HEY YOUNGSTER YOUR CACTUS
Hey there, curious my YOUNGSTERS Ever seen a plant that looks straight up out of this world? It actually has a spiky, green feature and looks pretty dang cool. That’s right — we said cacti! Cacti (that is the plural of cactus — not for any other plants) are some of the most awesome plant species around. They can dwell in areas so relentlessly hot and thirsty that other plants would simply go brown. But cacti? They are hard as nails and wouldn´t want it any other way! Join us as we go on a ride with the fun world of cactus and uncover why these prickly plants are so amazing.
1. Why Do Cacti Have Spines?
Why your cactus is so spikey. The very first thing you are going to notice about a cactus its sharp spines. The cactus is also covered with spiny needles or ‘spines’ that are a bit like little swords to protect it from animals. If you were an animal in the desert and very thirsty, There you see a cactus, brimming with beautiful water in its interior. But wait! Sometimes it is needles and spines that come at you however HOLY SHITE those are for keeping your buttocks out of there. Ouch!
Bonus: Did you know that cactus spines are a type of highly evolved leaves, and not so much thorns? Cacti have ditched big flat leaves like other plants for spines, reducing water loss and preventing damage.
2. Cacti Campos: Why Do They Store Water
Cacti have to be clever about staying hydrated in the desert. The cactus when at last it rains takes on as much water as possible. And stores the water in its succulent thick fleshy stem, like a huge water tank The cactus then uses the water sparingly as needed throughout its growing season — it never gets thirsty even during droughts or when temperatures soar to over 40 Celsius.
Give it a go: The next time you water one of your plants at home, think about whether this will be the only bit they get for another twelve months! This is how cacti survive the desert.
3. The blossoms of Cactus — Beautiful Blooms
Cactus flowers are some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever see come to think about it! They flowers also come in bright pink, yellow and red or white colors that contrast with the green cactus body. Cactus flowers are also very important, even if they do not last too long. They assist the cactus in producing seeds for offspring.
Did you know, some cactus flowers only open at night! That is why — they only have bats and other nocturnal creatures to do their seed-making for them.
4. Types of Cacti
Cacti Rosette shape Cactus Size Woman in so many shapes and measures! Others, such as the Saguaro cactus are tall and thin with arms that stick out at right angles to its trunk similar to a person spreading their hands wide. The Barrel cactus get the name because they are just like a huge round green watermelon with thorns. Smaller cacti are growing to fit in the palm of your hand, while others can grow funny like stars or spirals.
WHERE TO SEE CACTUSIf you go to a garden or the desert, look for cacti. It has a noted style of its own!
5. Survivor, How Cacti Live So Long
Cactuses are basically like the comic book super heroes of plants. They can exist in locations which are ultra hot and dry, with little rain. Minimize body water loss because of their thick skin Cacti have long roots that grow far and deep in the ground to find precious water source hidden below. Also, they have to grow really slowly and carefully which also means that every bit of energy invested in going big counts.
Challenge rounds: in the desert, what superpower would you choose? You might even want to store water like a cactus or have a thick skin just for protection from the harsh rays of sun!
Take Care of Your Own Cactus
Did you know that it is possible to have a cactus at home? This is why cacti works so well as indoor plants. They only require a little bit of water and are pretty low maintenance. Throw them in a sunny area, water once or twice monthly and they will thrive.
People Tip: do no touch cactus! The spines on cacti are prickly, so be sure to handle gently or have an adult help!
Cactus Fun Facts
To give you something interesting to talk about in the meantime, here are some super awesome cactus facts!
Cacti Differs- Some Cactus Last for 100’s of years! Cacti live more than you, your parents and grandparents combined!
Arms on the Saguaro Cactus Waves Hello: The large cactus grows tall and has arms that come out in a wave. It can be as tall as a house!
Jumping Cholla Cactus (Not literally): The “Jumping Cholla” is a type of very prickly cactus that appears to jump on anything that it comes near. Those itty-bitty needles will stick in everything (But do not worry, they also jump).
Prickly Pear Cactus — These cacti have wide, flat pads that look like paddles and are delicious when eaten fresh from the bright pink fruit they produce. The fruit was called “tuna” and very sweet to taste.
Cacti in History and Culture
Not only are cacti cool looking, they have an interesting history and cultural significance. For centuries, and in many cases even millennia people have consumed cacti for nourishment (both food/water), medicinal purposes. One example is the prickly pear cactus, which has been a staple food for Mexicans since ancient times. People still eat its pads (the “nopales”) and fruit!
Think about it like so: what would you do if were put in a desert and needed to find food and water? What could you do for survival with only a cactus?
Cacti Around the World
Cacti are found mostly in deserts so far as we can see, but they could be elsewhere too. Other cacti have adapted to the rainforest, where it is hot and very humid or grow on top of high mountains. Cacti are hardy plants and grow in various climates, but they survive best within the desert.
Top Travel Tip: Cacti – Whenever you get a chance to visit the desert or botanical garden, try and spot different cactus types They even have cactus gardens- all kinds and sizes of them!
Fun Cactus Activities
Learned a lot about cacti didnt you, now why not have some fun with them. Some activities to get you started are:
Draw a Cactus: Get out some paper and pens or pencils, and draw yourself an entire cacti garden. Really tall, really short, super spiky… the possibilities of colours are endless!
Cactus Craft: Create a cactus with your child out of craft materials such as clay or playdough. Paint it green and add toothpicks for spines.
My youngster you now know everything about cacti — those interesting prickly, spiky plants that seem to survive in arid gardens where few other plants will thrive. Whether you are growing cactus in your home, or coming across it out and about just remember how unique they truly. Cacti are more than just plants; they are the ultimate survivors, water savers and sometimes even lifesavers. So the next time you see a cactus, give em a wave (but maybe givem some space with those thorns)
