Cacti and succulents are related, but they are not the same thing, contrary to popular belief. The terms succulents and cacti should never be used interchangeably. Some cacti plants, however, are succulents. But aren’t all cacti succulents, and many succulents not cacti?
So, what exactly is the distinction between cacti and succulents? Botanists believe that all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Because they contain spines, some succulents are frequently misidentified as cacti. However, the majority of these succulents still contain traits that preclude them from being classified as cacti. The areoles are one of the characteristics that separate succulents from cacti. Any succulent that lacks areoles is not a cactus.
Do you want to understand more about the distinctions between cacti and succulents so you can tell them apart? Let’s have a look at everything in this article.
What Are Succulents?
Succulents have unique adaptability characteristics such as storing water on their leaves, stems, and roots. These plants can be found in up to 60 distinct families. Cacti, sedum, aloe, sempervivum, and haworthia are among the most frequent.
As a result, it is clear that most succulents do not belong to the same plant family. They differ in terms of appearance, genetics, and geography. However, they all belong to the succulent family.
What Are Cacti?
Cacti have succulent traits, such as shallow roots, fleshy stems, and waxy leaves, and they store water. As a result, botanists believe that all cacti are succulents, however, this is still debated by some.
They are a plant family that belongs to the succulent plant group. Cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as short, thin, spherical, branching, and so on. Succulent cacti are not all cacti. Some are quite distinct from succulents for a variety of reasons.
Cacti Have Areoles
Cacti have succulent traits, such as shallow roots, fleshy stems, and waxy leaves, and they store water. As a result, botanists believe that all cacti are succulents, however, this is still debated by some.
They are a plant family that belongs to the succulent plant group. Cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as short, thin, spherical, branching, and so on. Succulent cacti are not all cacti. Some are quite distinct from succulents for a variety of reasons.
Cacti Don’t Have Leaves
Aside from the areoles, another morphological difference between the two is the presence of leaves. The bulk of cactus plants lack leaves. This is because the existence of leaves causes these plants to lose a lot of moisture, which they cannot afford given the conditions in which they thrive. Cacti thrive in environments with excessive sunlight and infrequent rainfall. If it rains, they gather as much water as possible and store it for later use.
Because most moisture escapes through the stomata on the surface of the leaves, having leaves makes water storage difficult. The lack of typical leaves allows the plants to thrive in a harsh desert environment.
So, whereas most cacti lack leaves, the vast majority of succulents do. Succulent leaves are thick and have a gel-like material inside. The phrase succulents inspired the name succulent. This phrase implies “full of juice.” The juice allows these plants to survive the harsh seasons when there is no rain. They will not wither as other plants do.
Succulent leaves also have a surface texture that has developed to prevent rapid water loss. Their surfaces range from shiny, and waxy to spines and hairs.
Cacti And Succulents Similarities
Because many people mix up succulents and cacti, it’s important to understand how the two plants are connected first. True, some cacti and succulents have extremely similar appearances and attributes. Both exhibit the existence of spines as well as cylindrical shapes. Euphorbia and cactus, for example, appear similar but are not the same genus.
What’s the connection? The term convergent evolution provides the answer to this question. This is an evolutionary process that causes certain animals and plants to resemble one another. This frequently happens to plants that dwell in comparable settings. They may not have originated in the same location, but because the conditions are comparable, they will exhibit similar characteristics.
Cacti are native to the American deserts. There are also many succulents that are native to various deserts around the world. This indicates that certain succulents have been exposed to the same environmental circumstances as cacti. They have weathered harsh weather conditions such as severe heat, a shortage of water, strong winds, and predator attacks.
As a result of all of these challenges, such plants acquire similar adaptations to cope and survive. Cylindrical forms that allow them to store water and spines that protect them from predators are examples of such adaptations.
These plants have identical adaptations, making it difficult to tell them apart. But if you’re acute enough and diligent enough, you’ll notice a few differences between the two.
Cacti Lookalikes
There are some plants that have been mistaken for cactus. These are some of the succulents that resemble cacti and have comparable traits. Euphorbia horrida is a nice example. This is a succulent that is not a cactus but appears to be one.
This plant features spiky thorns and ridges that make it difficult to distinguish from cacti. The plant adapted to resist the hot and dry climate of Africa. Because of these characteristics, this succulent looks and behaves exactly like most cacti species that grow in comparable environments.
FAQs
Where are succulents from?
Succulents can flourish anywhere in the world as long as they have access to their native habitats. The plants have a diverse range of habitats and, for the most part, adapt to situations that other plants may find inhospitable. The majority of them thrive in dry environments, semi-deserts, and deserts. Others can be found in jungles and mountain ranges.
These plants can thrive in environments where other plants cannot. They can survive in hot weather with little to no rain. Plants are extremely adaptive and hardy. Other succulent types can be found in coastal locations and dry lakes. These places feature high levels of dissolved minerals, which are harmful to other plants.
Why do you need to distinguish cactus from succulents?
Knowing different plants and their qualities is essential whether you are a gardener or want to be one. Knowing the difference between cactus and succulents will come in handy when purchasing seedlings. You’ll avoid being duped into purchasing a plant you didn’t intend to acquire.
Knowing the difference between the two can also assist you in blossoming. Cacti flowers are extravagantly lovely and flamboyant. They come in a selection of eye-catching colors that are sure to catch everyone’s attention. If you buy a cactus, you’ll hope it blossoms. You don’t want to be waiting for your cactus to blossom only to find out it won’t because it isn’t a cactus plant.
Can you plant cacti and succulents together?
The way you pot your cactus and succulents will decide whether or not you succeed. Both plants, however, are adapted to arid settings and can survive for extended periods of time without water. They both demand similar potting soils and intense light.
Cacti, on the other hand, require less moisture than most succulents. If you need to plant them together, keep this in mind. Please ensure that your cactus does not receive more water than it requires and that succulents do not receive less water than they require for growth.
Summary
You may make your decision now that you understand the similarities and distinctions between cacti and succulents. Choose whether you want to add cactus or succulents to your yard. You can also plant both of them. What matters is that you know how to care for them without mistaking one’s care needs for those of the other.
Keep in mind that while cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Most cacti and succulents have similar appearances, but only cacti have areolas that distinguish them from other plants. Their care requirements are similar, but there is a variance in water and sunlight requirements. With all of this in mind, you may confidently embark on cacti and succulent gardening adventure.
