10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

Cacti are a fascinating family of plants known for their unusual shapes, hardy nature, and ability to thrive in some of the harshest environments on earth. While many people are familiar with the iconic saguaro cactus found in the American Southwest, there are countless other cactus species that are just as intriguing and strange. In this article, we will explore 10 of the most unusual cactus plants you won’t believe exist in nature.

Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

The Golden Barrel Cactus is a slow-growing, round cactus with spines that can grow up to 3 inches long. It is native to Mexico and is often used in landscaping due to its striking appearance.

Astrophytum Asterias (Sand Dollar Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the star cactus or sea urchin cactus, has a unique round shape and is covered in white dots that resemble the patterns found on a sand dollar. It is native to Texas and Mexico and is often used as an ornamental plant.

Trichocereus Bridgesii (Bolivian Torch Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Achuma Cactus, is native to Bolivia and is known for its hallucinogenic properties. It has a tall, columnar shape with spines that can grow up to 3 inches long.

Opuntia Microdasys (Bunny Ear Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Angel’s Wings Cactus or Polka Dot Cactus, is native to Mexico and has flat, round pads covered in soft spines that resemble bunny ears. It is often used in landscaping due to its unique appearance.

Pachycereus Pringlei (Cardón Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Elephant Cactus or Mexican Giant Cardon, is native to Mexico and has a massive, columnar shape that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It is the largest cactus species in the world.

Mammillaria Hahniana (Old Lady Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Woolly Nipple Cactus, is native to Mexico and has small, round bodies covered in white, hair-like spines that give it a fuzzy appearance. It is often grown as a houseplant due to its unique texture.

Ferocactus Pilosus (Mexican Lime Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Fire Barrel Cactus, is native to Mexico and has a barrel-shaped body covered in spines that can grow up to 6 inches long. It gets its name from the bright red flowers that bloom on top of its body.

Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii (Moon Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus is a hybrid of two different cactus species and is often sold as a houseplant. It has a round body that lacks spines and is covered in bright, colorful flowers.

Echinopsis Chamaecereus (Peanut Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Easter Lily Cactus, is native to Argentina and has a small, round body covered in clusters of tiny spines. It gets its name from the bright red or pink flowers that bloom on top of its body.

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Queen of the Night Cactus) – 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

This cactus, also known as the Orchid Cactus, is native to Central and South America and is known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night. It has long, flat stems with small, spiky leaves.

In conclusion, cacti are some of the most unique and fascinating plants in the world,with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. These 10 strange cactus plants are just a small sample of the incredible diversity that exists within the cactus family.

Whether you are a plant enthusiast or simply appreciate the natural beauty of the world around you, exploring the strange and unusual cactus species that exist in nature is sure to be a fascinating and rewarding experience. So next time you come across a cactus, take a closer look and marvel at the incredible adaptations that have allowed these plants to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on earth.

How To Grow And Care For 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

• Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Grusonii): This cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, especially in the winter months. It needs bright, direct sunlight and should be kept in a warm location.

• Sand Dollar Cactus (Astrophytum Asterias): This cactus prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It does well in well-draining soil and should be kept in a warm location.

• Bolivian Torch Cactus (Trichocereus Bridgesii): This cactus requires well-draining soil and prefers bright, direct sunlight. It should be watered appropriately, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. It can accept cooler temperatures but should be kept above freezing temperatures.

• Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia Microdasys): This cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered appropriately, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. It needs bright, direct sunlight and should be kept in a warm location.

• Cardón Cactus (Pachycereus Pringlei): This cactus requires well-draining soil and prefers bright, direct sunlight. It should be watered appropriately, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. It can accept cooler temperatures but should be kept above freezing temperatures.

• Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria Hahniana): This cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It needs bright, direct sunlight and should be kept in a warm location.

• Mexican Lime Cactus (Ferocactus pilosus): This cactus requires well-draining soil and prefers bright, direct sunlight. It should be watered appropriately, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. It can withstand colder temperatures but should be kept above freezing.

• Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii): This cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It needs bright, indirect sunlight and should be kept in a warm location.

• Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis Chamaecereus): This cactus requires well-draining soil and prefers bright, direct sunlight. It should be watered appropriately, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. It can accept cooler temperatures but should be kept above freezing temperatures.

• Queen of the Night Cactus (Epiphyllum Oxypetalum): This cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Preferably, keep the cactus in a warm area and in indirect sunlight. Frequent fertilization will help the cactus during the growing season.

In general, cacti prefer well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly to avoid overwatering. They also need plenty of bright, direct or indirect sunlight and should be kept in warm locations. With the proper care, these 10 strange cactus plants can thrive and provide a unique and fascinating addition to any plant collection.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

Q: Can I grow these cacti indoors?
A: Yes, many of these cacti can be grown indoors as long as they receive enough bright, direct or indirect sunlight and are kept in a warm location. Just make sure to use well-draining soil and water sparingly.

Q: Do these cacti require special care or maintenance?
A: Like all plants, these cacti have specific needs for sunlight, water, and soil. However, they are generally low-maintenance plants that require infrequent watering and minimal fertilization.

Q: Can I propagate these cacti by cuttings?
A: Yes, many of these cacti can be propagated by cuttings. Just make sure to allow the cuttings to dry out for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.

Q: Are these cacti toxic to pets or humans?
A: Some cacti, like the bunny ear cactus, have small spines that can be irritating to skin and may cause discomfort if ingested. However, none of these cacti are known to be toxic to pets or humans.

Q: Where can I find these cacti for purchase?
A: These cacti can often be found at specialty nurseries or online plant retailers. Just make sure to purchase from a reputable seller and choose plants that are healthy and free from pests or diseases.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About 10 Strange Cactus Plants You Won’t Believe Exist In Nature

1. Golden Barrel Cactus: The Golden Barrel cactus is also known as the “mother-in-law’s cushion” due to its spiny appearance.
2. Sand Dollar Cactus: The sand dollar cactus is a slow-growing species that can take up to 10 years to reach its full size.
3. Bolivian Torch Cactus: The Bolivian Torch cactus is known for its psychoactive properties and has been used in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies in South America.
4. Bunny Ear Cactus: The Bunny Ear cactus gets its name from its soft, fuzzy appearance, which resembles bunny ears.
5. Cardón Cactus: The Cardón cactus is the tallest cactus species in the world, reaching heights of up to 60 feet.
6. Old Lady Cactus: The Old Lady cactus gets its name from its fuzzy white appearance, which resembles the hair of an old woman.
7. Mexican Lime Cactus: The Mexican Lime Cactus produces small, edible fruits that taste similar to limes.
8. Moon Cactus: The Moon cactus is actually a grafted cactus, meaning that it is made up of two different cactus species that have been fused together.
9. Peanut Cactus: The Peanut Cactus gets its name from the small, peanut-shaped protrusions that grow along its stem.
10. Queen of the Night Cactus: The Queen of the Night cactus blooms only at night and produces large, fragrant flowers that can grow up to 1 foot long.

These 10 strange cactus plants are not only fascinating to look at, but they also have unique characteristics and properties that make them stand out from other plant species.