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Coral Cactus (Euphorbia lactea)
This cactus originated from Africa. The coral cactus is a combination of two separate plants from the Euphorbia genus. The base and coral-like white leaves are Euphorbia neriifolia, while the large, fan-like leaves at the top of the plant are Euphorbia lactea. These cacti produce a toxic sap, which is called latex. This toxic sap can irritate the skin, and it can cause eye irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes. In worse cases, it can cause temporary blindness. If the sap is ingested, it results in nausea and vomiting.
This plant prefers to live in warm conditions between 60°F and 85°F. Partial shade during full sun conditions are recommended. Unlike most other cacti, the coral cactus does not tolerate dry conditions. However, they should not be watered too often. Diseases that can affect this plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and fungal rot. Powdery mildew occurs when the plant remains in humid conditions with inadequate airflow. Root rot is caused by overwatering of the coral cactus, which results in the rotting of the plant’s roots. Fungal rot occurs on the leaves of the coral cactus if it is damaged by cold conditions. This disease will cause the leaves to turn brown and mushy.
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Barbed-Wire Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
The barbed-wire cactus, also known as the triangle cactus, is native to Florida, the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The stems of this cactus are eaten as a vegetable, and the fruits its produces are also edible. The barbed-wire cactus can grow up to 23 feet tall and up to 8 inches in diameter. This plant produces white, red, and orange flowers that only appear at night.
The barbed-wire cactus prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. This plant also grows best when it is fully exposed to sunlight, but it can withstand partial shade. Like most cacti, it prefers to be watered infrequently.
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Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
This cactus is a combination of two cacti grafted together: Gymnocalycium and Hylocereus. Gymnocalycium, the colorful part of the cactus, requires nutrients from another cactus because it is unable to photosynthesize.
The moon cactus requires minimal maintenance. It thrives with little water, and it is recommended that the soil be allowed to completely dry in between waterings. It requires sunlight exposure, but it should not be kept in direct sunlight. The moon cactus prefers warmer temperatures and should not be exposed to temperatures less than 48°F.
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Zebra Wart (Haworthiia reinwardtii)
The Zebra Wart, also known as African Pearls, is a succulent native to South Africa. It grows naturally on rocky hillsides and cliffs.
Like most succulents, the Zebra Wart requires very little watering. It requires sunlight, but it should be kept in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. This plant goes dormant during the summer, and it requires temperature no lower than 40°F.
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Golden Jade Tree (Crassula ovata)
Also known as “Hummel’s Sunset”, the Golden Jade Tree is a succulent that can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall and produces leaves with reddish-orange or yellow tips. In the fall and winter, this succulent can also produce white flowers. The Golden Jade Tree is native to South Africa. This plant can be slightly poisonous and can cause nausea in humans and pets.
This jade tree prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, and should not be left in temperatures less than 50°F. They also thrive in humid conditions with some direct sunlight. The Golden Jade Tree should be watered infrequently to prevent root rot.
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Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)
The Gollum Jade is also known as the “Money Plant” and is a symbol of good luck. This plant is known for its finger-like leaves. The Gollum Jade is related to the Hobbit Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’), which both derive their names from the “Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien.
This succulent requires at least four hours of direct sunlight, but too much direct light can cause the leaves to sunburn. This plant should not be over watered. The Gollum Jade goes dormant during the fall and winter. During this time, they require less water than during the warmer months.
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Yellow Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii F. lutea)
The Yellow Crown of Thorns is a succulent that can grow up to six feet tall and produces yellow flowers. This plant is native to Madagascar and some other tropical regions where it grows on rocky surfaces in forest habitats.
The Yellow Crown of Thorns prefers humid conditions and warm temperatures above 70°F, as well as direct sunlight. Like most succulents and cacti, the Yellow Crown of Thorns should not be watered too frequently.
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Ox Tongue (Gasteria obliqua)
The Ox Tongue, also known as the Lawyer’s Tongue, originates from South Africa. It can grow up to six feet tall in pots, but it can grow taller in its natural habitat. It sometimes produces flowers in the late winter or early spring of various colors: orange, pink, or red.
This succulent prefers partial shade with no more than two to six hours of direct sunlight during the day. The Ox Tongue should be kept in warmer temperatures but can withstand cooler temperatures above 50°F. It also should not be watered too often.
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Dwarf Ox-Tongue (Gasteria bicolor)
Formerly known as Gasteria maculata, the Dwarf Ox-Tongue originates in South Africa where it grows in the shade of dense bushes and trees. The leaves of the Dwarf Ox-Tongue can grow from six to eight inches. This plant produces small, light pink flowers.
The Dwarf Ox-Tongue prefers warmer temperatures no lower than 50°F. It also should be kept in partial shade away from direct sunlight. Like most succulents, the Dwarf Ox-Tongue should be watered infrequently, and watering should be reduced further during the winter.
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Hardy Aloe (Aloe striatula)
The Hardy Aloe is a succulent native to the Karoo region of South Africa. It can grow up to three feet and produces bright yellow, banana-like flowers. The Hardy Aloe is known for being study, which is where it earned its name.
This plant requires direct sunlight and is drought tolerant, so it should be watered infrequently. The Hardy Aloe can withstand cooler temperatures, but it should not be kept in temperatures lower than 40°F.
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Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
The Thanksgiving Cactus blooms in the fall around the holiday Thanksgiving, which is how it earned its name. It produces red, pink, orange, and white flowers. This cactus is native to Brazil in South America where it grows in jungle environments.
The Thanksgiving Cactus thrives in indirect light, but it should be placed in brighter light during the fall to help it bloom. This cactus should be watered more frequently than most cacti. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but it should not be over watered. The Thanksgiving Cactus prefers warm, humid conditions with temperatures between 60°F and 65°F.
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Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
The Ghost Plant, also known as the Mother-of-Pearl, is a succulent with flower-like leaves. It sometimes produces yellow, star-shaped flowers in the spring. This plant can grow up to six to twelve inches tall.
The Ghost Plant prefers direct sunlight, and it should only be watered occasionally. This succulent thrives in warmer temperatures, but it can survive in colder temperatures as low as 10°F.
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Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium geayi)
The Madagascar Palm is a succulent shrub that originated in Madagascar. This thorny plant produces spear-like leaves and can bloom with small flowers that are white, yellow, pink, or red. The Madagascar Palm can grow up to 24 feet tall when grown outdoors, and it will grow up to about 6 feet tall when grown indoors.
This plant prefers direct sunlight and warm, humid temperatures. It should be watered infrequently, and the soil should be allowed to dry in between waterings. In the winter, the Madagascar Palm will often drop its leaves.
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Fairies Washboard (Haworthia limifolia)
The Fairies Washboard is native to Southern Africa. It grows no more than four inches in diameter and four inches tall. This succulent is known for its spiraling, triangular leaves with a ridged texture.
The Fairies Washboard thrives in bright, direct light and dry conditions. The plant should not be watered too frequently, and watering should be reduced during the winter when the plant is dormant.
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Coppertone Sedum (Sedum nussbaumerianum)
The Coppertone Sedum is a succulent native to Mexico where it grows in desert habitats and rocky surfaces. It can grow up to 8 inches tall and produces leaves that can become orange or copper-toned, which is where its name is from.
This plant requires direct sunlight and warm temperatures. Like most succulents, it should not be overwatered.
References
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