Cacti vs. Succulents: What's the Difference?

If you've ever wondered whether a plant is a cactus or a succulent, you're not alone! The good news is that it's actually pretty simple.

Cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

The word succulent describes plants that are especially good at storing water. They may store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which helps them survive hot, dry conditions. Aloe, agave, jade plants, echeverias, and many other familiar garden plants are succulents.

Cacti are a special group of succulents that belong to the cactus family, Cactaceae. They are especially well adapted to dry environments and are famous for their spines, unusual shapes, and beautiful flowers.

So, How Can You Tell?

The easiest way to identify a cactus is to look for something called an areole. Areoles are small, cushion-like spots on the plant where spines, flowers, and new growth emerge. Areoles are unique to cacti.

Not every cactus has big, obvious spines. Some have tiny spines, fine hairs, or almost no visible spines at all. That's why looking for areoles is more reliable than simply looking for prickles.

What About Agaves and Aloes?

Agaves and aloes are succulents, but they aren't cacti. They store water in their fleshy leaves rather than having the specialized structures found on cacti.

This is one reason the word succulent can be confusing. It's a large group of plants with many different shapes, sizes, and growing habits.

The Simple Rule

Think of it this way:

Succulent = water-storing plant
Cactus = a type of succulent with areoles

Whether you choose a spiky cactus, a sculptural agave, or a colorful aloe, succulents are wonderful plants for creating beautiful, water-wise gardens. Many are surprisingly tough, require little water once established, and add year-round character to the landscape.