Cephalocereus is a genus of tall columnar or branching cacti that are usually covered with long, white, woolly hair. The white, woolly appearance of Cephalocereus gives rise to its common name, old man cactus. It is one of the most popular cacti for beginning growers. Mature Cephalocereus in optimal conditions can grow to 40 feet […] More
Trichocereus are easy-to-grow cylindrical cacti, known for their hardiness. Trichocereus can grow to tree size, but many species will remain small when potted and grown indoors. Trichocereus are suitable for well-lighted window gardens, lath houses, or greenhouses. They are among the most undemanding cacti and prosper with little care. Most Trichocereus have funnel-shaped, nocturnal white […] More
Lophocereus is a columnar cactus that branches at the base forming a small trunk. It is one of the candelabra-type cacti. Lophocereus bears colorful nocturnal flowers; the colors range from white through pink to sometimes red. Usually, two small flowers appear from areoles that also bear dozens of bristle-like flowers. Lophocerus can tolerate intense heat […] More
Lemaireocereus belongs to a group of cacti called organ pipe. They are tall, columnar plants that branch just above ground into many ribbed stems. Tropical species are difficult to grow outdoors because they require relatively warm winter temperatures. The North American natives listed below are fairly hardy, requiring a sunny location and minimum winter temperatures […] More
Stetsonia is a candelabra-type cactus that can grow to 25 feet (7.6m) tall. When young it is well suited for growing indoors or in a greenhouse. Stetsonia is a genus of just one species, S. cornye, commonly known as toothpick cactus. The common name comes from the long white radial spines that surround each areole […] More
Pachycereus is an easy-to-grow columnar cactus. Confined to a greenhouse or indoors, young plants make attractive potted subjects. Outdoors, Pachycereus grow tall, then branch outward. Pachycereus can be grown in average, well-drained soil. Pachycereus needs plenty of water in hot weather and protection from frost. If temperatures drop to near freezing during a wet winter, […] More
The care given cacti and succulents will determine growth and flowering. The successful cultivation of cacti and succulents is largely determined by the materials used and the ability to modify care to take the best advantage of the growing conditions at hand. Growing conditions whether indoors or outdoors will never be perfect. The grower’s ability […] More
Cereus is a tall, columnar cactus that sometimes forms candelabra arms. Its nocturnal white flowers illuminate its top as if in flames. Cereus belongs to the Cereanae group of cactus; Cereanae comes from the Greek word for “wax candle”; Cereus resembles a flaming wax candle. Cereus species are easy to grow. They are strong, vigorous […] More
Carnegiea is a genus of one species, the giant Saguaro cactus. The Saguaro is columnar with fluted ribs on stout branches that curve upward giving the appearance of raised hands. The spines are light brown. Mature Saguaro cactus that are decades old can produce greenish-white, night-blooming flowers that are fragrant. Saguaro flower only in old age. […] More
Opuntia — commonly called prickly pear–are cacti that usually have pad-like and flattened or sometime cylindrical and club-shaped or spherical segmented branches. Optunia bear funnel- or bowl-shaped flowers usually at the tips or from the sides of branch segments. Optunia bear spiny obovoid or spherical fruits called prickly pears. In a few species, the prickly pears are […] More
Cacti include a wide variety of plants most have waxy and often spined foliage. Cacti are arid climate plants that can be grown indoors in bright light. Most are low maintenance needing little water and only occasional feeding. Cacti vary in shape from huge columnar branched or unbranched forms to slender vines, from tree-like growths […] More
Stephen Albert