GAME OF THORNS: FASCINATING WORLD OF CACTUS PLANTS

-By Chhavi Tripathi


If I ask you to name a plant with thorns in it, then amongst all the plants that you will call, Cactus would surely be one of them. Cactus is one such plant which is gaining popularity in recent times. Besides its spikes, which sometimes become intimidating, it has its charm, making it a great addition to any garden or indoor space.

 About Cacti 

Cacti are part of the succulent plant family, meaning they have thick and fleshy stems that can store water for them. Because of this, they can survive in an arid environment and are primarily found in North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East. Cacti have unique aesthetics as they have spines or thorns in their modified leaves, which prevent them from being eaten by herbivores and reduce water loss through transpiration. 

Various Cactus have distinct appearances, some Saguaro Cactus, Barrel Cactus, Cholla Cactus, Queen of the Night and many more. Some of them even have medicinal properties, and others have industrial applications. As evidence, Prickly Pear Cactus has edible fruits and pads, which are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants and are helpful in the treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Cacti also have cultural significance, especially in those parts of the world where they are abundant. For instance, Peyote Cacti have profound spiritual and religious importance in many native American cultures, and it is used in many traditional ceremonies in North America. In some places, it is used in cultural and religious activities; in others, it is also considered a source of artistic inspiration and sustainability. 

Some facts about Cacti

Alongside the plant's unique aesthetics and adaptability, it has some fascinating and lesser-known facts. Here are some of them:

  • Cacti are among the oldest plants on Earth; some of their species are millions of years old. They had enough time to adapt to the arid conditions.
  • Cacti is one such plant which grows very slowly and sometimes can even take decades to reach maturity. For example, the Saguaro Cactus takes up to 75 years to develop its first arm. Besides this, they can also live up to many years, even centuries.
  • Besides their succulent and thorny nature, they can bloom flowers. They produce a wide variety of colourful and fragrant flowers.
  • Cacti are a part of folklore and stories of many cultures. They are associated with legends, symbolizing adaptability and ability to survive in harsh environments. 
  • Cacti evoke a sense of tranquillity; therefore, they are used for indoor decoration despite their thorny appearance. 

Care tips and cultivation advice for Cacti 

  • Cacti are sensitive to overwatering. Water them every 2-4 weeks, depending on the season and environmental conditions, and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. 
  • Cacti prefer low humidity levels. Avoid placing them in areas of high humidity or excessive moisture.
  • Cacti need plenty of sunlight. Please place them where they receive at least 6 hours of daylight every day.
  • Cacti are pest-resistant, but sometimes they may be affected by mealybugs, scales or spider mites. Inspect your plant regularly, and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap if it is affected by any pests.
  • Feed your Cactus plant with appropriate water-soluble Cactus fertilizer during the growing season, spring and summer. Reduce fertilizers during dormant winter months. 

Cacti can be a great addition to any plant collection because of their unique aesthetic, low maintenance requirement and ability to adapt and survive in harsh environments. If you are planning to get it for your collection and need clarification about where to get it, contact Urvann!


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