Home And Garden

 One of the downsides of growing houseplants can be keeping the environment humid enough to maintain the health of tropical plants, which often need jungle-like conditions to truly thrive. This is not a problem for cactus aficionados, as these desert plants appreciate dry air and average room temperatures. Although some sun is necessary for cactus health, many species can get by on three hours a day, and supplementary lighting can help specimens living in north-facing windows. A happy cactus may even surprise you with vibrant blooms, a bonus for plants that already thrill with otherworldly shapes and spiny textures. The slow growth and easy care requirements of these popular varieties will add charm to mixed container plantings and make elegant standalone specimens as well. Tip For most cacti, soil with good drainage is one of the keys to success.   Angel Wings Cactus The Opunta albispina cactus, also known as an angel wing cactus or bunny ears cactus is a member of the prickl...

  If you’re looking to add a little variety to your plant collection, consider cacti. Intimidated by sharp spines? Don’t worry. Some types of cactus plants have no spines at all. Plus, many cacti have fun and attractive features like white hairs, yellow flowers, or whimsical shapes. Even better, cacti grow slowly and need low maintenance.  You won’t need to repot, prune, feed, or water cactus plants very often. Other succulent plants are easily mistaken for cactus plants. Cacti are succulents with woody or herbaceous stems that contain chlorophyll. The fleshy stems store water and perform photosynthesis to feed the plant. Unlike other succulents, cactus plants have cushion-like areoles on the surface of the stems. Most cacti have spines. Cactus spines actually are modified leaves that protect the cactus plant from munching by wildlife and help to shade the surface of the plant. Cacti make outstanding landscape specimens and houseplants if given the few simple care steps they n...