Cacti and Succulents: The Perfect Indoor Plants

Cacti are succulents with spines and usually no leaves. All cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Succulents are thick, juicy, fleshy plants. They store water in their branches or leaves. Succulents and cacti can produce beautiful blooms. Both plant types require good light and excellent drainage, and they love an outdoor vacation in the summer.

In the middle of winter, when the landscape is dormant and gray, cacti and succulents come to the rescue. Indoors they provide a glimpse—if not a feeling—of a drier, warmer place. And low-maintenance requirements make them perfect for even the most inattentive gardener.

Thousands of succulents and cacti exist, so what is the difference between the two? All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

Succulents are thick, juicy, fleshy plants that store water in their branches and leaves. Cacti are succulents with spines and usually no leaves. Their stems are the water-absorbing component.

Cacti and succulents are easy to grow. They need plenty of light, so set them near a south- or west-facing window, or give them artificial lighting. In the winter months, water only to prevent shrinking and withering, but never let plants sit in water. They need well-drained, sandy soil; fertilize twice a year when they are actively growing. In warmer months, give them a vacation outdoors—they'll thrive!

With a little care, you can grow some of nature’s most fascinating plants that will flourish for years.

Matthaei Botanical Garden in Ann Arbor Michigan, displays 200 varieties of succulents including cactus, lily, grape, jade and Euphoria.

Also in this Episode

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-720
•	Cacti and Succulents: The Perfect Indoor Plants
•	Hydrangeas
•	Shovels A to Z
•	Succulent Dish Garden