Cactacea - Botanical Family

Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, commonly known as Tasajillo or Christmas Cholla, is a slender, much-branched cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike many larger members of the genus, this species produces exceptionally thin cylindrical stems only 0.1-0.3 inches in diameter, giving the plant a delicate, twig-like appearance. The stems are divided into short segments armed with small clusters of fine spines and tiny deciduous leaves that appear briefly during active growth.

Small greenish-yellow to bronze flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red, fleshy fruits that often persist through winter. These colorful fruits provide ornamental interest long after flowering and are the origin of the common name "Christmas Cholla." A remarkable feature of this species is that the fruits retain active areoles - the specialized buds from which cacti produce spines, flowers, and new shoots. As a result, the fruits themselves may sprout up to four new vegetative branches directly from their upper areoles, allowing the plant to spread vegetatively as well as by seed. Birds readily feed on the fruits, helping to disperse the seeds. Cylindropuntia leptocaulis thrives in full sun and sharply drained soil and is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and poor rocky soils. Suitable for USDA Zones 7-11, it is among the most cold-hardy species of Cylindropuntia and requires very little supplemental watering once established. Its fine-textured branching, persistent fruits, and unusual fruit-borne shoots make it an attractive choice for xeriscapes, desert gardens, and naturalistic plantings.

Cylindropuntia was formerly treated as a subgenus of Opuntia , but have now been separated based on their cylindrical stems and the presence of papery epidermal sheaths on the spines.

Disocactus ackermannii is a trailing epiphytic cactus native to tropical forests of Mexico. Known for its large, vivid red flowers, it thrives in bright indirect light and high humidity, unlike desert cacti. Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering during active growth. Ideal for hanging baskets and shaded patios.

Disocactus ackermanni, also called the Red Orchid Cactus, puts on a jaw-dropping show with huge, blazing red flowers that can reach 6 inches wide! It's a cactus that acts nothing like one - and then bursts out in flowers the size of your hand.

It blooms from spring through summer and steals the spotlight every time. The plant grows like a lush, green fern with flat stems that drape and cascade like a living chandelier.

It may be a cactus, but it loves water and shade - more diva than desert. Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, this epiphyte thrives in a hanging basket and turns heads wherever it grows.

Why do collectors search for it? Because it's rare, eye-catching, and just plain fun to grow. No spines, no drama - just bold flowers and easy charm. This is one of those plants that visitors always ask about. If you're a collector, it's not a want - it's a need. In cultivation, it has been confused with Disocactus jenkinsonii, a hybrid between D. phyllanthoides and D. speciosus.

Echinocactus grusonii, commonly known as the Golden Barrel Cactus, is one of the most striking and recognizable desert plants. It forms a perfectly rounded, ribbed globe densely covered with bright golden-yellow spines. Mature plants can reach more than two feet in diameter and may produce offsets with age, forming impressive clusters. This species is native to central Mexico, where it grows on rocky, sun-exposed slopes.

Golden Barrel Cactus prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. It thrives in hot, arid conditions and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Mature specimens develop a dense woolly crown at the top, and small yellow flowers appear only from this area during the summer. It performs best in USDA Zones 9-11 and can tolerate brief temperature drops to about 20F if kept dry. Ideal for rock gardens, containers, or xeriscapes, this cactus adds sculptural form and color to any landscape.

Intense pink flowers with much lighter throat, 2.4 to 2.8 inches long (6-7 cm), up to 3.6 inches in diameter (9 cm).

There is about 100 taxa of Echinocereus. The different species have a large range of colors from green to yellow, pink, orange, and red.

As is often the case in cactus genera, the bigger species will take full sun while the smaller species like some shade.

Species:

Echinocereus acifer

Echinocereus adustus

Echinocereus albispinus

Echinocereus engelmannii

Echinocereus fitchii

Echinocereus morricalii

Echinocereus pentalophus

Echinocereus polyacanthus

Echinocereus reichenbachii

Echinocereus rigidissimus

Echinocereus subinermis

Echinocereus viridiflorus

Echinopsis candicans is a native of the dry grasslands and scrublands of Argentina and can grow up to a height of 2-5 feet. It is a perennial cactus, meaning it can survive year-round with the proper care. It's best grown in full sun, however, it will tolerate some shade, and requires moderate watering, with the soil being kept slightly moist. Established plants are relatively drought tolerant and will survive in dry conditions, however, it is best to keep the soil slightly moist during the warm months.

Echinopsis candicans blooms beautiful white, off-white flowers in the months of April to June. They are highly fragrant, opening at night and closing by early morning. These flowers can reach up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter and last up to 5 days.

This cactus is an excellent choice for people who live in colder regions, as the plants are hardy up to USDA Zone 9-11. Although it cannot tolerate harsh winters, it can be grown successfully in containers and brought indoors during the cold months. When taking it inside, keep the plant in a bright, sunny location and water sparingly. With these precautions, Echinopsis candicans can provide a stunning and fragrant addition to any home.

The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti.

This South American native is a small tree and will grow between 10-20 ft tall. Echinopsis terscheckii, also known as Cardon Grande Cactus, thrives in full sun and dry conditions. A single tree can produce hundreds of creamy white or off-white flowers, which will be present for most of the following day. The plant is beautifully adorned with thorns and spines that grow from the stem and along the ribs.

Despite its delicate, enchanting appearance, this cactus is very hardy and easy to care for. It is drought tolerant, requires minimal pruning and little fertilization. It can be grown in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 9-11. In colder climates, it can be grown in a large pot and brought indoors once temperatures drop below freezing. When grown in a pot, the plant should be re-potted every two years and soil should be kept slightly dry. It is important to note that if the soil is soggy and wet, the cactus will not thrive and could suffer from root rot. Additionally, make sure to use a potting soil specifically for cactus and succulents. For best results, fertilize during the growing season with a fertilizer tailored for cactus.