Cactus Flower Florist

A good cactus flower florist can create wonderful cactus arrangements by combining one or several cactus types. A cactus flower florist can also use other plants in the composition as long as they appreciate the same conditions as the cacti. Cacti are often combined with other succulents, since they are all adapted to a life in dry conditions.

It is common to refer to all succulent plants as cactuses in every day language, but it is actually only a certain type of succulents that are true cactus plants. Except for one species, all the cactus plants are New World plants native to the South America and North America continents. To be a true cactus, a plant must be quipped with areoles. Areoles are the cushion like growths that give rise to the spines of the cactus. Rhipsalis baccifera is the only wild cactus found in the Old World. It grows in tropical Africa, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Seeds of the Rhipsalis baccifera have probably been transported by migratory birds from tropical America to Africa sometimes during the last few thousand years.

Since cacti are adapted to the same environment as the other succulents, a cactus flower florist will often use succulents in addition to the cactus plants in cacti arrangements. All succulents lack leaves, an adaptation that decreases the water evaporation and make it possible for these plants to survive in hot and arid conditions. A succulent planted in a pot will however need more water than a succulent that is growing in the ground. It is therefore recommended to ask your cactus flower florist about watering advice for your particular cacti arrangement. Your cactus flower florist will also be able to tell you about the origin of the different succulent species. Succulents from different regions can have varying requirements and a good cactus flower florist will know how to combine the right succulents with each other.

A well educated cactus flower florist can also be of service when you are planning a xerophilic garden. Xerophilic gardens are found in hot and dry areas where water preservation is important. Since a good cactus flower florist possesses extensive knowledge of the various succulent species and their requirements, he or she will be able to help you when selecting plants for your xerophilic garden. The cactus flower florist will also know the adult size and shapes of the different succulent species, something that can be hard to determine by looking at the small plants and shoots that are commercially available.

Cactus flower florist