So, What's the Difference Between Cacti and Succulents?

So, what's the difference between cacti and succulents?

Here's where people get tripped up, so listen closely: All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Did ya get it? 

Succulents, simply put, are specialized plants that store water in their leaves, roots, or stems. 

Cacti are succulents, but they have spines that come from areoles. Which, by the way, areoles are padlike buds from which spines, shoots and flowers grow from. Only cacti have these.

Here's a picture, for you visual learners out there. 

So, when you see a plant that appears to be a cacti, check for areoles. Like this one: 

This is an Aloe vera succulent. Not a cactus.

This Aloe vera plant has spines and appears to be a cactus to the untrained eye. However, due to the lack of areoles, it is not a cactus.

Ready to try another one? Alright, is the picture below of a cactus or a succulent? (Although, technically all cacti are succulents, so you could potentially say, "Both")

This is Ferocactus gracilis. Definitely a cactus.

You guessed it! (Hopefully) It is a cactus (and a succulent...both). You see those slightly fluffy looking pads that the spines are erupting from? Those are areoles!

Alrighty! I hope that that cleared some things up! Let me know if you have any other questions!

(Also, all photos, except for the very first one, is from google images.)

Introduction to The Tale of a Green Thumb

Here we are! The very first post!

A little about me: I'm a college student, a plant enthusiast, and all around, a really huge nerd. In this blog, I plan to share my personal experiences with growing succulents, cacti, herbs, and other plants, in the hopes that it will aid someone or provide some help in some way.

What do I grow?: Well, currently I have around 40 plants in my possessions. I do not have a greenhouse or a very large yard space to work with, so I mostly grow in pots on my patio and in pots indoors. I have mostly cacti and succulents (honestly, I just find them so fascinating) but I am also growing several types of herbs, and several types of flowers.

What growing zone am I in?: I am in Zone 10a of the United States.

Do you have any social media accounts specifically for this blog?: Yes! @tatemadison1 on Instagram!

If you have any other questions, leave a comment!