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Cacti: How They Survive (and Care Guide) - Varnish + Vine

Cacti: How They Survive (and Care Guide)

Cacti can be a challenge to grow, but when cared for correctly, they can reward you with beautiful blooms and interesting textures. So, how do you care for a cactus? Well, in this article, we will cover the different types of cacti and explain how they survive in harsh environments. We will also discuss the best methods of caring for these unique plants.

What is a Cactus?

A cactus is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves. What makes cacti unique in the plant kingdom is that they can store large amounts of water in their leaves and survive long periods of drought. Most cacti also have sharp spines on their edges which they use to protect themselves from predators and human damage.

The Different Types of Cacti

There are about 1300 different species of cacti, but they can all be divided into one of two different subgroups: tropical cacti (also called epiphytes) which grow in humid, tropical climates, and desert cacti which grow in hot arid environments. Both can make great houseplants, but depending on which type you have, they require different care and maintenance.

Some of the most common species of cacti are as follows:

·       The Saguaro Cactus

·       The Barrel Cactus

 ·       The Monstrose Cactus

What Helps Cacti Survive

Cacti are amazing plants that can survive in some of the harshest environments on earth. They are able to do this because they have developed special adaptations that allow them to thrive in these harsh conditions.

The first adaptation that cacti have is called "succulence." This means that they can store water and nutrients inside their bodies instead of outside the body like most other plants do. This is what helps a cactus conserve water and allows it to survive long periods of drought, which would kill most other plants.

Another adaptation is their "spines," which help protect the cacti from predators, such as birds and rabbits, who might eat them if they hadn't evolved this unique way of protecting themselves.

How To Care for a Cactus

Caring for a cactus is not hard, but it does require some regular attention. Keeping your cactus healthy and beautiful is easy if you follow a few simple tips:

1. Don't overwater your cactus

Cacti are desert plants, and they need to be kept dry. If you over-water your cactus, the roots will rot, which can kill your plant.

2. Don't under-water your cactus either

Cacti do not like soggy soil, so make sure to water them regularly but don't let their soil get too wet; this can lead to root rot as well.

3. Keep it in a sunny spot, but not in direct sunlight!

Cacti thrive in full sun, but too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves of some species. So, place your cactus where it gets plenty of light but not direct sunlight for long periods of time.

4. Prune regularly for healthier growth

Most cacti need regular pruning to keep growing at their best and prevent them from becoming pot-bound (which causes their roots to rot). This is especially true if you have a species that grows quickly, such as a prickly pear cactus.

Summary

Cacti are beautiful and unique plants that have developed some special traits over millions of years. They can retain large amounts of water which makes them particularly well suited to arid environments, and most species have spines that protect them from predators. Caring for a cactus isn't too difficult, and if you follow the simple tips discussed above, you shouldn't encounter any major problems with your cacti.

Happy Gardening! 

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