Cactus It is the common name given to any plant of the family Cactaceae. This family of succulent plants originated in America, and has managed to adapt to a vast variety of climates, from arid deserts to tropical regions. Among its most notable characteristics are the stems green and fleshy, as well as the presence of thorns, which may or may not be present depending on the species.
A fascinating peculiarity of cacti is their ability to store large amounts of water in their stems, which allows them to survive in extremely hot and dry environments. In addition, cacti do not have leaves or, if they do, they are tiny and insignificant, since the stem performs its photosynthetic functions. This structure allows them to minimize water loss, adapt to prolonged droughts, and withstand the rigors of extreme heat in the desert or in places with little rainfall.
Shapes and Sizes of Cactus
Cacti exhibit an impressive diversity in shape and size, ranging from small globular species to large tree structures that can reach up to 18 meters in height, as is the case with the saguaro (The giant carnage). The most typical forms of cacti include:
- Globular cacti: They have a rounded body and are typically small, like the Echinocactus grusonii, also known as the "mother-in-law seat."
- Columnar cacti: They grow upright in the form of a column, like the saguaros, and can develop multiple branches from the base or the top of the stem.
- Racquet cactus: Like the nopales (Opuntia), have flat, wide, racket-shaped stems.
Regardless of the form they take, all cacti have something in common: the presence of areoles, small specialized structures from which spines, flowers, and in some cases, new shoots emerge.
Adaptation and Resilience of Cactus
The ability of cacti to adapt to arid climates is largely due to their physiology. root system This is another key to their success. Cacti have a sophisticated root system that can extend over great distances in search of water. This allows them to quickly absorb as much water as possible during rainfall, then store it in their fleshy stems for use during periods of drought.
This root system can also be superficial and branched to maximize rainwater absorption, allowing them to survive in poor soils and extreme conditions. It is important to note that while many species thrive in desert areas, cacti can grow in a variety of ecosystems, from mountains to humid tropical forests.
The vast majority of cacti bloom in spring. However, these flowers usually last only a few hours or days, making their flowering a special event for observers. cactus flowers They are large and colorful, and can range in shades from yellow to vibrant reds and violets. Although most species bloom in spring, there are some that bloom in autumn or even winter.
Main Cactus Genres
There are more than 200 genera of cacti and it is estimated that there are around 2,500 species distributed throughout the world. Some of the best-known genres include:
- Opuntia: This genus includes the popular prickly pear cactus, known for its flat stems and long spines. The prickly pear cactus is widely used in both gastronomy and traditional medicine.
- Mammillaria: With over 200 species, this is one of the most diverse genera. It is characterized by its crown-shaped flowers and its resistance to extreme conditions.
- carnegiea:This genus includes the famous saguaro, an icon of the Sonoran Desert. It can reach more than 15 meters in height and live for more than 150 years.
- Ferocactus: This genus is known for its globular cacti with long, curved spines. They are widely used in succulent gardens.
Basic Care of Cacti
Despite their desert origin, cacti require certain care to ensure their optimal development. Although they can be quite small plants, resilient, keeping them in pots or in gardens requires following some guidelines:
1. Light
Light is crucial for proper cactus growth. These plants need to receive lots of sunlight to develop, but it is important to remember that direct exposure to the most intense sunlight during the summer can damage them. Especially indoors, it is advisable to place them near windows where they receive indirect sunlight.
2. Irrigation
Cacti are plants xerophytes, which means they are adapted to living with little water. Overwatering can be fatal, as cacti are prone to root rot if the substrate remains wet for too long. It is advisable to water cacti once every ten days during the summer and reduce irrigation to once a month during the winter. It is also important to ensure that the water drains well, avoiding waterlogging of the substrate.
3. Temperature
Although most cacti can withstand high temperatures in summer, during the winter it is important to keep them in a place where the temperature does not drop below 50 °C. 7ºCSome species can withstand light frost, but in general, it is recommended to keep them in a warm and dry environment.
4. Humidity
Cacti need dry environments to thrive. If they are in a climate where humidity is high, the risk of rot increases considerably. In fact, it is advisable to water cacti when the substrate is completely dry.
5. Substrate
The soil or substrate where you plant your cactus is essential for its growth. They require well-drained, light and sandy substrates, as this allows proper aeration of the roots and prevents the accumulation of water that could rot them. You can use a specific mix for cacti or create a homemade mix of soil, sand and pumice.
In short, although cacti are hardy plants, it is crucial to keep these recommendations in mind to ensure healthy growth and avoid problems such as root rot or sunburn. Although they are considered low-maintenance plants, proper care can keep cacti looking robust and blooming spectacularly.
Cacti are more than just a symbol of the desert; they are a masterpiece of nature, perfectly adapted to extreme environments and, with proper care, can provide us with authentic natural spectacles in any garden or indoor space.