It's a question as old as avocado toast: what is a succulent and what is a cactus?
All cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are a subgroup of succulents. The easiest way to know the difference is to look at the leaves. If the plant stores water in leaves, they are likely succulents. Do they have squishy, water-filled leaves? They are probably a succulent.
While care is similar for both cacti and succulents, let's take a closer look at their differences and similarities.
Cactus or Succulent, What's the Difference?
While the squishy leaves are a fast way to tell cacti from succulents, it is not the real distinguishing factor. Areoles the real clean-cut difference as only cacti have them. Areoles are growth nodes from where the cacti spines group.
We could definitely get into the weeds here and talk about botanical separations. But for sanity's sake, we won't.
Just remember: cacti have areoles, succulents do not. Or, as I remember it: if I have an illogical urge to squish it, it is probably a succulent.
Succulents
Succulents got their name for the sap their leaves are filled with. The Latin word "succus" which means sap.
Living stones, also called living rocks, are succulents. Just like other succulents, living stones grow slowly and need minimal attention.
Air plants, or Tillandsia, are occasionally confused as succulents but are in a family of their own. They have very different needs and do not share many traits with succulents.
Succulent Care
Succulents need to be watered once a week. Over watering can severely damage succulents, so make sure they have adequate drainage. Likewise, they prefer sandy or rocky soil that drains well.
While the succulents grow well in rocky soil, they need some soil. They will grow for a short time in gravel or rocks, but they need soil to thrive long-term.
Because succulents grow slowly, they only need to be transplanted every two years. Even then, the point of repotting is not to keep the roots from circling but to give the plant new, fertile soil.
Succulents should only be fertilized once or twice a year. Any more than that and the plant may become spinally.
Although it is tempting, try not to touch the leaves of a succulent. The leaves are the most fragile part of succulents, and messing with them can damage the entire plant.
Cacti
Cacti or Cactuses, whichever you prefer, originate from arid climates. Likewise, they enjoy dry conditions with plenty of sun, at least six hours.
In their natural desert environment, water rarely penetrates deep into the soil so the roots do not grow deep. However, in containers water can deeply get into the soil so the cacti have more access to water long term. I like to plant my cacti (and often my succulents) in terra cotta containers to help with water management.
Aloe Vera is not a cactus, this is a common mistake because their thorns can be mistaken for areoles.
Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter cacti are, despite the name, not botanically categorized as cacti. Some people even call Christmas Cacti the "succulent poinsettia."
Cactus Care
Cacti need to be watered around once a week or once every other week. They are usually more drought tolerant than succulents.
Like succulents, cacti do not like too much water and are prone to root rot. Make sure you check the soil moisture before watering them.
Cacti need around four to six hours of sun. I like to give my flowering cacti even more light, but it is not necessary.
Fertilize your cacti at least once a year, but up to three times. Flowering cacti enjoy fertilizers high in phosphorus.