All kinds of cacti and their names. Various types and genera of cacti

Such a flower culture as cacti is perfect for all lovers of home plants. They are very easy to collect. There are more than 3 thousand varieties of cactus plants in the catalogs. Their photos and names are striking in their beauty and unusualness. Not a single flower grower in this world knows everything about indoor cacti, and their complete collection is not in any botanical garden. Various cacti, species, photos with names can be viewed in different botanical catalogs.

A little about cacti

These plants are very hardy. If you properly care for them, then they can grow and delight with their beauty for a very long time, about tens and hundreds of years. The main thing is that growing such succulents at home does not need a lot of space.

They grow in different places wildlife and are called:

1. Desert cactus.
2. Tropical cactus.
3. Forest cactus.

Proper care of them requires close attention. Their immunity is very weak and there is always a risk of bringing home a new plant to infect it with some kind of disease in existing samples.

It is also very important to transplant already growing flowers into larger pots in time. Be sure to line the bottom of the pot with a layer of drainage. This will allow excess water to drain down from the pot. Further, the soil is filled up and a seedling is planted, and finally, we also lay the top with the same expanded clay.

Not all soil is good for flowering cacti. A good habitat for them should allow air and water to pass through it well. It's best to take advantage of ready mix available for sale. If you do not trust store soil, then you can cook it yourself:

• River sand, carefully washed from clay.
• Brick crumb.
• Leaf humus.
• Sod humus.
• Peat.
• Earth.

Be sure to disinfect the resulting mixture, use steam for this. This will help get rid of diseases and all existing pests in the soil. Watering is done at home with soft water. Generally, bottled water is best. If this is not possible, then boiled water is simply used. It is slightly warmed up, poured on top of an earthen lump. Too frequent watering is undesirable. It is necessary to shed thoroughly so that the entire soil mixture is wet, and the excess goes into the pan. As soon as the water in the pan evaporates, you can carry out the next watering.

Echinopsis ( Echinopsis).

A flower like echinopsis is similar to other flowering cacti. Most often, such flowers begin to be called precisely according to their characteristics and their characteristic flowering. The name of this flower is translated as "Hedgehog".

Its stem, initially sprouting, has a spherical shape. Then gradually growing up, it begins to stretch and becomes like a cylinder. The color of the cactus is most often saturated green. The ribs are even in shape, with a bright color tint.

Such a thorn blooms with rather large buds. The flower may have a different color:

1. Pink.
2. White.
3. Yellow.
4. Orange.

The bud has a funnel shape. They develop and begin to bloom on a long pubescent tube. Its length can be different, but most often it reaches at least 20 cm. Pleases beautiful flowering it is only in the spring, and a very short period of no more than three days.

It loves to grow under the rays of bright light. Direct sunlight does not leave any burns on it. In summer, the recommended temperature for growth is from +22 to +27 degrees. And in winter time years from +6 to +13 degrees. During winter adaptation, the plant does not require any watering.

Notocactus ( notocactus).

The view of such a wonderful interior flower is quite popular among flower growers. Notocactus by nature is very beautiful flower. The name of this plant is translated as "Southern cactus". The homeland of this succulent family is precisely the southern regions. The stem can be of two forms:

• Globular.
• wedge-shaped.

His ribs are well defined and covered with a very large number of spines and needles. Flowering comes in buds of different sizes. The most common colors are:

1. Yellow.
2. Yellow purple.

Such a colored cactus in all its glory can be seen for 5-6 days, no longer, and its flowering period falls on summer or spring. The bud looks very impressive round shape. Lighting should be quite bright, but at the same time diffused. Watering is done frequently from March to September, and sparingly at other times of the year. But under no circumstances should overwatering be allowed.

Notocactus are divided into several types:

All the names of cactus species are collected here, photos and names in Russian are easy to view in botanical catalogs.

The main types of notocactus

Euphorbia (Euphorbi)

Euphorbia is considered a very interesting type of succulents. Many flower growers are interested in where it comes from and how to grow it properly. This plant is very common. You can meet him almost everywhere, he survives well both at home and in summer cottages and even in the forest.

This plant is considered to be a cactus because of the juice inside it, it stands out when the leaves are cut or broken. The liquid has no smell when touched bare hand, a burn may occur. This is a feature of this tall handsome man.

Most often it grows in countries with a tropical climate. Care for him is minimal, so even the most novice flower growers can grow it.

You need to place it in a room where there is no through wind, and also make sure that watering is moderate. Temperature regime should be at around +18 to +20 degrees.

soil mix suitable for cacti, do not forget about the drainage layer, it is necessary for any plants. Special humidity is not required. The direct rays of the sun do not harm him. In winter, the plant does not need to be watered. But with the beginning of spring, watering is resumed. Water defend before watering. You can not bathe it, the leaves are flat and thin, so they can be easily damaged.

Feeding the cactus is carried out with the arrival of heat, no more than once every 4 weeks. Used for this mineral fertilizers. A transplant is done for young plants every year, but adults can live without it for more than 3-4 years.

Cereus ( Cereus).

Rarely seen beautiful name cactus in translation into Russian, but such a representative of this family as the cereus possesses it. It translates as small wax candle. It stands out from the rest of the succulents for its outstanding size. It grows up to 20 meters in height. Like many others, he is considered to be a long-liver among all this huge family.

This cactus stores moisture inside its stems. This feature allows him to survive in the conditions of the scorching sun. It is most often a desert plant. It can also grow even on rocks, where there is no soil cover.

Cereus cacti are divided into several types:

According to the available information on this subfamily, it becomes clear that such cacti are in great need of constant sunlight. When grown at home, it is best to place it on the balcony on the south side. He always needs the sun in large quantities, and at any time of the year. AT winter period flower growers use special photo lamps for plant germination.

Temperature is not as important as lighting. But still there are a few recommendations for this plant care item:

1. In winter, the plant feels good at a temperature of no more than 8-11 degrees.
2. In spring and summer, it is best to place the plant outdoors. Optimum temperature from +15 to +32 degrees.

Watering should be carried out only with warm water. It is best to use plain tap water. Purified and boiled water not suitable for this type of plant. Watch the intensity of watering. Especially in winter, watering should be reduced to 1 time per month. If the water stagnates, the cactus may begin to rot.

Neutral soil is best for him. Feed, you need from mid-spring, and ending with the summer period. Fertilizer is best suited mineral liquid. It begins to bloom in spring summer period usually in May and June. You can observe such an amazing phenomenon only at night. The buds gain all their beauty and strength, located on the sides. They give off a pleasant vanilla scent.

Mammillary ( Mammillaria).

This type of cactus is very common for growing at home. They began to grow far in Mexico. They love in wild nature grow on calcareous soils and rocks. They release their root system deep into rock crevices.

The plant is small in size, round in shape, it is worth noting that it is very fluffy. In addition to the edge, he has small papillae on the stem itself. Small soft spines grow from them. This plant adapts well to hot and cold climates. But still, there are some types of mammillaria that are more capricious to weather conditions.

Types of mammillaria:

When growing a cactus at home, a lot of attention should be paid. There are a small number of rules that you need to follow, and then the plants will delight you with their beauty for many years. First you need to build the right lighting, it is necessary in large quantities. Place it on the south side of the balcony. In winter, do not forget to direct the light of phytolamps to the plant.

The air temperature should not exceed +25 degrees. If you do not follow this, you can get a burn on the plant itself. Ventilate well or do not close the windows on the balcony at all in the summer. In winter, the temperature should not rise above 11-12 degrees. Watering is not required. If you have the appearance of such a cactus with pubescent stems and crowns, then the temperature should be at least 15 degrees.

Fertilizers are applied in liquid form, this allows you to achieve multi-colored flowering.

Small plants require repotting every year. The soil mixture for them must be drained. It is necessary to add brick chips and gravel, unlike humus, it is harmful for this type of cacti.

prickly pear ( Opuntia).

Prickly pear is the most common type of succulent. Its species number about 300 names. Such a flower has fleshy shoots. Rarely there are specimens that have grown to the size of a tree. Most often they creep along the ground. Spines are located on the shoots around the entire perimeter. Flowers are found singly. After the buds fade, berries appear on it, which is also edible. The fruits first have a greenish color, then it turns red and at the end of ripening it is already a burgundy color.

It is very difficult to get such a flowering cactus at home, for this you need to be able to properly care for the plant. The fleshy heads of this succulent can also change color. It is worth noting that not only the berries of this cactus are eaten, but dishes are also prepared from its fleshy stems.

Peyote (Peyote: Lophophora williamsii)

This type of plant is considered hallucinogenic. It is called mescaline peyote. As you can see from the picture, it is very small. Most often it grows on gravel roads. It has no needles or thorns. It contains hallucinogenic alkaloids. Most of it contains mescaline. Its top has a round flattened shape, it is divided into 5-10 equal parts.

The plant is completely unpretentious and easy to grow. The soil does not require a special composition. Watering is extremely rare. He feels lonely both in a tropical climate and in other others. It is often used in magical rituals and not only.

There are various types of domestic cacti that differ in appearance and size. This page lists the most common types. indoor cacti that can be grown at home. All types of indoor cacti with a photo and are accompanied by brief botanical characteristics. You can also find out their correct names.

Cacti have long been grown as houseplants, but they are rarely considered as important element decor.

For those wishing to collect houseplants, this is a long lasting and varied group that can be easily collected. For the not-so-enthusiastic indoor gardener, cacti are convenient because they don't need regular watering, pruning, transplanting, spraying, etc.

Decorators need to be aware of the thorns, which are a danger to people watching and caring for these plants. Wear heavy gloves or use a folded strip of newspaper when handling prickly cacti.

Another issue is cost - adult Strauss Cleistocactus or Monstrosa saureus can certainly serve as a focal point as a single plant, but they are too expensive.

An alternative approach is to arrange a special type of indoor garden. This desert garden can be housed in any type of container, from a large outdoor designer box to a window sill dish. They start by laying a layer of soil, then cover it with sand on top and, if there is space, place a few stones and pebbles. Various types of cacti are planted in this soil - the longest-lived plants of special groups.

As noted above, cacti can survive with little care, but this approach should have no place in interior design. To grow exemplary plants, noteworthy and possibly blooming, you need to read the information in the adjacent column.

Care and transplantation of domestic cactus species

Home cacti care is not complicated, but correct in terms of agricultural technology. Different kinds cactus care may require both special and conventional care, which is used when growing other plants. The following describes the basic procedures for cactus farming: care and transplantation, watering and feeding.

Temperature: Moderate from spring to autumn. Keep in winter in a cool place - ideally 10°-13°C, but nothing bad will happen at 4°C. Plants from the windowsill should be moved into the room at night if the weather is very cold and there is no artificial heating.

Light: Choose the brightest spot available, especially in winter. In a greenhouse, some shade may be needed during the hottest months.

Watering: Increase watering in spring, and from late spring to late summer, care as usual. houseplant, watering thoroughly when the soil begins to dry out. Use warm water. At the end of summer, watering is reduced, and from mid-autumn the soil is kept almost dry - there should be enough water just to prevent wrinkling of the plants.

Air humidity: Do not spray in summer (exception: Cleistocactus). The main requirement is fresh air - open windows on hot summer days.

Transfer: Transplant at a young age annually; subsequently transplant only if necessary. Transplant in spring into a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one.

Reproduction: Cuttings of most varieties root easily. Take stem cuttings or offspring in spring or summer. It is very important that the cuttings dry out for a few days (large cuttings for 1-2 weeks) before planting them in peat-based compost. Another method of propagation is by sowing seeds; temperature for seed germination 21-27°C.

How to make a cactus bloom - so that cacti bloom

Although some cacti will bloom at a fairly young age, there are others, such as prickly pear and saguaro, that are more difficult to bring to a flowering state. In order for cacti to bloom, they need to create conditions close to their natural habitat. The following is a discussion of how to make a cactus bloom at home using simple methods.

AT large numbers cases, cacti are able to bloom indoors by the time they reach the age of three or four years. They will bloom every year, usually in the spring. You can also collect a small collection of cacti blooming in different time during a year.

The secret is that most cacti can only flower on new growth. For growth to appear, cacti will need summer care and relative calm during the winter, as described in the Success Secrets section. You also need to remember that flowering encourages growing in a slightly cramped pot.

Names of indoor types of cacti

Aporocactus whip-shaped(Aporocactus flagelliformis) easy to grow. Its stems, 1 cm thick, grow several centimeters a year, and flowers 8 cm in diameter appear in spring. Suitable for hanging baskets.

Astrophytum capricornus(Astrophytum capricorne) grows at first as a ribbed ball, but becomes cylindrical with age. Yellow daisy-like flowers form in summer on mature specimens, which reach 15-30 cm, depending on the species. A. capricorne has curved spines; A. decorated (A. ornatum) has long straight spines.

Cereus Peruvian(Cereus peruvianus)- one of the most important cacti for interior design, suitable for cultivation as single plant. The stem eventually reaches 0.6-1 m and blooms in summer with large flowers 15 cm long.

Chamecereus Silvestri(Chamaecereus silvestrii) grows rapidly; red flowers appear on its 8 cm long stems in early summer.

Cleistocactus Strauss(Cleistocactus straussii) is another cactus suitable for design. In adulthood, it reaches 1 m or more. The white hairs and spines covering the surface give the plant a silvery appearance.

Echinocereus comb(Echinocereus pectinatus) grows into a column 25 cm high, studded with thorns. E. Salm-Dick (E. salm-dyckianus) has fragrant bright flowers.

Gymnocalycium Mikhanovich, a variety of Friedrich (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii friedrichii) is also called Hibotan, or Little Red Riding Hood. Its colored stem is grafted onto a green rootstock cactus. This is an attractive and original cactus.

Mammillaria bokasskaya(Mammillaria bocasana)- This silver plant, which blooms in spring with white flowers arranged in a ring around the stem. M. Wild (M. wildii) is similar to her, but has an oval, not rounded shape.

Notocactus Otto(Notocactus ottonis) spherical, with hard spines. At the age of several years, he has flowers 8 cm wide. N. Leninghausa (N. leninghausii) is grown for its cylindrical stem, and not for the sake of flowers.

Prickly pear(Opuntia microdasys) grows to a height of about 30cm and bears small, hooked spines. They can be red or white, depending on the species..

At Rebutia tiny(Rebutia miniscula) spherical stems 5 cm in diameter. It is able to bloom every summer with dense orange tubular flowers. R. senile (R. senilis) is a ball with a diameter of 8-10cm.

Trichocereus whitening(Trichocereus candicans) in its mature state it is a stately plant - a column 1 m high, which expands freely as it grows older. T. Shpaha (T. spachianus), reaching a height of 1.5 m or more.

Cacti have earned great popularity among flower growers, because few other plants have the same unpretentious character. In addition, most varieties of these "hedgehogs" are quite attractive and bloom well at home. From this material you will learn what round cacti are called, and we will also share their description and photo.

Espostoa

This variety of cleistocactus in its natural environment is found on the mountain slopes of southern Ecuador and Peru. Espostoa cannot be called only a round cactus, because its stem retains its rounded shape only at a young age. And in the future, the plant becomes columnar, reaches a height of five meters. Some varieties such as Nana, stay round all their lives.

A distinctive feature of espostoa is a huge number of hairs that create a whitish, woolly edge on the trunk. Due to this feature, the cactus is often called the "cotton cocoon". These hairs protect the plant from overheating, so it is not afraid of even hot sunlight.

Of all the varieties of cactus, woolly espostoa, or Lanata, is grown at home. It reaches 30 cm in height and may have several side shoots. At home, it blooms very rarely and only when kept in greenhouse conditions. Then the plant produces a peduncle with large bell-shaped buds.

notocactus

This genus of large round cacti, uniting 25 species, is found in its natural environment on the mountain slopes and uplands of Argentina, Paraguay, Southern Brazil and Uruguay. They are distinguished by a single rounded or cylindrical stem, which in some cases reaches a height of 100 cm. As a rule, lateral shoots are absent in nanocacti, and this species rarely produces children.

Dark green plants have a pronounced ribbing. There are small pubescent tubercles on the tops of the ribs. Each produces 1 to 5 reddish-brown central spines and up to 40 yellow radials.

Notocactus blooms well at home. At this time, multi-petalled bell-shaped buds appear in the upper or lateral part of the stem. Peduncles are painted in red, yellow or orange tones, while at their base a more saturated, contrasting color. The buds last seven days, and then fade.

This round cactus, the photo of which is presented below, grows in its natural environment on the mountain slopes of Mexico and some parts of the United States. His distinguishing feature lies in the unusual composition of the juice, which contains alkaloids. This "nectar" is often used in folk medicine. But excessive consumption of juice causes hallucinations. Therefore, lophophora is banned in many countries around the world.

The plant has a rounded, slightly flattened stem, reaching 15 cm in diameter. The skin, dyed blue-green, is soft and velvety to the touch. The culture does not have thorns, but there are thick tufts with straw-colored fluff.

At home, succulents bloom in summer. At this time, tubular, semi-double buds with a diameter of 2 cm appear on it. Depending on the variety, their petals are painted in different shades: Pale red to white. After flowering, fruits with seeds appear in place of the buds.

cactus parody

This numerous genus includes more than 50 varieties. In their natural environment, they grow in Uruguay, Paraguay, Northern Argentina and Bolivia. Round cacti are distinguished by a short cylindrical or spherical stem with well-defined ribs. Each of them has high tubercles with pubescent areoles. From them comes from 1 to 5 central curved spines up to 4 cm long, as well as 10-40 short needles.

The succulent blooms well at home, besides it releases buds at a young age. The peduncles, located at the top in small groups, have many petals and a funnel shape. After the buds on the plant, fruits are formed, covered with small spines and hairs.

This round cactus with yellow needles in its natural environment will grow only in the hot regions of Mexico. Its globular stem, which can become barrel-shaped with age, reaches up to 1 meter in diameter. But at home, culture has a more modest size. The succulent does not bush and comfortable conditions does not produce children.

The surface of the stem is glossy, painted in dark green. It has ribs, the number of which in adult specimens reaches 30-40 pieces. They are densely seated, pubescent areoles, merging at the top into "fur caps" yellow color. Each leaves 4 central spines up to 5 cm long and 10 three-centimeter radial needles. The thorns have a bright yellow color, due to which the second name of the round cactus sounds like the Golden Ball.

The plant blooms in late spring - early summer. But buds are formed only in specimens that have reached the age of twenty. Single tubular peduncles reach 7 cm in length and 5 cm in diameter. Their petals are yellow-brown.

Lobivia

This numerous genus includes up to 100 species of cacti. In the natural environment, plants can only be found in the highlands of Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. The plants got their name in honor of the last country, but their name is an anagram.

The succulent is a classic rounded cactus. At a young age, the culture has a symmetrical spherical stem. But over time, it stretches and becomes cylindrical. The stem does not branch, but numerous basal children are formed on it. Thanks to this feature, even one instance of an exotic flower can form a large cushion colony.

Depending on the variety, the ribs of the succulent are sharp or rounded. They have areoles with hard spines. The culture blooms well in room conditions. Single, separate-petal buds reach 30 cm in length and 15 cm in diameter. The color of the petals can be of various colors and even multicolor. The bud lasts from 1 to 3 days, after which it fades. But a new flower opens in its place. During flowering, up to 25 buds bloom on the culture.

Echinocereus

The genus of round cacti, which includes 60 varieties, is found in its natural environment in the southern states of the United States. These plants reach up to 60 cm in height. They have a rounded, short stem, on which side shoots are often formed. The skin is thin, painted in gray-green tones. Over time, the base of the stem becomes yellow-brown.

The trunk has 5 to 21 prominent ribs on which the areoles are located. Hard long or short spines come out of them. They can stick out perpendicular to the trunk or fit snugly against it. Each areole has 3 to 30 needles 10 cm long.

The succulent has tubular, multi-petalled, funnel-shaped buds. They are located singly on the stem. After flowering, fleshy, juicy fruits are formed in place of the buds, which can be eaten.

Echinopsis

Translated from Greek, the name of this cactus means "hedgehog". In its natural environment, it can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Young specimens of this species have a globular stem. But over time it becomes cylindrical. The skin of the succulent is smooth, dark or bright green, depending on the variety. On the clearly visible ribs of the plant there are large areoles with short hairs. Spines come out of them, the length of which reaches from a few millimeters to 2-3 cm.

The culture blooms with large funnel-shaped buds, reaching 14 cm in diameter. Petals are pink, red or white color. Some varieties exude a pleasant aroma.

ferocactus

This genus of round cacti with long needles includes 30 plant species. In nature, they can be found in the deserts of Mexico and in the west of North America. Depending on the species, succulents have a spherical or columnar stem. The trunk is single or strewn with children. In height, cultures reach from 10 cm to 4 meters. Some varieties form extensive colonies, reaching 2-3 meters in diameter and consisting of hundreds of shoots.

The ribs are pronounced and deeply cut. The areoles are pubescent and large, but at the top they do not form the "cap" of the cactus. The spines are long, powerful with curved tips. The needles are painted in bright colors and reach up to 13 cm in length.

At home, only specimens with a height of 25 cm or more bloom. Therefore, the buds will have to wait a long time. Flowering occurs in summer, with several buds blooming on one cactus at once.

Gymnocalycium

Round cactus with long, twisted needles, found in South America. Translated from Latin name succulenta means "bare calyx". This name is associated with flower tubes, the surface of which does not have bristles or hairs characteristic of other types of cacti.

Depending on the variety, hymnocalyciums reach from 2.5 to 30 cm in diameter. They have a rounded or flat-spherical stem, covered with dense emerald-colored skin. Curved spines reach 1.5-3.8 cm in length.

Gymnocalycium blooms from May to November. The buds are located at the top of the stem. Lush peduncles have a bell-shaped shape and several rows of lacent petals. Buds reach 2-7 cm in diameter. Their color is red, purple or green.

Rebutia

This miniature cactus grows throughout the dry regions of South America. It has a slightly flattened, spherical trunk, the entire surface of which is covered with spiral tubercles. From the areoles come 5 central hard spines and many soft radial needles.

If you are looking for a flowering cactus, then rebutia will become the best choice For you. This plant gives buds in the second year of life. Funnel-shaped peduncles, depending on the variety, are painted in light red, orange, purple and yellow tones. As a rule, all buds open at the same time. After flowering, oval berries are formed on the stem, painted in pale green tones.

Mammillaria

This is the largest family, in which there are 200 species of round cacti. They differ in the shape of the stem and the color of the buds, but at the same time they have common features - an unpretentious character and compact dimensions. In addition, mammillaria bloom very well at home.

Of all the species of this numerous family, the following varieties are especially popular with flower growers:

• Mammillaria is shoot-bearing with hair-like golden-white spines densely covering the stem. Blooms with small white buds.
• Mammillaria is excellent. Small round cactus, reaching 7-8 cm in diameter. Blooms with pink and red buds.
• Mammillaria Ghana. Cactus with a spherical stem, reaching 10 cm in diameter. The spines are white, soft, resembling hairs. Blooms with pink buds.
• Mammillaria Zeilman. Differs in a short cylindrical stalk and dense curved thorns. The buds are bright pink or white.

Plants of this species need minimal care, which includes occasional watering and top dressing in the spring and summer season. They prefer brightly lit places and temperatures in the range of + 20 ... + 25 ° C.

Astrophytum

In its natural environment, Astrophytum grows in dry and hot regions of Mexico and Texas. Translated from Greek, the name of this small round cactus means "star plant". And this name suits the culture. After all, it is a star with 7-8 rays that resembles a plant, if you look at it from above.

The main feature of a large round cactus is the presence of light felt specks on the stem that can absorb water. But some varieties of Astrophytum also have large, strongly curved spines. Plants of this species grow slowly, but bloom very well. Buds appear on them still in early spring and remain until late autumn. As a rule, the petals are colored in yellow tint with a reddish throat. Peduncles are attached to the top of the stem and after blooming they last 2-3 days, and then fade.

Now that you know what popular varieties of round cacti look like and are called, you can easily pick up a prickly pet for yourself. And although most species are unpretentious, nevertheless, before buying, ask about the rules for growing a particular succulent.

Cacti, as houseplants, began to spread in connection with the advent of home computers. Since many believe that these plants are able to reduce radiation levels. Cacti in general are unpretentious succulents, but even such, accustomed to weather surprises and drought, can get sick and die if the rules for their maintenance are violated. This plant is unusual, so caring for it should be different from caring for other plants in the flower garden.

natural habitats

The homeland of the cactus is America. But they also grow in sultry parts of Africa, Asia, and can even be seen in Europe. In nature, they are huge. They prefer to settle in arid regions of the globe and feel good in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. The plant has many species, some of which grow in tropical forests. They can also be seen on the shores of the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

natural conditions in which cacti feel good:

1. Low humidity. Most species prefer regions with low humidity. However, some prefer a high level of moisture, so they live only in tropical forests.
2. Temperature changes. We are accustomed to feel the temperature changes that occur in deserts. There, the difference between day and night temperatures is up to 50 degrees.
3. Loose substrate. Usually cacti grow in mineral soils, for example, gravel or sand are suitable, the main thing is that the composition is loose. However, some species prefer the oily ground of the rainforest.

These plants have a fleshy stem and thick skin. This feature was formed in the process of evolution, it allows the plant to adapt to the lack of water.

To prevent moisture loss in cacti There are defense mechanisms

• Instead of leaves, thorns.
• Hairs on the epidermis.
• Wax coating.
• Stem consisting of ribs.
• Deep root system.

cactus care

It is not difficult to care for cacti, but you still need to know some important points:

For the cactus to bloom

Some cacti bloom at a young age. But there are some, for example, prickly pear or cereus, which are quite difficult to bloom. In order for cacti to show their decorative flowers, they need to create conditions that resemble natural ones. How to make a cactus bloom at home?

As a rule, in a room, a cactus begins to bloom when it reaches three or four years. From this age, every year in the spring they will delight you with their beautiful flowers. You can find out which cacti bloom at different times during the year and build a collection. Then there will be no break in the flowering of cacti.

The secret of cactus flowering lies in the fact that most plant species can only bloom on new growth. In order for it to appear, it is necessary to provide quality care throughout the summer, and in winter, arrange relative rest for the plant. It should also be noted that the laying of flowers occurs in a slightly cramped pot.

Types of cacti and their names

Below are the types of cacti that grown at home, names are given and brief characteristics varieties.

Cacti have long lived with us in apartments, but they are rarely used as an important element of decor. However, some lovers of these plants still consider them in this role. Decorators should protect yourself from thorns that pose a threat to humans. Wear thick gloves when interacting with these desert dwellers.

For those who wish to collect houseplants, cacti are a long-lived and diverse group that can be easily collected and grown. Since plants are easy to care for and do not need regular watering, pruning, transplanting, spraying, and so on, they are suitable both for those who cannot imagine their home without them, and for a novice amateur gardener or someone who is not very passionate about them, but wants to have a living corner.

Cacti: a prickly miracle

Cacti are very common all over the world, as every year the number of people who are passionate about growing and breeding these amazing plants is increasing. There are very unusual species, not at all prickly, exotic, original, unusually beautifully flowering cacti types of photos with names different varieties presented in the article.

The cactus family is very numerous and diverse, so it is easy to choose among this variety a type of cactus that would bloom and develop well with home care. Choose from all the magnificence and diversity of the plant to your taste is not difficult.

Cactus habitat and varieties

The best natural habitat for such unusual plants are arid desert and semi-desert areas of Bolivia, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru, there is the greatest variety of forms and types of cacti. They can be found in some countries of Spain, Asia, Africa, Australia, India. In the wild, cacti grow in the Crimea, on the Mediterranean coast.

Having adapted to the harsh climate, they began to spread through the high deserts: on the elevated plateaus of Peru and Bolivia, there are whole thickets of escobaria, mammillaria, telocactus, neobessia. Winter temperatures there can drop to zero, snow falls, plants have to adapt to such difficult climatic conditions.

Brazilian, Uruguayan savannas - a suitable place for the growth of prickly pear, peresian, cereus, toy climate zone long dry periods.

Mexico is the richest in variety of cacti, the most bizarre forms grow in the Andes mountains, a wide variety of beautiful views can be found in South America, which is considered the birthplace of cacti.

According to their appearance, cacti are conditionally divided into:

1. Shrubs.
2. Tree-like.
3. Herbaceous.
4. Lianoid.

Natural environmental conditions suitable for desert cacti:

• large differences in day and night temperatures, when it is very hot during the day and quite cool at night (differences can be up to 500 C);
• the humidity level is quite low (in total, up to 250 mm of precipitation can fall per year);
• depleted in humus, but very rich in minerals, sandy and gravel soils, loose and acidic.

Desert cacti are particularly unpretentious and adaptable to environmental conditions, they are endowed with powerful stems and long, strong spines. These cacti are divided into three types:

1. Echinopsis - they have thick round stems, on which rigid spines are located in even rows.
2. Prickly pear - with flattened, pancake-like leaf-shaped stems.
3. Astrophytums - having ribbed stems and developed, powerful spines.

Cacti from the pereskaceae family are the only ones that have ordinary flat leaves, hard spines are located on round tree-like stems.

Despite the fact that most of mankind is accustomed to consider cacti as plants of arid deserts, there is a multiple variety of plants of this family that live in the evergreen tropics, where the average annual rainfall is 200 - 300 mm per year, the average temperature is + 180º C.

It is interesting! Forest tropical cacti do not have thorns, the shape of the stems is mostly flattened.

Brief description of cacti

They belong to succulents - plants whose vegetative organs adapted to the collection and storage of water in their tissues. They are, indeed, perfectly designed to exist in extreme conditions:

• their fleshy stems are covered with thick skin that prevents moisture from evaporating;
• wax coating on the stems also protects against the evaporation of precious moisture;
• thorns grow on stems instead of leaves;
• along the grooves of ribbed stems, morning dew rolls down to powerful thickened roots,
• accumulating in large quantities for long months;
• cacti can shade themselves from the scorching sun, growing multi-tiered bizarre forms either covering itself with thin blond hairs;
• the spherical shape of many species also prevents evaporation.

Since the cactus does not have leaves, the function of photosynthesis is taken over by the stems, the most diverse in shape: cylindrical, spherical, flattened, creeping, hanging, and others. The spines also have a different appearance - from barely noticeable, very thin to large, straight or curved. There are very unusual feather-like spines.

Cactus flowers are found from surprisingly small to huge sizes, all kinds of shades (there are no only blue and black flowers), very delicate and beautiful, single or in groups, pleasant aroma.

Desert cacti photos and names

Succulents adapt to the local conditions in which they have to grow. For example, ridges on ribbed stems are very clearly visible when there is a shortage of water, but during the rainy season they become almost invisible, as they swell from the supply of moisture, thus the surface of the plant is protected from cracking.

In some cacti, the root system is able to shrink, in others the taproots go deep underground, the roots of some specimens resemble a radish in shape, can accumulate a lot of water, and their small roots are located below the surface of the earth to absorb moisture from dew and fog. The area of ​​​​small roots can occupy up to 5 m2 around its plant.

All these adaptations help a great variety of cacti species to grow, bloom and survive in difficult conditions for many thousands of years.

astrophytums- spherical in shape, with rather sparse ribs strewn with hairs, this species has beautiful varieties, star-like and hard, long spines.

Ariocarpus- with low, flattened stems, the axils of elongated tubercles are filled with fluff, they bloom amazingly beautifully.

Gymnocalyciums- some varieties of this species are quite unusual: due to the lack of chlorophyll in the stems, they are pink, yellow, red. Between the ribs there are transverse tubercles.

Cleistocactus- have cylindrical upright tall stems, densely covered with white or light yellow spines, flowers bloom at the very tops.

Mammillaria- one of the most common species, spherical stems are covered with tubercles, on which spines grow.

Lophophora- unusual cactus appearance, similar to a pumpkin, has a smooth surface without thorns.

It is interesting! Lophophora juice has hallucinogenic properties, it is forbidden to collect it.

Cephalocereus- an unusual, atypical appearance for cacti: the spines are white, thin and very long, flowing, resembling hard gray hair. But appearances are deceiving, such thorns can seriously injure.

Forest cacti photos and names

Forest (tropical) cacti are demanding on other conditions than desert ones, they need high humidity, scattered light. Under natural conditions, these are epiphytic shrubs, settling on trees or in rocky crevices.

Living on trees, they feed on organic decomposition, and on rocks, clinging to stones with their roots, they are content with the insignificant amount of humus available there. Aerial roots provide them with moisture.

The stems of these cacti are long, soft, thin, hanging down, instead of the usual thorns - bristle-like hairs.

Ripsalidopsis- low, up to 20 cm bushes, the stems consist of segments of a ribbed flat shape with jagged edges. The stem is drooping, becoming woody as the plant matures. An abundance of red or pink flowers are laid at the ends of the stems.

Rhipsalis- its numerous stems are thin, rod-like, highly branched, without thorns, are rounded, flat, ribbed, of various green shades. Flowers have the shape of a bell, look very original in hanging planters.

Epiphyllum- with fleshy leaf-like stems, along the edges with notches and spines. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, of different beautiful shades and a pleasant aroma.

Aporocactus- ribbed stems of this original plant grow up to two meters in length, while having a diameter of up to 1.5 cm, covered with bristle-like spines, due to its appearance it is popularly called " rat tail". It blooms with large, bright, elongated flowers. Multiple shoots form whole bushes.

Distinctive features of cacti

Florist on early stages hobbies it can be difficult not to confuse cacti with other succulents, because there are species without needles, with leaves that are not at all like cacti.

In order not to be deceived, you need to carefully look at the plant to find areoles - small bulges in the form of pads with hairs or spines coming out of them. If pads with fine hairs are not found, then this is not a cactus, but another plant.

Desert cacti are clearly defined by the presence of the ribs of the most different forms, needles arranged in rows along them, and the stems are columnar or spherical in shape.

Moist forest cacti have stems mostly hanging down, they are leaf-shaped, consisting of small serrated segments, with soft spines.

Home blooming cacti

Cacti blooming on home windowsills can be a truly fabulous sight, their flowering is so unusual and beautiful. These flowers have won a strong place in the hearts of flower growers, especially cactus lovers are captivated by the fact that the plants are not capricious, do not require too much attention, and are very easy to care for.

It is interesting! Landing is often practiced different types cacti in a common container in order to create original compositions, because care for them is almost the same.

And the variety of varieties and species of the cactus family is simply amazing, so cute and bizarre specimens are found. But the most popular ones that do not require special conditions, they feel great on the windowsill or on a table near the window.

Types and names of home cacti

Mammillaria found in houses and apartments, probably most often, the species is quite popular, famous for its distinctive feature - the presence of a white web between the needles that entangles a cylinder or ball. Blooms start from early age, flowers of very beautiful colors are arranged around the top of the stem in the form of a wreath.

Rebutia during the flowering period, it can resemble mammillaria, only its wreath is located at the bottom of the stem, the spherical stem is completely covered with long spines diverging in different directions. Flowering is bright, plentiful, but for this the plant needs to provide winter rest in a cool sunny room, additional watering and ventilation. The ribs are replaced by tubercles, dwarf varieties reach only 2.5 cm.

Cereus at home, it reaches above half a meter in height, occurs with and without thorns. Its interesting distinguishing feature- Does not tolerate direct sunlight. Flowering in some varieties of cereus is daytime, in others it is night, the flowers are white and large.

It is interesting! It stimulates the flowering of the cereus by keeping it in a cold room in the winter, without this mandatory flowering procedure, you can’t wait.

notocactus has the ability to bloom profusely and periodically resume flowering. At the top of the spherical stem, funnel-shaped flowers appear with petals in several rows of delicate shades.

A large number of species and intraspecific diversity allow you to find plants to your liking and preference.

Ways to make cacti bloom

Flower growers who have long been engaged in the cultivation and cultivation of cacti have collected considerable experience and many ways to achieve earlier and abundant flowering from these amazing plants.

It turns out that flowers do not like to be turned to the sun in different directions. Yes, if a plant constantly exposes only one side to the light, it bends its stem, but lays the opportunity for flowering.

And vice versa, substituting different sides of the flower to the sun, the owners make the plant lose this opportunity. We have to decide: the correct form of the stem or beautiful flowers.

When dusting cacti, you need to be extremely careful not to damage the spines: a broken spine can cost flowering. But this does not mean at all that you can let the cacti fall down with dust, you just need to work carefully. When loosening compacted soil, you should also try not to injure the roots.

AT autumn months the volume and number of irrigations gradually decrease, and by the beginning of winter they stop altogether, only with the approach of spring (mid-end of February) does the spraying of plants begin with warm water to awaken them from winter dormancy. In the same cold months, cacti are kept in cool rooms with moderate lighting.

During the formation of buds, it is forbidden to transplant and fertilize cacti, they will immediately drop their buds that begin to develop.

Grafting cacti

They also resort to such a method, forcing a non-flowering plant to lay buds - a cutting is grafted to its cut from flowering variety. The sections are connected so that their surfaces must completely match, you can try to tie them with a thick thread.

The grafted plant should be moved to a warm, shaded room and covered glass jar. In about two weeks, tissue fusion should occur.

To carry out such an operation, you need a well-sharpened thin knife so that the cuts are even, the plants are not deformed.

Domestic non-flowering cacti

From the numerous cactus family, some flower growers are attracted to those species that do not bloom at home, but are particularly decorative. Among them:

1. Cephalocereus senile, having a cylindrical stem, entangled in many silver-colored hairs up to 10 - 12 cm long, making this plant very original.
2. Echinocactus Gruson, the most popular in indoor floriculture, has the shape of a ball and grows very slowly, the ribs are densely covered with yellow spines.
3. Cleistocactus grow even more slowly, it begins to bloom only after many years, on a columnar stem there are many ribs covered with short bristles, creating the effect of a silvery coating;
4. Espostoa woolly, in addition to silver bristles, has long sharp spines, can grow up to 70 centimeters.

Despite the absence of flowering, such specimens are often found in home collections, as they look very beautiful and allow you to create the most interesting design combinations.

echinocactus-grusonii

espostoa-sherstistaya

Features of caring for cacti at home

Caring for cacti at home is absolutely not burdensome, even a novice grower can take care of them. The main thing is to provide the plants with the conditions they want from the very beginning.

Suitable soil mixtures

Most of the substrate should consist of large particles, providing good walkthrough moisture and air. The presence of large doses of nitrogen in the soil for desert cacti will be detrimental, its amount must be strictly calculated when compiling the mixture:

• leafy ground, cleared of branches - 2 parts;
• sod land with clay - 2 parts;
• coarse sand or small pebbles - 2 parts;
• small broken brick - ½ part;
• charcoal - ½ part.

Optionally, a dessert spoon of superphosphate and a teaspoon of crushed chalk are added to the volume of such a composition.

Cactus transplant

In order for the transplant to be successful, the plant is not watered a few days before it, then the earth lump is easier to remove from the pot, the root system is not damaged. Most right time for such a procedure - March-April, the deadline is the beginning of September, so that by winter the plant has time to take root and does not need watering.

The pot must be purchased a size or two larger than the previous one. The transplant container must be disinfected, as well as the soil for filling.

At the bottom of the prepared flowerpot, put a layer of pebbles for drainage, pour some slightly moistened earth, put the cactus removed from the pot and gently sprinkle the roots with earth to the upper root neck. A stem buried in the ground will begin to rot when watered. You can only water after two days. During this period, when the plant takes root, it must be protected from drafts.

A place for a new pet is chosen so as not to rearrange it too often, cacti do not like a change of scenery.

Cultivation of cacti by sowing seeds

This business is very troublesome, but exciting, so many flower growers are trying to breed succulents with seeds.

It is important! If you decide to sow cactus seeds, you will need to follow disinfection measures: all tools and boxes must be treated with steam, and the soil must be calcined in the oven.

A layer of drainage is poured at the bottom of the container for sowing, then prepared moistened soil, which is carefully leveled. Seeds are laid out directly from above with a distance of 2 - 3 centimeters.

Large seeds are only lightly sprinkled with sand, small ones are simply left on the surface. The containers are covered with glass or film and placed in a warm, dark place with good air circulation for two weeks.

When the seeds hatch and sprouts appear, the film is shifted, and the containers are transferred to a bright room, but protected from direct sunlight. The earth is only moistened, it cannot be flooded in any way.

Only after the thorns appear, the film can be removed completely. Plants that have reached a size of 5 mm need picking. During the first year of growth, small cacti will have to dive up to 10 times, this is a prerequisite for growing them in this way. This helps the plant to form lateral roots that promote faster growth.

Cactus requirements for air humidity

If succulents do not receive moisture, they will not be able to replenish their reserves, which they so need. Air humidity allows plants to receive the necessary nutrients from the atmosphere, getting into the plant through the skin, moisture accelerates metabolic metabolic processes.

Most affordable way increase the humidity around the plant - spray it with warm settled water. It is better to do this in the morning, making sure that the sun does not shine directly on the cacti.

How to properly water cacti

Watering issues must be studied before purchasing new specimens, because improper watering you can simply ruin the flower. Each species requires its own mode of soil moisture.

cleistocactus_saimapatanus

Frequent watering should be provided to specimens located in hot, dry rooms, and landing tanks flowers are small.

Forest species growing at home require more water, because the climate of their natural growth is much more humid than the desert. When it is rainy or cloudy outside, it is better to refrain from watering.

Water should be taken settled, without any impurities. Cacti are watered in two ways: some flower growers moisten the soil from above, others pour water into the pan.

It is important! In winter, young plants are watered once a month, perennial flowers need only one watering during the winter period.

In the mornings, while the sun is not shining brightly, cacti are very fond of spraying, because in natural conditions they are moistened with dew every morning.

Diseases of cacti and their treatment

Cacti are most often susceptible to fungal diseases, the most dangerous for them is late blight, which can kill a flower in a short time. Cacti also suffer from helminthosporosis, fusarium, brown spot, anthracnose and other diseases caused mainly by improper care or poorly performed decontamination procedures.

To fight diseases, plants are treated with specially designed preparations. To protect your favorite cacti from infection, you should follow preventive measures: plant and transplant only in disinfected soil, feed only with fertilizers for cacti, avoid watering cold water, before watering, make sure that upper layer the soil has dried up.

spurge cactus

These beautiful, not devoid of originality plants are only considered to be a cactus, they have rather fleshy stems, thorns, they belong to succulents. There are a great many of its species, it grows rapidly, with appropriate care it easily reaches a height of up to three meters (if space permits). Having reached a large size, they acquire a shape resembling a chandelier.

They adapt to various conditions of detention, are durable, and are able to maintain a decorative appearance throughout the entire time. The most unpretentious are triangular euphorbias, having a triangular stem shape.

As for a succulent, for milkweed, excess moisture is worse than its lack. In winter, when the flower is in a cool room (veranda, winter Garden, etc.) Euphorbia should not be watered at all, so as not to provoke root rot.

They belong to milkweeds because of the milky juice that appears on the fractures, it is necessary to handle these plants carefully: their juice is poisonous, causes burns to the skin. In connection with this circumstance, it is better not to place euphorbia in children's rooms.

Desert cacti without thorns

They refute the generally accepted opinion that a cactus must have thorns, astrophytums. Astrophytum stellate areoles are covered with gray-white pubescence, there are white spots on the stem, characteristic of this species. This attribute is absent in Astrophytum multistigma. Ariocarpus has very weak spines, which are lost with age, new ones do not appear in their place.

astrophytum-asterias-nudum-oibo

ariocarpus furfuraceus

That's how amazing these thorny and non-thorny cacti are, many species and names of which are shown in the photo, how much positive emotions they give to their owners, who grow them with such love. Cacti have occupied and continue to occupy a strong place on the windowsills of many flower growers.