Gardening Plants & Flowers Cacti & Succulents

What's the Difference Between Cacti and Succulents?

One Is a Sub-Group of the Other

By
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

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Updated on 04/18/24
Reviewed by
Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller
Reviewed by Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and horticulturist with over 30 years of experience in organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column.
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cacti and succulents

The Spruce / Cori Sears 

In This Article

While there's a difference between cacti and succulents, they're also closely related. "Cactus" denotes a botanical family. Succulents are a broader group referring to a type of plant included in several botanical families. While all cacti are considered to be succulents, some succulents are not cacti.

Cacti and Succulent Popularity

Cacti (the bigger ones, at least) are well known even to those who have little interest in horticulture, likely in part because Hollywood westerns turned cacti into iconic figures. Succulents have also increased in popularity due to their low-maintenance care, making them an ideal choice for first-time plant owners.

Differences Between Cacti and Succulents

Despite their close relationship, there are some important differences between cacti and succulents:

  • Cactus plants generally have few or no leaves and are commonly identified by their needle-like spines. Succulents, on the other hand, have smoother, fleshy leaves.
  • Cacti are distinguished from the rest of the succulents by the rounded indentations along their stems. These are modified buds called "areoles." From the areoles spring the spines (usually) for which cacti are best known.
  • A wide variety of non-cactus succulents are native to different regions across the world. By contrast, almost all kinds of cacti are native only to the Americas (North and South), ranging from Patagonia in the south to parts of western Canada in the north.

Succulent and Cacti Care

Although they are cacti, both types of plants still require care. Succulents require water once a month in colder months, and once a week in warmer weather whereas cacti should only be given 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water every week or two. With cacti, always make sure the soil is very dry between waterings.

When it comes to their lighting needs, succulents require six hours of sunlight per day compared to cacti, which need at least eight. Both plants thrive in sunlight, but too much direct light can also cause them to burn.

Examples of Succulents

Just as cacti stand out because of their areoles, once you're introduced to the non-cactus succulents, it's usually relatively easy to pick them out from other plants. Because they store water in their foliage and must be tough enough to survive challenging climates, most sport leaves or modified leaves that, while firm to the touch, have a swollen, juicy look (thus the name, "succulent") to them. Succulents range from the tiny "living stone" (Lithops) to the giant saguaro that grows up to 50 feet tall at maturity.

While people do not eat most types of succulents, there are a few edible varieties. You can use the tasty, nutritious leaves of purslane (a common lawn weed and succulent) to create salads. Additionally, some people drink the juice from the aloe vera plant.

Succulents that are not cacti include:

aloe vera plant
The Spruce / Michael Marquand

Examples of Cacti

Cacti and succulents are associated with warm areas such as deserts, but some types are quite cold-hardy. The hens and chicks succulent grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 11. Among the cacti, 'prickly pear' (Opuntia humifusa) can thrive in a wide variety of climates within zones 4 to 10.

Prickly pear grows in clumps reaching up to 14 inches tall, with a width of almost twice that. As it matures, it becomes more prostrate in its growth habit and bears 3-inch yellow flowers. Depending on where you live, the plant may begin blooming in either summer or late spring. The fruit from which the plant derives its name is called a "tuna."

The flat, bluish-green vegetative parts are referred to as nopalitos or "pads." The pads resemble a bunch of spiny beaver tails stuck together. In fact, the Opuntia basilaris species is called the "beavertail cactus."

Other examples of cacti include:

ball cactus
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Uses for Cacti and Succulents

These tough, diverse, sometimes beautiful plants might prove useful to you as:

agave in garden design
The Spruce / Kara Riley 
FAQ
  • Are aloe vera plants succulents or cacti?

    Although aloe vera have prickly edges and are similar in appearance to cacti, they are considered succulents due to their thickened, fleshy, leaves that allow the plant to retain water.

  • Can I plant succulents in cactus soil?

    Yes, you can plant succulents in cactus soil, however, it should not be your first choice. Opt for a porous, sandy potting mix before choosing cactus soil. Either way, as long as the soil is dry and well-draining, your succulent will be happy.

  • Do succulents and cacti change color?

    Yes, succulents can change their color from shades of blue and green to purple, red, brown, white, and pink depending on sunlight exposure. The body of cacti typically remains green, however, when the plant can no longer produce chlorophyll, the top portion or flower, can turn red, pink, orange, or yellow.

How to Grow and Care For Indoor Cactus