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Glochids vs. Spines
If you have ever touched a prickly pear or cholla cactus, you know how painful and annoying tiny barbed hairs can be. These small, hard-to-see bristles are called glochids, while the larger, more obvious needles…
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Glochid Dermatitis
If you’ve ever brushed up against a prickly pear cactus, you might have felt itchy or noticed tiny spines stuck in your skin. Glochid dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by small, hair-like cactus spines…
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Cactus Oil
Cactus oil is becoming a popular choice for people looking to improve their hair and skin care routines. You can use cactus oil to moisturize dry skin, soften your hair, and help reduce brittleness. It…
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Cactus Juice
If you are looking for a drink that is low in calories but packed with nutrients, cactus juice is worth exploring. Cactus juice comes from the prickly pear cactus and is known for its refreshing…
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Disocactus anguliger vs. Selenicereus anthonyanus
If you love collecting unique houseplants, you might have seen Disocactus anguliger and Selenicereus anthonyanus. These two cacti look similar at first because of their zigzag stems, but they have some clear differences that help…
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Cactus Etiolation
Cactus etiolation happens when your cactus doesn’t get enough light, causing it to grow long, thin, and pale instead of short and sturdy. This kind of growth is a common problem for cactus owners and…
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Why Is My Prickly Pear Cactus Wrinkled?
If you notice your prickly pear cactus looking wrinkled, you might feel worried or unsure about what went wrong. Your cactus is most likely wrinkled because it is too dry and needs water, or it…
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Dividing a Christmas Cactus
Dividing a Christmas cactus is a simple way to keep your plant healthy and to create new plants for your home or to share with friends. You can easily split a large Christmas cactus into…
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Rhipsalis Pilocarpa Care
Rhipsalis pilocarpa is a unique cactus with hairy stems and delicate white flowers, making it a favorite for indoor plant lovers. To care for Rhipsalis pilocarpa, give it bright, indirect light, keep the soil moist…
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Cactus Glochids
Cactus glochids are tiny, barbed bristles that grow in clusters on certain types of cacti. These small spines can easily detach from the plant and stick to your skin, causing irritation and discomfort that may…
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Ceroid Cacti
Ceroid cacti (or simply cereus) are a group of cactus plants known for their long, column-like or climbing stems. These striking cacti, sometimes called “cereus,” often grow taller and thinner than other types of cacti….
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How Often Do Cacti Flower?
If you have ever owned a cactus or seen one bloom, you know how special it feels. Most cacti flower once a year, but some types can bloom many times each year if they get…
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Where Are Cacti Found?
Cacti are primarily native to the Americas. You can find them from parts of Canada all the way down to the southern tip of South America. This wide range means cacti live in many environments,…
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Why Are Cactus Prickly?
Cactus plants are famous for their prickly surfaces, but those sharp spines do much more than just stand out in the desert. Cactus spines protect the plant from animals and help reduce water loss in…
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Do All Cactus Bloom?
Cactus plants are well-known for their tough looks and unique shapes, but many people wonder if all cactus types actually bloom. Every cactus has the ability to produce flowers, but not all will bloom easily…
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Cactus Thorn Removal
Getting pricked by a cactus thorn can happen quickly, and it often hurts more than you expect. You might notice tiny thorns stuck in your skin that can be hard to see or remove. The…
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How to Root a Christmas Cactus
If you want more Christmas cactus plants for your home or as gifts, propagating them is easy and does not require much experience. You can root Christmas cactus cuttings in water or soil by letting…
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Jungle Cactus
Jungle cacti are a unique group of cacti that grow in rainforests instead of deserts. Unlike most cacti, jungle cacti thrive in humid environments with filtered light and require more frequent watering than desert cacti….
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Hairy Cactus!
Many cacti are covered in fuzzy, white hairs that look soft and inviting. This special feature is most common in types like Cephalocereus senilis, also called the “old man cactus.” The hairs on a hairy…
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Corking Cactus: Causes and Solutions
Corking can look alarming if you have never seen it before on your cactus. Corking is a normal process where a cactus develops a brown, woody layer, usually near the base, and it often happens…
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Are Cacti Poisonous?
Cactus plants look strange and interesting, but you might wonder if they are safe to keep at home, especially with kids and pets around. Most cacti are not poisonous to people or animals, but a…
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Christmas Cactus Buds Falling Off: Causes and Solutions
When your Christmas cactus starts losing its buds, it can be disappointing and confusing. Christmas cactus buds usually fall off because of changes in their environment, such as temperature shifts, drafts, improper watering, or sudden…
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Cactus Spider Pest: Identification and Control
Cactus plants are popular for their unique look and low care needs, but spider pests can quickly become a problem. These tiny pests, like spider mites, often go unnoticed at first. They can make fine…
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Christmas Cactus Root Rot: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Solutions
Root rot is one of the most common threats to a Christmas cactus, and if left untreated, it can quickly kill your plant. If you notice wilting leaves, sagging branches, black or brown spots, or…
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Cactus Withering: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Solutions
Seeing your cactus start to wither can be worrying, especially if you’ve worked hard to care for it. Cactus withering is usually caused by problems like too much or too little water, not enough sunlight,…
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Cactus Fungus: Identification and Treatment
When you care for cacti, one of the significant challenges you might face is dealing with fungal infections. Fungi can form white coatings, rust-colored spots, or watermarks, affecting the health of these unique plants. To…
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Difference Between Cactus and Succulent Soil
Are you wondering if you can use the same soil for your cacti and other succulents? Many plant lovers ask this question when starting their collection. While both types of plants have similar needs, there…
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Cactus Sunburn: Prevention, Identification, and Treatment
Cacti are known for their hardiness, thriving in deserts and other harsh environments. Yet, just like humans, they can suffer from sunburn when exposed to too much sunlight. If your cactus appears discolored or has…
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How Long Do Cacti Live?
Cacti are some of the most resilient plants on Earth, surviving in harsh desert environments where few other plants can thrive. If you’re considering adding a cactus to your home garden or indoor plant collection,…
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Watering Cactus Plants
Watering cactus plants might seem simple, but getting it right is crucial for their health and growth. Many new plant owners struggle with this task, often overdoing it. Water your cactus only when the soil…
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Repotting Thanksgiving Cactus
Is your Thanksgiving cactus looking cramped or struggling to grow? Repotting might be exactly what it needs to thrive again. These beautiful holiday plants typically require repotting every 3-5 years, giving their roots fresh soil…
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Dehydrated Cactus
When you think about cacti, you might picture them thriving in arid deserts, but even these hardy plants can suffer from dehydration. If a cactus is dehydrated, its stems may look wrinkled, and the skin…
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Why Is My Cactus Turning White?
If you’ve ever noticed your cactus turning white, you’re not alone. A common cause is exposure to too much direct sunlight. Cacti are known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, but even they…
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Potting Prickly Pear Cactus
Prickly pear cacti make wonderful houseplants with their unique paddle-shaped segments and colorful blooms. These desert natives bring a touch of the wild southwest to any home garden and require minimal attention once established. When…
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Small Cactus Plants
Small cactus plants are perfect for adding a touch of nature to your space without requiring much attention. These miniature desert dwellers come in fascinating shapes and sizes, from the rounded Golden Barrel to the…
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Cactus Fruit
Have you ever noticed those colorful bulbs growing on cacti and wondered if they’re edible? Cactus fruits, especially those from the prickly pear (Opuntia), offer a unique sweet flavor that blends watermelon and berry notes….
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Best Cactus for Indoors
Looking to add some desert charm to your home without the maintenance headaches? Indoor cacti are perfect for busy plant lovers who want greenery. These resilient plants bring texture and character to any space while…
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Cactus Leaves: Structure and Function
Have you ever noticed those flat, green pads on prickly pear cacti? These aren’t actually leaves, but modified stems called nopales that are both edible and nutritious. Nopales are a traditional ingredient in Mexican cuisine…
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Is Your Cactus Falling Over?
Today we discuss some causes and solutions to an unstable looking cactus plant! Watching your cactus lean and eventually tip over can be concerning, especially when you’ve tried your best to care for it. Cacti,…
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Where to Place a Cactus Plant in Your Home
Finding the right spot for your cactus can make all the difference in its health and appearance. These desert plants bring a unique beauty to your home, but they do have specific needs when it…
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Edible Cactus: Varieties and Nutrition
Did you know that some cacti are actually delicious foods enjoyed in many cultures? Prickly pear cactus, also known as nopal, is a popular edible cactus that offers both its flat paddles and colorful fruits…
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Rebutia Cactus Types
Rebutia cacti are among the most charming members of the cactus family, loved for their small size and spectacular blooms. These miniature plants originate from Bolivia and Argentina, making them perfect additions to any indoor…
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Dead Cactus: Common Causes and How to Revive Them
Does your once-thriving cactus look unhealthy now? It might seem strange to think about a cactus dying, but these hardy plants can face issues that threaten their survival. Signs of trouble often include soft or…
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Cactus from Cuttings: Simple Propagation Guide
Growing cacti from cuttings is a simple way to expand your plant collection without spending money. Taking a piece of a mature cactus and turning it into a new plant brings satisfaction and helps you…
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Cactus Turning Black: Causes and Solutions Explained
Seeing your beloved cactus turn black can be alarming, but there’s often a clear reason behind it. Whether it’s due to overwatering, root rot, or even certain types of fungal infections, the blackening of a…
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Cactus Disease: Common Symptoms and Effective Treatments
Cactus diseases can be quite puzzling for many plant enthusiasts. You might think your cactus is low-maintenance and almost indestructible, but various diseases can still pose challenges. Knowing how to identify and treat these diseases…
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Do Cactus Have Roots?
Ever looked at a cactus and wondered what’s happening below the soil? You might be surprised to learn that cacti do indeed have root systems, though they’re specially adapted for desert survival. Most cacti have…
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How Does a Cactus Reproduce?
Cacti are fascinating desert plants with unique ways of ensuring their survival through reproduction. These spiny plants have adapted to harsh environments by developing multiple methods to create new plants. Cacti reproduce both sexually through…
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Cactus Root Rot: Identifying and Preventing Damage
Cactus root rot is a common problem that can affect even the most well-tended plants. When the roots of a cactus become soft, mushy, or start to smell, it’s a sign of root rot, often…
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Potting Cactus Plants
Potting a cactus properly is essential for its health and growth. Many beginners make simple mistakes that can harm these resilient plants. The key to successful cactus potting is using well-draining soil with at least…
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Pencil Cactus Care
The Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a fascinating succulent that adds a unique architectural element to any indoor space. Also known as “Sticks on Fire” or “Indian Tree Spurge,” this plant features pencil-thin, branching stems…
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Cactus Bugs
Cactus bugs might not be the first concern that comes to mind when taking care of your plants, but these tiny invaders can cause significant problems if left unchecked. The most common pests that invade…
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Best Cactus for Pots or Containers
Cacti make perfect plants for pots and containers due to their unique shapes and low maintenance needs. Small varieties like Bunny Ears, Fairy Castle, and Golden Barrel cacti are ideal choices that add character to…
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Moon Cactus Care
Moon cacti are colorful, eye-catching plants that can brighten any space with minimal effort. These unique cacti are actually two plants in one, a colorful Gymnocalycium mihanovichii top (the bright red, yellow, or orange part)…
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Orchid Cactus Care
Orchid cacti, also known as Epiphyllums, are epiphytic cacti admired for their stunning, often nocturnal, flowers that resemble orchids. These unique epiphytic plants naturally grow attached to trees in tropical forests. Despite their exotic appearance,…
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Peanut Cactus Care
Peanut Cactus, also known as Echinopsis chamaecereus or Chamaecereus silvestrii, is a charming succulent that makes a wonderful addition to any indoor garden. This little cactus gets its name from its finger-like stems that resemble…
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Cactus Needles
Cactus needles, more accurately called spines, are one of nature’s most fascinating adaptations. These sharp projections serve multiple purposes for the plant, from protection against hungry animals to helping cacti survive in harsh desert environments….
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Coral Cactus (Euphorbia lactea) Care
Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of coral cactus care? We’re so excited to share everything we know about this unique succulent! The coral cactus (Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata’) isn’t actually a true…
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Monkey Tail Cactus Care
Looking to add a unique touch to your indoor garden? The Monkey Tail Cactus might be just what you need. With its long, trailing stems that resemble monkey tails, this eye-catching succulent brings character to…
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Mistletoe Cactus Care
Mistletoe cactus, or Rhipsalis, is a unique houseplant that brings a touch of the exotic to your home with its cascading, pencil-thin stems. Unlike desert cacti, this epiphytic plant naturally grows on trees in tropical…
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Grafted Cactus Care
Grafted cacti are unique plants that combine two different species to create something special. These colorful plants, often seen with bright red, yellow, or orange tops, require specific care to thrive in your home. To…
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Signs Your Cactus Is Dying (and How to Fix It)
Seeing your cactus wilt or change color can be upsetting, especially when you’re not sure what went wrong. Many cactus owners face this common problem and wonder if their plant can be saved. The main…
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Rat Tail Cactus Care
Rat Tail Cactus, with its long trailing stems, makes a stunning addition to any home garden. These unique plants are not only eye-catching but also relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for both…
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Mammillaria Cactus Care: Beginner’s Guide
If you’re looking for a cactus that’s easy to care for and brings a pop of color to your home, the Mammillaria cactus is a perfect choice. These small, round cacti are known for their…
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Cactus for Hanging Baskets: Top 9 Varieties
Looking for a way to bring the beauty of desert plants to your porch or patio? Hanging baskets offer a perfect solution for displaying cacti in a space-saving and eye-catching manner. These versatile containers allow…
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Barrel Cactus Care: Tips for Healthy Growth
Barrel cacti are striking desert plants that make excellent low-maintenance additions to both indoor and outdoor gardens. With their distinctive round shape and impressive spines, these resilient succulents add character and visual interest to any…
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How to Grow Cactus: Easy Tips for Newbies
Growing a cactus can be a fun and rewarding project. These unique plants are tough and easy to care for, making them great for beginners. You don’t need a green thumb to keep a cactus…
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Fairy Castle Cactus Care: Tips for Healthy Growth
Fairy Castle Cactus, scientifically known as Acanthocereus tetragonus, is a charming succulent that can add a touch of whimsy to your home. With its tall, columnar structure resembling the turrets of a castle, this plant…
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Night Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum Oxypetalum)
Have you ever witnessed a flower that only reveals its beauty under the moon’s glow? The Night Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), often called “Queen of the Night,” is a remarkable plant that saves its spectacular…
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How to Care for a Cactus
Cacti are cool, low-maintenance plants that can add a touch of desert flair to your home. Taking care of these spiky friends isn’t rocket science, but there are a few key things to keep in…
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Thanksgiving Cactus Bloom
Thanksgiving cactus is a beautiful holiday plant that can brighten up your home with colorful blooms. You might be wondering how to get your cactus to flower at just the right time for the holidays….
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How Often to Water Cactus
Caring for a cactus can be tricky, especially when it comes to watering. You might think these desert plants need barely any water, but that’s not always true. Most cacti need watering every 1-2 weeks…
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Indoor Cactus Care
Indoor cacti are cool, low-maintenance plants that can add a desert vibe to your home. These spiky friends don’t need much fuss, but they do have some basic needs to stay happy and healthy. Your…
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Cactus with Flowers
Cacti aren’t just spiky desert plants. Many species produce stunning flowers that can transform your home or garden. These flowering cacti come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit any taste. You…
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Fishbone Cactus Blooms
Have you ever seen a cactus that looks like a fish skeleton? Meet the fishbone cactus, a unique houseplant that’s sure to catch your eye. This tropical beauty, native to Mexican rainforests, has zig-zag stems…
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Christmas Cactus Care
Looking to add some festive cheer to your home this holiday season? A Christmas cactus might be just what you need! These colorful plants bloom in winter, bringing a touch of tropical beauty to your…
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Why Is My Cactus Turning Yellow?
Cacti are known for their resilience and low maintenance requirements, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor plant enthusiasts. However, even the most experienced gardeners may encounter issues with their cacti, such…
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Overwatered Cactus
Cacti may be known to be tough, desert-dwelling plants, but they can hit a bit of a rough patch if we drown them in too much water. Let’s dive into the signs of waterlogging an…
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Mealybugs on Cactus
Cacti are known for being tough, hardy plants but they can still fall victim to pesky pests like mealybugs. Let’s roll up our gardening sleeves and delve into spotting a mealybug infestation to save your…
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Cactus vs Succulent
The appeal of cacti and succulents has captured the interest of both newbies and seasoned plant lovers. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, choosing between the two requires some thought. In…
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Cactus with Red Flowers
Cacti with red flowers are a captivating sight and make a great addition to your plant collection. Their vibrant blooms add a pop of color to both outdoor landscapes and indoor gardens. In this article,…
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Cactus Fertilizer
Gardeners often find themselves asking, “Do we really need to fertilize cacti?” Caring for cacti requires providing them with the right nutrients, and that’s where picking (or making) the perfect fertilizer comes in! This article…
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Cactus Identification
Understanding cactus types is an intriguing venture into the realm of our spiky friends. Cacti, a distinct group of plants characterized by their water-storing stems, stand out due to their unique areoles. Areoles, focal points…
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Do Cactus Need Sunlight?
While cacti are generally known for their ability to withstand harsh conditions, they are not immune to the effects of inadequate or excessive sunlight. Sunlight is a crucial factor in their growth and overall well-being….
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Cactus terrarium
Cactus Terrariums are basically miniature, self-sustaining ecosystems. They prove to be an excellent choice for people facing challenges in maintaining their garden or those living in smaller spaces, but want a touch of greenery within…
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Cactus Soil for Snake Plant
Snake plants are beautiful green plants with unique patterns on their leaves. They grow tall, sword-shaped leaves that stop growing when their tips are broken. This plant can adapt well to many different environments making…
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Transplanting Cactus
Cacti are low maintenance plants that can be cared for in even the driest of environments. These plants generally grow slowly and only need repotting every three to four years or when your cactus has…
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Cactus Varieties
Cacti come in different shapes and sizes. Some are covered in pointy spikes, while some bear beautiful and vibrant flowers. Many of these types make great houseplants. They’re easy to care for and can serve…
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Cactus Uses
The cactus, or cacti, is a desert plant that typically thrives in dry areas where moisture is scarce. Although some species can be found in jungles, where they sit atop trees to get the most…
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Cactus with Yellow Flowers
While most people associate cacti with green hues, there are certain species that surprise us with their stunning yellow flowers. Cacti with yellow flowers are not only eye-catching but also a low-maintenance choice, making them…
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Cactus Roots
Cacti are plants equipped with adaptations that allow them to thrive in harsh and unforgiving conditions, ranging from the humid environments of dense rainforests to the scorching heat of deserts. Usually lacking leaves and more…
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Growing Cactus From Seed
Cacti are great plants for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Being able to live in arid conditions, where the sun shines bright and the winds are dry. Their fleshy stems allow them to store large…
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Flowering Cactus Care
Different types of cacti produce flowers. Many of these cacti need precise conditions for optimal blooming. However, these conditions aren’t impossible to recreate and cacti can still grow indoors without question. The key to getting…
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Fishbone Cactus Care
The Epiphyllum Anguliger, or commonly known as the Fishbone Cactus has elongated, curving leaves attached to prickly stems. The shape of the cactus makes it a great centerpiece for any garden or plant collection. A…
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Cactus with Pink Flowers
When it comes to cacti, one particular favorite among enthusiasts are cacti with pink flowers. There’s something truly captivating about these plants, whether they have a subtle pink tint or boast vibrant pink blooms. If…
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Bunny Ear Cactus Care
Cacti are unique and easy to care for. These plants are perfect for beginners as they require minimal care and have a low learning curve when it comes to understanding everything there is to know…
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Prickly Pear Cactus Care
The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) is a beautiful plant with flat, paddle-like stems which has many uses. The flowers it produces turn into fruit and are a good source of food. The prickly pear does…
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Golden Barrel Cactus Care
The golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a plump and spiky plant. This plant is rounded in shape and grows to a height of up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, which is…
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Do Cactus Need Water?
Cactus plants are renowned for their survival in dry and arid environments. However, this doesn’t mean that cacti can thrive without any water at all. Understanding the watering needs of cacti is essential for their…
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Parts of a Cactus
Cacti are a species of succulents that have adapted to thrive in arid climates all over the world. They are known for their distinctive characteristics, including their thick stems that store water, their spines that…
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Types of Indoor Cactus
There are many cacti out in the wild but not all make good plants to grow indoors. Today we’ll go over the major types of indoor cactus that you will most likely encounter and their…
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How Long Does a Cactus Take to Grow?
Cactus or cacti in its plural form are commonly covered with bristles and spines that protect them from herbivores. The stems of a cactus are fleshy and either flat or cylindrical in shape. Instead of…
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Charcoal & Cactus Soil Health
Potting soil is an essential component for growing healthy cactus plants in containers. The quality of your cactus soil plays a crucial role in the growth and overall health of the plants. Charcoal is a…
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Benefits of Mycorrhizae for Your Cactus
Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plants. These amazing fungi help plants more efficiently absorb nutrients and water from the soil. This in turn helps plants to grow faster and healthier….
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How to Replant a Cactus
Is your cactus root bound in the pot? If your cactus is root bound in the pot, it may be time to repot it. Root bound means that the roots have filled the pot and…
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Cactus Soil Mix Recipe
If you’re a cactus enthusiast, you know that these unique plants require a specific type of soil to thrive. And the best way to ensure your cacti are getting the right nutrients and drainage is…
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Cactus Flowers
Cacti are a unique type of plant that are known for their ability to survive in harsh, arid environments. They are found all over the world, but are most commonly associated with deserts and other…
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Best Cactus Soil
A cactus plant is great for anyone looking for a long-lasting and low-maintenance houseplant. There are lots of different varieties, and most desert cacti you don’t need to water for weeks at a time. But…
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Cactus Soil Drainage Tests
It has a been a long journey to find a well performing cactus soil. Spike & Bloom was born out of a love for these amazing spiky plants, but also out of major frustration with…
