Cacti are sharp and beautiful. They are extremely ungainly and thrive in dry environments where no vegetation can. The nettles and succulent interiors of the plants prevent predators from accessing the sap that the plants literally absorb in drips from the moisture in the air. They have beautiful flowers and are commercially beneficial.
Only take a quick glimpse inside the rprc, which is located in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. The greenhouses are a riot of color, with white, pink, purple, yellow, crimson, and deep red holding 1050 species and hybrid types of cacti—possibly the greatest collection in Asia. You only need to take a short stroll to discover that this planet contains a second realm: the world of the cactus.
Cacti only need a tiny amount of room, water, and care. They are quite widely grown, both for the rare, exquisite blossoms and for commercial gain. Cacti can develop in strange and unusual shapes and produce either tubular or rotating blooms. Although they can still be safeguarded in nurseries and conservatories, they do flourish in the wild.
Because of their unique shape, cacti are considered worthy of breeding. The thick coats help them retain moisture and vitality for several weeks while also assisting them in obtaining food.
The estimated 10,000 recognized succulents are divided among numerous unrelated botanical families, with one-fifth belonging to the cactus family. Scientists have yet to settle on a precise number for the cactus family’s classification. The International Organization for Succulent Plant Study, on the other hand, has adopted 93 genera and published a list of 2508 recognized species of cacti worldwide. Succulents can be found practically anywhere in the world, literally from the Arctic through the northern hemisphere; near the equator; and southward to the Antarctic. However, the majority of kinds are expected to exist in dry, arid, and even desert conditions. In fact, they appear wherever that privation might be used to define the natural state.
There are a variety of cacti. Near the equator, at latitudes 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south, is where it is most concentrated. The most species are found in South Africa and subtropical North and South America, both of which are also heavily populated.
Human actions have had a big impact on the natural distribution pattern. Currently, Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka are home to ripsalis. In Australia, where they were introduced as decorative plants in the 18th century, certain Opuntia species are common.
About the origin and evolution of cacti and other succulent plants, scientists are not entirely certain. They haven’t been able to trace the evolutionary history of succulent plants and record it since hot, dry temperatures don’t appear to be favorable for the production of fossils. There are numerous theories. According to Saya P. Das, a former director of the RPRC, “The Canary Islands, which have been long isolated from the African continent and have a high concentration of different environments in a compact region, could be an active center of evolution. This little area of land is home to more than 31 indigenous species.
While wild cactus variants can be found in their natural habitat, the growing demand for this exquisite plant has compelled scientists and the commercial world to develop methods of protected culture. Numerous metropolitan areas in India and other countries are seeing a rise in protection cultivation.
According to how they are pollinated and fertilized, cacti flowers can be classified as either autogamous (self-pollinated) or allogamous (cross-pollinated). Cross-pollination occurs often throughout the entire cactus family. Its blossoms are typically pollinated by birds and insects. Wild cacti are said to have expanded in arid regions due to cross-pollination.
Melocactous and Frailea frequently self-pollinate, while Notocactus and Rebutia do so seldom. Researchers have sought to hybridize intra-specific categories and even have involved two or more separate species by self-pollination in order to develop totally new and promising horticulture cultivars.
Numerous cacti species often take one of the following three vegetative forms: monstrous, crested, or variegated. The monstrous and crested forms, which can either take the form of a seedling or a branch on an otherwise normal plant, are typically mutations. When a head or stem begins to fan out, it forms a crested plant. As a result, new cells continue to grow along an ongoing, undulating line along the fan. Most grow fairly huge and twisted as they mature.
Variegation results from a lack of chlorophyll on a portion or the complete surface of a plant. The plant can continue to grow even if a portion of it is damaged. However, grafting is required to keep the plant if it is completely variegated because it cannot survive.
“None of the cacti [the rprc possesses] are native to India; only a few of species, belonging to genera Opunitia, Cerus, and Selenicereus—introduced long ago—have already adopted wide range of habitats in the nation,” claims rprc senior scientist P C Panda. Cerus, one of the three species, is a night-blooming cactus that is common throughout the nation as a hedge plant and in wastelands.
Four species of the American genus Opuntia may be found in India, and they have successfully naturalized themselves in a variety of settings. According to references to other succulents like Aloe vera, Kalanche pinnata, and Sansevieria roxburghiaba found in Indian mythology and traditional medical practices, these plants were likely introduced to India in the past.
Cacti and other succulents weren’t domesticated or grown intentionally until the middle of the 18th century, during British colonial rule. The British people moved to various regions of the nation and began cultivating succulent plants they had collected from all over the world for amusement and intrigue. The government constructed a variety of horticultural farms and gardens, including the Saharanpur Botanical Garden in Uttar Pradesh, a garden in Darjeeling, West Bengal, and the East India Company Garden, now known as the Indian Botanical Garden, in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Due to its huge, sweet-smelling flowers that open at night and fade before dawn, Selenicereus grandiflorus was cultivated in Indian gardens.
In addition to large-scale multiplication, the rprc conducts research on a variety of propagation-related topics, cytogenetic analyses, hybridization, and the use of physical and chemical mutagens. Through standard breeding mutagenesis and growth modifications, the center has evolved about 200 new inter-generic and inter-specific hybrids and cultivars. Recently, the RPRC has been experimenting with genomic in-sity hybridization as a new technique for plant breeding in plant biosystematics. It will aid in the detection or monitoring of the presence of extraterrestrial genomes, chromosomes, and chromosome fragments, according to Panda.
Cacti that have been propagated or developed in a nursery are more often used since they are generally healthier and free of flaws like bug bites and sunburn. More than 99 percent of the cacti sold around the world each year are propagated, frequently by sizable nurseries in the Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and the western United States. Cactus demand in India’s cities is also rising. According to Panda, “rprc has been meeting the demand for cacti in all of India’s main cities, including the four metros. In addition, the center has received export proposals from Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and other European nations. The cactus plants might give a green line across the buildings, as Indian towns are quickly turning into concrete jungles, suggests Panda. Naturally, it can’t be very useful in restoring the natural greenery.
What applications do cacti serve for humans?
A plant is the prickly pear cactus. In Mexican and Mexican-American cultures, it is a staple of the diet. Older plants are too hardy; only the young plant is consumed. Additionally, prickly pear cactus is employed in medicine.
Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, hangovers from alcohol, colitis, diarrhea, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are all treated with prickly pear cactus (BPH). Viral infections are also fought off using it.
One research team has conducted the majority of the study on this product in Mexico.
How does it work?
The fiber and pectin found in prickly pear cacti can reduce blood sugar by reducing the absorption of sugar in the stomach and intestine. According to some researchers, it may also lower cholesterol levels and eliminate infections from the body.
How may a cactus plant be useful?
Cacti plants, as was already mentioned, fill your home with a lot of energizing and uplifting energy. As long as you know how to care for them, these are easy-to-grow plants that can grow everywhere. They are a fantastic choice if you want to give your living area a little more foliage and aesthetic flair.
These plants are ideal for use as indoor plants because to their low maintenance requirements and distinctive appearance. Cacti, however, are great indoor plants for a variety of additional reasons. The main advantages of growing cactus in your house are listed below.
Indoor cacti plants reduce stress
Numerous research have been done to determine how indoor plants affect people’s levels of stress. Indoor plants can lessen stress/anxiety, depression/dejection, weariness, and emotions of hostility/anger, according to a 2010 study.
Just a few of the ways an indoor cactus plant might make you feel better are listed above. You might become a better person if you kept one or two of these plants in your home. Imagine leaving your house each day with a positive attitude and feeling prepared for the day.
A cactus plant can also be kept in your workspace to maintain a positive atmosphere and a good vibe all day. It seems like a good deal to arrive at work smiling and feeling nice.
Taking care of a cactus plant will make you feel happy
Most people would agree that taking care of something and watching it grow is the best feeling in the world. The fact is that caring for plants can make you feel just as accomplished as caring for a pet.
In reality, because they are attractive and don’t require much of you, dogs and indoor cacti plants make fantastic companions.
Additionally, it makes you feel good to see your plants flourishing and enjoying their lives. Even while it may take some time, it shouldn’t be too difficult to determine what your plants prefer. You can start growing plants as soon as you determine their lighting demands, ideal pot size and soil, water needs, and fertilizer requirements.
Being a successful cactus gardener makes you feel good when you watch your plant flourishing.
Additionally, there is a ton to discover about your cactus plant. Growing these succulents inside has several advantages, and you will pick up a lot of knowledge in the process. You’ll learn how to re-pot them, propagate them, and learn about the various kinds of cacti plants.
Improves air quality
Human humans cannot life without plants, which are amazing. As a result, having some in your home helps to make the advantages more accessible to you. Cacti and other green plants release oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One of the fundamental methods for raising air quality is this.
Remember that oxygen is necessary for everyone to breathe and for the body to clear itself of dangerous poisons.
These plants can enhance air quality in additional ways besides only absorbing carbon dioxide. Over 107 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in the air inside one of NASA’s space stations in a 1973 scientific investigation that was carried out by the agency’s experts.
Residents of the station frequently experienced breathing issues and other respiratory issues that were later known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). In order to address the problem, experiments were started, one of which involved cultivating plants inside the space station.
Growing plants inside the station for a few months revealed that the VOC levels had not only decreased but also completely disappeared.
You could cut the amount of air contaminants in your home by more than 50% if you have cacti plants. Additionally, indoor plants can reduce bacterial growth and dust accumulation in your interior environments.
Always keep in mind that there are several toxins in your home, including those produced by pet dander, carpets, plastics, paint, and specific cleaning chemicals, which can be harmful when inhaled. Cacti plants can considerably lessen the effects of such contaminants.
Cacti plants have unique therapeutic and medical properties
That is accurate. Many individuals communicate with their plants in order to feel better. It is in our nature to form close bonds with the things we value in life, whether they be other people or inanimate objects. Similar to how some people converse with their dogs, others converse with their plants.
The amazing thing about this relationship, though, is that the plants themselves gain something from it as well. In fact, some gardeners claim that conversing with plants can spur their accelerated and robust growth.
Speaking releases carbon dioxide, which is necessary for plants to produce food. As a result, your houseplant receives more carbon dioxide when you speak to it near, accelerating photosynthesis.
In contrast, indoor cacti plants have a way of calming and comforting you. A single cactus plant can actually provide you with a lot more than you would have thought. In theory, there are countless advantages to cultivating cacti inside.
Boost productivity
A cactus plant in your office, especially a home office, has been scientifically proven to boost productivity by over 12%. This is because they contribute to a decrease in the air’s carbon dioxide content.
You may feel exhausted, restless, agitated, and get headaches as a result of breathing air with too much carbon dioxide, which will reduce your productivity. Your mind will become more clear and you will be able to concentrate better if you are able to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.
Your life may improve as a result of your increased productivity since you will feel better about yourself and your work. After all, you might obtain a job promotion and a pay increase if your manager detects a big improvement in your output.
Growing a cactus in your home can enhance your memory
The University of Michigan in the United States conducted psychology studies that showed a wide range of astounding advantages one experiences when engaging with nature. Walking through a park, viewing images of plants, or cultivating plants inside your house are all examples of interaction.
According to the study, spending time in nature can increase memory by up to 20%, which will improve one’s performance at work and school.
As a result, it is a good idea to cultivate cacti plants at home and set them in your study room, home library, home office, or any other space where you and your children generally complete your work.
Why are cacti so crucial?
Any member of the flowering plant family Cactaceae that is native to North and South America and is characterized by reduced-sized or ephemeral leaves, enlarged plant stems, and spines that develop from areoles—a structure specific to cacti—is referred to as a cactus (plural cacti, cactuses, or cactus). With 2,000 to 3,000 species, cacti are distinctive and odd plants. Most have numerous unique adaptations to survive and grow in hot, dry circumstances because they reside in desert or semi-arid habitats.
Many desert species depend on cacti as a source of food and water, and they play a significant part in the ecology of the desert. Since the beginning of time, some cactus species have been used by humans for food and medicine among other things. They are also widely used as indoor and outdoor plants. Some species have become endangered due to human activity, while others have caused issues when they were introduced to regions where they are not native.