The cacti and succulents group of plants evolved as the land altered from a once moist sweltering jungle to the present desert surroundings.  The survival methods of the cacti and succulents included a deceleration of their growth, the decrease or total loss of leaf surface area and the thickening of sap into milky fluid.  The stems enlarged to develop into water storage areas and their bodies become ribbed or flattened to stop the total area on any one side from being fully exposed to the sun.  These adaptations of the cacti and succulents prevent water loss and allow the cacti and succulents to deal with extended periods of drought.  The stems substituted foliage as the food-making area of these cacti and succulents and they also developed spines to keep themselves from being eaten by insects or animals.

Odd Pods Cactus Kit Odd Pods is one gardening wonder that's truly out of this world! You can create your very own moonscape with over 20 varieties of cacti-guaranteed to sprout in under 7 days. Just add water once a month and enjoy your original greenhouse for years to come. This is one gift that everyone (green thumb or not) from gardening and space enthusiasts to children will love! Each complete kit includes injection molded planting pod, thermoformed sprouting greenhouse, seed pouch with over 120 seeds and more...

Strawberries are succulents because they have stems that do not grow below the ground.  They have weak spreading stems, running along the surface of the ground and produce new plants from their nodes.  These Seascape Strawberry plants, yield large, juicy, well-shaped berries with superb flavor, and they bear fruit over a long season. It's one of the most productive and disease-resistant varieties yet! Shallow roots make them ideal for growing in containers as well as in the garden.

Succulent is a term describing the cacti and succulents plant group with the capacity to store large amounts of water against dry times.  The cactus family is one of the succulents group.  The characteristics of cacti and succulents in cultivation are their need for abundant sunlight, ease of growth and minimal water requirements.  There are more than 2,000 species native to the Americas, from the Arctic Circle to Patagonia.  The cacti and succulents widely used in gardens come from the dry sunny areas of Mexico.

These  succulent plants are some of the best all-around house plants in the known universe. Not only do they look great, but they possess special healing powers as well. Just break off a piece and rub the natural gel into small cuts, scratches or sunburns, and you'll experience great relief. We've housed our Aloe Vera Plant in a fine terra cotta pot, and left room to grow.

Cacti can survive almost total neglect, so they can be left alone without needing any type of plant minding sensors to water them for a month or more.  They begin to grow in spring and may ease up slightly or considerably in winter according to whether the climate is warm or severely cold.  During the winter resting period keep the plants in a cool, dry, well lit place at 7 - 10°C (20°F).  Buds are initiated in the winter rest period and watering should be done just once a month.  Cacti and succulents enjoy any amount of sun and to flower should have five hours of sun daily.

They like hot days and can bear cool nights.  The plants from the Andes Mountains require chilling in their rest period.  Cacti and succulents have developed a high tolerance to drought conditions in their natural habitat and are capable of taking water in quickly and storing it in their cells for long periods.  In nature they are not exposed to long periods in soaking wet conditions and this must be remembered when plants are being cared for.  Soil should be well drained, so porous that it falls apart, and enriched with lime, mineral foods and organic matter.  ‘Mammalaria’ particularly appreciates lime.  Suitable compost is one which will allow the pot to drain quickly, and ample plant food for balanced growth is required for both cacti and succulents.

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