These are mostly stemless, candelabra-shaped cacti native to S. Arizona and Baja, Mexico. They grow slowly with several vertical spiny columns that are typically 3-4 inches in diameter with approx. 5-9 flattened ribs. As these plants mature the areoles near the top of each arm will form dense, distinctive brush-like bristles of brown to gray. These Senita cacti are extremely drought tolerant, but they will accept some supplemental irrigation, while immature, during periods of growth and heat, as most other cacti species do. Well-drained, loose, sandy to rocky soils are best.

These are spineless, columnar cacti, with slow wide growth habit. These are genetically mutated, attractively lumpy, and bumpy form of the Lophocereus schottii – Senita cacti. Well-drained soils and time will allow them to grow into large, stately and dramatic looking plants. They perform well in containers or in ground mixed with other low water use natives.

These are slow growing arborescent succulents from the island of Madagascar. They form a vertical gray-green colored trunk covered with numerous, sharp dual-patterned spines. At the top of their dramatic spiny trunks grow a cluster of straight, green narrow leaves that have a strong central vein. They will not tolerate frost, so protection from potential cold is important. Because of this, most Pachypodiums are grown primarily in pots that can be moved into protected location during the winter, even in low deserts. They prefer well-drained soils but will benefit from monthly watering while temperatures are warm. Mature plants are known to develop several branches, which adds to their appeal.

Big leafed lady slipper plants grow from a basal clump forming many bright chartreuse colored vertical, snaking stems. These are larger plants than P. macrocarpus Lady Slipper, with the ability to reach 6 or more ft. in height, and they are more easily distinguished by large, oval succulent leaves that grow from the top of each stem. In late summer to fall, their stems are topped with bright orange interesting blooms that take the shape of a lady’s slipper. They tolerate heat and grow well in full shade, which benefits the size and density of the foliage, but will diminish their flowering. As with other Pedilanthus spp., they are not particular of soil type, but do require well-drained soils. They require little to no maintenance during the year. They are popular as wild-looking accent plants for minimalistic mass plantings in the shade. Note that these plants will exude a white milky sap that can be a skin irritation for some, so take care to use gloves when pruning.

Lady slipper, or Slipper plants grow from a basal clump forming many bright chartreuse colored vertical, snaking stems. In late summer to fall, the stems are topped with bright orange blooms that have the appearance of a lady’s slipper, hence the common name. They tolerate heat and drought, but the stems are sensitive to scorch or sunburn from intense western sun or reflected heat. They are not particular of soil type, but do require well-draining soils, as most succulent plants do. In general, they require little to no maintenance during the year. They are popular as wild-looking accent plants for minimalistic mass plantings. Note that they do exude a white milky sap that can be a skin irritation for some, so take care to use gloves when pruning.

Tall, vertical sword-like leaves with wavy, green & silver bands, with delightful golden margins distinguish these Snake Plants from many others. One of the most popular due to their coloration, these plants slowly multiply and offset to create narrow tidy clumps. They are heat tolerant but do not accept full sun easily. They are best used in part sun to filter light or as indoor plants in bright light. Provide loose, well-drained soils with periodic, but infrequent watering. They work well in containers, for patios, entryways, or courtyard plantings in frost-free locations.

These striking cacti are native to southern AZ and northwestern Mexico into Baja. Organ pipe cacti branch from the base with inward curving, stems that are typically 6-8 in. diameter. Each arm has 12-15 shallow ribs with a dark green color, accented by dark brown to nearly black areoles that have gray, star-shaped radial spines with a few longer center spines. They are slow growing but eventually reach dramatic sizes. Plant them with loose, sandy or rocky well-drained soils. Little to no water during fall and winter.

Dramatically spiny, these are low maintenance, rugged cacti that are too often passed up due to their prickly appearance, which is unfortunate because they have lovely attributes. They form magnificent, candelabra-shaped upright plants typically on short woody trunks. They have gray-green to bluish, 1-2 ft. jointed arms that are shallowly ribbed giving them a more cylindrical appearance. The ribs are armed with widely spaced, oval-shaped areoles with multiple toothpick-like spines that of course give them their common name. The spines are silver-gray to white, sharp and impressively long at 2-4 in. Plant them in well-drained soils.

These are shrubby, spreading cacti with bright green, thick cylindrical decumbent arms. They typically have 9-10 ribs lined with thin, sharp golden spines. They mature to form irregular clumps, with arms radiating out from a central point. During spring into summer, they display large, showy white fragrant flowers that often grow in bouquets. They tolerate full sun to filtered light in well-drained unimproved soils. They are low water use and equally low maintenance.