Cactus Blog Archives

Beautiful Succulent Paddle Plant: A Beginner’s Guide to Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora


kalanchoe_thyrsifolia

Craving a touch of greenery but worried you might not have the golden touch for gardening? Then, the Kalanchoe thyrsiflora, also known as the flapjack succulent or paddle plant, might be precisely what you need.

This easy-to-care-for succulent is a true superstar for beginners. It boasts unique, flattened leaves and thrives with minimal effort.

We at Cactus Jungle created this handy guide to help you with everything you need to know, from finding the perfect amount of sunlight and water to choosing the ideal soil mix.

Let’s get digging! (more…)

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Best Cactus Care Practices


Cactus-Jungle-2

Cacti – those prickly yet fascinating desert champs. They come in all shapes and sizes, adding a touch of spiky charm to any home.

Like most of us, when prickly plant growers (new and experienced) need cactus care advice, they turn to the internet.

Unfortunately, this can be dangerous. As we’ve seen so often, you can’t trust everything you Google. Cactus and succulent care are not different.

So, let’s take care of some myths about caring for your succulents or cacti. (more…)

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Your Guide to Designing a Show-Stopping Cactus + Succulent Garden


Cactus-Jungle

Cacti conjure images of vast deserts, their prickly silhouettes standing stoic against the relentless sun. But these fascinating plants can thrive in your backyard, balcony, patio, or porch, transforming your space into a low-maintenance wonderland.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, creating a cactus and succulent garden is an exciting project.

These resilient plants come in an incredible array of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering endless possibilities for creative design.

So, grab your gardening gloves and get ready to bring the desert to your doorstep! (more…)

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Ceraria pygmaea


A small, rare plant Ceraria pygmaea with thick, rounded green leaves grows in a square plastic pot filled with coarse, rocky soil. The succulent sits on a wooden surface in bright sunlight.

Ceraria pygmaea is a small, succulent shrub native to the arid regions of southern Namibia and northwestern South Africa. It belongs to the family Didiereaceae. This dwarf plant typically grows to a height of about 10-15 cm and forms dense mats or small clumps. The stems are woody, thick, and covered with small, scale-like leaves that are green and fleshy, often arranged in opposite pairs.

The plant is adapted to survive in harsh, dry environments, exhibiting xerophytic characteristics. It has a slow growth rate and can thrive in poor, sandy soils with minimal water. Ceraria pygmaea blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small, inconspicuous flowers that are pinkish-white and clustered in the axils of the leaves. These flowers are followed by tiny, brownish fruits containing seeds.

Ceraria pygmaea’s unique appearance and hardy nature make it an attractive plant for rock gardens and xeriscaping. It requires minimal care, needing only occasional watering and full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth.

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Cactus Flowers in the Desert


A close-up of an Echinopsis, known as Big Rosy, displays a pale pink cactus flower with many layered petals and yellow stamens at the center, blooming among green cactus stems and dry brown grasses.

In the arid, forsaken stretches of the earth, where the sun’s rays scorch the barren land and the parched air offers no reprieve, there exists a marvel of nature—cactus flowers. Amidst the formidable spines and the grotesque forms of these desert sentinels, the blossoms emerge as radiant epistles of life, defying the desolation that surrounds them.

Behold, as the first light of dawn kisses the saguaro and the prickly pear, a transformation of the most profound sort begins. These sentinels, guardians of secrets whispered by the winds across eons, unveil their delicate treasures. In hues of crimson, gold, and alabaster, they bloom with a fervor that belies their harsh environs. Each petal, a whisper of defiance, speaks to the resilience of life itself, thriving against all odds. (more…)

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Cultivating Abundance: The FoxFarm Secret to Lush and Thriving Gardens


A 2g Echinopsis Grandiflora Hybrid cactus with large, vibrant pink blooms sits in a pot outdoors, surrounded by other cacti and succulents.

Have you ever wished your garden could look a little more…fragrant and abuzz with life? As much as we love nurturing our plants, sometimes even the most dedicated care can’t quite spark that explosion of life we crave. 

Here at Cactus Jungle, we understand. 

But what if there was a secret ingredient, a special potion to unlock your garden’s hidden potential? 

FoxFarm’s incredible line of gardening products can help make this a reality. (more…)

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The Friendly Guide to Ferocactus Care: Sun, Soil, and Water Essentials


Ferocactus

Ah, the Ferocactus – a crown jewel of the cactus world, admired for its stunning form and captivating spines. 

These hardy fellas hail from the deserts of North America and Mexico, where they thrive under harsh sun and minimal rainfall. 

But don’t let their tough exterior fool you – just like all living things, they need special TLC. 

Luckily, with the right care, your Ferocactus can become a cherished companion in your home, adding a touch of spiky charm to any space.

Here at Cactus Jungle, we’re passionate about helping all cacti thrive, and Ferocactus is no exception. This guide explores the key ingredients for success, from providing the perfect amount of sunlight to ensuring proper drainage. 

So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get started on creating the ultimate oasis for your prickly pal! (more…)

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Savvy Soil Selection: Nurturing Stapelias for Optimal Growth and Blooms


Stapelia

Stapelias, also known as starfish cacti, are a fascinating group of succulents prized for their unique appearance and intriguing flowers. 

These otherworldly plants, with their plump, churros-like bodies and furry, star-shaped blooms, are a conversation starter in any plant collection. 

But enjoying the full potential of your stapelia plant lies in providing it with the perfect foundation – the right soil.

Just like with any other living thing, stapelias thrive in an environment that caters to their specific needs. In the wild, these quirky succulents hail from arid regions of South Africa. 

They’re accustomed to well-draining, sandy soil that allows excess moisture to escape quickly. Replicating this type of environment is key to keeping your stapelia happy, healthy, and flowering. (more…)

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The Sun’s Secret: Unraveling Adenium’s Love Affair With Full Sunlight


Adenium

If you’re looking for a plant that combines a tropical flower’s beauty with a succulent’s hardiness, you’ll love the Adenium

This plant is also known as Desert Rose and for a good reason. 

It has a thick, swollen trunk that stores water, a crown of glossy green leaves, and stunning pink, red, or white flowers. It looks like a miniature rose bush that can survive in the desert.

The Adenium is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, growing in hot and dry conditions. It can reach up to 16 feet tall in its natural habitat but stays smaller when grown in pots or containers. 

It’s a great choice for adding height and drama to your outdoor space or creating a focal point in your indoor decor.

But how do you care for an Adenium? 

Don’t worry; it’s not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, this plant is quite low-maintenance and easy to grow as long as you follow some basic guidelines. 

So, let’s get started with everything you need to know about the perfect light conditions for your Adenium. (more…)

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Growing and Caring for the Exotic Madagascar Palm


Madagascar Palm

 

If you’re looking for a plant that combines the beauty of a tropical palm with the hardiness of a succulent, you’ll love the Madagascar Palm. (Or Pachypodium lamerei (pak-uh-PO-dee-um) (la-MER-ee-eye) as it’s known scientifically.)

This plant is not a true palm, but a stem succulent that grows a thick trunk covered with spines and a crown of glossy green leaves. 

It can also produce stunning white flowers in summer, adding charm to your garden.

As the name suggests, the Madagascar Palm is native to Madagascar, where it thrives in hot and dry conditions. 

It can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat but usually stays smaller when grown in pots or containers. 

It’s a great choice for adding height and drama to your space or creating a focal point in your indoor decor.

But, have you ever wondered how to keep a Madagascar Palm looking its best? 

To get these unique plants, with their sleek, spiny trunks and lush leaves, to thrive takes a bit of know-how.

Fear not! 

We’re here to guide you through Madagascar palm care, ensuring your green buddy stays happy and healthy.

Let’s get started! (more…)

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The Art of Watering Succulents: Tips for a Thriving Garden


Watering Succulents

Succulents are a popular choice for many gardeners and homeowners due to their captivating array of shapes and colors. 

They have a well-deserved reputation for hardiness, but it’s easy to overwater them. Mastering the art of watering succulents is essential for their long-term health and vibrancy. 

It may be hard to know how much water succulents need. 

This comprehensive guide will explore the delicate balance between drought and downpour. 

You will learn about general rules, the determining variables of watering frequency, and the warning indications of underwatering and overwatering. (more…)

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Caring for Blue Glow Agave: A Succulent Enthusiast’s Essential Guide


A close-up of an Agave 'Blue Glow' succulent, featuring pointed blue-green leaves edged in dark red, growing in a pot with other similar plants in the background.

Are you looking to add a splash of color to your succulent collection? 

The mesmerizing beauty of Blue Glow Agave will intensify your collection.

Its captivating blue-green hues and architectural elegance stand out among succulent enthusiasts.

In this guide, we’ll explore where to buy a Blue Glow Agave plant, with a spotlight on the reputable source, Cactus Jungle.

Let’s get started. (more…)

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Growing String of Hearts: Reimagine Your Space with this Trailing Succulent


The 4 inch String of Hearts features heart-shaped, variegated green leaves and long, slender vines in a green plastic pot.

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a trailing succulent that adds a touch of elegance to any space.

The plant has cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves and bears pink, tubular flowers in the summer.

Today, this article explores how to grow String of Hearts. It offers insights and tips to ensure your plant thrives. Let’s get started.

A String of Hearts plant with small, heart-shaped green leaves and graceful trailing succulent vines sits in a brown plastic pot against a solid black background.

Types of String of Hearts Plant

Before we dive into how to grow and care for these gorgeous plants, let’s get to know the different types.  (more…)

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Plant Care For Kangaroo Paw


Close-up of vibrant red 1g Kangaroo Paw flowers with fuzzy petals and yellow-green tips, displayed against a multicolored background.

Kangaroo Paw plants arе stunning and uniquе additions to any gardеn or indoor spacе. With thеir vibrant floral shapе rеsеmbling kangaroo paws, thеsе plants arе nativе to Wеstеrn Australia but havе gainеd popularity worldwidе.

Kangaroo Paws rеquirе spеcific carе to thrivе, making thеm pеrfеct for avid gardeners looking for a nеw challеngе. Wе’ll еxplorе thе еssеntial aspеcts of Kangaroo Paw plant carе, including light rеquirеmеnts, watеring nееds, soil conditions, and potеntial pеsts or disеasеs to watch out for.

Thе bеauty of Kangaroo Plant

Thе Kangaroo Paw plant, nativе to Wеstеrn Australia, is a uniquе and vibrant pеrеnnial. Known for its distinct flowеr shapе rеsеmbling a kangaroo’s paw, it has long and tubular flowеrs in bold colors likе rеd, orangе, and yеllow. You can commonly sее a rеd kangaroo paw in arid arеas.

Close-up of vibrant pink kangaroo paw flowers with fuzzy petals, surrounded by blurred blooms and green foliage in the background—a stunning example for anyone interested in Kangaroo Paw care and plant care.

Thе Kangaroo Paw fеrn rеquirеs USDA Hardinеss Zonеs 10-11, so a wеll-draining soil and plеnty of sunlight to thrivе is important. It is also highly drought-rеsistant duе to its ability to storе watеr. This plant attracts various pollinators likе bееs and birds, making it a valuable addition to any gardеn or landscapе. (more…)

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Prickly Perfection: The Ultimate Guide to Cactus Soil


Tall and short cacti, including silver torch cactus and other columnar cactus varieties with fuzzy, hairy surfaces, are grouped in black pots on gravel. More potted cacti and clay pots appear near a CACTUS sign against a gray wall.

Are you ready to dive into thе wonderful world of spiky and low-maintеnancе plant companions? 

Wеll, bucklе up and gеt rеady to lеarn about thе bеst cactus soil out thеrе!

Wе’ll guidе you through thе top cactus and succulеnt soil options on thе markеt and еvеn throw in some nifty tips on how to whip up your own mix. 

Lеt’s gеt our grееn thumbs dirty. (more…)

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Smell Me


A star-shaped Stapelia gigantea flower with yellow petals and red edges blooms from a cactus-like plant in a yellow and white pot, sitting outdoors on a wooden surface.

I hear the crew put up a “Smell Me” sign to go with this very stinky giant Stapelia gigantea carrion flower that is just horrid and will make your eyes tear. No good!

I think you can see that the flies have already found this monstrous apparition and are getting ready to lay eggs. Fun!

 

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Mastering the Art of Growing Welwitschia Mirabilis


A small Welwitschia mirabilis with two long, curved green leaves grows in a pot filled with coarse, rocky soil, surrounded by other green potted plants in a nursery setting.

Havе you еvеr hеard of thе Wеlwitschia plant? 

If not, you’rе in for a dеlightful surprisе. 

This еxtraordinary plant is likе no othеr, with its pеculiar appearance and ability to withstand harsh conditions. 

But thе bеst part? You can grow it right in your own home!

Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or a curious beginner, Welwitschia is a perfect addition to your collection, promising a unique and gratifying experience. 

Join us and start your journey with this extraordinary plant today! (more…)

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Chrysalis


A green butterfly chrysalis hangs from the underside of a long, pointed leaf indoors, with blurred plants and a window in the background.

It’s a chrysalis on the Sarracenia!

We saw a lot of monarchs this year so we’re hopeful 

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Ruby Hedgehog Cactus


A close-up of a potted Ruby Hedgehog Cactus with a rounded red top and spiky surface, surrounded by pebbles, with similar cacti blurred in the background.

Echinocereus rubispinus, large and ruby-red, now in stock at your local Cactus Jungle. There’s something kind of, what’s the word here, kind of…. interesting… about these red-spined little cactus. Or not so little as it happens.

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Houseplants – Cactus Jungle, Marin


Various potted houseplants, including a cactus, are displayed on wooden shelves under a hanging lamp in a Marin plant shop. In the background, more plants and a sign reading PLANTS are partially visible.

We are stocked up for winter with houseplants galore. Greenery. Indoor plants. We have string of pearls, string of hearts, Goldfish plants, Rubber tree Ficus, Dracaenas, Alocasias, Euphorbias. I mean, you know, we have a great selection.

(more…)

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Free Delivery Expands to SF!


Cactus Jungle has expanded our free local delivery areas to include San Francisco, all of Oakland, and more!

FREE Delivery Zones
Berkeley Area: Free Delivery (by Zip Code) includes Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, Oakland, Montclair, Kensington, Orinda, El Cerrito
San Rafael Area: Free Delivery (by Zip Code) includes San Anselmo, San Rafael, Ross, Kentfield, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Fairfax
San Francisco: Free Delivery

Extended Areas

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Sprawling Succulents


A green cactus with multiple tall, ribbed stems and small spikes grows in a brown pot, isolated on a black background—reminiscent of the striking Stapelia gigantea, also known as the starfish flower or carrion plant.

Giant clusters of Stapelia gigantea! In case you like to start your collections with something big and impressive, we have one or two of these for you.

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Cactus Flower


A small potted Echinopsis ancistrophora ssp. arachnacantha cactus with three vibrant orange flowers, spiky petals, and white stamens sits on a bed of pebbles beside a metal fence in bright sunlight.
Echinopsis arachnacantha has some amazing and variable flowers, coming in generally in the yellow to orange range, like these, but sometimes white and even sometimes vibrant red. Genetics! 
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Blue Flowers


Close-up of a succulent plant with fuzzy, tubular blue-green leaves and purple-tinted tips. The blurred background and soft natural sunlight highlight the plant’s unique texture, color, and hints of blue flowers nearby.

New! Blue Kangaroo Paw flowers have dropped! Amazing! Astounding! Anigozanthos Fireworks and Anigozanthos Masquerade are true blue. Like nothing you’ve ever experienced before, come stop by now! 💙 (more…)

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  Cactus and Succulents
  Bamboo
  Perennials
  Carnivorous Plants
  Airplants

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