All Cacti Are Succulents, But Not All Succulents Are Cacti

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Succulents vs. Cactus: What's the Difference? A lot of people mix up cacti and succulents, and honestly, it’s understandable! But here's the truth: All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

So, what makes a cactus a cactus? Hold on—we’ll get to that in a bit! Let’s first look at what they have in common.

Succulents and Cacti – Their Similarities

Succulents are a large group of plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots to survive in dry environments. Cacti are a type of succulent, but there are many other succulents that don’t belong to the cactus family.

Shared Features:

  • Water storage – Thick, fleshy parts help them survive drought.

  • Drought resistance – Both can live in arid conditions with little water.

  • Protection from the elements – Waxy coatings, spines, or small leaves help reduce moisture loss.

Many plants fall under the succulent category, including aloe, echeveria, haworthia, sedums, and agaves. But that doesn’t make them cacti!


Areole from a Gymnocalycium


The Key Difference: Areoles

Now, here’s the big reveal: The one feature that sets cacti apart from all other succulents is areoles.

Areoles are small, cushion-like structures on the surface of a cactus where spines, flowers, and new growth emerge. If a plant doesn’t have areoles, it’s not a cactus—simple as that.

Features of Cacti:

  • Always have areoles – This is the defining trait!

  • Usually have spines – Though some, like Astrophytum asterias, are spineless.

  • Can have leaves – Pereskia and Pereskiopsis are leafy cacti.

  • Store water in thick stems – Unlike many other succulents that store water in leaves.





Common Misconceptions: Euphorbias vs. Cacti

One of the biggest mistakes people make is confusing Euphorbias with cacti. Some Euphorbias have thick, spiny stems that make them look like cacti, but they belong to a completely different plant family.

How to Tell the Difference:

  • Areoles are the key – No areoles? It’s not a cactus.

  • Flowers – Cactus flowers are big and showy, while Euphorbia flowers are small and simple.

  • Sap – Euphorbias have a milky white sap, while cacti don’t.

Areole

Other Look-Alikes That Are Not Cacti

Besides Euphorbias, other plants are often mistaken for cacti, such as:

  • Stapeliads – Succulents from the Apocynaceae family that have cactus-like stems but no areoles.

  • Agaves – Spiky plants that look like cacti but belong to the asparagus family.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the difference, you’ll never mistake a Euphorbia for a cactus again! Just remember: If it doesn’t have areoles, it’s not a cactus.

Do you have any favorite succulents or cacti? Let’s talk in the comments!

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