The Great Basin Desert hosts a large array of plants that over the course of geologic time have become very different than what they were before the deserts emerged. At one time (13 million years ago) these valleys were lush freshwater lakes with thick tropical edges enough to support the legendary dinosaurs of Nevada whose bones we come across from time to time. Many plants, such as the ancient conifers now petrified in the sand, were unable to adapt to the changing climates. Other plants adapted more easily to the ever increasing prospect of drought.
In this forced change, the need to conserve moisture develops its own eco-logic:
In stem-succulents as in Cacti and Euphorbias all life process is carried on in the stem itself; in leaf-succulents as represented by Aloe, Echevaria, or Lithops the whole plant may be reduced to a few highly modified fat leaves, and roots. (Graf, 1970, 326)
Some types gave up trying to maintain a reservoir of water:
Some desert plants, instead of building water storage tissues, have become drought-resistant by reducing their leaf area, by covering leaves or stems with insulating scales, hairs, wax, varnish or resin, or a protective woody bark; these are properly designated as Xerophytes, and typified by Dyckia, Fouquieria, Yucca, and some Agave. (Graf, 1970, 326)
Entertaining the cacti and succulents that thrive in our area can be fun and very rewarding. Cacti flowers in the springtime are fantastic, and the care threshold is extremely low. Give them a rich, gritty soil that drains immediately, and yet holds just enough moisture to satisfy the plant -- loam and sand, two to one -- with some organic leaf mold or compost thrown in.
Reference: Exotic Plant Manual: Fascinating Plants to Live With by Alfred Byrd Graf, 1970.
Like all succulents, cacti have developed amazing ways to handle long periods without rain. And they don't do this by hiding away in the shade. No, cacti need full sun; they thrive in light.
Native to the Americas, the cactus family has over 2000 species with relatives living northward in Canada almost to the Arctic Circle, southward to Chile, with the highest concentration of varieties living in Mexico. A nice selection live in the United States, too, including the Carnegiea gigantea, the "Giant Saguaro" with average heights of 35 feet (some over 50!) that live to be 250 years old. The mighty Saguaro lives mainly in southern Arizona where summertime temperatures rise to 120°F. But if we can't provide the high end warmth, it's our low temperatures that disallow Saguaro migration to our local. The cold winter keeps most cacti confined to a greenhouse around here. But there are several hardy cactus types that do well in our region.
Actually, there are over ten different, real cacti (Cactaceae) that are cold-hardy for our area. Come into our shop and see what we have in stock. And if you are looking for Euphorbias tested for our local growing zones, visit our web page dedicated to Euphorbias.
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There are several types of succulents that make great companion plants for your garden and landscaping plans. And remember, most succulents (including cacti) do very well in containers. Visit our page on Succulents, or choose specific plant types below:
Also: Euphorbia and Cacti.
