Cactus seeds cactaceae cacti

  A selection of mixed cacti seeds. Easy to germinate and grow, decide between planting them in sandy soils outdoors or why not start a hobby growing potted ornamental cacti. The mix is made up of 20 different cacti species. Please familiarise yourself with the shipping info below Shipping Rates are as listed below Approximate processing and transit times are listed below PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA  

Seeds and All offer you a Premium Cactus Mix, selected from a large variety of species. The seeds are easy to germinate and growing them requires very little effort. Most make excellent potted plants, do very well in raised beds and rockeries and make fascinating landscaping features. They require well-drained sandy to gravel soil to perform at their best.  Cacti come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some grow to great size. Cactus flowers are large, and like the spines and branches arise from areoles. Many cactus species are night-blooming, as they are pollinated by nocturnal insects or small animals, principally moths and bats. Cacti range from small and round to pole-like and tall, such as the Saguaro.           Cacti are distinctive and unusual plants which have adapted to extreme arid environments, showing a wide range of anatomical and physiological features which conserve water. Their stems have expanded into green succulent structures containing the clorophyll necessary for life and growth, while the leaves have become the spines for which cacti are so well known. Cacti are believed to have evolved in the last 30 to 40 million years. Long ago, the Americas were joined to the other continents, but separated due to continental drift. Unique species in the New World must have developed after the continents had moved apart. Significant distance between the continents was only achieved in around the last 50 million years. This may explain why cacti are so rare in Africa; the continents had already separated when cacti evolved. Many succulent plants in both the Old and New World bear a striking resemblance to cacti, and are often called "cactus" in common usage. This is, however, due to parallel evolution; none of these are closely related to the Cactaceae.

Parodia is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. The genus is named after the Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi who lived from 1895 to 1966. Flowers in all species arise from fuzzy buds, typically with bristles, at the apex. Flowers are cup-shaped and point straight up. They are easy to grow, have intriguing stems and spines and flower easily with brightly-coloured flowers. This fact in combination with their relatively small size, ensure that nearly all cactus growers will have some representative of this group. While advanced hobbyists may grow many of the various species and subspecies.           The genus has about 50 species, many of which have been transferred from Eriocactus, Notocactus and Wigginsia. They are native to the uplands of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay and range from small globose plants to 1 meter tall columnar cacti. All are deeply ribbed and spiny, with single flowers at or near the crown. Some species produce offsets at the base and most are free flowering, with stunning blooms throughout the year. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as pot plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. Parodia leninghausii is a species of South American cactus commonly found as a houseplant. Common names include Lemon Ball, Golden Ball and Yellow Tower cactus. Botanist Karl Moritz Schumann named it after Wilhelm Lenninghaus (1845-1918), a native of North Rhine-Westphalia who, in the 1880s, left his hometown of Ennepetal and emigrated to Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he became Guillermo Lenninghaus, and collected cacti for the German grower Haage. Parodia leninghausii is native to the Rio Grande do Sul province in the south of Brazil. In those regions, winter nights are cold, with a light freeze. These cacti survive in these conditions because they are quite dry at that time.

Parodia is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. The genus is named after the Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi who lived from 1895 to 1966. Flowers in all species arise from fuzzy buds, typically with bristles, at the apex. Flowers are cup-shaped and point straight up. They are easy to grow, have intriguing stems and spines and flower easily with brightly-coloured flowers. This fact in combination with their relatively small size, ensure that nearly all cactus growers will have some representative of this group. While advanced hobbyists may grow many of the various species and subspecies.           The genus has about 50 species, many of which have been transferred from Eriocactus, Notocactus and Wigginsia. They are native to the uplands of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay and range from small globose plants to 1 meter tall columnar cacti. All are deeply ribbed and spiny, with single flowers at or near the crown. Some species produce offsets at the base and most are free flowering, with stunning blooms throughout the year. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as pot plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. Parodia magnifica, formerly known as Notocactus magnificus and commonly known as Balloon Cactus originates from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is a cactus growing to 7–15 cm tall by 45 cm broad, with heavily ribbed, spherical to columnar, spiny and hairy stems, bearing pale yellow flowers in summer. The habitat where this plant comes from can become very cold during the winter nights. Often it will fall to just above freezing without harming the plants as it is also very dry. Therefore, if you live in a frost prone area, keep this plant dry during winter. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Parodia is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. The genus is named after the Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi who lived from to . Flowers in all species arise from fuzzy buds, typically with bristles, at the apex. Flowers are cup-shaped and point straight up. They are easy to grow, have intriguing stems and spines and flower easily with brightly-coloured flowers. This fact in combination with their relatively small size, ensure that nearly all cactus growers will have some representative of this group. While advanced hobbyists may grow many of the various species and subspecies.           The genus has about 50 species, many of which have been transferred from Eriocactus, Notocactus and Wigginsia. They are native to the uplands of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay and range from small globose plants to 1 meter tall columnar cacti. All are deeply ribbed and spiny, with single flowers at or near the crown. Some species produce offsets at the base and most are free flowering, with stunning blooms throughout the year. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as pot plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. Parodia formosa is native to Bolivia. They form individual plants. The six to twelve straight and needle-like central spines are reddish brown in colour. The flowers are sulphur yellow. Sow seeds in a well-drained medium. Synonyms include Parodia cardenasii, Parodia chaetocarpa, Parodia purpureo-aurea, Parodia setispina, Parodia parvula, Parodia carapariana, Parodia pusilla, Parodia chirimoyarana, Parodia pachysa, Parodia bellavistana, Parodia tillii and Parodia winbergii.

Parodia is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. The genus is named after the Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi who lived from 1895 to 1966. Flowers in all species arise from fuzzy buds, typically with bristles, at the apex. Flowers are cup-shaped and point straight up. They are easy to grow, have intriguing stems and spines and flower easily with brightly-coloured flowers. This fact in combination with their relatively small size, ensure that nearly all cactus growers will have some representative of this group. While advanced hobbyists may grow many of the various species and subspecies.           The genus has about 50 species, many of which have been transferred from Eriocactus, Notocactus and Wigginsia. They are native to the uplands of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay and range from small globose plants to 1 meter tall columnar cacti. All are deeply ribbed and spiny, with single flowers at or near the crown. Some species produce offsets at the base and most are free flowering, with stunning blooms throughout the year. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as pot plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. This Parodia Mixed Species pack consists of around 30 different Parodia species. Flower colours range from yellow to orange and red to purple. A wide variety of spination and growth forms are present in this pack. They need regular water in summer but keep it rather dry in winter as it tends to lose its roots in winter if kept wet and cold. It can tolerate light frost at -1°C and if kept dry at -9°C. Easy from seed, they make a stunning addition to any cactus collection, being equally attractive in or out of flower. These are small globular species, many with hooked spines and tubercles rather than ribs. They are slow growing, but flower whilst still quite small.  

Thelocactus being a synonym for Hamatocactus and Thelomastus is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. Members of the genus are native to the arid lands of Central and Northern Mexico. Thelocactus species are globe-shaped, short and cylindrical. They are small cacti, although there are one or two species which, while only about 15 cm high, can be 25 cm in diameter; for example, Thelocactus nidulans. Thelocactus species are generally solitary, but some varieties will cluster in groups. Thelocactus species grow in the wild in central and North Mexico but also on the other (northern) side of the Rio Grande, in Texas. Species can be distinguished by where they grow, whether in mountainous stony/rocky places or grassy territory with clay soil. Thelocactus species are generally easy to cultivate. Soils should be composed of equal proportions of sand and humus.            Water them normally from spring to autumn. In winter, keep most species at a minimum temperature of 8°C. They can survive at lower temperatures but the roots must then be kept dry. The dark brown or black seeds can be relatively large for the size of cactus and they germinate readily. They are well suited for growing in pots and rockeries. Reproduction is nearly always from seed, since the plant rarely produces plantlets. Thelocactus setispinus commonly known as Fish Hook Cactus, Hedgehog or Miniature Barrel Cactus is a globe-shaped to short cylindrical cactus about 8 to 12cm wide and up to 16cm tall. The 12 to 15 radial spines are needle-shaped, bright, brown or white and up to 4cm long. The 1 to 3 central spines are longer and stronger, straight and curved like a hook at the tip. The flowers are orange or dark yellow with a red center. This cactus blooms in summer. The red fruits are round or elliptical, a little scaly, about 8 to 10mm. 

Parodia is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. The genus is named after the Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi who lived from to . Flowers in all species arise from fuzzy buds, typically with bristles, at the apex. Flowers are cup-shaped and point straight up. They are easy to grow, have intriguing stems and spines and flower easily with brightly-coloured flowers. This fact in combination with their relatively small size, ensure that nearly all cactus growers will have some representative of this group. While advanced hobbyists may grow many of the various species and subspecies.           The genus has about 50 species, many of which have been transferred from Eriocactus, Notocactus and Wigginsia. They are native to the uplands of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay and range from small globose plants to 1 meter tall columnar cacti. All are deeply ribbed and spiny, with single flowers at or near the crown. Some species produce offsets at the base and most are free flowering, with stunning blooms throughout the year. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as pot plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. Parodia erubescens is an eye-catching species with rusty red spines which was formerly known as Notocactus schlosseri and renamed in by David Hunt. It is an easy plant to cultivate and requires full sun to dappled shade, though it will flower best during spring when given at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The stems are green and densely covered by short, stiff and erect russet to orange coloured central spines. During spring it bears beautiful green to yellow 5cm flowers.

Parodia is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. The genus is named after the Argentine botanist Lorenzo Raimundo Parodi who lived from 1895 to 1966. Flowers in all species arise from fuzzy buds, typically with bristles, at the apex. Flowers are cup-shaped and point straight up. They are easy to grow, have intriguing stems and spines and flower easily with brightly-coloured flowers. This fact in combination with their relatively small size, ensure that nearly all cactus growers will have some representative of this group. While advanced hobbyists may grow many of the various species and subspecies.           The genus has about 50 species, many of which have been transferred from Eriocactus, Notocactus and Wigginsia. They are native to the uplands of Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay and range from small globose plants to 1 meter tall columnar cacti. All are deeply ribbed and spiny, with single flowers at or near the crown. Some species produce offsets at the base and most are free flowering, with stunning blooms throughout the year. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as pot plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. Parodia mammulosa ssp. submammulosa is a native of North-eastern Argentina (Entre Ríos, Corrientes), western Uruguay and southern Brazil. This is a very attractive free flowering and fiercely spined species. It is easy to grow and makes a great addition to any collection. Parodia mammulosa ssp. submammulosa has many synonyms like Echinocactus mammulosus, Malacocarpus mammulosus, Notocactus mammulosus, Echinocactus orthacanthus, Malacocarpus orthacanthus, Notocactus orthacanthus, Echinocactus hypocrateriformis, Notocactus hypocrateriformis, Echinocactus submammulosus, Notocactus submammulosus, Parodia submammulosa, Echinocactus pampeanus, Notocactus pampeanus, Echinocactus floricomus, Notocactus floricomus, Notocactus roseoluteus, Notocactus eugenia, Notocactus mueller-moelleri, Notocactus cristatoides, Notocactus paulus, Notocactus megalanthus, Notocactus erythracanthus, Notocactus macambarensis and Notocactus ritterianus.  

The Weberbauerocereus genus, which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is named in honor of August Weberbauer - a researcher in the Peruvian Andes. Like many of the large columnar or tree -like cacti, the genus Weberbauerocereus is seldom cultivated and has seen little attention from researchers. As a result the future use of the name may be changed. Weberbauerocereus is a genus of ceroid cactus, considered to be intermediate between the genera Echinopsis and Cleistocactus. Native to Peru and northern Chile, the plants have fairly large, columnar stems that are either shrubby or may contain a distinct trunk.           Stems have numerous shallow ribs that are somewhat tuberculate with prominent woolly areoles. Spines are numerous and stout. Flowers are funnel-shaped and white or reddish. Floral tubes with scales and hairs. Weberbauerocereus johnsonii is a beautiful cactus. Few cacti have such persistently brilliant yellow spines, especially magnificent when backlit, as does this columnar beauty discovered in 1951 by famous nurseryman Harry Johnson on his second South American expedition. The plant eventually grows to tree-size proportions but even solitary stems, 7-9 cm in diameter, are worth cultivating for the colorful spines which can be either long or short. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden structural height or as potted plants on a sunny patio. Either way you are assured of many years of joy.

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classifications in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis rhodotricha is a species of cacti that is native to the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraguay and north eastern Argentina. The name rhodotricha comes from the Greek words rhodos meaning 'rose' and trichos meaning 'hair', referring to the hairs on the flower's tube. There are many synonyms including Echinocactus forbesii, Echinocactus adolphofriedrichii, Echinopsis forbesii, Echinopsis pentlandii var. forbesii, Echinopsis spegazzinii, Echinopsis validates and Echinopsis validates var. forbesii. They have a group or clump forming growth habit, with each stem reaching a diameter of up to 30 cm and a height of 30 to 80 cm. There are between 8 to 18 wavy ribs with areoles spaced between 1.5 to 2.5 cm apart. The spines are yellowish brown, with one central spine (sometimes absent) bent upwards up to 5cm long. They bare white funnel-shaped flowers, up to 15 cm long, which open at night and last less than a day.  

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus.            Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden.  Echinopsis terscheckii, commonly known as the Cardon Grande Cactus or Argentine Saguaro, is a large cactus native to South America and popular in cultivation. It is a columnar, branching cactus that can grow over 7.6 metres tall. Its branches are about 25 cm in diameter with 8 to 14 ribs. It has large brownish areoles about 2.5 cm apart with 8 to 15 yellowish spines, 8.3–10 cm long. The nocturnal white flowers can grow up to 20 cm long and 13–15 cm wide. The round or oblong blue fruits are about 1.3 cm in diameter and contain black, oval seeds approximately 0.76 mm long. It is native to Catamarca Province in northwest Argentina and to the western slopes of the Andes in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

The Stenocactus genus is placed in the Cactaceae family and comprises globular cacti with a characteristic wavy rib pattern, in place of straight ribs. Native to Mexico, the original genus included only about 10 species, although Hertrichocereus and Echinofossulocactus are now included in this group, expanding the number of species to about 30. It's not uncommon to see them identified only as " Stenocactus " when they're offered for sale. Besides their distinctive wavy ribs, these cacti also feature stiff and short spines. Younger plants lack the distinctive wavy ribs and have tubercles. These will develop into the typical ribs when the plant is older. Stenocactus species like bright sunlight and thrive in full sun and strong light.           Throughout the growing season (spring and summer) let the potting soil almost completely dry out between watering and then water thoroughly. In winter you should cut back watering altogether. A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal. During the growing season, fertilize at half strength. Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period. These cacti are perfect for rockeries, where they will give your garden splashes of colour or as potted plants on a sunny windowsill. Either way you are assured of many years of joy. Stenocactus multicostatus for which Echinofossulocactus multicostatus is a synonym is one of the most variable Stenocactus species. Differing in spination, body shape and number of ribs they produce unusual shapes. Typically it has a variable number of ribs; typically about 50 to 100 ribs, but plants with up to 150 or more ribs have been reported. In early spring they produce gorgeous white blooms with violet to purple midveins.

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis chiloensis is a tree-like cactus with basal-branching structures. It can grow to a height of 8 m tall. The stems are 10-12.5 cm in diameter with 10-17 low-notched ribs and large whitish areoles, 1-4 central spines (5 cm long) and 8-12 radial spines (4 cm long). The spines are yellowish at first, then grayish. It produces white flowers from spring to late summer. Echinopsis chiloensis is a drought-tolerant cactus and is suitable for growing in a container. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings.  

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis chiloensis ssp. litoralis is a shrub-like cactus with basal-branching structures. It can grow to a height of 2 m tall. The stems are 10-12.5 cm in diameter with 10-17 low-notched ribs and large whitish areoles, 1-4 central spines (5 cm long) and 8-12 radial spines (4 cm long). The spines are yellowish at first, then grayish. It produces white flowers from spring to late summer. Echinopsis chiloensis ssp. litoralis is a drought-tolerant cactus and is suitable for growing in a container. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings.

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classifications in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis chiloensis ssp. litoralis is a shrub-like cactus with basal-branching structures. It can grow to a height of 2 m tall. The stems are 10-12.5 cm in diameter with 10-17 low-notched ribs and large whitish areoles, 1-4 central spines (5 cm long) and 8-12 radial spines (4 cm long). The spines are yellowish at first, then grayish. It produces white flowers from spring to late summer. Echinopsis chiloensis ssp. litoralis is a drought-tolerant cactus and is suitable for growing in a container. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings.

Ferocactus is a genus of large barrel-shaped cacti, mostly with large spines and small flowers. There are about 30 species included in the genus. This member of the Cactaceae family is found in the south-western United States and north-western Mexico. The young specimens are columnar but as they grow older ribs form and they take on a barrel form. Most of the species are solitary but some, such as Ferocactus robustus and Ferocactus glaucescens, form clumps. The typical habitat is hot and very arid, and the plants have adapted to exploit water movement to concentrate their biomass in areas where water is likely to be present.           Like Sclerocactus, Ferocactus typically grow in areas where water flows irregularly or depressions where water can accumulate for short periods of time. They are most often found growing along arroyos (washes) where their seeds have been subjected to scarification due to water movement, but they oddly also tend to grow along ridges in spots where depressions have formed and can hold water for some period of time. Ferocactus have very shallow root systems and are easily uprooted during flash floods. The "fishhook" spines and the armoured web of spines enclosing the cactus body in many species of this genus are adaptations which allow the plant to move to more favourable locations. In cultivation Ferocactus require full sun, little water, and good drainage. They are popular as indoor houseplants providing they receive a few hours of sunlight a day. They are well suited for growing in pots and rockeries. Propagation is usually from seeds as most do not produce off-sets. Ferocactus stainessii commonly known as Mexican Fire Barrel Cactus or just Fire Barrel is widespread in north-central Mexico’s Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Coahuila and Zacatecas regions. For this very reason it is somewhat variable in appearance, depending on its locality. Ferocactus stainessii is a simple or clumping barrel/columnar cactus with thick red spines. Most plants have bright red spines with bristle like, white radials—a wonderful contrast, but in some populations the white bristles are occasionally absent.

Mammillaria is arguably the most popular cactus genus in cultivation. Mammillarias have extremely variable spination from species to species, and eye-catching flowers, making them specifically attractive for cactus hobbyists. Most Mammillaria plants are considered easy to cultivate. The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the Cactaceae family, with currently over 200 known species and varieties recognized. Mammillarias are native to Mexico, southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. The first was described by Carolus Linnaeus as Cactus mammillaris in 1753, deriving its name from Latin mammilla, "nipple", referring to the tubercles that are one of the plant's specific features.           In 1812, the cactus specialist Adrian Haworth described the genus Mammillaria to contain this and related species. Numerous species are commonly known as nipple cactus, fishhook cactus or pincushion though such terms may also be used for related taxa such as Escobaria. Mammillaria species can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda or windowsill. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. The variation in spines is a novel selling feature and often, these plants fit the stereotypical expectations that most people have for a cactus plant, although some species are only going to be found among highly-dedicated cactus growers. The popularity of this genus has led to a good deal of study and consequent literature on both growing and identifying Mammillaria species. Mammillaria geminispina or Twin-spine Cactus is native to Hidalgo, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi in central Mexico occurring at altitudes of 1000 to 1859 m. They are clump forming cacti with individual stems reaching 18 cm tall and 5cm in diameter. The plants are covered in white hairy spines making clumps appear white. There are 16 to 20 needle-like radial spines about 5 to 7 mm long and 2 long erect central spines up to 40mm in length. The flowers appear in summer and autumn, and are deep pink to carmine red, followed by carmine red fruits.

Mammillaria is arguably the most popular cactus genus in cultivation. Mammillarias have extremely variable spination from species to species, and eye-catching flowers, making them specifically attractive for cactus hobbyists. Most Mammillaria plants are considered easy to cultivate. The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the Cactaceae family, with currently over 200 known species and varieties recognized. Mammillarias are native to Mexico, southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. The first was described by Carolus Linnaeus as Cactus mammillaris in 1753, deriving its name from Latin mammilla, "nipple", referring to the tubercles that are one of the plant's specific features.           In 1812, the cactus specialist Adrian Haworth described the genus Mammillaria to contain this and related species. Numerous species are commonly known as nipple cactus, fishhook cactus or pincushion though such terms may also be used for related taxa such as Escobari Mammillaria species can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda or windowsill. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. The variation in spines is a novel selling feature and often, these plants fit the stereotypical expectations that most people have for a cactus plant, although some species are only going to be found among highly-dedicated cactus growers. The popularity of this genus has led to a good deal of study and consequent literature on both growing and identifying Mammillaria species. Mammillaria geminispina or Twin-spine Cactus is native to Hidalgo, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi in central Mexico occurring at altitudes of 1000 to 1859 m. They are clump forming cacti with individual stems reaching 18 cm tall and 5cm in diameter. The plants are covered in white hairy spines making clumps appear white. There are 16 to 20 needle-like radial spines about 5 to 7 mm long and 2 long erect central spines up to 40mm in length. The flowers appear in summer and autumn, and are deep pink to carmine red, followed by carmine red fruits.

Echinocactus is a genus of 6 species in the Cactaceae family native to south western United States and Mexico. The generic name comes from the Greek word echinos, meaning 'spiny', and cactus. Together with Ferocactus, they are the two genera of barrel cactus. The species in this genus have some noticeably distinguishable features, such as large spines, well defined ribs, an overall barrel shape with relatively small, yellow or pink flowers being borne out of an area at the apex of the plant that is covered in a dense fuzzy wool, followed by woolly, fleshy or dry fruits. Propagation is by seed.           The most well known, easily grown and widely cultivated species, Echinocactus grusonii, or Golden Barrel cactus, is nearly extinct in the wild and only occurs in a very small area, which contrasts from the rest of the genus in that the rest of the genus are more widespread and less common in cultivation. Echinocactus polycephalus for example, is notoriously difficult to grow. Echinocactus species can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinocactus grusonii is probably one of the best known species of cactus and is widely cultivated. Sadly it is almost extinct in nature occurring only in a small area in central Mexico from San Luis Potosi to Hidalgo. Common Names include, Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Ball or, amusingly, Mother-in-Law's Cushion. This species should not be confused with Notocactus leninghausii which have fuzzy, harmless spines and is also called Golden Ball. As the common name suggests, they are round, spherical, or barrel shaped. They have many well defined ribs lined with large sharp spines which are yellow to white in colour. Younger plants do not resemble older plants in that the ribs are not noticeable and look more like knobs in younger plants. When plants are about 20 years old, they will start to produce small yellow flowers from the fluffy crown. Cultivation is best done from seed and they are considered to be easy to grow. The plants are also relatively fast growing in cactus terms. It is a popular architectural plant in garden design and is used widely in landscaping. They should be watered very sparingly in winter and must not be allowed to sit in wet soil, otherwise they will rot. As with most cacti they require a well drained sandy soil to grow in.  

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis macrogona, syn. Trichocereus macrogonus or Cereus macrogonus is a species of cactus native to Bolivia. It is closely related to Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi), the San Pedro cactus, and Echinopsis peruviana (syn. Trichocereus peruvianus) the Peruvian Torch cactus. This specie has ethnobotanical uses and also contains the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline. It has a shrubby growth habit, and the stems are characterized by its bluish-green skin, with a diameter of up to 9 cm, and height of between 2 to 3 m. There are between 6 to 9 prominent ribs with grey coloured areoles where 1 to 3 central spines up to 5 cm in length and yellow to brown in colour, are surrounded by 6 to 9 shorter radial spines up to 2 cm in length. The large, white flowers are borne at the top of the stems and can be up to 18 cm in diameter.

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of vart has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis macrogona, syn. Trichocereus macrogonus or Cereus macrogonus is a species of cactus native to Bolivia. It is closely related to Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi), the San Pedro cactus, and Echinopsis peruviana (syn. Trichocereus peruvianus) the Peruvian Torch cactus. This specie has ethnobotanical uses and also contains the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline. It has a shrubby growth habit, and the stems are characterized by its bluish-green skin, with a diameter of up to 9 cm, and height of between 2 to 3 m. There are between 6 to 9 prominent ribs with grey coloured areoles where 1 to 3 central spines up to 5 cm in length and yellow to brown in colour, are surrounded by 6 to 9 shorter radial spines up to 2 cm in length. The large, white flowers are borne at the top of the stems and can be up to 18 cm in diameter.

Ferocactus is a genus of large barrel-shaped cacti, mostly with large spines and small flowers. There are about 30 species included in the genus. This member of the Cactaceae family is found in the south-western United States and north-western Mexico. The young specimens are columnar but as they grow older ribs form and they take on a barrel form. Most of the species are solitary but some, such as Ferocactus robustus and Ferocactus glaucescens, form clumps. The typical habitat is hot and very arid, and the plants have adapted to exploit water movement to concentrate their biomass in areas where water is likely to be present.           Like Sclerocactus, Ferocactus typically grow in areas where water flows irregularly or depressions where water can accumulate for short periods of time. They are most often found growing along arroyos (washes) where their seeds have been subjected to scarification due to water movement, but they oddly also tend to grow along ridges in spots where depressions have formed and can hold water for some period of time. Ferocactus have very shallow root systems and are easily uprooted during flash floods. The "fishhook" spines and the armoured web of spines enclosing the cactus body in many species of this genus are adaptations which allow the plant to move to more favourable locations. In cultivation Ferocactus require full sun, little water, and good drainage. They are popular as indoor houseplants providing they receive a few hours of sunlight a day. They are well suited for growing in pots and rockeries. Propagation is usually from seeds as most do not produce off-sets. Ferocactus stainessii ssp. pilosus commonly known as Fire Barrel is a clumping barrel cactus with thick red spines and additional wispy and hairy white spines. It is also known as Ferocactus pilosus and appears also to have brighter red, bigger and thicker central spines compared to the more common variety.

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus.            Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter lily cactus. Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden.  Echinopsis terscheckii, commonly known as the Cardon Grande Cactus or Argentine Saguaro, is a large cactus native to South America and popular in cultivation. It is a columnar, branching cactus that can grow over 7.6 metres tall. Its branches are about 25 cm in diameter with 8 to 14 ribs. It has large brownish areoles about 2.5 cm apart with 8 to 15 yellowish spines, 8.3–10 cm long. The nocturnal white flowers can grow up to 20 cm long and 13–15 cm wide. The round or oblong blue fruits are about 1.3 cm in diameter and contain black, oval seeds approximately 0.76 mm long. It is native to Catamarca Province in northwest Argentina and to the western slopes of the Andes in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

Echinopsis which is placed in the Cactaceae family, is a large genus of 128 species of cacti which grow naturally in the South American countries of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay. They grow in sandy or gravel soils on hillsides and in rocky crevices. They range in size from large tree like species, to small species such as Echinopsis chamaecereus, the peanut cactus. They have large, showy flowers which seldom last longer than a day; however they are such prolific bloomers that they can be covered with flowers for days on end. Echinopsis is distinguished from other genera by the length of the flower tube, the form and size of their stems, and from where the flowers occur on the stem.           Some common names include hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus and Easter li Due to the large number or species, and large number of variations, it has made classification of species in this genus very difficult. This has resulted in a large number of synonyms for Echinopsis, most of which used to be considered separate genera, but are now included in the genus Echinopsis. All these synonyms are still widely used by collectors and enthusiasts and there is much debate and controversy as to the correct classification. The name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning 'spiny', 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', and opsis meaning 'likeness' or looks like. Echinopsis can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. Echinopsis chiloensis is a tree-like cactus with basal-branching structures. It can grow to a height of 8 m tall. The stems are 10-12.5 cm in diameter with 10-17 low-notched ribs and large whitish areoles, 1-4 central spines (5 cm long) and 8-12 radial spines (4 cm long). The spines are yellowish at first, then grayish. It produces white flowers from spring to late summer. Echinopsis chiloensis is a drought-tolerant cactus and is suitable for growing in a container. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings.