What's the difference between a cactus and a succulent?

Do you call him a cactus, or is he actually a succulent? Arghhh… confused? Don’t panic! Cacti and succulents are closely related, but there are differences that once you’re in the know, you’ll never mix up the two again! Here are our top tips so you can easily tell them apart.

Did you know, all cacti are considered to be succulents? Yep, one big succy family. But some succulents are not cacti. Cacti are in fact, a smaller sub-group of succulents.

How to spot a cactus

You can pick out a cactus in a group of succulents by its shape as they usually have small, round, cushion-like structures called areoles. These areoles sprout prickles, flowers, and hair, and usually look like fluffy, cotton-like lumps on the body of a cactus. Cacti have tough thick skin and very rarely have leaves.

The Mammillaria haageana elegans cactus sporting its radial spines which grow from his areoles. Find out more about this chap in our October box blog.

So, what’s a succulent then?

Succulents are the camel of the plant world. They store water in their leaves, stems, or roots so they can survive a long while without being watered. You can tell succulents apart from other types of plants by looking at their leaves or stem. A succulent will be firm to the touch and have a swollen, juicy look - hence the name!

The Echeveria is a succulent which features thick-leafed rosettes.

So now you’re a professional succulent vs. cactus spotter, check out the January Barry’s Cactus Club box and tell us if it’s a catus or succulent month. Head to the blog now!

Not yet a subscriber of Barry’s? Join the club - visit barryscactusclub.com