Ideal Habitats for a Cactus

Desert Plains

• Deserts are perhaps the most common habitat associated with cacti. This environment often receives little if any rainfall for weeks or even months. Temperatures easily can exceed 100 degrees as well as drop below freezing. Surviving these dramatic environmental changes are part of what makes cacti unique. However, not all can thrive in this environment. Pachycereus and seguaro cacti are large plants that can tolerate these dramatic changes because they store water in long stems that can extend well over a dozen feet in length. Small cacti, such as haworthia, also can survive if shaded by grasses or shrubs.

Mountain Deserts

• Mountain deserts typically are not exposed to the extreme high temperatures of their plains counterparts, but temperatures below freezing are fairly common. As with desert plains, pachycereus is found throughout mountain deserts. Its columnar stems, however, tend to be more vertical in mountain deserts to help the plant better withstand windy conditions. Water conservation is difficult in this environment, as the soil is often very thin and does not absorb much water. For this reason, pachycereus usually is not found at the top of desert mountains. Small globular cacti and creeping species tend to thrive in this environment. For example, Mammillaria such as chautle livingrock often appear between rock crevices where little soil is needed but where water collects from rain runoff.

Jungles and Rainforests

• Many cacti species grow naturally at points near the equator, particularly in Central and South America, Africa, and in northeastern portion of Australia, where temperatures remain fairly steady and humidity is high. It is in these environments that most hanging cactus are found. Succulents also thrive there and often grow in close proximity to cacti. The challenge for cacti in these environments is receiving adequate light rather than water, particularly in rainforests. A few cactus species, such as Aporocactus, prefer only shade.

Choosing Plants for Your Climate

• Cacti are extremely durable plants and can survive outside of their natural habitats if cared for properly. The two most important considerations when choosing cacti are temperature and exposure to sunlight. Like most other plants, cacti often are accompanied by a label providing basic information about the specific plant's need. Pay close attention to these labels. Although cactus are associated with deserts, many do not do well in direct sunlight. Look for "partial shading" or "filtered sun" language on the label. If you live in a climate that is exposed to freezing temperatures, keep this in mind when choosing plants. When in doubt, ask a professional about the most appropriate species for your area.