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Cacti, most members of which are native to the Western Hemisphere, have developed a special capacity to store water in thick, fleshy bodies. They thrive in much sunlight and need very little water. There are many often curious forms: the tiny button cactus, Epithelantha; the myriad pincushion species of Mammillaria; Parodia, or Tom Thumb cactus; and Rebutia, the pygmy cactus. The last two bloom when young and tiny. Other forms include Gymnocalycium, or chin cactus; Notocactus, or ball cactus; Echinocactus, known as barrel cactus; various Opuntia species, including bunny ears and chollas; and Cephalocereus, or old-man cactus, with its glistening white hair. Larger cacti include Cereus and its relatives, often night-blooming, and the giants of the desert, such as the saguaro (classified as Cereus giganteus or as Carnegiea gigantea), with branching columns up to 50 feet (15 metres) in height. Cacti of tropical forests include the epiphytic Rhipsalis, found also in Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka, and the near-epiphytic leaf, or orchid, cacti, Epiphyllum, which bloom in many colours.

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Succulents other than cacti have also contributed favourite subjects for indoor growing. A typical stem succulent is Euphorbia, with its often angled candelabra-like columns resembling those of cacti. Leaf succulents are represented by Aloe, famous since ancient times as a medicinal plant; Echeveria, or hen and chickens; Kalanchoe tomentosa, the panda plant; Crassula, the jade plant; and Haworthia, which has rosettes with pearly dotted leaves. Durable pot plants include the strap-leaf snake plants, or Sansevieria species; they are remarkable for tolerating much neglect and growing in less than ideal locations.

Trees

Dracaena, the dragon trees, includes such houseplants as D. marginata, from Madagascar, which forms clusters of twisted stems topped by rosettes of narrow, leathery leaves. Other examples are D. deremensis ‘Warneckei,’ with its handsome, symmetrical rosette of sword-shaped, milky-green leaves with white stripes; and D. sanderiana, the ribbon plant, a diminutive and slender, highly variegated species that can be grown in water. Similar in appearance is Pandanus veitchii, which has a rosette of leathery, sword-shaped leaves—glossy green and banded white—arranged in spirals.

Several subtropical evergreens can be grown in cooler locations indoors. Preeminent among them is the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla, or A. excelsa)—not a true pine—an undemanding graceful conifer with tiered branches of fresh green needles; it is long-lived even in dim corners in any temperature above freezing. Podocarpus, the somber Buddhist pine, forms dense pyramids of dark-green needlelike leaves; it also prefers cooler locations.

Among the many broad-leaved woody evergreens used as houseplants is Brassaia actinophylla, the umbrella tree, better known as Schefflera. Its spreading crowns of palmately divided, glossy green leaves do best in a light and warm location. Another picturesque plant is Polyscias fruticosa, the Ming aralia, with willowy, twisting stems densely clothed toward their tops with fernlike, lacy foliage.

The so-called rubber trees of the genus Ficus are widely used in homes and offices. All require good light to hold their foliage well. Best known is the large-leaved F. elastica ‘Decora,’ but perhaps even more attractive, because of their very graceful habit, are several small-leaved kinds, such as F. benjamina, F. retusa, and F. nitida. The giant violin-like, leathery leaves of F. lyrata, better known as F. pandurata, make the plant an attractive indoor “tree.” Coccoloba, the sea grape, is another sturdy woody plant, somewhat resembling Ficus, with leathery, rounded leaves and crimson veining.

Because of their majestic beauty and distinctive decorative appeal many palms are grown indoors. Best known of the feather palms is the paradise palm (Howea, or Kentia), which combines grace with sturdiness; its thick, leathery leaves can stand much abuse. The parlour palms and bamboo palms of the genus Chamaedorea have dainty fronds on slender stalks; they keep well even in fairly dark places. Similar in appearance is the areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus) with slender yellowish stems carrying feathery fronds in clusters. The pygmy date (Phoenix roebelenii), a compact palm with gracefully arching, dark-green leaves, is an excellent houseplant if kept warm and moist.