Several Common Misunderstandings About Cacti
Article Introduction: Some tips on succulent cacti, several common misunderstandings about cacti, which will surely help you. Let's learn about them together!
1. All succulents are cacti
Although cacti are a type of succulent plant, due to their diverse species, unique physiology, and morphology compared to other succulents, they are usually referred to and discussed separately from other succulents.
2. All cacti grow in environments with full sunlight all day
This is not entirely true. Cacti do require a lot of sunlight, but too much sunlight can harm them. Therefore, some cacti grow in the shade of trees, among grasses, or in rock crevices in their native habitats to reduce the damage from excessive sunlight. If there is little shade in their native habitat, they usually develop dense spines or hair (such as in the genus Espostoa, Ferocactus), the stem epidermis turns dark (such as in some species of Lobivia), they burrow deeply into the soil and only expose a small part of their body (such as in the genus Ariocarpus, Lophophora), the stem epidermis has white waxy coating to reflect light, and other adaptations to reduce excessive sun exposure.
3. All succulents grow in deserts
Although there are a large number of diverse cacti and succulents growing in deserts around the world, they are also found in mountains, forests, and along coastlines. Different cacti can thrive in different environments, such as in warm low-altitude valleys in Central America, in tropical areas with intense sunlight, on stony and dry mountain slopes, and in extreme climate and temperature changes in the Andes Mountains. Some species of the genus Opuntia and Mammillaria in the dry or semi-dry regions of Arizona, Utah, and Colorado in the United States are sometimes completely covered by snow in winter, with extreme growing conditions. Other epiphytic cacti grow in wet tropical or subtropical forests, while some lithophytic cacti are mostly found on prominent rock ledges, cliffs, or valleys in rugged mountainous areas.
4. All succulents can grow in pure sand
No plant can grow in pure sand because it lacks nutrients for plant growth. Cacti and other succulents actually grow in nutrient-rich environments. Moreover, the soil in most desert areas is relatively rich in nutrients, but it is just the water content that is low.
5. Succulents do not need much water throughout the year
All living things absolutely need water, and cacti and succulents are no exception. Their usual water requirement is just less than that of other types of plants. When they are in the appropriate season and growing vigorously, they still need stable and abundant water to maintain development and growth.
6. Cacti can absorb radiation or electromagnetic waves
That's all for the introduction to several common misunderstandings about cacti, which I hope will be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more flower care experience and常识!