Purchasing Resources for Cactus Plants

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Cactus Plants Key Terms

Although cactus plants are relatively easy to care for, as they desire a lot of sunlight, little water and proper drainage, customers may still come to you with questions about the plants. You must know the common terminology to be of assistance, as well as to be able to stock your business with the best cacti. Brushing up on cactus plants key terms can help you communicate better with vendors, offer plants that customers desire and keep your business current.

Areole

An areole is a distinctive feature found on a cactus plant, as it distinguishes it from a succulent. An areole can create a spine or glochid, which protect the plant as a matter of self defense. It resembles bumps when viewed up close on the plant.
Try: Visit PLANTanswers to learn more about an areole and its purpose.

Glochid

A glochid is a tiny, hair-like barbed spine found in the center of an areole. If a person touches a cactus plant, the glochid is the sharp part of the plant that lodges in the skin.
Try: See a highly magnified photo of a cactus glochid at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Rib

A cactus rib is a ridge that forms on the outside of certain cacti species. A rib oftentimes expands when storing water for later use. When the cactus needs the water, the rib sends it down to the roots.
Try: Check out Cactus Museum to learn more about how a rib functions in relation to the stem on cactus plants.

Spine

The spine is a sharp, pointed leaf found in a cactus areole. The spine can vary in size, depending upon the species of plant. A central spine is heavier, colored and hooked, while a radial spine is straight and scattered over the plant.
Try: Visit the University of Texas-Austin to learn more about the spine.

Xerophyte

A xerophyte plant is one that is able to survive an environment that does not have much water or moisture. Plants such as cacti and succulents are examples of xerophyte plants.
Try: Visit DesertUSA.com to learn more about xerophyte plants.

Succulent

A succulent is a water-retaining plant adapted to arid climate and soil conditions. It is able to do this by storing water in its stem, leaves and roots. It's important to remember that cactus plants are members of the succulent family, but not all succulents are cacti.
Try: Check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for more information on succulent plants.

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Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Cactus Plants

As a business involved in the cultivation, harvesting and distribution of cactus plants, your main focus is providing quality cacti and succulents to your customer base. You may want to join a cactus growing organization in order to learn about the latest trends in acceptable cactus horticulture practices.

Your local cooperative extension service may be able to provide you with information to help you select plants that work best in your area, and advise you about how to market your business to local customers.

If you operate a commercial-grade cactus farm, your business may also want to consider marketing your cacti and succulents to companies involved in value-added ... more