I have a lot of plants I like. I’m really a kind of plant person, I have them all over my house. One of my favorite plants is the cactus. I like how it appears harsh and even dangerous at first, but it also produces some of the most beautiful brightly colored flowers of the plant kingdom.
The cactus belongs to the Cactaceae plant family and is classified as stem succulents. A succulent has a thick skin and water may form up to 90% of the total mass. Cacti are a specific kind of succulent that has adapted to dry, desert like conditions. Not all succulents are cacti. In fact only about a quarter of the 10,000 species belong to the cactus family. The classification derives from the fact many succulents have water in their leaves, whereas a cactus only has water in the stem of the plant.
The word cactus comes from the ancient Greek word Kaktos. The word hasn’t really changed much. Just exchanged the K for a C.
Most cacti have a rounded shape. Instead of stems and leaves, they have areolas and spines. The spines prevent animals from eating the plant and sometimes kill bugs or rodents. They also prevent water loss by reducing air flow close to the surface. They also provide some shade to the plant. Cacti still employ photosynthesis, but since they don’t have traditional leaves, they do it a little differently. They also respond to rain shower much more quickly than most other plants. They bloom and grow very quickly to comply with the harsh dry climates they are native to.
Many believe cactus have natural healing properties, though not much scientific study has been done on the topic. The studies that have been done confirm they are high in antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties.
A cactus in the home does help to clean the air around it. However a spiny cactus does also bring a negative energy and may disturb fang shui if placed in the wrong place. It is suggested to place cacti outside or on a patio or balcony. At the very least a large open space and not near a bedroom.
I have a Christmas Cactus in my livingroom. It does not have spines. It may bloom anywhere from November to March. Mine already bloomed this year for a solid two months. It in fact has one bloom still hanging on, but I do not see any new ones budding. Last year, it did not bloom until late February. The flowers are a bright purple pink color. I name my plants, and this one is named Rita. It just seemed like a purpley slightly pink shade of a name.
This is the second Christmas Cactus I have owned however. I watered my first one on the same schedule as my other plants and accidentally drowned it! Cacti and Succulents don’t need to be watered as much as an ivy! Lesson learned.
Cactus is a charming plant species, with huge variety and vibrant color. I love them.
Dose of Sunshine 