Cacti and succulents : Thick fleshy leaves or stems

Many houseplant lovers seek rare and exotic plants to add to their collections. Both beginners and experienced growers can find many good options among cacti and succulents.

Succulents are a large, loosely defined group of plants. They include cacti and other plants with thick, fleshy leaves or stems used to store water. This helps them survive in dry environments.

Succulents grow all over the world. Apart from cacti, they include popular plants like the jade plant (Crassula arborescens), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), aloe (Aloe barbadensis), and agave (Agave americana).

Other common succulents are flowering kalanchoes (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) and sedums (Sedum sp.), which are often sold as gift plants. Hens and chicks (Sempervivum sp.) are popular in flower gardens.

Cacti make up nearly 2,000 species. Almost all are native to the Americas, with one exception. They grow from the Arctic Circle to the mountains of Chile but are mostly found in the southwestern US and Mexico.

Cacti have different shapes. Some are tall and thin, others are short and round. Many are without branches and leaves. Their shapes help reduce water lost through evaporation.

Most cacti have spines or scales that vary in size. Some are tiny, while others are large and sharp. These spines protect the plants from animals and help keep them cool in the sun.

---