It is known mostly from the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. It features purple and pink blooms. Even though cactus grows in dry areas, it requires high humidity to germinate. The Coastal Cholla is a grayish-greenish cactus of Baja California, Southern California and the Channel Islands. It's name is derived for multi-colored bands up its spine. The spiny pincushion cactus is a cylindrical or spherical cactus with reddish spikes. Planting the tall columnar Old Man cactus creates an interesting feature in any garden. They are perfect additions to rock gardens, to cacti and succulent collections, or you can place them around your home in cute hanging baskets. However, even if they thrive in bright sunlight, Button Cactus plants are versatile and they can easily adapt to partial shade. It grows extremely high for any cactus, and can reach over twenty feet in height. They pair well with Sedum clavatum and pretty much any other small succulent that has similar needs. 4. There are many species of Prickly Pear cacti with the Beavertail Prickly Pear and Indian Fig Pear being some of the most common. Other names for the Rats Tail Cactus are Whip Cactus and Rattail Cactus. The stems can grow in clusters and reach a height of between 16 and 52 ft. (5 15 m). This cactus gets its name from the diamond-shaped patterns that adorn its stems. As mentioned above, these plants thrive in warm temperatures, but they can survive subzero temperatures, down to 20 F (-6.7 C). Plant grows up to 12 (30.5 cm) tall Button Cactus plants have pretty much the same type of needs as most succulents. It has a globe or cylindrical shape, and grows in cooler climates than other barrel cacti. The Diamond Cholla, widely distributed in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of the United States and Mexico, is a tree-like cactus with small brown or light-orange flowers, and mostly spineless branches. It contains OVER 150 buttons and banners! The Echinocereus genus is composed of ribbed cylindrical cactuses. This round cactus with long spines is a beautiful houseplant that thrives in full sun. It is known mostly in the state of Sonora and on the baja peninsula, but is also found in Arizona. The Queen of the Night is a type of orchid cactus because of the beautiful flowers which resemble some orchid species. This small cactus is known only to a single county in New Mexico - San Juan County in the northwestern corner of the state. While the vast majority of native cacti are found in the desert southwest, I include all 194 species native to the United States. Cacti & Succulents. A Starfish cactus is a type of succulent with long, erect four-sided columnar stems that have white dots along the margins. This small cactus of Mexico and the plains of the Rio Grande in Texas is known to thrive in thornscrub habitat. This small, globe-shaped cactus of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas barely breaks the surface of rocky soils. It is sometimes referred to as the Pink Teddy-bear Cholla, for its pink-tinged spines. One of the most recognizeable cacti of the Sonoran desert in Mexico, this large species is known only in and near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. The Crown Cactus is one of the first cacti to blossom in spring. This tiny cactus was so sought after by collectors, that is now an endangered species in the wild. 3. This is a common pricklypear of the eastern portions of the southwest, appearing often in Texas, Louisiana and even Missouri. Crushed granite is the most crucial ingredient because it will form air pockets allowing water to flow freely, thus, protecting your plant from getting too much water. This small cactus, broadly distributed in Mexico and the American southwest, branches out profusely, creating mats of sharp spines - thus the species' name. This Chihuahuan desert cactus, grows in grasslands in northern Mexico and Texas. Native to Texas, the Star cactus is a small type of round cactus that some say resembles a sea urchin. Press Esc to cancel. The hairy red flowers attract insects. Peanut Cactus ( Echinopsis chamaecereus) This unusual cactus produces 6" wide orange flowers in late spring and is only about the same in height. Also called the cane cholla or spiny cholla, this cactus species is characterized by deep purple-magenta flowers blooming in summer. Cacti retain their moisture in their stems rather than in their fleshy leaves. Prev 1 2 Next . This species grows in desert scrub and degraded grasslands, and rarely grows in clumps. Lophophora (/ l f f r /) [citation needed] is a genus of spineless, button-like cacti.Its area range covers southern through northeastern and north-central Mexico to Quertaro in central Mexico. It gets its name from its delicate, lacy appearance, spherical or cylindrical shape, and covering of small spines resembling white or gray hairs. Mammillaria boolii is a small round cactus covered in fine hair-like spines. This cactus species flowers during winter time, which is why it is called the Christmas cactus. This genus is often referred to as the pincushion cactuses, and like two other genera, the hedgehog cactuses. Generally, cacti only need regular watering during the growing season when it is very sunny. If you have cold winters and you want a prickly pear to decorate your garden, then try the Santa Rita prickly pear cactus. It is an aggressive suckering succulent. In the American southwest, it is most often found in Joshua Tree National PArk. Teddy-bear Cholla are also a beautiful component of the deserts of Arizona, California, Nevada and northwestern Mexico and form thick desert forests. As with most cacti, the Powder Puff cactus needs to get a lot of sun, and the soil should never be more than slightly moist. The small cactus spheres form larger clusters. Notes from Panamint Valley, California. Some species of the Saguaro cacti grow arm-like structures, whereas others are just like a tall column. The stunning large globe-shaped Balloon cactus has a large rib-like appearance with rows of contrasting white or yellow spines on the edge. Golden Barrel Cactus. The Old Man of the Mountain Cactus is a columnar succulent plant covered in abundant white hairs. The clumps of globular stems are covered with a woolly, white downy substance giving the cactus a soft appearance. The fragile yellow flowers on this small cactus from the far western deserts of Texas and the Chihuahan desert in Mexico last only a few hours each year. White flowers appear on the giant cactus in late spring to early summer. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor. This small clumping cactus features hair-like spines, cream-colored flowers and brilliant red fruits. The segmented succulent leaves can grow 6 to 12 (15 30 cm) long and up to 24 (60 cm) wide. There are actually a number of types of cacti in the Schlumbergera family, with the Christmas cactus being just one. Allow your plant a few minutes to get as much water as it needs, and then make sure to pour off any excess water. Like the Teddy-bear Cholla, Jumping Cholla stems detach easily, almost as if they 'jump' onto your when you brush past one. Cactus Identification: The identifying trait of the Christmas cactus is the flattened rectangular green leaf-like leaves with scalloped edges. It is found as far north as Alaska, and is known from my native state of Minnesota. If you plant it in a container and grow it indoors, make sure you place the container in a sunny spot of your home where your Button Cactus gets strong light, such as near a southern-facing window. Cacti vary greatly in size and general appearance, from buttonlike peyote ( Lophophora) and low clumps of prickly pear ( Opuntia) and hedgehog cactus ( Echinocereus) to the upright columns of barrel cacti ( Ferocactus and Echinocactus) and the imposing saguaro ( Carnegiea gigantea ). Star cactus is a type of a popular cactus plant for indoors. This rare and unusual cactus limited to the island of Cubera in Puerto Rico sprawls and clumps. As mentioned above, Button Cacti love full, direct sunlight. Share your experience with us in the comments! With its distinctive woolly look and brilliant yellow flowers, it is a truly beautiful and unique cactus. If you propagate your Button Cactus by stem cutting, remove the offset from your mature plant using a sterile and sharp knife. Its blooms are white, green and brownish in color. The cactus can grow up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. This black-tip spined cactus from Southern California's Mojave desert mountains is medium-sized, and known for its spectacular pink and yellow blooms. Allow the soil to dry before adding more water and make sure your container has drainage holes. A beautiful cactus, the Hudson Pear features white pines and brilliant pink-magenta flowers. Beavertail is a prickly pear cactus with pads that are mostly blue-green. What represents the diversity of the American Southwest better than the cacti? Remember that these plants are Madagascar-native, meaning they are used to dry tropical climate and very little rain. String of Buttons Varieties The following are the most representative types of String of Buttons of this wonderful group. They dont like wet feet, are extremely sensitive to root rot, and need well-draining soil. This common cactus of Mexico can also be found in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. During the fall and winter indoor cacti only need light watering every few weeks. They can cause a great deal of skin irritation if you brush against the plant and they lodge in your skin. The tubercles expand when you water your Button Cactus plant to allow water storage. It's light purple flowers bloom in late spring. Each of the spherical cactus stems grows around 3 (7 cm) in diameter. This cactus of the Four Corners region, known from northern Arizona, southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah (as well as Mexico), features yellowish flowers and strong, sharp spines that often have a dark color. The tall San Pedro cactus has columnar stems and large white flowers. Also called the Old Man of the Andes, this woolly cactus grows up to 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall outdoors. This small cactus of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, forms attractive clumping shapes. This cactus, of Mexico and Texas, grows in thick thorn scrub and grasslands. The Feather cactus looks like a fluffy rounded ball of white cotton wool. It is threatened with extinction. Rather than spines, it has tufts of "wool" sprouting from regularly spaced aureole. It is often found in higher elevation deserts. It is designated as critically imperiled, meaning it is in imminent threat of extinction. Some of these cactus stems can grow to a height of 20 ft. (6 m). Explore the American cactuses by genus: Cereus Coryphantha Cylindropuntia Echinocereus Ferocactus Mammillaria Opuntia Pediocactus Sclerocactus Other Cereus Cereus Cacti are the large, tree-like cactuses that we most identify with the southwest. This sharp-spined spreading cactus, known only to New Mexico, features brilliant yellow flowers. Walkingstick Cactus has yellow bumpy fruit and purple-magenta flowers. The Old Lady cactus is a plant that looks somewhat like a large pincushion. It is often brownish gray, or dull green in color, and can resemble a small rock. When in bloom, the stunning flowering plant has a ring of purple, pink, or white flowers creating a beautiful crown. The large, showy starfish-shaped flowers are orange, deep red, or reddish-purple and grow up to 6 (15 cm) across and appear on the clumping succulent plant in late summer and the fall. The flowers are large and unique, with a pale green coloration. It features greenish-white flowers. This genera has extraordinary diversity, with over 200 species known to science throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. A few years ago, I decided to cross Las Vegas by skateboard, and then write about it. Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. Lets look at some popular cacti you can easily grow outdoors. Its flowers are a striking pink and magenta. It features pinkish spines and large magenta flowers. These "crowns" or "buttons" are traditionally cut from the root of the peyote plant and dried for ceremonial use. All text, photographs, illustrations, sketches and design created by the author. This pricklypear of limestone hills of the Rio Grande area grows to heights of five feet. Each cluster of cactus stems can contain around 20 balls. The majority of indoor cactus plants need to be in a small pot on a sunny window sill and get watered occasionally. This rare cactus of the eastern Chihuahuan desert, in both Texas and northern Mexico, features yellowish-white flowers. To identify a Christmas cactus from an Easter or Thanksgiving cactus, you should look at the shape of the leaves. Is your plant collection missing a small, cute cactus? In fact, one of the differences between cacti and other types of succulents is the fact that they flower. Cactus identification: The Brazilian Prickly Pear is identified by its slender, firm, rounded pole-like stem that produces green oval, flattened spiny segments that appear like leaves. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely. An average dried button about 2cm in diameter . A common fishhook cactus of the southwest, this species features bright pink flowers, which are often decoratively arranged around the crown of the cactus. Of course, cacti are well-known for growing outdoors in arid deserts. The white or yellow glochids give the plant a dotted appearance like polka dots. This cholla shrub of Arizona and Sonora features thin, pencil-like stems and tiny red-orange flowers. Cactus identification: The silver ball cactus is identified by its yellow blooms on this spherical green cactus with a yellowish, spiny appearance. Many botanists consider this a morph of Escobaria Vivipara, but others argue this is its own species. Even though this cactus grows to an enormous height outdoors, you can actually grow this cactus species indoors in a container. This is an example of mutualism in nature; both species' survival depends on the other. You should water them well but allow all the excess water to drain out. The Fairy Castle cactus is a common indoor cactus with columnar erect stems and new buds that look like castles turrets. It features small yellowish flowers. This extremely rare cactus, known from the middle of Arizona, produces clusters of long stems, and features brilliant purple flowers. Just how easy is it to care for indoor cactus breeds? This pricklypear from Mexico and southeastern Arizona has almost no spines, giving it an unusual bare look. Remove an offset from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. It also grows in a corner of southwest Arizona, where it is protected at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. By this time, it may have lost some of its distinctive white wooly coat but will produce yellow, red, or white flowers. A distribution map would show it completely absent west of the rockies, and distributed in every state around the Great Lakes and Eastern Seaboard. Of course, cacti are well-known for growing outdoors in arid deserts. It is an endangered species restricted to Marble Canyon, the attractive section of the Colorado River near the Grand Canyon. It's U.S. populations are very small. The density of its white spines give it the illusion of being completely grey, making it very difficult to see the green color beneath. The Strawberry cactus is an outdoor desert cactus that blooms around late spring and produces stunning magenta flowers. To prepare well-draining soil for your Button Cactus, you can use potting soil, turface, and crushed granite. It is believed that less than 20 wild Florida Semaphores remain, and threatened by rising hurricane threats and insects. Cactus identification: The feather cactus is easy to identify due to its cotton wool-like covering, spherical shape, and spiny surface. All rights reserved. Bunny Ears cactus is a flowering type of cactus native to Mexico that grows indoors just as well as it grows outdoors. It features white and green flowers. The name Fairy Castle or Fairytale Castle cactus comes from the curved stems growing on the main stems. Originating in Southern Mexico and South America, the queen of the night is a flowering type of cactus that has long cylindrical ribbed columns. A beacon of light on the darker roads of travel. This species is unique to the western part of the Colorado desert, mostly in the western Southern Californian deserts and in Baja California. Quantity. This is a common cactus of the western portions of North America, and is common even in northern latitudes of British Columbia. Crassula Perforata Conjuncta Crassula Perforata Variegata Crassula Rupestris Crassula Marnieriana Other Names It's flowers vary from pink, to white to deep purple. It is endangered. The peyote (/ p e o t i /; Lophophora williamsii / l f f r w l i m z i a /) is a small, spineless cactus which contains psychoactive alkaloids, particularly mescaline. The Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus grows up to 3 (7.5 cm) in diameter. Many are best known by such nonscientific names as blind pear, cow-tongue cactus, night-blooming cereus, Texas rainbow, tree cactus, early bloomer, and devil's head, so-called because its rigid spines are dangerous to the hoofs of horses and cattle. This large cactus of the Florida Keys grows to about 9 feet. Often called Pima Pineapple or Pineapple Cactus, this small specimen known from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico, grows in sandy and gravel soils. It grows in a wide variety of soils, and its purplish-magenta flowers bloom in late summer. If you want to propagate Button Cactus from the seeds, we recommend doing it indoors. The Crown Cactus is a small flowering cactus with ball-shaped stems measuring 3 (7.5 cm) in diameter. For best results, plant the Old Man cactus where it gets plenty of sun and in well-drained soil. Cactus varieties with stiff, sharp spines can cause injury by puncturing the skin. From above, the cactus has a star shape. Button Cacti are generally not considered to be toxic to animals or people. It features small flowers, which may be white, yellowish or pink. This thickly-bristled cactus, appearing in arid rocky slopes and desert floors of several Southwestern states, has an unusual creamy-light green color produced by its carpet of spines. Whats more, before deciding where to plant your Button Cactus, remember its lighting needs. This is the most important aspect and you should always remember it when growing succulents and cacti. It is known for producing many blooms, which are large with a soft yellow and sometimes pinkish interior. This large cholla, known to the coastal regions of far Southern California and Mexico's Baja peninsula, can grow to lengths of nine feet. This small pricklypear from Florida features a sweet fruit which is often grilled or made into jams and syrups. They are susceptible to root rot, so keeping them in well-drained soil is vital. Cactus identification: The Walkingstick cactus is identified by its branching growth with stems growing evenly at right angles and measuring 2 to 20 (5 50 cm) long. These cactus trees can grow thirty-three feet tall, and often have beautiful shapes. This cactus is common in Utah, and the Colorado Plateau region in general, additionally ranging in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. These bunches can range from five to 30 stems, and the big ones can grow a foot or more tall. The Bishops Cap cactus has yellow or white flowers and gray-green star-shaped ribs. These colorful cacti varieties come in vibrant pink, orange, red, and yellow colors. Its flower comes in pastel pink and yellow hues. It features pink-colored flowers. Peyote is found only on limestone soils of the Chihuahuan desert of southern Texas and northern Mexico. It's small blooms are an attractive pinkish-magenta. As mentioned above, caring for these small, cute plants is extremely easy, especially if you already have some succulents or cacti in your garden. flowering peyote That fuzz means razor-thin spines that will detach from the plant in clusters. It features large, bright yellow flowers. Other names for this interesting bunny ears cactus include Bunny cactus, Angels Wings, or Polka-Dot cactus. $11.99 CAD. Organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi): The organ pipe cactus is a tree-like cactus that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. This species is sometimes referred to as the Bush Cholla or Branched Pencil Cholla. This type of flowering cactus only blooms at night when the temperature drops to between 52 and 57F (11 14C). One type of very tall Arizona cactus is the Saguaro cactus that can grow over 40 ft. (12 m) tall. This species is pollinated by both hummingbirds and bees. Button Cactus is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20 F (-6.7 C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. The Moon cactus is an unusual type of cactus that comes in various colors. Its flowers are often a striking golden yellow. Spiny Pincushion Cactus Super Red (Mammillaria spinosissima var. This gigantic cactus symbolizes the Sonoran Desert, the state of Arizona, northern Mexican cultures, and even the United States around the world. The Bunny Ears cactus is a houseplant that looks comical with its green pads that resemble rabbits ears. This cactus from Arizona, New Mexico and Texas as well as northern Mexican states, is known for its short-lived flowers which bloom after sunset. This species, widespread in Mexico, occurs only in Texas in the United States. The key to a healthy Button Cactus plant is never to let it sit in wet and soggy soil. Need help with your order? Its a tiny clumping cactus. Ready to find out how to grow and care for Button Cacti? From the main green stem, smaller stems branch off that produce white flowers that give off a pleasant fragrance. The small stems slightly resemble peanuts, hence the name. She bought her first succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria Setosa. When blooming, the spiny pincushion cactus produces funnel-shaped pink flowers. This cactus is known only from Peach Springs Canyon in northern Arizona's Hualapi Reservation, and less so in nearby parts of the Grand Canyon. It's hative habitat is restricted to a single county in Texas. This species, known from Texas and New Mexico, as well as the Chihuahuan desert of Mexico, is known for producing many stems, clumping together. Due to its slow growth rate, the Saguaro cactus may only grow an inch (2.5 cm) in height in a 10-year period! This large tree cactus of Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean grows to twenty-feet in height. It is common on the hillsides, cliffs and bluffs of the Pacific Ocean, particularly on the Channel Islands, where it grows alongside the native chapparal and scrub. The flowering spherical cactus has clumping growth. Then, they develop into red, yellow, purple, or orange pear-like edible fruits with a fragrant aroma and juicy texture. The Crown Cactus has small rounded stems with red, pink, yellow or orange flowers. Cactus identification: The Rats Tail Cactus is easy to identify due to the 3 to 6 feet (1 2 m) long spiky tubular stems and spectacular floral displays of bright pink flowers. It is an attractive pygmy cactus with pink and yellow flowers. Cacti of Texas's Check List. This federally endangered cactus, like many other wild things in Florida, suffered from overdevelopment in the one county where it originates. This tall upright desert plant has vertical spiky ribs, giving the cactus columns a ribbed appearance. Its golden spines are few and far between, but they are long and sharp. It exists only within the vicinity of Lake Mead. It features cream, yellowish or salmon-colored flowers. This small round cactus is covered in white or gray radial spines. After the cutting has developed the callus, you can place it in fresh soil, leave it dry for a week, and then start caring for it as you do for your mature Button Cactus plant. Cactus Identification: The Old Man cactus is easy to identify due to its cylinder shape and easily distinguishable white fuzzy appearance. It can grow into 15 foot tall clumping trees, and features magenta flowers. Some other similar types of cacti include the Easter cactus (a cactus now in the classification of the Hatiora genius), Thanksgiving cactus, or Holiday cactus. Many are referred to as 'hedgehog cacti'; referring to the ancient Greek genus name, which means, Hedgehog Candle. Unlike other types of indoor cacti, these houseplants prefer partial shade. It features a stunning pinkish-magenta bloom and long spines. These are followed by spineless yellow fruit that have a knobby appearance. No more than a light soil covering is needed for others. It features brilliant yellow flowers. These cacti live in rugged terrain, in places where other cactus species are unusual. She is the proud owner of an outdoor rose garden and an indoor collection of tiny succulents. First, the showy cactus blossoms are yellow to bright orange. Locate in a bright area, but not direct sunlight. This means that less evaporation occurs during the hot day. Description. This cactus of the Mojave and Sonora deserts grows in spreading mats, low to the ground. Gymnocalycium baldianum is one of the varieties of chin cactus plants. Unlike. These inch-long (2 cm) spines can come in various colors such as yellow, brown, white, and gray. This endangered applecactus is known only from Florida.