Perhaps the most interesting and eye-catching among other plants is the cactus. Every year, cacti attract more and more people, primarily due to their unusual appearance and great variety. Now the whole world is full of cactus artists who collect entire collections at home. From exotic - cacti have long turned into home and houseplants. In the beginning, they appeared in botanical gardens, and since the 50s, they began to move to our window sills and tables.

In this article you can get acquainted not only with the varieties of cacti , but also with their names and photographs. Of course, it is impossible to tell about all of them, since today there are over 3,000 species, so we will tell you about the most interesting of them.

It is also worth noting that cacti are not only plants, but also food. Since ancient times, they have been used in various religious ceremonies, and today, the fruits and stems of cacti can be found in the Mexican market. Also, the plant was used for medical purposes, dyes were made from it, and even used as a building material. And, of course, the well-known tequila is produced from agave juice (a type of cactus).

Popular representatives of home cacti

As mentioned above, today there are a huge number of varieties of cacti. Here are just a few of them:

• flat
• Round
• without thorns
• blooming
• Stretched, etc.

You can list for a long time, but the main thing is that, for example, among the same flat cacti, there will be more than a dozen types to choose from, depending on the store. Therefore, in order not to write about everyone in a row, we have chosen the 15 most interesting and popular types of cacti, of course, with names and photos. Perhaps some of them are already known to you and are growing in your house in a pot, but, nevertheless, everyone will find something new for themselves. Let's start!

queen of the night Selenicereus grandiflorus)

It is notable primarily for its beautiful and large flower, with a very strong and pleasant aroma. Large, the flower is not called in vain, because in the open state, its diameter can reach 30 cm.
to admire and enjoy this extraordinary beauty, you can only at night, when the flower blooms. But remember that if you miss this moment, then next time you have to wait a year, because the cactus blooms only one night. However, this does not scare the cacti-lovers to have this copy at home. By the way, if your city has a greenhouse with the Queen of the Night, then you can find out when it will bloom and come to admire this beauty.

Cactus queen of the night

Mammillaria)

The most popular and common type of cactus that is grown at home. This species has several varieties, and the cactus itself does not need special care. The most important thing is a well-lit place and not too frequent watering, and you also need to make sure that pests do not appear. If you properly maintain the plant, then in the summer, the cactus will bloom and give you its beautiful flowers. Read more about the care and common types of Mammillaria

prickly pear ( Opuntia)

This family of cacti can be safely called the largest, since it has over 200 various kinds. The cacti themselves have flat appearance and a large number of spines. They grow in different ways - either spread on the ground, or reach up. Now, representatives of this species grow almost all over the world - from Canada to the Crimea. By the way, if in your region, the temperature in winter does not fall below 10 degrees, then you can find frost-resistant varieties and plant them, for example, in your garden. It is worth noting that in addition to beautiful flowers, the cactus can be eaten, but this is at your discretion. Read more about popular Opuntia species and care

prickly pear cactus

Euphorbia ( Euphorbia)

The flower was nicknamed so because of the milky viscous liquid that is released when the leaves or stems are broken. In no case, do not try to taste this liquid, because it is poisonous. Since ancient times, arrows have been impregnated with milkweed, and in Africa it is still used when fishing. The stems of the cactus are triangular in shape, and in addition to a large number of thorns, it grows tall. The content of the cactus is no different from other species, the only thing, because of its poisonous characteristics, it is better to keep it away from children. Read more about popular types of milkweed and care

cactus spurge

Gruzoni ( Echinocactus grusoniii)

Initially, the appearance resembles a ball, but as they grow, more mature plants take on a shape more like a barrel. Also, Gruzoni cacti are able to reach impressive sizes - up to 1 meter, both in length and in width. Throughout the plant, yellow spines are very abundant, which form a “cap” at the top. Because of this, people nicknamed the cactus "Golden Ball". Like many other cacti, Gruzoni blooms, but the first flowers can only be seen in those specimens that are over 20 years old.

Gruzoni cactus

Echinopsis)

No less frequent guest on the windowsills. At an early age, it looks like a small ball, but as it "growing up", the plant stretches and, depending on the variety, can grow up to 2.5 meters. Echinopsis bloom usually begins in early summer. The older the plant, the more flowers it produces. The flowers themselves look like a bell and live up to 3 days. Cacti of this species are easy to care for, therefore, very often beginner gardeners choose them. Read more about popular types and care

Echinopsis cactus

Schlumberger ( Shhlumbergera) or zygocactus( Zygocactus) - Decembrist

This species has many names. It originally came from the forests of Brazil and was called Schlumbergera or Zygocactus there. But perhaps the most famous for him was the name Decembrist. This species is also quite popular around the world, primarily due to its beautiful flowers, which begin to bloom with the first month of winter - hence the name. Cactus Decembrist, has unusual shape, it is more sprawling and can grow up to 1.5 meters wide. It is worth noting that, unlike other representatives, the cactus does not have thorns and loves frequent watering, but the sun does not tolerate very well. Read more about popular types and care

Schlumbergera

Cereus)

AT natural environment habitat, representatives of this genus are able to grow to fantastic sizes - 10 meters and more! In addition to its impressive size, the cactus Cereus (Cereus - wax candle), is also a long-liver, among brothers. At home, the most common is the Peruvian variety, which grows 50-60 cm in height, but there have been cases when the plant reached the mark of 1 meter. During the flowering period, it throws out large white flowers, but, unfortunately, they begin to fade the very next day. The flowering itself, most often begins at the end of spring or early summer, although it is also possible in autumn, which happens much less often. Care for Cereus is the same as for other types of cacti. Read more about popular types and care

Cereus cactus

Epiphyllum)

This species differs from other cacti in that it is leaf-shaped. It is often called a cactus with leaves, probably because of the name Epiphyllum, because from Latin it is translated as: eri - from above, phyllum - leaf. In most cases, the plant is planted in hanging pot so that he hangs his leaves down. Especially beautiful, the Epiphyllum cactus looks during the flowering period, and the flowers themselves, depending on the variety, can be different color and reach 35 cm in length. As for the size of the cactus itself, it usually grows up to one meter in height. It should not be watered too often, but it should be protected from direct sunlight, although the plant loves light. Read more about popular types and care

Cactus Epiphyllum

Gymnocalycium ( Gymnocalycium)

The cactus is shaped like a ball, which is why it is often called a round cactus. However, picking up this “ball” will not work, because it is very tightly protected by large thorns. However, it is not uncommon to find it in apartments or greenhouses. Plants grow up to 25-30 cm, and begin to bloom in the 3rd year. The flowers themselves may be different colors, and persist for up to 7 days, after which they begin to crumble. The cactus is not particularly demanding for care, so it will not cause problems. Read more about popular types and care

Cactus Gymnocalycium

Aporocactus Martius ( Aporocactus martianus)

This species attracts primarily with its unusualness. Due to the fact that many round prickly stalks grow from the pot, this cactus was popularly called the “rat tail” or “snake cactus”, as you like. Aporocactus Martius grows up to 1 meter in length. The flowering period is spring, and all 3 months. The flowers are medium, there are even large, dark pink. With age, the plant is transplanted into a hanging pot, from where it spreads its "tentacles". Read more about popular types and care for them.

Aporocactus Martius

Rebutia ( Rebutia)

Adult plants of this species, in diameter, do not exceed 10 cm, and the smallest variety of cactus has 5 cm at all. But, despite its not too big sizes, this “baby” blooms very beautifully, and the flowers themselves are very large. They can be any color, it all depends on the variety. If we talk about the flowering period, then this is the beginning-middle of spring, but there have been cases of repeated flowering in the fall. The Rebutia cactus has long settled on the windowsills of the inhabitants of our country, although Argentina is considered its homeland.

Lophophora ( Lophophora) - Peyote

Also known to some under the name Peyote, it is notable not for its appearance and not even for flowers, but for juice. It's all about him chemical composition. Since ancient times, the juice of this cactus was taken in small quantities as a medicine, but over time, people realized that if you increase the dosage, you can catch a "high". It is for these reasons that in many countries this species is banned. The cactus itself is ball-shaped and grows up to a maximum of 20 cm in diameter. Instead of the usual thorns, the cactus has fluffy tufts of hair, and in the summer it will give you beautiful flowers, from white to almost red.

Lophophora cactus

Mix colored cacti

If you do not know which cactus to choose, you can purchase a mix set. More and more often today in flower shops there are just such sets. They consist of several types of cacti, so before buying, ask which ones, so it will be easier for you to find information about them. Mix sets of colored cacti will be a great start for beginner cactus growers and may well complement an existing collection. Most importantly, observe the conditions of detention for each species, and then, during the flowering period, they will give you a chic bouquet.

It is worth talking a little about other, no less interesting species:

colorful cacti

Among the long cacti, several types can also be distinguished. The first is Carnegia giant. This cactus grows up to 15 meters, but don't expect a quick result. Usually, to grow up to 2-3 meters, the plant needs more than 30 years! Another species is Cereus. These cacti can grow even more - up to 20 meters.

Home blooming cacti photo

• Wilcoxia

Quite often, this cactus can be seen in flower shops. At proper care, it will delight you with small colorful flowers every year in the spring.

Wilcoxia bloom

• Rebutia

Another frequent guest, both on the shelves and in houses and apartments. Blooms from March to April. The flowers themselves are large, sometimes exceeding the size of the plant itself.

Rebutia bloom

We wrote about this cactus above, so we just recall that it blooms in summer, and the flowers that appear around the top of the cactus resemble a wreath. Read more about the care and common types of Mammillaria

Mammillaria bloom

• frailei

Outwardly, this cactus is no different from others, but it is valued primarily for its large yellow flowers, which, although not very many, but they are very beautiful.

frailene bloom

One of the most common and popular flowering species. For beginners, usually a cactus throws out no more than 1 flower, while for experienced gardener, this number can approach 10! Read more about popular home types and care

Echinopsis bloom

• Prickly pear

You can read about Opuntia above. One has only to recall that it blooms in the spring, it can be planted in open ground, and during the flowering period, the cactus will delight you with red or yellow flowers. Read more about popular types and care

prickly pear bloom

kaktus-sukkulent.ru

Classification of cacti by group characteristics

All representatives can be divided into three groups:

• Pereskievye;
• prickly pear;
• Cereus.

These species differ in structure. So, Peresciaceae have round stems and flat leaves. which are covered with straight spines. often bloom solitary flowers. Differs in edible fruits.

Opuntia cacti are different small leaves covered with thorns. In addition to spines, they also have glochidia. Glochidia are the modified leaves of a plant. Flowering large. The colors are varied. The fruits are mostly edible.

Cereus leaves and glochidia are absent. This is the largest family, which includes a variety of species. In some representatives, the fruits are edible. In general, Cereus cacti prefer dry areas.

cactus bloom

All varieties bloom, but not every representative will please with their flowering at home. For a culture to flourish, you need to create right conditions content for her.

Flowering depends on the variety. There are representatives with small flowers (Mammillaria). And in other species - large sizes. For example, this applies to Echinopsis. The size of its flower can reach 15 cm.

Flower color is varied: white, pink, red. So, for example, night flowers (that is, those that bloom at night) are distinguished by a pale color - white, cream or light pink. Daytime - can have almost any color. The exceptions are blue and black.

The main varieties and their names

All cacti can be conditionally divided into groups:

• Room;
• Forest;
• Desert.

Indoor

Indoor cacti are called cacti that adapt to home growing conditions.

To the room can be attributed:

• Echinocereus;
• Notocactus otto;
• Spurge;
• Small-haired prickly pear;
• Rebutia.

These species fit perfectly in room conditions and bloom with proper care. Some may bloom in the first year of life, for example, some Mammillaria.

Forest

The most popular representatives of forest crops include:

• Decembrist;

Decembrist and ripsadolipsis are similar in appearance. However, the petals of ripsalidopsis grow straight, not folded back. Coloring is red.

Epiphyllum has a not very neat shape. The specific epiphyllum is remarkable for flowers of red shades. However, many varieties with a variety of colors have been bred.

Decembrist different flowering in winter. This is a very common variety. It blooms with white, pink, purple and red flowers.

Also included in the forest:

1. Discocactus. It has a round stem shape, blooms with a single white flower;
2. Prickly pear. It is remarkable not only for orange flowers, but also for edible fruits. Some of them have a pleasant taste and useful properties;
3. Pereskia;
4. melocactus.

Desert

The species of desert spiny should include:

• Mammillaria;
• Eriosice;
• Echinocactus;
• Echinocereus;
• Rebutia.

Most representatives bloom indoors beautiful flowers . Some of them have the ability to bloom in the first year of life.

Determination of the type by external qualities

Growing a cactus but don't know what it's called? You can determine the variety by its external data.

blooming

All cacti bloom, but not all can bloom at home. Wherein flowering varies by variety.

They bloom mostly in small flowers. Possible colors: yellow and pink. There are several flowers, they may not open at the same time, but alternately.

Has many varieties. So flower colors are varied: white, yellow, red, hot pink. Blooms with numerous flowers.

Notable for the fact that only one flower blooms. However, it is large and yellow in color.

Decembrist or Schlumberer

Notable for the fact that blooms in winter. They call him a Decembrist because it blooms under New Year. Flowering is large and has a red color.

cacti with leaves

In general, all representatives have leaves. However, they are represented by thorns. If we talk about cacti, which really there are leaves familiar to everyone, then you can call Pachypodium.

prickly pear have leaves in the form of elongated cakes, on which spines are located.

poinsettia characterized by large leaves of light green color with denticles along the edges.

Long

Cereus are considered the highest. The height of some representatives reaches 20 meters. At home, of course, they do not reach such heights. But they could, if the ceilings of the apartments did not interfere with them. Cereus is distinguished not only by its height, but also by its excellent flowering, large white with a creamy tint. In addition, they have an incredible aroma.

Up to 2 meters in height Euphorbia can grow.

Cactus with long needles

Long needles can boast Echinocactus (Echinopsis white-flowered), Carnegia, some varieties of Mammillaria, Ferocactus. This is far from a complete list.

Decorative

Most varieties are decorative. Both flowers and stems and leaves of this culture are decorative. Among the most commonly grown in the house are:

• Mammillaria(differ in beautiful flowering);
• Decembrist(distinguished by luxurious flowering in winter);
• poinsettia(a type of milkweed, blooms beautifully large flowers);
• spurge(all types of milkweed differ not only decorative properties, but also curative);
• Pachypodium(a very original representative with long leaves);
• (decorative with long shoots and large flowers);
• (culture with an original spherical stem with one large snow-white flower).

fluffy

Espostow called fluffy cactus. This is a culture of Perunian origin. This species is called fluffy because of the hairs that play a protective function. The height of this culture in room conditions does not exceed 70 cm, in natural conditions it can grow up to 5 meters.

non-thorny cactus

to the cacti that do not have spines, include some types of Ariocarpus. This is an original culture with an unusual stem and a large single flower. It can also be attributed astrophytum Asterias. This species is distinguished by a beautiful and very large single flower in the form of a chamomile, which is located at the top of the stem.

Thus, in nature there is a huge variety of different cultures. All cacti differ in height, flowering, needles. Everyone can choose a plant to their liking. Cactus - the original culture with the most incredible flowering. What could be more interesting than a blooming cactus?

proklumbu.com

General information about cacti

Cacti are a relatively young family of plants on our planet; they appeared at a time when mammals already reigned on earth. The homeland of cacti is South America, from where they settled throughout the Western Hemisphere. And thanks migratory birds, some of their species came to Africa and Asia.

At their core, all cacti are succulents, that is, plants that can accumulate water in the stems in case of long periods of drought. A distinctive feature that distinguishes the cactus family is the presence of areoles in them - special modified branches that have the shape of kidneys. It is from the areoles that thorns, flowers and “children” grow in cacti, with the help of which cacti carry out vegetative reproduction.

cacti truly unique plants. Even their photosynthesis goes differently than the rest of the plant world: carbon dioxide for it is collected by the plant at night, and not during the day. This is due to the fact that during the day, in order to avoid moisture loss, the stomata of the cactus are closed.

The living conditions of cacti are the most extreme. Some of them live in desert regions with disastrous daily temperature fluctuations and very little rainfall. Others, on the contrary, live in conditions of exceptional humidity, capable of destroying all other plant species.

The appearance of cacti has always surprised flower growers: the appearance of the plant cannot be called attractive or friendly, but the flowers that appear on it from time to time can capture the imagination of any connoisseur.

cacti classification

From the point of view of biology, cacti are divided into 4 subfamilies and 11 tribes. However, cactus growers are not interested in such a division. They share cacti either in appearance, according to living conditions in their natural environment.

In appearance, cacti are:

The classification by habitat is simpler: cacti are divided into desert and forest. Such a division of these plants is purely practical in nature: in order not to refresh all 11 knees in memory, it is easier for a cactus grower to immediately point out its shape and “place of residence”, and it immediately becomes clear what he is dealing with.

However, in the bulk, these are plants whose roots practically do not come into contact with rich soils and organic matter, which they are forced to be content with, is very poor in nutrients. The shape of the leaves of tropical cacti is also very specific - these are long flattened shoots with thin short antennae instead of thorns.

If forest cacti are more or less similar to each other, then their desert relatives are represented by three types:

prickly pear

Not all cacti can be grown at home. Some representatives of this family simply will not be able to fit in a living room. In addition, there are poisonous cacti that can cause both allergic reactions and serious poisoning, so they better at home do not keep.

A separate category are plants used in traditional medicine indigenous people of Central and South America. Among them, there are both harmless antiseptics and very serious hallucinogens, containing up to 2% mescaline in their mass.

Consider the most popular types and varieties of cacti in home floriculture, the features of their cultivation and maintenance.

Types of home cacti

At home, cacti change their lifestyle and sometimes even their appearance. This is due to the ability of all succulents to adapt to conditions. environment. Most often, such a manifestation can occur imperceptibly for the host, for example, the root system decreases or the growth rate of the flower changes.

In some cases, these lifestyle changes are reflected in the appearance of the cactus. As a rule, this does not lead to deterioration in the appearance of the flowers; sometimes due to these changes, their classification can be difficult.

Ariocarpus

Gymnocalyciums

Cleistocactus

Lophophora

Cephalocereus

Rhipsalis

Rebutia

notocactus

cactus care

As mentioned earlier, these plants require little to no care, as their living conditions are very harsh and cacti have adapted to survive in them. This does not mean that you can not follow the cactus at all, or ignore the conditions of its maintenance - our prickly pet will still have to provide some minimum of amenities.

Soil mixtures and pots for cacti.

The main requirement for the substrate in which cacti will be grown is the large particle size of which it consists. Cacti need air nourishment of the roots and free penetration from the surface of even minimal volumes of water, so there should be no obstacles for this.

In addition, the peculiarity of the root system, and indeed the entire metabolism of cacti, is such that these plants do not tolerate a large amount of organic matter (and sometimes simply nitrogen compounds) in the soil. Excessive intake of nitrogen causes stunting of the plant's cells, and the plant may die within a few days. Nitrogen, of course, is necessary for cacti, but its amount must be strictly limited.

The approximate composition of the mixture for growing cactus is as follows:

You can use a simpler composition:

Sometimes you can add a little fertilizer to the substrate. Superphosphate is well suited for this purpose or potassium nitrate(a teaspoon per 2-2.5 liter pot). When using superphosphate, a teaspoon of calcium carbonate is also added.

The volume of the pot in which it is planned to grow a cactus must exactly match the volume of the straightened root system of the cactus. If there is too much free space in the pot, the cactus will not grow until it forms a root system sufficient for the pot. With a small amount of free space, the root system of the cactus will begin to die off, which will also negatively affect the growth of the prickly pet.

It should be understood that not the entire volume of the pot will be used for soil. About a quarter of the bottom of the pot will be occupied by drainage (usually made of expanded clay or large gravel). And in the upper part of the pot there will be a so-called powder - a layer of small gravel or pebbles, completely covering the soil from above.

Sometimes ordinary sand is used as a powder. The total amount of drainage and powder in a pot can take up to half of its volume.

Watering and spraying issues

Depending on the natural conditions of the life of a cactus, the conditions for its watering also differ. Basically, this refers to the amount of water applied under the cactus and the frequency of watering. These parameters depend not so much on the type of cactus, but on climatic conditions in the area of ​​its growth.

It is due to the fact that many cacti grow in similar natural conditions that it is allowed to grow several cacti of various types in one pot at once. In addition, there general rules, which are applicable to all plants, regardless of their conditions of detention or "native" climate.

All cacti need watering with settled water (without chlorine and impurities), which has room temperature. Of course, melt water is best suited for watering these plants, but few people will collect it.

Cacti are watered either in the usual way, from above, or with the help of a pallet. It is believed that watering with a cactus tray is more desirable because it does not destroy the soil structure and does not damage the root system. However, most cacti growers prefer watering from above.

In this case, a mistake is often made, as a result of which water gets on the cactus stem. This is not entirely correct, since water should only get to the cactus in the form of a finely dispersed suspension in the air. Therefore, watering must be done by directing the stream of water not in the center of the pot, but at the edges.

Cacti love spraying, because in vivo every morning they are covered with small drops of moisture falling on them in the form of dew. In this case, a spray gun is used that can create the smallest droplets of water. Dew temperatures are usually less than air temperature, however, at home, it is better to spray cacti warm water, about 30-35°C.

Cactus transplant

Transplanting cacti is much easier than transplanting any other plants. Firstly, because cacti are more hardy, and secondly, since the substrate has a large fraction, the root system of the plant is easier to get rid of it.

Before transplanting, it is necessary not to water the cactus for at least a week. In this case, the substrate will dry out enough, it will become lighter and removing it from the pot will not be any particular problem. In order not to damage your hands with cactus thorns, you can use various devices - from gloves to specially made tapes.

krrot.net

Our planet is rich in a wide variety of plants. Each geographic area has its own characteristics that are unique to this territory. Perhaps one of the most interesting in the world are the expanses of Mexico, as well as the US states of California and Arizona. This is where the family lives world's largest cacti- Giant cereus (Cereus giganteus) led by its largest representative.

1 The name of this giant is the California giant.

It is the symbol of the state of Arizona and has the shape of a huge candelabra and is considered the largest cactus in the world.

2 Lateral branches begin to grow after 70 years

When the cactus reaches the age of 70, its first side branches are just beginning to appear.

3 Cereus giant - the slowest growing plant

For the first ten years of life, it grows by only 2 cm.

4 Active growth begins after 30 years of age.

The mark of 30 years is only a quarter of the life of the giant cereus, after reaching this age, the active growth of the cactus begins.

He reaches this mark quite easily, but in subsequent years, quite a lot of dangers appear in their lives.

With its growth, the cactus has a huge weight - which can range from 6-10 tons.

If you take this cactus and put it through a press, you can squeeze out about two tons of liquid. Thanks to this ability, the cactus easily tolerates high temperatures.

8 Home for the homeless

Despite the not very busy life in the Mexican desert, nevertheless, the cactus is home to many animals - owls, woodpeckers, snakes, mice, etc.

9 Hungry abyss will not give

Cereus giant is a fruitful plant. It grows fleshy bright berries, which are a valuable food product. It is worth noting that the locals make alcoholic drink, the taste of which is vaguely reminiscent of moonshine.

10 It even blooms!

The first flowers on a cactus appear only after 50 years of his life.

Video: The largest cactus
Huge cacti in Mexico

The largest cactus in the greenhouse:

dekatop.com

Orchid flower: description, characteristics and photo.

Orchid flowers make up one of the largest plant families, the main part of which in nature are perennial herbs. The shrub form and woody vines are less common. The size of orchids can vary from a few centimeters, although some species grow up to 35 meters in height.

The roots of the epiphyte orchid are extremely important organs, since they perform many essential functions. Firstly, with their help, orchids are attached to the substrate, which allows them to maintain an upright position. Secondly, the roots are actively involved in photosynthesis, sharing this function with the leaves. Thirdly, with the help of the root system, orchid flowers absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and the bark of the plants they inhabit.

Another, smaller part of orchids are lithophytes growing on rocks and stony rocks. Ground orchids make up the middle-sized group. Both types are endowed with underground rhizomes or tubers.

The green stem of an orchid can be long or short, creeping or erect. The leaves are simple, alternate, each plant may have one or more of them.

Orchid flowers of the most diverse colors and sizes form 2 types of inflorescences: a simple spike with a single arrangement of flowers or a simple brush with several flowers on pedicels growing along the stem.

The orchid flower belongs to insect pollinated plants, and the pollination mechanisms of each species are sometimes unusual and very diverse. Shoe orchids, which have a “shoe-shaped” flower structure, are endowed with a special trap for pollinating insects.

Orchids have sticky legs, the flowers of this orchid imitate the smell of female bees, thereby attracting males.

Tropical orchid flowers stupefy insects with an unusual aroma, while other species shoot pollen towards the pollinating insect.

The fruit of an orchid is a dry box containing up to 4 million microscopic seeds, which is a kind of productivity record among flowering plants.

The life expectancy of orchids in natural conditions is individual, depends on many factors and favorable conditions may be 100 years. In greenhouse conditions, many types of orchids live up to 70 years.

The word "cactus" served the inhabitants Ancient Greece so that they could designate with it any plant unknown to them. "What is it?" - one ancient Greek asked another. “Ah, some kind of cactus!” - he answered, if he was not aware of which representative of the flora was in front of him. This went on for quite some time, but Carl Linnaeus intervened in the process of using the word. The most famous botanist in the world decided to use this term to designate a very specific type of plant. This event took place in the first half of the 18th century - long after cacti appeared on Earth.

Researchers believe that cacti began to grow on our planet about 35 million years ago. Impressive, isn't it? And for such a long period of existence of the cactus genus, real giants worthy of the Guinness Book of Records appeared on Earth. The focus of our attention today is the three most giant spines in the world.

Third place: ferocactus

There are quite deserted states in North America. For example, distant Utah or New Mexico. It is there, in the wastelands, in the absolute wilderness and spacious steppe, which is not distinguished by an abundance of vegetation, that ferocactus live. These flowering plants may be spherical or cylindrical. And some types of ferocactus are truly gigantic in size. Take, for example, Ferocactus pilosus: this variety of one of the most gigantic cacti in the world can reach a meter in diameter. In height, such plants can grow up to four and a half meters. Seeing this, I can’t even believe that the cactus sitting in a pot on the windowsill, and this North American giant, are the closest relatives.

Ferocactus was discovered by a botanist named Houston. The plant was discovered by an explorer in Mexico at the end of the eighteenth century. William Houston immediately notified the world scientific community about the discovery.

Second place: giant carnegia

Saguaro - this is how the Mexicans call another giant, which is several times larger than the previous one. Carnegia giant grows in Mexico, as well as in southern regions North American continent. Arriving in the United States in the hope of seeing one of the cacti, which is more like a tree, you should go to Arizona or California.

The height of the giant carnegia is impressive: the tallest representative of the genus managed to grow up to 18 meters. Of course, the entire “body” of the plant is strewn with needles. But they are not small, like other members of the family, but rather long, up to 7 cm in length. True, if we take into account the height of the giant carnegia, then we can conclude that everything is proportional in this plant.

For a long time, the giant carnegia belonged to the genus of cacti Cereus and was not an independent plant. However, not so long ago, scientists came to the conclusion that carnegia has characteristic differences that allow it to “disconnect” from the cereus. The most gigantic representative of the discussed variety of cacti was found in Arizona. Its height was 17 meters and 65 centimeters.

Carnegia got its name from Andrew Carnegie, a multimillionaire and philanthropist.

First place: Cereus

Among the cereus, which for a long time belonged to the giant carnegia: some - small shrubs, others are real giants. However, for the sake of truth, it must be said that there are, of course, many times more giants among them than miniature representatives of the genus. The stem of the cereus has a cylindrical shape. The plant reaches a height of twenty meters, thanks to which it takes first place in our ranking.

The vegetative period of cereus is three hundred years. Of course, many trees live much longer than cacti. However, this does not prevent the cereus from being considered a long-liver among the representatives of the flora that inhabit planet Earth. It is noteworthy that the fruits that ripen on the most gigantic cacti in the world can be freely eaten. From a distance, they resemble huge tomatoes. These "berries" have repeatedly saved the lives of wanderers and travelers who found themselves face to face with the desert - without water and food.

A unique giant named cereus was born in the Caribbean, formerly known as the West Indies. However, today it can be found in any part of America - both in the south and in the north. Cereus loves the desert. Therefore, it is necessary to look for it exclusively in such territories.

The largest cereus is considered to be a cactus nicknamed the California giant. Its height is 25 meters, and its age is about two hundred years. Interestingly, in the first decade of their life, such cacti grow literally a couple of centimeters during the year, and begin to bloom only after their age has exceeded half a century. The researchers calculated and found out that the California giant is a real natural water tower: the plant contains two tons of moisture.

The average height of the cereus is from 12 to 15 meters. The weight of such plants usually exceeds six tons. Sometimes it reaches ten tons or more.

TOP 9 facts about the California giant

To get to know the California giant closer, we offer you a selection of the most interesting facts about this plant. Some you may already know. But some will certainly surprise you and become a real discovery.

1. The California giant, which grows in the state of Arizona, is considered the official symbol of this region of the United States.
2. The Arizona cereus is officially recognized as the most gigantic cactus in the world. This fact is confirmed by the inclusion of the plant in the Guinness Book of Records.
3. Active development in cereus begins only after he has sat in the ground for three decades.
4. Up to seventy years, the cereus has a cylindrical shape. And after overcoming this age threshold, the plant begins the active development of lateral branches. Until the age of 70, this simply does not happen.
5. In addition to being considered the largest cactus in the world, the cereus is also one of the heaviest plants on Earth. According to the most conservative estimates, one average cereus contains from six to ten tons of water.
6. Cacti are plants that tend to accumulate moisture inside themselves. They easily tolerate heat and are quite calm about the lack of watering. And all thanks to the fact that they themselves contain a lot of moisture. If we had the opportunity to pass the cereus through the press, then at the end of the process we would get two tons of water from the cactus.
7. In the desert, as you know, not everyone can survive. Therefore, not only the flora of these places is scarce, but also the fauna. However, some people still inhabit the desert: some species of birds, rodents, snakes. All of these animals often use cereus as a haven. They equip dwellings in cacti and live.
8. Cereus fruits are not just edible. They boast an excellent set of vitamins and minerals, they saturate and even take part in the production of alcoholic beverages: the locals use the saber berries as the main ingredient for making strong homemade alcohol.
9. Cereus flowers, which appear on it only after the 50th anniversary, bloom exclusively at night. The diameter of each inflorescence is about ¼ meter.

Is it possible to grow "giants" at home

You may be surprised, but cactus advice will not let us lie: all of the listed types of plants can be easily grown at home. Of course, you will not succeed in a giant in a pot. However, ferocactus, and cereus, and carnegia are able to settle on a home windowsill and deliver a lot of aesthetic pleasure to their grower.

Ferocactus is that glorious ball that seems to rise above the pot in the form of a hemisphere and at some point blooms: on the body, covered with thorns, one or more bright and conspicuous inflorescences appear. This show looks amazing.

• Location. For normal development, ferocactus requires a well-lit place. If your house has a window that “looks” south, it would make sense to place the cactus pot on that window sill. In the summer, it makes sense to send a cactus in a pot to outdoor balcony or a loggia - that is, where there is free access to fresh air. You can even take the ferocactus outside: to the garden, front garden or on outside window sill, if we are talking about a city apartment.
• Watering. Ferocactus should be watered only after the substrate with which its pot is filled has completely dried out. If your city apartment is cool enough in winter (up to 22 degrees Celsius), then from November to early spring, ferocactus watering can be safely stopped. If the house is warm, continue to water the plant in the winter in the same way as you did in the summer.
• Humidity. Ferocactus does not need additional moisture. And here warm shower the plant needs it from time to time. But only in order to wash off the remnants of dust accumulated on the cactus. If organizing bath procedures for a cactus is not to your liking, use the usual paint brush: just brush off the dust particles from the flower from time to time - and it's in the bag.
• planting substrate. For normal growth and development, ferocactus requires calcareous or rocky soil. In nature, it grows in such a land. The acidity should be quite substantial: pH should vary from 7 to 8 divisions.

Without fail, when planting a ferocactus, make sure that a quality plant is organized in the planting container. drainage system. Moisture in no case should not stagnate in a pot.

Carnegia, which is grown at home, is a rather large tree-like cactus. It belongs to the erect species of the prickly family. It grows rather slowly and does not happen to be a giant at home. So do not be afraid that the carnegia will grow up to fifteen meters, as in its natural habitat. Feel free to grow this cactus for your own joy. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to do this.

• Location. A place for carnegia in a pot should be chosen so that in any season it receives the maximum amount of sunlight. This plant loves light very much and cannot develop qualitatively without it. Don't be afraid to roast carnegia in the sun. Send her to the south window sill. Or transfer from east to west during the day, which, of course, is much less convenient.
• Watering. In winter, carnegia should be watered only when the substrate is completely dry. In the spring-summer period, it is rarely necessary to water, but it is good: so that the clod of earth is completely wet. But the moisture that drains into the pan should not be left in this form. It is mandatory to drain it.
• Humidity. Spraying carnegia, like ferocactus, is not necessary. Do not abuse moisture. Carnegia loves dry, but clean air. In this regard, one more rule: be sure to ventilate the room in which one of the most gigantic cacti in the world grows more often. But at the same time, remove the pot with carnegia away from the draft - this can be detrimental to the plant.
• planting substrate. You can prepare the soil for planting carnegia yourself. To do this, you need to take one part of leafy soil and one part of soddy land. Two parts of fairly coarse sand should be added to this mixture. The substrate for planting a cactus is ready. It is extremely important to know that this plant does not like too acidic soil. The maximum pH of the soil should not be higher than 6.5.

Experts recommend adding small pieces to the soil when planting carnegia charcoal. Such an additive will improve the drainage of the substrate.

Cereus at home is a blooming handsome man, the real pride of the grower. But in order for flowering to happen, and to certainly happen on time, a number of recommendations should be followed.

• Location. The best place to place the pot with cereus, the southwest, southeast or south window will become. Cereus at any time of the year should be well-lit.
• Watering. It is strictly forbidden to use hard and cold water for watering the cereus. Before moistening the soil, make sure that the water has settled and reached room temperature. If possible, water the cereus with filtered water.
• Humidity. Between the beginning of April and the end of September, the giant cactus needs additional moisture. You can satisfy this need of a flower by spraying the plant from a spray bottle two to three times a week.
• planting substrate. Alkaline soil is not suitable for planting cereus. The soil should be either acidic or neutral. The obligatory components of the substrate for this cactus should be sand and brick chips.

In no case do not plant cereus in soil that is rich in humus. It will ruin exotic plant. We hope our recommendations will help you grow your own giant in miniature.

Cereus giant

The largest cactus in the world is the giant cereus (Cereus giganteus). Its height, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, is 25 m. The second name of the cactus is the California giant. It grows in southeastern California, Arizona and Mexico. The giant cereus flower is the state flower of Arizona. The cactus itself resembles a huge candelabra, but it does not immediately acquire such a shape. Lateral branches appear around the 70th anniversary of the cactus.

And in his first ten years of life, he manages to set another record - as the slowest growing plant. In the first decade, it grows by about 2 cm.

cactus vitality

The period of active growth in the giant cereus begins after about 30 years. In order to appear in all its glory, he still has about 100-120 years. The world's largest cactus easily reaches a height of 12-15 meters, with a weight of 6-10 tons.

The trunk and branches of the cactus hold about two tons of water. The ability to accumulate and retain such an amount of liquid allows the cactus to easily endure high air temperatures. However, it does not lose its viability if the temperature drops below 0 degrees.

House for insects and birds

For insects and birds that live in the neighborhood, the largest cactus in the world becomes a home. Owls, woodpeckers, snakes and mice are freely accommodated under one roof.

Cereus giant is a fruitful plant. Its fruits - fleshy bright berries - are considered a very valuable food product, and from the juice of the plant, local residents have learned to make an alcoholic drink that vaguely resembles moonshine.



The largest cactus in the world is the giant cereus (Cereus giganteus). Its height, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, is 25 m. The second name of the cactus is the California giant. It grows in southeastern California, Arizona and Mexico. The giant cereus flower is the state flower of Arizona. The cactus itself resembles a huge candelabra, but it does not immediately acquire such a shape. Lateral branches appear around the 70th anniversary of the cactus.



The Biggest Flag in the World in Baku

The area covers an area of ​​60 hectares, and its upper part is 31 thousand square meters. The height of the flagpole is 162 meters, the diameter of its base is 3.2 meters, and the diameter of its upper part is 1.09 meters. The total weight of the structure is 220 tons. The flag is 35 meters wide, 70 meters long, with a total area of ​​2,450 square meters and weighs approximately 350 kilograms. The plaza cost about $32 million to build.



The 5-masted sailing ship "Royal Clipper" is the largest and fastest passenger sailing ship in the world, built in the image and likeness of the sailing ship "Prussia" (1902-1910).



The largest sandwich made in Mexico City measures 3.5m x 3.5m.



800 kg of flour, 320 kg of honey, 2400 eggs, 400 kg of almonds, 80 kg of grapes - and the largest honey cake in the world is ready. The area of ​​the cake is 400 sq.m. Built in Germany



Tokyo. Most Big city in the world

It is not so easy to name the largest city in the world, because according to various criteria, this or that metropolis outperforms its "brothers". Tokyo occupies the largest number leading places when comparing the most big cities modernity, so today the capital of Japan is considered the largest metropolis on the planet.
Of course, there was a little trick here, in fact, Tokyo is in fact not a metropolis, but a full-fledged prefecture, which includes 23 municipalities, 26 cities, 1 county and 4 districts.

This allows the capital of Japan to be far ahead of other capitals in various indicators. For example, based on recent research, the Tokyo metropolitan area (the prefectures of Tokyo, Kanagawa and Chiba together) is home to more than 35 million people today. At the same time, the nominal population of the city and municipalities is about 13 million at night and more than 15 million during the day, due to students and workers coming from neighboring regions.

The largest city in the world covers 2188.67 km? territory, while the population density is more than 6 thousand people per square kilometer.