Cactus flowers5/29/2023 ![]() ![]() In the picture below, are the flowers "real" or "fake"? TheĪnswer here is "both"! The orange-red flowers are glued on, while the pink flowers are from the plant. Thatīeing said, it is sometimes not quite so obvious at first glance. You will also learn where to expect flowers on various cacti - that is not like the picture at the top of this page with flowers stuck all over the place. As you progress in youĬactus knowledge, you'll be able to spot a "fake" from a mile away because you'll know what a cactus flower is supposed to look like. Likewise, if a single flower lasts more than 1 week, it isn't a cactus flower as most cactus flowers only last a day or two at best. If it feels papery or straw-like, it isn't a cactus flower. Those are both useful descriptive names that are a contrast to real cactus flowers. If you are a novice, just remember those common names: "strawflower" and "everlasting". Now that you know what the impostors are, you will be better equipped to spot one in the store. For more information on these fascinating plants, here are two links with more detailed info: They come in a variety of colors, but most the most compelling feature is that they can open andĬlose based on humidity/moisture despite being long dead. Straw-like texture and last for many months. These are so named because when dried, these flowers have a crisp, They can come from one of several species of plant commonly known as Technically it is an inflorescence, butįor practical reasons, I refer to them as flowers in this article. One reason that so many people are confused by this, is that the flowers are not actually "fake", but real. At right, a small Cleistocactus with a single glued-on flower at the top. At left, a Cereus with different colored straw flowers.ģ. In doing so, I hope to put at ease those who feel they were duped by pointing out just how common it is toįall for this trick and educating them on future purchases.Ģ. In this article, I will discuss the details of this practice including: -what it is, -how to identify it, -what to do about it, and I will even point outĪn positive outcome from this obvious deception. Various cacti and succulents for sale with glued-on flowers Inevitably the question follows, "Why would anyone do that?".ġ. At this point, the feeling of excitement, since replaced by embarrassment, now becomes anger and Have "been there, done that", the novice grower investigates further and eventually comes to the realization that the flowers are Now confusedĪnd embarrassed, the new cactus grower often insists that the flowers are real because they open and close. Respond to the post, they point out that the flowers are, in fact, glued on and not flowers produced by the cactus plant. ![]() Often times they are quite proud of their long-lasting and attractive blooms. On the cacti forum, this is a common situation: A person, new to cactus growing, posts a picture of their "flowering"Ĭactus plant in the identification section. If you would like to submit information to this page, please send an e-mail Flowers - Fake or Real? ![]()
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