The native climates of tropical cacti are humid areas with abundant vegetation.
Tropical cacti may or may not be recognized as actual species of cacti. These plants generally grow in humid conditions with bright but reduced light exposure. When they are removed from their native tropical climates, they are often found as ornamental plants in homes. Specific types include coral cacti, holiday cacti, and prickly pear cacti.
The native climates of tropical cacti are humid areas with abundant vegetation. Although these areas have dry and rainy seasons, when it does rain, it is usually heavy. In general, the tropics refer to regions around the Earth’s equator. Various types of ecosystems can characterize these areas, from deciduous forests to tropical forests.
Specific types of tropical vegetation are classified as tropical cacti or shade cacti. As a general rule, these varieties thrive with lots of water and fertilizer and relatively little sun. Numerous species classified under the broad term holiday cacti, such as the Christmas cactus, make up a popular type of tropical cactus. Another important example is the coral cactus, native to tropical forests. An adaptable cactus known as opuntia, or prickly pear, can also grow in tropical climates.
Tropical cacti are sometimes not recognized as real cacti as they have some key differences from traditional plants. Mainly, normal cacti are found in very dry desert regions and are therefore succulent or water-storing plants. Tropical cacti, on the other hand, originate in areas where water supplies are plentiful, such as rainforests. To adapt to their environment, traditional cacti possess certain characteristics that are often lacking in tropical varieties, including: a thick stem, a limited growing season, wide roots, and structures called spines instead of leaves. Tropical varieties often have leafy segments called phylloclades instead of spines.
These plants are often used as houseplants or garden plants, with soil bases often consisting of sand mixes. Proper care with irrigation and lighting is important for cultivated tropical cacti. Light exposure should be bright and abundant, but the plants are often resistant to direct sunlight. For some varieties, such as coral cacti, soil moisture needs to be fairly constant. Many types of holiday cacti, on the other hand, can survive watering every other day. A houseplant can be kept in a pot in cooler weather, while outdoor plants should be moved indoors when the weather turns colder.
