Adding Cacti to Your Landscape

 Not all cacti are the same. Remember that. Just because its a cactus, or looks like a cactus, does not mean they can go out in very hot locations. Some can and some can't. Mojave Desert cacti. Most of these are cholla, hedgehog, beavertail (Opuntia), barrel cactus, some of the yuccas, and others. They can handle the heat from a southern or western exposure in the landscape. As well as a few of the cacti types not from the Mojave Desert but from the Sonoran (ocotillo, and Chihuahuan (Nolina, Dasilyrion, Ehphorbia, and some Agave) 

Most of the opuntia type cacti come from the dry regions of Central America; the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

But when it comes to other cacti from other places, watch out! They may not be able to handle a south or west exposure all alone. Some of these cacti to be careful include the silver or red torch cactus or the Peruvian apple cactus. or even our native Spanish dagger yucca.

Low Winter Temperature

Some Sonoran cacti like the Blue agave used for making tequila is hardy to about 25F. When temperatures approach 25F or drop below it, as it often times does in the Mojave Desert, it will be damaged. There is a compromise. The Blue Glow agave found at higher elevations (around 4500 ft) is good down to about 15F (safe to grow in the Mojave) but not as hardy at temperatures above 100F. So it is best to grow this cacti with some afternoon shade. 

Be careful where you get your opuntias or beavertail cacti. If they come from the warmer Sonoran desert then they might not handle the lower temperatures of the Mojave.

Win

Freeze damage to beavertail cactus (Opuntia) from the Sonoran desert when grown in Las Vegas

 and winter temperatures drop below freezing.

Sun Damage to Cacti

You would think a "cactus" type plant would be good in a hot dry location. 

Plants like the Gloriosa yucca (Spanish dagger) even though they are a yucca, are not good for hot locations in the desert. It can fool you. They are good as a native in the Southeast but not the Mojave. It is mesic needs rainfall and protection from the hot desert sun. Yes, they are sold in Las Vegas nurseries. Dont get it confused with yucca and cacti that are for dry areas in full sun (watered once a month like soaptree yucca, Nolina, ocotillo) and desert spots watered quarterly (cholla, most opuntia, barrel cacti, ferro cactus).

Bottom line, just because its a cactus, doesn't mean you can put it in anywhere you want. Some need a little bit of shade (Peruvian apple cactus, Silver or Red Torch) Some need winter protection (Blue agave, Sonoran opuntia), Know your cacti. Dont mix and match. Know your cacti. Know your cacti 2 and cross reference your list.