 inches tall and requires minimal water once established. This cactus is unique within its genus due to its clumping growth habit and ability to propagate through seeds or offsets. It thrives in full sun and is hardy in zones 9b to 11, making it suitable for warm climates.
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus, or the kingcup cactus, is a striking plant native to the southwestern US and northern Mexico. It is recognized for its bright scarlet red to orange-red funnel-shaped flowers, which are pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. This mounding cactus, known for its variable appearance, is the official state cactus of Colorado. It thrives in full sun and is suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 12, making it a resilient choice for arid landscapes.
Trichocereus bridgesii
Trichocereus bridgesii, also known as the 'Penis cactus', is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers sunny areas and well-draining soil. It requires more water than most cacti and benefits from monthly fertilization during the growing season. This cactus is cold hardy to -12°C and is susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered.
Schlumbergera 'Enigma'
Schlumbergera 'Enigma' is a plant with uncertain origins, featuring flat stems with toothed margins. It produces small pink flowers and requires bright, indirect light. This plant should be watered when the soil surface is dry, but not allowed to stay dry for long periods.
Opuntia cochenillifera 'Variegata'
Opuntia cochenillifera 'Variegata', also known as the Paddle Cactus or Joseph's Coat, is a naturally occurring variegated cactus with marbled white, creamy-white, yellow, green, and sometimes pink patterns. It forms shrubby or tree-like shapes with long, smooth, flattened stems and tiny hair spines. This cactus is native to Mexico and grows up to 50 cm in height, producing small red flowers in late spring and early summer.
Obregonia denegrii
Obregonia denegrii, known as the artichoke cactus, is a unique plant native to Mexico. It grows level with the ground and features a sunk and woolly apex. This slow-growing cactus blooms in late spring or early summer with pink flowers and prefers calcareous, well-drained soil.
Gymnocalycium reductum 'Leucodictyon'
Native to Argentina, this dwarf plant has a slightly tubular body and produces white-yellow blooms in clusters in autumn. It is drought-tolerant and prefers partial shade and minimal watering with well-drained soil.
Echinocereus adustus ssp. schwarzii
Echinocereus adustus ssp. schwarzii, commonly known as 'Cereus adustus', is a cactus from Mexico that grows 4 to 5 inches tall. It blooms with pink flowers and requires well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Mammillaria longiflora ssp. longiflora
Mammillaria longiflora ssp. longiflora is a cactus known for its purple flowers and fleshy stems. It requires very well-draining soil and is sensitive to overwatering, making it somewhat challenging to grow into clumps. This cactus is dormant in winter, needing minimal water, and is somewhat frost-tolerant. It thrives in full sun but requires afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent sunburn. The plant is native to Chihuahua and prefers high light levels for optimal flowering and spine development.
Mammillaria plumosa
Mammillaria plumosa is a cactus native to Northeastern Mexico, recognized for its white downy spines and small white or greenish-yellow flowers. It grows to about 12 cm tall and 40 cm broad and is listed as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN. This cactus must be grown under glass with heat in temperate regions and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Opuntia 'Maverick Variegata'
Opuntia 'Maverick Variegata' is a dwarf variant of Opuntia monacantha, notable for its variegated colors ranging from white to pink. This shrubby or tree-like cactus forms unique, tortured shapes and typically grows less than 20 inches tall. It requires moderate to ample water in summer and should be kept dry in winter, thriving in filtered sunlight or afternoon shade.