An introduction to common cactus ball varieties - see how many you recognize
Cactus balls are not only very easy to grow, but can also protect against radiation and purify the air. So what varieties of cactus balls are there? Let's take a look together!
Cactus ball, commonly known as grass ball and also called changsheng ball, originated in South America and generally grows in hot, dry desert areas with little rain. It likes dryness and is drought-tolerant. The main growing season of the cactus ball is summer, which is also its peak flowering period.
The cactus ball is a dicotyledonous plant and belongs to the Cactaceae family in plant taxonomy. There are many kinds, about 40 or more varieties, with different spherical shapes, including stem spherical and oval, with vertical ribs arranged in a radial pattern; the spines and hairs also differ in length and density; flower colors include golden yellow, white, red, and so on. In spring and summer, large long trumpet-shaped flowers bloom from the stem. Small offsets can grow on the body.
The body often produces many small offsets on the sides, with a graceful and elegant form. In terms of appearance, cactus balls can be divided into fuzzy types, warty types, treasure types, hairy column types, strong-spined types, sea urchin types, top-flowering types, and so on. The spines and hairs of cactus balls also vary in length, shortness, sparseness, and density; the colored hairs include red, yellow, golden yellow, and so on. Because of their peculiar forms, bright flowers, and ease of cultivation, cactus balls are loved by people.
There are many kinds of cactus balls with various postures. The plants are not large, easy to care for, and bloom easily, with bright flower colors, making them very suitable for home cultivation and appreciation. If grown in small pots and placed on windowsills, balconies, bookshelves, desks, and other places, they are like living artworks, peculiar and interesting.
Cactus balls all originate from the tropical desert and semi-desert regions of the Americas. They like warm, dry, and sunny environments, are tolerant of drought and partial shade, and fear waterlogging. Due to different growing environments, different varieties also differ greatly in habits. During cultivation and care, they should be classified according to variety.
Basic types of cactus balls
1. Cactus ball: also known as grass ball and huasheng ball. The stem is round and spherical, old stems are barrel-shaped, and the flowers are white and fragrant.
2. Short-haired ball: the plant is spherical or cylindrical, and after flowering the flowers are very large and white.
3. Changsheng ball: the body is yellow-green or pale green, the flowers are large, light pink, and fragrant.
4. Jinsheng ball: the body is yellow-green, clustering, with large white flowers.
5. Wangsheng ball: the plant is gray-green, spherical or cylindrical, with large dark pink or deep red flowers.
6. Golden Tiger Ball: the stem is round and spherical, solitary or clustering. The top of the ball is densely covered with golden yellow wool. It has 21-37 ribs, conspicuous.
Cactus ball varieties classified by appearance
From the appearance, the types of cactus balls can be divided into: fuzzy types, warty types, treasure types, hairy column types, strong-spined types, sea urchin types, top-flowering types, and so on. The spines and hairs of cactus balls also vary in length, shortness, sparseness, and density. The colored hairs include red, yellow, golden yellow, and so on. Among them, cactus ball varieties that can be grafted include Fei Mudan, Cui Mudan, Shanchui, Red Sun, Jinhuang, Jinniu, Baiyuweng, and Christmas cactus, and so on.
Cactus ball varieties classified by edibility
From the perspective of whether they are edible, cactus balls can be divided into edible and ornamental cactus balls. There are some differences between the two: edible cactus balls have 12-14 ribs, and the spines are straight and very hard; ornamental cactus balls cannot be eaten, their ribs may be many or few, and their forms are also varied, with soft pale yellow spines, while edible cactus balls are dark green and the whole plant has a strong cactus ball flavor, whereas ornamental cactus balls do not.
Cactus ball varieties classified in the narrow and broad senses
The types of cactus balls can be discussed from both narrow and broad senses. In the narrow sense, cactus ball specifically refers to cactus balls of the Cactaceae family and the genus Echinopsis, while in the broad sense, cactus ball generally refers to all spherical or nearly spherical cactus plants. Here we mainly introduce the types in the broad sense.
Common ornamental cactus balls include "grass ball", "Lion King", "White Snow Light", "Caiweng Yu", "Great Commander", "Exquisite Hall", "Zisun Ball", "Zisun Ball Variegated", "Golden Star", "White Bird", "Dragon King Ball", "Black Beauty Ball", "Dou", and so on.
Varieties with strong growth include "grass ball", "Dragon King Ball", "Lion King", "Dou", and so on. Varieties with weaker growth are small balls such as "Zisun Ball" and "Black Beauty Ball". Because varieties such as "White Bird", "Exquisite Hall", and "Caiweng Yu" come from higher altitudes in their places of origin, they are suitable for growing in environments with sufficient light, good ventilation, and large day-night temperature differences. In addition, their white spines and hairs get dirty easily, so it is best to keep them indoors in a place with sufficient light all year round for care.
The above is all the content I have summarized for everyone on common varieties of cactus balls. I hope this article can help everyone. Please also continue to follow us.