Cactus vs. Succulents: What’s the Difference & How to Care for Them
At Glasshouse Nursery, we love cacti and succulents—they’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any space. But we often hear the question: Are all succulents cacti? The short answer: No! Let’s break it down and share some tips to keep them happy and thriving.
What’s the Difference Between Cacti & Succulents?
The key difference comes down to how these plants store water.
• Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, helping them survive in dry conditions. Aloe, jade plants, and string of hearts are all succulents, though they don’t necessarily have spines.
• Cacti are a type of succulent that belong to the Cactaceae family. The easiest way to identify a cactus? Areoles! These soft, cushion-like spots on the stems are where spines, flowers, or new growth appear. If a plant doesn’t have areoles, it’s a succulent—but not a cactus!
While all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti—so if you’re ever unsure, just check for those areoles!
Care Instructions
Light Requirements
Cacti and most succulents love bright, direct sunlight. Without enough light, they can become stretched out and weak—a condition called etiolation. You’ll know your plant needs more light if:
✔ It looks leggy or stretched out
✔ There are large gaps between leaves
✔ New growth is pale or weak
If you notice these signs, relocate your plant to a sunnier spot. While stretched-out growth won’t return to normal, new growth will be stronger with better lighting.
Watering
Watering is where most people go wrong! While cacti and succulents store water, they still need a good drink now and then—just not too often.
Here’s the best watering method:
✔ Soak the soil thoroughly, allowing the water to drain completely.
✔ Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
✔ During winter dormancy, water even less frequently.
Overwatering is the most common mistake, so when in doubt, wait a little longer before watering! It’s always easier to fix an underwatered succulent than a rotting one.
Fertilizing: Giving Your Plants a Boost
Just like other houseplants, cacti and succulents benefit from fertilizing during their active growing season.
✔ Use a low-nitrogen or cactus-specific fertilizer once a month from May to September (or as directed on the package).
✔ Liquid fertilizers work best because the nutrients are immediately available to the plant.
Feeding your plants helps promote healthy growth, stronger roots, and more vibrant colors!
Choosing the Right Pot & Soil
When it comes to repotting your cactus or succulent, choosing the right pot and soil is key!
Picking a Pot
✔ Choose a pot only 1” larger than the current one.
✔ Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
✔ Terra cotta, clay, or unglazed ceramic pots are best because they wick away moisture, helping the soil dry faster.
✔ If using plastic or decorative pots, make sure they have drainage holes, or place a plastic pot inside a decorative one for a stylish display.
The Best Soil for Cacti & Succulents
These plants hate soggy soil, so a fast-draining mix is a must!
✔ Use a dedicated cactus & succulent mix, which is lightweight and dries quickly.
✔ Want to DIY your own mix? Add sand, perlite, or pumice to regular potting soil to improve drainage.
If you’re not sure which soil to use, we have the perfect options at Glasshouse Nursery!
Final Tips
Cacti and succulents are hardy, unique plants that are easy to care for once you understand their needs. Just remember:
☀ Plenty of bright light
💦 Water only when dry
🌱 Use well-draining soil
🌵 Cacti have areoles, succulents don’t
Cacti & Succulents Have Unique Soil Needs To Thrive.
They require fast-draining soil that prevents root rot while providing essential nutrients. At The Glasshouse, we carry specialty cactus and succulent mixes designed for optimal drainage and aeration. Some varieties may also benefit from additional amendments like sand, perlite, or Vermiculite for even better performance.
Not sure what’s best for your plants?
Our team is happy to assist you in selecting the perfect soil and additives to keep your cacti and succulents healthy and thriving!
