Common Cactus Terms & Definitions
This hobby can be a bit of a “deer in headlights” experience. There are so many words, phrases etc to wrap your head around. So, I have compiled a list of common cactus terms and definitions to hopefully help you on your journey.
If I have missed anything out, please get in touch and let me know.
Categories
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Trichocereus bridgesii /
Bolivian Torch
Roots that grow from an unexpected part of a cactus plant, such as a stem, rather than the usual location at the base.
Roots that grow from above the ground, typically from a stem or branch of a cactus plant.
A method of growing plants without soil, in which roots are suspended in air and sprayed with a nutrient-rich mist.
Chemical compounds found in some cactus species that have medicinal or psychoactive properties. (We do not entertain this subject at all, it is illegal).
Pigments that give some cactus flowers their vivid colors, ranging from pink to purple to red.
The pattern of areoles on a cactus stem, which can help to identify different species.
A small, round, cushion-like structure on a cactus stem from which spines, flowers, and new growth emerge.
A small, dormant bud located in the axil, or angle, between a cactus stem and a branch or spine.
B
A disease that can affect cactus plants, caused by various types of bacteria that thrive in moist conditions.
- Trichocereus bridgesii
- Echinopsis lageniformis
The process of a cactus plant producing a tall, elongated stem in response to environmental stress or damage.
Protective scales that cover a cactus bud before it opens into a new growth point.
C
A thickened, scarred area on a cactus stem that forms in response to injury or damage.
The pigment that gives cactus plants their green color, and helps to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.
A flattened stem or branch that resembles a leaf, commonly found in some cactus species.
A genetically identical copy of a cactus plant, produced through asexual reproduction.
The first leaf or pair of leaves that emerge from a cactus seed, which often look different from later leaves.
The process of a cactus stem developing a tough, cork-like outer layer to protect against water loss and damage.
A type of photosynthesis that cactus plants use to conserve water, by opening their stomata at night and storing carbon dioxide for later use.
A type of cactus growth that forms a wavy or crested pattern instead of a typical columnar shape. It is caused by a genetic mutation or injury to the growing tip.
A fungal disease that can affect cactus plants, causing the crown, or central stem, to rot and collapse.
Pieces of a cactus plant that are removed and replanted to produce a new plant, often used in propagation.
D
a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is often used as a natural insecticide and to improve soil drainage.
A fungal disease that can affect cactus seedlings, causing them to wilt and die.
Referring to cactus plants that lose their leaves or stems seasonally, often in response to dry or cold conditions.
A genus of cactus plants that have long, columnar stems with dense spines and showy flowers.
The process of arid environments, such as deserts, expanding and becoming more dominant due to factors such as climate change and human activity.
Referring to cactus plants that are adapted to survive in dry environments by conserving water and storing it in their tissues.
E
A genus of cactus plants that have large, spherical or cylindrical stems with prominent ribs and spines.
A genus of cactus plants that have showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and cylindrical or spherical stems.
Referring to a plant or animal species that is native to a specific region or area, and found nowhere else.
The outermost layer of a cactus stem or leaf, which helps to protect against water loss and damage.
A plant that grows on another plant, but is not parasitic, commonly found in some cactus species.
The process of a cactus plant growing tall and spindly due to insufficient sunlight, often caused by being kept indoors.
F
A genus of cactus plants that have large, barrel-shaped stems with prominent ribs and spines.
Chemical compounds found in some cactus species that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
A developing bud on a cactus plant that will eventually open into a flower.
G
A genus of cactus-like plants that have thick, succulent leaves and showy flowers.
A taxonomic rank used to group closely related cactus species together.
Referring to a cactus plant that has a bluish-gray or gray-green color, often due to a waxy coating on the epidermis.
A method of propagation in which a cactus scion, or upper portion of a plant, is attached to a rootstock, or lower portion of a plant, to produce a new plant with desirable characteristics.
A genus of cactus plants that have small, spherical or cylindrical stems with colourful flowers.
H
Chemical compounds found in some cactus species that are carcinogenic and may increase the risk of cancer.
Chemical messengers that regulate growth and development in cactus plants, such as auxins and cytokinins.
Trichocereus pachanoi (San Pedro)
A plant produced by crossing two different cactus species or varieties, often to create new colours or shapes.
A genus of cactus-like plants that have thick, succulent leaves and showy flowers.
I
A method of propagation in which cactus plant tissue is cultured in a nutrient-rich medium to produce new plants.
A natural, non-toxic pesticide made from soap and water, often used to control pests on cactus plants.
The space between two areoles on a cactus stem, which can vary in length depending on the species.
The process of cactus plants evolving in different ways due to being separated by physical or environmental barriers, leading to the development of new species.
L
A branch or side shoot that emerges from a cactus stem or spine.
A genus of cactus-like plants that have thick, leaf-like structures that resemble stones or pebbles.
M
A genus of cactus plants that have small, cylindrical or spherical stems with dense spines and colourful flowers.
Small, white insects that feed on cactus plants and can cause damage or disease.
Please see our Cactus Pests & Treatment blog post for tips on how to treat / prevent these little assholes from ruining your day.
The area of a cactus plant where new growth occurs, typically located at the tip of a stem or root.
Chemical compounds found in cactus plants that play important roles in metabolism and defence against pests and disease.
A type of flowering plant that has a single cotyledon, or embryonic leaf, and parallel veins in the leaves.
A genetic mutation that causes a cactus plant to grow abnormally, resulting in distorted or unusual shapes.
Fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with cactus roots, providing nutrients and increasing water uptake.
We do offer Xtreme Gardening – Mykos Pure Mycorrhizal Inoculum by tub or single use.
O
A genus of cactus plants that have flat, paddle-shaped stems with spines and showy flowers.
A large cactus species that has multiple stems and produces white or pink flowers.
The process of cactus plants entering a period of dormancy during the winter months, typically characterized by reduced growth and water consumption.
P
The production of fruit without fertilization, often seen in some cactus species.
- Trichocereus peruviana
- Echinopsis peruviana
PC – Predominant Cultivar or Predominant Clone (The previous is more the accepted term). It is the most common variety of T. pachanoi (or pachanot) found all over the United States, particularly in the Southwest, where numerous cactus nurseries have been cloning this strain for decades.
I get asked fairly often if I sell pachanois as PCs, not I don’t. As it is pretty much a US thing, it is actually quite rare to find PC’s this side of the pond. I had to seek out and import a PC.
A genus of cactus plants that have leaves and showy flowers, making them appear more like typical non-cactus plants.
The thick, outer layer of a cactus fruit that provides protection and helps with seed dispersal.
The process by which cactus plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, providing energy for growth and development.
Chemical compounds found in cactus plants that have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving immune function.
The act of removing the tips of new growth on a cactus plant, typically done to encourage branching and fuller growth.
The transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ of a cactus flower to the female reproductive organ, resulting in fertilization and the production of seeds.
The soil or other material used to plant cactus in a container, typically composed of compost, sharp sand & grit.
It will always be cheaper in the long run to make your own, but, for the sake of convenience, we do offer substrate here.
A fruit-like structure that forms from a cactus flower, but is not derived from the ovary like a true fruit.
A genus of cactus plants that have flattened, wing-like stems with spines and showy flowers.
A small offshoot that grows from the base of a cactus plant, typically used for propagation.
R
A genus of cactus plants that have thin, elongated stems and small, inconspicuous flowers.
The raised, vertical lines on a cactus stem that help to provide structure and support.
The lower portion of a cactus plant used for grafting, typically chosen for its strong root system and hardiness.
A cluster of leaves or stems that grow in a circular pattern, typically seen in some cactus species.
S
Although San Pedro is actually more of an umbrella term covering the big 3 (pachanoi, peruviana and bridgesii).
In todays landscape, San Pedro refers exclusively to Trichocereus pachanoi.
A plant that obtains nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter, often found in some cactus species.
The upper portion of a cactus plant used for grafting, typically chosen for its desirable traits.
A genus of cactus plants that have small, cylindrical stems with spines and showy flowers.
A genus of cactus-like plants that have thick, succulent leaves and showy flowers.
A cactus species that has long, snake-like stems and small, inconspicuous flowers.
The portion of a cactus plant that grows above the ground, typically consisting of stems, leaves, and flowers.
A genus of cactus plants that have small, round stems and showy flowers.
A modified leaf or stem that protrudes from the surface of a cactus plant, often used for protection against predators.
A type of plant that stores water in its leaves, stems, or roots, often seen in cactus plants.
T
A single, thick root that grows deep into the soil, providing stability and water absorption for a cactus plant.
A plant that grows in soil or on the ground, as opposed to an epiphytic plant that grows on other plants.
A genus of cactus plants that have small, cylindrical stems with spines and showy flowers.
A genus of epiphytic plants that are often called “air plants,” as they do not require soil to grow and absorb nutrients from the air.
A layer of gravel, rocks, or other material placed on top of the soil in a cactus pot, often used for decorative purposes or to help with drainage.
A genus of cactus plants that have columnar stems with showy flowers.
The pressure exerted by water inside a cactus cell against the cell wall, providing structural support and helping with nutrient uptake.
V
A pattern of colour variation on a cactus plant, typically seen as stripes or patches of different shades.
W
The act of providing water to a cactus plant, typically done sparingly to avoid overwatering and root rot.
X
A type of landscaping that uses drought-tolerant plants, such as cactus, to conserve water in arid climates.
A plant that is adapted to survive in dry, arid conditions, often seen in cactus species.
The tissue in a cactus plant responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.
Y
The amount of fruit or seeds produced by a cactus plant, typically measured by weight or volume.
Z
A common name for the Christmas cactus, a type of cactus plant that produces showy flowers in the winter months.
The cell formed by the fusion of a male and female reproductive cell, leading to the development of a cactus seed.