Desert and Rainforest Cactus

Desert vs. Tropical Cacti

Not all cacti are created equal! Caring for a desert cactus means lots of sun and not much water. Tropical cacti are found in rainforests, and they prefer partial shade and high humidity. Compare these two types of Cereus cacti to get a better understanding.

 

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DESERT CEREUS

TROPICAL CEREUS

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Echinocactus

Echinocactus

Barrel cactus

The Barrel cactus has a spherical shape that can grow to 3 ft in diameter within 5 years. It is a favorite among collectors because of the large size.

 

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Most Popular Types

Yellow Barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is the most popular type of Echinocactus.

Light

Full sun

Temperatures

Minimum temperature is 20°F.

Watering

Water when soil is completely dry.

Toxicity

The sap in the ribs of the barrel cactus can irritate the skin, however, what you really need to avoid are the spines. As with all cacti, you should seek medical attention if a cut from a spine leads to infection.

Growth

Grows to 3 ft round, after 20 years it will produce small yellow flowers around crown. It is one of the largest cacti species in the world, sometimes growing to 6 ft round. It is not likely to produce offsets.

Origin

East Central Mexico

Propagation

Seeds

Dormancy

Winter dormant

Echinopsis chamaecereus peanut cactus

Peanut cactus, echinopsis chamaecereus spreads quickly.

peanut cactus – Echinopsis chamacereus

peanut cactus – Echinopsis chamacereus

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Cereus – Tropical Cactus

Cereus – Tropical Cactus

Tropical varieties of Cereus grow in the trees of South American rainforests. They have very showy flowers which only bloom at night.

These epiphytes are known as night blooming cereus, orchid cactus, and queen of the night.

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Most Popular Types

Cereus means “cactus,” and there are quite a few varieties that are considered night blooming cereus.  Growing Hobby usually has a good selection of Dog Tail cactus (Selinicereus testudo) and Hooker’s orchid cactus (Epiphyllum hookeri).

Light

Bright indirect light

Temperatures

Tropical cacti prefer nights no cooler than 60°F. You’ll need to bring these in when the evenings start to cool off.

Watering

Don’t let the soil of tropical cacti completely dry out. Water regularly, but don’t keep the soil soggy.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Growth

These cacti are epiphytes, hanging from branches of trees in rainforests. The more rootbound it is, the more likely it is to flower. In its native environment, it can drape 10 ft.

Origin

Central and South American tropical rainforests

Propagation

You can propagate these plants by leaf clippings or by seeds.

Dormancy

Winter dormant

cereus desert vs tropical

Desert and tropical cacti need different care.

Night blooming cereus

This tropical variety of Cereus blooms only at night.

Cereus

night blooming cereus

Blooming late at night, these flowers glow in the moonlight.

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Thelocactus

Thelocactus

Thelocactus are low maintenance, relatively small cacti that really show off when they flower. The spines are a bit oversized and often curve or hook.

Thelocactus 2

Most Popular Types

Thelocactus rinconensis (brid’s nest cactus) has large globular bumps with spines that curve back toward the plant

Light

This cacti prefers full sun.

Temperatures

Thelocacti can take heat up to 120 degrees F and low temps in the 20s.

Watering

In its natural environment, thelocactus experiences heavy downpours of rain just a few times each year. When you are watering, remember to let the soil dry completely and water heavily. It should be planted in well-draining soil.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to animals or humans. Consuming spines can cause internal injuries so it’s best not to try and taste them. 

Growth

The bird’s nest cactus is the largest in this group with a diameter of 8 inches.

Showy flowers appear after heavy watering in the spring.

Origin

These cacti originate from the arid and mountainous regions of Texas and Mexico.

Propagation

Thelocacti can be propagated by seed or by cutting. After cutting the plant with a sharp clean knife, allow the piece to callous over for several days before planting in dry soil.

Dormancy

Thelocacti are winter dormant.

Thelocactus heterochromus

Thelocactus heterochromus has spines that arch back toward the surface of the cactus.

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Dog Tail Cactus

Strophocactus | Dog Tail Cactus

Strophocactus, also known as the Dog Tail cactus, is epiphytic and can grow to 9 ft in length in its native jungle habitat.

Schlumbergera or dog tail cactus

Most Popular Types

Light

Full to partial sun

Temperatures

Dog tail cactus is hardier than most tropical cacti, tolerating temps from 40-90°F. It cannot tolerate frost. It prefers a humid environment.

Watering

Water often but only when the soil is completely dry. If there is too little water, aerial roots will appear.

Toxicity

Non-toxic for humans or pets

Growth

Dog tail cactus grows quickly and is suitable for hanging baskets. It blooms at night during the summer.

Origin

South America

Propagation

Propagate from cuttings at joints of leaves. Do not cut the main stem.

Dormancy

Winter dormant

Coming-Soon

Please be patient with us. Information is coming soon!

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Schlumbergera Holiday Cactus

Schlumbergera | Holiday Cactus

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti prefer to be treated as tropical plants, as they come from the Brazilian rainforest.

Check our care sheet for how to get blooms during the holidays.

pink Schlumbergera holiday cactus

Most Popular Types

Also known as zygocactus, there are three main types of Schlumbergera (holiday cactus):

  • Thanksgiving – look for points on each leaf segment. Has bell-shaped drooping flowers.
  • Christmas – similar flowers to the Thanksgiving variety, but with rounded leaf segments.
  • Easter – similar rounded leaves to the Christmas variety, but with star-shaped blooms.

Light

bright, indirect sunlight

Temperatures

It’s ok to leave your holiday cactus outside in the shade during the summer, but bring it inside before temps drop to 50° F.

Watering

Soak well and let dry between waterings. If the plant has become wilted from lack of water, you can place it in a tub of water for a day, but don’t do this on a regular basis.

Toxicity

non-toxic to humans or pets

Growth

In their native habitat, these plants are epiphytes, attaching to tree limbs in tropical rainforests. Schlumbergera tends to drape over time. Hanging baskets really show off the flowers which grow at the ends of the leaves. Our care sheet provides more info on helping them to bloom.

Origin

rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Brazil.

Propagation

Holiday cactus can be propagated through separating of roots, or from leaves. We have found that leaving the leaves upright in 1/4 inch of distilled water promoted root growth. It is also possible to plant the leaves directly into moist soil.

Dormancy

It’s easy to force Schlumbergera into dormancy so that the plant flowers at the appropriate time. See our care sheet for instructions on blooming.

Schlumbergera thanksgiving cactus

Holiday cacti are available in a wide variety of colors.

Schlumbergera truncata, Thanksgiving or Crab cactus plant growing new leaves

Schlumbergera truncata, Thanksgiving or Crab cactus plant growing new leaves

Schlumbergera truncata, Thanksgiving or Crab cactus plant growing new leaves

Thanksgiving cactus Schlumbergera truncata crab cactus plants on windowsill blossoming in winter

Thanksgiving cactus Schlumbergera truncata crab cactus plants on windowsill blossoming in winter

Thanksgiving cactus Schlumbergera truncata crab cactus plants on windowsill blossoming in winter

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Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

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