There are indeed tropical cacti ! While we often colligate cacti with arid and desert environment , it may come as a surprise that these resilient plants also thrive in the lucullan , humid conditions of the tropic rain forest . In fact , many tropical cactus grow as epiphytes in the wild , meaning they live on other industrial plant or trees rather than in the ground .
One example of a tropic cactus is the Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera spp . ) . This democratic houseplant is aboriginal to the tropic rainforests of Brazil . Despite its name , the Christmas cactus does not really belong to the cactus family ( Cactaceae ) , but rather the Schlumbergera genus , which is a member of the Cactaceae fellowship . This cactus species is a truthful aerophyte , growing on Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and rock-and-roll in its raw home ground . It features vibrant , pendulous stem that produce stunning , tubular blossom in shades of pinkish , reddened , livid , or purple .
Another tropical cactus species is the Epiphyllum , commonly known as the orchid cactus . These cacti are aboriginal to the tropic rainforests of Central and South America . Like the Christmas cactus , Epiphyllums are epiphytic and can be plant mature on tree diagram or rocks . They have long , flat stems that endure large , showy flowers in colors ranging from white and yellow to ping and red . The peak often open up at night and emit a pleasant perfume to draw in pollinators .
Tropical cacti are also institute in other parts of the earthly concern . For example , the Rhipsalis genus include several coinage of cacti that are autochthonic to tropical region of Africa , Madagascar , and the Caribbean . These cacti have slender , drop behind or nodding bow , and they are well - suit to growing as hanging plants or in baskets . Some Rhipsalis species even have delicate , train of thought - like stem that dangle graciously .
It ’s fascinating to see how cacti have adapted to survive in dissimilar environment , including the tropical rain forest . Their power to thrive as epiphyte demonstrate their versatility and resiliency . These tropic cactus have evolve to obtain moisture and nutrients from the air and rain , rather than swear on the waterless dirt of the desert . This adaptation allows them to expand in the humid , shaded condition of the rainforest canopy .
In my personal experience as a gardener , I have had the chance to mature tropical cacti indoors . Their unique growth habits and striking bloom make them a bewitch addition to any works collection . I have observe that providing them with a well - draining potting mixing , plentiful collateral brightness , and even misting or humidness can help reduplicate their natural rain forest home ground .
While we often consociate cacti with desert landscape painting , there are indeed tropic cacti that expand in the humid status of the rainforest . These tropical cactus , such as the Christmas cactus , Epiphyllum , and Rhipsalis , have adapted to grow as epiphytes , clinging to trees and rock for support . Their power to last and fly high in these divers environment showcases the incredible adaptability of these works .
Caroline Bates
