How to Tell the Difference Between Cacti and Succulents

Growing specimens of cacti and succulents in your home garden or container collection can be an enjoyable hobby. But, what is the difference between a cactus and a succulent? Are they the same? Are they different? How can you tell them apart? Here is some information to help you tell the difference.

The difference is actually quite easy to describe, once you are aware of it. The word succulent is a descriptive term for all the types of plants that store water in their leaves or stems. A cactus is in a large family of plants that are all succulents. There are other types of succulents besides cacti. So, a good rule to remember is that all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

It is thought by many that the spines that grow on many of the plants are what differentiates a cactus from other succulents. This is, simply, not true. There are some cacti that are smooth and do not have spines. There are also some succulents that have prickly spines. The way to tell the difference between the spiny cacti and other types of prickly succulents is that cacti have areoles, or spine cushions. The spines of a cactus will grow only out of these spine cushions. The prickly parts of other succulents do not grow together in this manner. These are easy to spot, especially when two plants of different families are observed together. A succulent with spines will have a more random looking growth of the prickly parts.

Classifications of plants are made on the basis of the reproductive system of the plants. No external characteristics will have any influence on these divisions within the plant world. Therefore, no characteristics such as spines, leave shape or color, or habitat will have any influence on the determination as to whether a plant is a cactus, succulent or other grouping.

Whether the plant you are attracted to is a cactus or another type of succulent, both will bring a unique specimen to your collection. Succulents are easy to grow and virtually pest-free. Just be sure you research what they will need. As with other types of plants, their needs can vary even if they seem to be the same in form and habitat. Hopefully, this information will help you understand the difference between succulents and cacti and will lead to a wonderful display of these plants in your home garden.