“WHY YOU SHOULD BEFRIEND WITH CACTI & SUCCULENTS?”

By: Asri Jul Megita

My love for itty bitty cacti and succulents blossomed last year. And well, I have been obsessed with them ever since. Although, cactus is dangerous plant for some people, because its thorn, but I really loved them. And if you’re thinking about adding some much-needed greenery to your space, cacti and other succulents are a great option. Here are just a few reasons why I love these hearty little plants and why you should seriously consider these “fat plants” for your home:

1. They’re Beautiful

Cacti come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The tallest is about 19 m, and the smallest is only about 1 cm. Meanwhile, succulents come in wondrous variety. Some are leafy and delicate, others are pudgy and round. They are also spiky, fuzzy, and even multicolored. They all look so cute! At least I think they do. You can stare at them for hours and never tired of the endless (even humorous) varieties of shapes, curves, and textures. Besides, you can decorate your room with cacti, or let them protect your home outside. (Who needs a watch dog?) 

2. They’re Low-Maintenance

Usually, they are easy to care for. They don't need to be watered often. So, you can go on long trips and not have to worry about taking care of them or switching out their murky water like you do with normal flowers. Why they don’t need much water? First, they have fiber roots. It absorb water fast. Then, cacti have trunk which save water supplies in it. Next, cacti have leaves look like hair but it is thorn. The shape of leaf has change to be a thorn, in order to reduce the evaporation of water through the leaves. Therefore, cacti can grow in a long time without water.
They also have specific metabolism. These plants open stomata at night when the weather is cooler than during sunny day. At night, cactus take carbon dioxide from the environment and store it in the vacuole to be used as photosynthesis at sunny day. The point is, just put them in full sun, don't water it too much, and cross your fingers.

4. They’re Full Of Surprises

Though they can seem "charmingly changeless", don't be fooled by their laid-back demeanor. Come a moment, then someday they will suddenly burst into bloom, like orchid cactus. Yes, cacti have flowers. Their flower attached to the plant and don’t have a flower stalk. Many cactus species are night blooming, so you will get a surprise from them when you wake up.

5. They Promote Good Health
Some, like aloevera, have therapeutic properties in their juices. Snip an aloevera leaf for its healing juices whenever you want to soothe a cut finger or dry skin. They also improve the quality of air in your home. According to the article "10 Plants to Improve Indoor Air Quality," cacti tend to eliminate bacteria as well as reduce radiation.

All and all, you should adopt cacti or succulent to be your lovely plant and taking care of them as well as you care your friend. Cacti and succulent beautiful in their way. They need loving too. Although they may seem tough on the outside, they are super soft and sweet on the inside (I'm sure you all have a friend like that). Just think of cacti as your forever friends because they literally last for forever.


P.S
Illustrated or cute cacti picture drawn by me ^^
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