When you talk about cactus is which type of plant, it is the spiny succulent plant that grows in dry areas. Cactus is the singular word referring to a single plant, but cacti are used to refer to many plants. There are around 2000 types of cacti that are available that have different shapes, colors, and sizes. Green can be the well-known color for cactus, but can also be brown-green or bluish. There are cactus plants which are flat like the pancake while others are very round. Some even take the form of the starfish or snakes, and very large or very small. The type of cactus which is grown can go to a height of about 66 feet and weigh to about 4800 pounds.
Although you may think of the cactus as the ugly spiny plant, it also grows beautiful and big flowers. Flowers of the cactus plant can be yellow, pink, red, white, blue, or orange. Some cactus flowers can bloom only for one day, while there are others which can last some weeks. Most of these flowers typically are nocturnal, which means they only bloom at night. Obviously, the cactus also has spikes, but technically they are called spines. It also has thorns rather than leaves, and the spikes help the plant to survive.
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Sharp spikes protect the cactus plant from birds and animals. Also, they help prevent the water stored in the cactus from leaking out. The spikes of the cactus cannot be beautiful to look at, though they are undoubtedly important. Typically, the cactus plant has many special tricks to assist it in surviving in a desert climate. For instance, the cactus has waxy skin, which helps to retain water. The water which is inside the cactus plant is thicker than what you would typically see. It cannot appear very tasty, but people are sure to drink. Indeed, drinking the cactus water can save the lives of people who travel in the desert.
Many cacti plants have sharp and poky spines, which are poisonous. Some cactus plants have a lifespan of fifteen years, while others go up to 300 years. Also, you can eat cacti, like prickly pears and Indian figs. These types produce yellow or red fruits when ripe and ready to be eaten. People can also eat stems or pads. You can fry, boil, or serve it in the soup or salad form. In some countries, for example, in Mexico, it is possible to buy cactus for food in the supermarket.
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Cactus plant has the brilliant ability to saving water in arid and hot places, where it rarely rains. This ability to save water is because of the adaptations of many structures. It has leafless or thick leaves. Because of this, there is a reduced surface area to volume ratio. The surface area to volume ratio uses to determine the amount of water that evaporates. Besides, the cactus stem is spherical or cylindrical, which reduces the surface area to volume.
Most of its water is stored in the stem. The stem has a tough layer, which is reinforced with the waxy skin that further reduces water loss. The water is stored in viscous form, more like honey that helps to ensure water is not lost. Cactus roots spread over the vast area and quickly absorb water during rains. Also, the roots grow very fast to enlarge them and absorb more water during the season of rain. All these adaptations enable the cactus to withstand dry and hot conditions for longer.
When you talk about cactus is which type of plant, there are different types which include:
Redcap Cactus
This cactus plant has more color, which is also called Ruby Ball. With the reddish-pink flower on top of a cactus, adds the delightful touch of color. Moreover, it needs less light when compared to others. It works best in areas where there is a balance of shadow and light. The patios or balconies are right for the Red Cap cactus.
Dwarf Chin Cactus
Dwarf chin cactus is the beautiful cactus when in a small container. If you’re looking for a succulent plant with many colors, then dwarf Chin cactus is undoubtedly the most exciting cacti. It has large flowers which grow on top, from red to white and sometimes pink. This low maintenance plant is lovely to any room in the home, which requires a little color burst.
Zebra Cactus
When you are looking for a more exotic-looking cactus plant, then Zebra Cactus is the best option. Having the spikes bands, this elegant succulent is a bit like the aloe plant. It does not require much light that makes it best for kitchens and any other place in the house which does not receive much light.
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Fairy Castle Cactus
Fairy castle cactus is the low maintenance cactus, which is growing slowly, and the maintenance is very easy. When it is fully developed, it can grow to about six feet tall. If you’re looking for a cactus which has the flower, this cactus has one or two buds of its branches. It would help if you waited while the bulbs to sprout, which can take about ten years to bloom.
Caring For The Cactus
Although caring for the cacti is very easy, it is also not entirely comfortable. They still need some CPT to guarantee their long life. You will have to keep your cactus somewhere in the house that receives some hours of direct sunlight daily. Window sills are an excellent place to store most of the cactus species. However, a place where there is a lot of light. If the cactus starts to look discolored starts to turn yellow, it can be receiving more light. In that case, try moving it to a location with less light.
Watering The Cactus
Cactus plant is naturally resistant plants. Though, one thing which kills the cactus quickly is a lot of water. More water can make the roots to rot and eventually destroy the plant. The best way for you to know if you should water the cactus is to touch the soil. The soft soil means there is a lot of water. If the soil is very dry, you should water it. You can also stop watering weekly or biweekly when it is growing, but check the ground to ensure you don’t overdo it.
