Cactus Blog 

Crassula plegmatoides is a compact, dwarf succulent with unusual leaf pairs that are tightly stacked along a short stem, creating a segmented texture. The leaves are bluish-gray and often covered with a fine powdery bloom, helping to reduce water loss in its arid native habitat of South Africa. This slow-growing species remains small, typically forming dense, clustered mounds. In late winter to early spring, it may produce tiny, star-shaped white or pink flowers at the tip of its stems. (more…)

Echinocactus grusonii, commonly known as the golden barrel cactus, is a globular xerophytic species endemic to central Mexico, particularly the states of Hidalgo and Querétaro. (more…)

Peperomias: the perfect desk plants—compact, quirky, and impossible to stay mad at. (more…)

Euphorbia anoplia, commonly known as the Pancho Cactus, is a unique succulent native to South Africa. Despite its cactus-like appearance, it belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is not a true cactus. This compact, clump-forming species features ribbed, upright green stems with prominent vertical ridges and small, spine-like projections along the edges, giving it a visually striking, geometric look. The stems are typically 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) and may flush with red or purple hues in bright light or under stress. At the top of the stems, it produces small, reddish-purple cyathia (the characteristic Euphorbia floral structure), adding a delicate contrast to the rugged texture of the plant. (more…)

Echinopsis terscheckii, also known as the Argentine saguaro or cardón grande, produces large, striking flowers that bloom primarily in spring and early summer. These funnel-shaped blossoms are typically white and can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. They open at night and often remain open into the next morning, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats.

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Bursera fagaroides—commonly known as Fragrant Bursera or Torote Blanco—is a semi-succulent tree or shrub native to Mexico and parts of Central America. It’s known for its fragrant, peeling bark and bonsai potential.

Here’s how to care for it: (more…)

These are from our Echinopsis grandiflora hybrids.

Cactus flowers are super special:

• • Short bloom time: Many cactus flowers only open for a few hours or a single day — sometimes even just at night — making them rare and magical to catch.

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Parodia erubescens is a small, globular cactus native to South America, particularly Brazil. It typically grows to about 10 cm in height and 6–8 cm in diameter, with pronounced ribs lined with clusters of short, yellowish spines. In summer, it produces vivid red to orange flowers at the crown, which contrast beautifully with its green body. This cactus prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, thriving with minimal watering—especially in winter when it’s dormant. It’s a popular choice for cactus collectors due to its vibrant blooms and compact form.

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The Epiphyllum, commonly known as the Orchid Cactus, is celebrated for its strikingly beautiful and fragrant flowers. These blooms are large, often spanning up to 6 to 8 inches in diameter, and come in a dazzling range of colors including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple. Their petals are delicately layered, creating an exotic, almost ethereal appearance. Many varieties bloom at night, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating scent that attracts pollinators like moths and bats. The flowers typically emerge in late spring to early summer and last for only a day or two, making each bloom a special event.

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Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the pencil cactus or milk bush, is a succulent plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Native to parts of Africa and India, this plant thrives in arid and semi-arid climates, adapting well to poor, sandy soils. Its distinctive appearance comes from its green, cylindrical, pencil-thick branches that grow upright and densely, with small, inconspicuous leaves that fall off quickly, leaving the green stems as the main photosynthetic organs. Like many Euphorbias, it exudes a milky latex sap when cut, which is toxic and can cause skin irritation or eye damage upon contact.
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Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant, is a succulent species within the Crassulaceae family, native to the subtropical regions of South Africa and Mozambique. This evergreen perennial shrub exhibits a compact, branching habit, typically reaching heights of 1–3 meters in optimal conditions. Morphologically, it is characterized by its thick, ovate, glabrous leaves with a glossy surface, which serve as reservoirs for water storage, an adaptation to arid environments. The stems are succulent and woody with age, often displaying a brown, bark-like texture. C. ovata employs Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, a xerophytic adaptation that allows for gas exchange primarily during nighttime to reduce transpirational water loss.

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Good afternoon, San Francisco!

Aloe arborescens in bloom up on the Salesforce Park

2024 Last minute discounts – Starts Right Now!

In-store only

25% off all orchids, houseplants, ornaments, and succulent wreaths

Marin: thru 12/22/24 (Holiday Hours: Closed 12/23 – 1/1)
Berkeley: thru 12/24/24 (Holiday Hours: Closed 12/25 – 1/1)

Holiday Deliveries:
No deliveries from 12/22/24 thru 1/1/25, deliveries resume on 1/2/25 (more…)

Our new Online Gift Cards are ready!

You can order them for a whole bunch of preset amounts, or now you can choose your own amount – any amount over $25 is good! (more…)

Available Now, online and in-store! Supplies are limited.

Imagine an 11-inch diameter succulent wreath bursting with vibrant colors and textures, designed to captivate and bring nature’s beauty to your space. The wreath’s base is a sturdy moss form, giving it a rustic yet polished appearance. (more…)

It’s the new crop of Conophytums! We currently have 6 species in stock, collect them all, but especially the Fujiyamopsis, that’s the best one to collect. (more…)

It’s the first day of Fall here at the Cactus Jungle and the California native grapes are tart and the sun is perfectly aligned behind the palm tree across the street so don’t forget about us for all your Fall plant needs. Like soils! And California native plants! And Agaves of course too.

A lovely garden with many succulents including the large Agave attenuata, as found on Potrero Hill in San Francisco, also known as the Foxtail Agave for it’s large arching bloom stalk.

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Indoor Pottery is popular with the kids these days and we are featuring new Moon Pots, Tree Pots, and Sun-Face Pots and Decorative Triangle Pots too. These are just some of the pots we have. We have more! (more…)

It’s 2024 and soon to be fall, so here you go, new Outdoor Pottery selections! (more…)

“Dreaming Unicorno is a charming blind box toy from the beloved Tokidoki series, known for its magical and collectible appeal. Each Unicorno figure is intricately designed with vibrant colors and unique details, capturing a blend of whimsy and fantasy in miniature form. Dreaming Unicorno, like its counterparts, is encased in a surprise box, adding an element of excitement as collectors unbox to reveal which delightful, dreamy version they’ve received. With shimmering finishes, expressive faces, and a touch of playful mystery, Dreaming Unicorno sparks joy and imagination, making it a must-have for fans of cute and quirky collectibles.” ¹ (more…)

Column cacti, towering sentinels of the desert, are among the most iconic and fascinating plants in Peru. These plants belonging to the family Cactaceae, are characterized by their tall, cylindrical stems, which can grow to impressive heights. Peru, with its diverse range of ecosystems, from coastal deserts to Andean highlands, provides a unique habitat for these remarkable plants.

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Editor’s Note: It’s fiction! Written by AI! About a land of carnivorous plants!

The Verdant Hunt

In a distant future when humanity has colonized planets far beyond Earth, (more…)

The Easter lily cactus is a stunning succulent that will add a touch of desert elegance to your home or garden.

It’s a member of the Echinopsis family, known for its large, fragrant, white flowers that emerge around the spring holidays. (more…)

The Tree cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida), also known as the teddy bear cactus or chain-fruit cholla, might look intimidating at first glance.

This spiky cactus, covered in barbed branches, has a reputation for being a bit…well, jumpy. But don’t let those looks fool you! (more…)

The peanut cactus (scientifically known as Echinopsis chamaecereus) is a real treat for anyone who loves plants but doesn’t have the time to pamper them.

But the real showstopper is when they burst into a vibrant display of orange, red, pink, or sometimes yellow flowers. Like other desert plants, they are used to dry conditions and lots of sunshine. (more…)

Have you ever seen a plant that resembles a miniature palm tree, a delicate snowflake, and a lucky clover all at once? Look no further than the Oxalis palmifrons. 

It’s a captivating succulent that will add a touch of the extraordinary to your space.

But don’t let its delicate features fool you. The Oxalis palmifrons is surprisingly easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners or those struggling to keep their thumbs green. Let’s find out what you need to know to keep your Oxalis palmifrons happy and thriving. (more…)

A: Good afternoon! Today, we’ll be delving into the fascinating world of poppy flowers, known scientifically as the genus Papaver. Poppies are not only admired for their aesthetic appeal but also hold significant historical, medicinal, and cultural value.

B: Poppies typically have brightly colored petals and a distinctive, often dark center. The petals can be red, orange, yellow, white, or pink, and they are quite delicate. (more…)