The world of cacti is fantastically various , with a wide chain of shapes , size , and characteristics . As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I have had the pleasure of working with various types of cacti and explore their alone features . have ’s dive into the dissimilar types of cacti and break the smasher they bring to our gardens .

1 . Barrel Cacti : These cacti , as the name suggests , have a barrel - comparable cast . They are typically round or cylindric and can grow to impressive size . Barrel cacti often have prominent ribs and are adorn with sharp prickle . Their flowers can blossom in vibrant color , adding a splash of sweetheart to their tough appearing .

2 . Pincushion Cacti : These charming cacti resemble little pincushions , covered in legion spines . They are usually small in sizing , create them stark for indoor horticulture or as part of a stone garden . Pincushion cacti occur in various shapes and can produce lovely , finespun flower that contrast beautifully with their spiky exteriors .

3 . Prickly Pear Cacti : One of the most recognizable type of cacti , burred pear are known for their flat , paddle - shaped stems covered in cluster of spines . These cacti often have vibrant yellow or orange flowers and can bear edible fruits call prickly pear . They are a favourite in xeriscaping due to their ability to withstand drouth condition .

4 . Columnar Cacti : These tall and lissome cacti fend proudly in garden and landscapes . They can touch impressive elevation and are often used as focal points in outside designs . Columnar cacti , such as the iconic Saguaro , have vertical ribbed stem and can take decades to reach their full stature . Their arms tally character and create a picturesque silhouette against the sky .

5 . Hedgehog Cacti : Hedgehog cacti get their name from their spines that resemble the spines of a Erinaceus europaeus . These cacti have cylindrical or spheric bodies cover in dense clusters of spines . They come in various sizes and are known for their resilience to abrasive condition , make them ideal for arid landscape .

6 . Christmas Cacti : Unlike the distinctive desert - habitation cacti , Christmas cacti are aboriginal to the tropic rainforests of Brazil . These cacti have compressed , segment stems and are popular houseplants during the vacation season due to their ability to blossom beautiful flowers in shade of pink , cherry , and white . They require unlike fear compared to defect cacti , include steady watering and indirect light .

7 . Epiphytic Cacti : These singular cactus have adapted to grow on Tree or careen , rather than in the undercoat . Epiphytic cacti , such as the democratic Christmas cactus , have ethereal theme that absorb moisture from the air . They often have flattened stems and can add an intriguing vertical constituent to any garden or indoor space .

8 . Old Man Cacti : These cacti are easily recognizable due to their long , shaggy livid spines that resemble an old man ’s whiskers . They have columnar or globular bod and can create a striking ocular wallop in gardens . sometime man cacti are behind - growing and require minimum tending , make them a great choice for low - maintenance landscape .

9 . Crested Cacti : Crested cacti , also known as crested shape or monstrose cacti , exhibit abnormal growth patterns , resulting in fascinating and unique shapes . They can have sports fan - like or brain - comparable forms , with undulating ridge and flexure . Crested cactus are highly seek after by collector due to their oddity and strange appearance .

10 . Pereskia Cacti : Unlike other cacti , Pereskia cacti hold back their leaves , give them a more traditional plant life - similar appearing . These cacti have woody stems , and their leaves allow them to photosynthesize more expeditiously . They often raise beautiful flowers and are a liaison to the evolutionary past of the cacti family .

search the world of cacti is a true delectation for any horticulture enthusiast . Each character brings its own alone appeal and adapts to various environments in entrance ways . Whether you favour the rugged peach of bbl cacti or the finespun bloom of youth of Christmas cacti , there is a cactus out there to accommodate every garden and every nurseryman ’s taste . So , go ahead , cover the diversity of cacti , and let their resiliency and ravisher inspire your own green oasis .

Caroline Bates