The Difference Between Succulents & Cacti
The old saying about the difference between squares and rectangles works very well for describing succulents and cacti. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. So, what exactly is the difference between a succulent and a cactus? We’ll look at the features that distinguish cacti from the rest of the succulent group, so you can easily identify them yourself.
Physical Identifiers
Perhaps the most obvious difference is plain to see with the naked eye. Cacti have spines that protrude from their surface. These spines emerge from small white bumps known as areoles, another feature that other succulents do not have.
Succulents that aren’t cacti commonly have many distinct leaves. Cacti will rarely have leaves, and when they do have them, they are small and few. Succulents store water in their leaves, which can make them looking large and swollen. Without leaves, cacti store water in their stems, which gives them bulbous forms like columns and barrels.
Fruit Creation
Cacti and succulents can flower over time, but only a cactus will produce fruit from its flowering process. These fruits can get very large on a mature cactus. You are likely familiar with several cactus fruits, the most common of which are dragon fruit and prickly pear.
All succulents do flower, but the flowers of non-cacti develop into seed pods, not fleshy fruit.
Flower Differences
Speaking of flowers, the kind of flowers these plants create is another major difference between succulents and cacti. Cactus flowers tend to be much larger and display bright, eye-catching colors. They are also known for being showier. This helps them stand out in desert expanses and attract the attention of the limited number of pollinators. Their big blooms allow larger pollinators like bats and birds to pollinate some cactus species.
Non-cactus succulent flowers are (in general) much smaller. They tend to be a good size for pollination by bees, flies, and butterflies.
Propagation Methods
Propagation is the process of multiplying and growing new plants. All succulents, including cacti, can be propagated, but people tend to use different methods.
Non-cactus succulents are often propagated vegetatively from leaves or stem cuttings (learn how in this Guide to Propagating Cuttings). Their fast growth and high density of meristem cells make this a quick and easy process.
Due to the slower growth rates of cacti, growers tend to propagate them from seed instead of from cuttings. Some varieties will also produce new offsets at their bases, which you can remove and transplant.
Mountain Crest Gardens can help you find the perfect succulent, whether it’s actually a cactus or not! Take a look at the varieties we have available in our store and you’re sure to find a plant that fits your taste.