Cactus vs. Succulent — What's the Difference?

Member of the Cactaceae family with spines.

Plant adapted to store water in leaves, stems, or roots.

Native to the Americas.

Can have diverse forms and growth patterns.

Stores water in thickened stems.

Has thick, fleshy parts to retain water.

Typically leafless with photosynthetic stems.

Full of juice or sap; juicy.

A cactus (plural cacti, cactuses, or less commonly, cactus) is a member of the plant family Cactaceae, a family comprising about 127 genera with some 1750 known species of the order Caryophyllales. The word "cactus" derives, through Latin, from the Ancient Greek κάκτος, kaktos, a name originally used by Theophrastus for a spiny plant whose identity is now not certain.

(Botany) Having thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves or stems.

Any of numerous succulent, spiny, usually leafless plants of the family Cactaceae, native chiefly to arid regions of the Americas, having variously colored, often showy flowers with numerous stamens and petals.

Highly interesting or enjoyable; delectable

Any of several similar plants.

A succulent plant, such as a sedum or cactus.

(botany) Any member of the family Cactaceae, a family of flowering New World succulent plants suited to a hot, semi-desert climate.

Juicy or lush.

Any succulent plant with a thick fleshy stem bearing spines but no leaves, such as euphorbs.

Luscious or delectable.

Non-functional, broken, exhausted, dead.

(botany) Having fleshy leaves or other tissues that store water.

Any plant of the order Cactacæ, as the prickly pear and the night-blooming cereus. See Cereus. They usually have leafless stems and branches, often beset with clustered thorns, and are mostly natives of the warmer parts of America.

A succulent plant.

Any spiny succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World

Full of juice; juicy.

Has areoles from which spines and flowers grow.

A plant adapted to arid conditions and characterized by fleshy water-storing tissues that act as water reservoirs

Full of juice;

Includes a variety of plant families.

Found in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.

Cacti are a specific family of spiny succulents with unique adaptations, while succulents are a broader group of water-storing plants.

Cacti are native to the Americas, particularly in desert regions.

Cacti have spines to protect themselves from herbivores and to reduce water loss.

Yes, some succulents can have spines, but not all do. Spines are a distinctive feature of cacti.

No, succulents are adapted to store water and thrive in dry conditions, needing minimal watering.

Common succulents include aloe, agave, echeveria, and jade plant.

Yes, all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

Cacti have spines and areoles, which are small cushion-like structures from which spines and flowers grow.

Yes, many succulents are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance requirements.

Yes, many succulents produce flowers, often with striking and colorful blooms.

Yes, cacti are generally easy to care for and require minimal water and maintenance.

Some succulents can tolerate cold climates, but most prefer warmer, arid environments.

Succulents thrive in well-draining soil, often a cactus mix or sandy soil.

Yes, aloe vera is a well-known succulent with medicinal properties, particularly for skin care.

Look for spines and areoles, which are characteristic of cacti.