Once the sun rises, the plant goes to work making sugars. Cacti have also developed succulent tissue, waxy skin, prickly spines, and a specialized root system to take every advantage in their harsh ecosystems. The stem acts as a reservoir; the plant will expand and contract depending on the amount of water it holds.

How does a cactus plant grow?

Cactus seeds are scattered by birds, wind, and rain. A cactus plant may produce about million seeds during its life, but only one or two seeds live long enough to produce a new cactus. Some cactuses reproduce both sexually and asexually; reproduce without seeds and flowers.

How do cactus grow in the desert?

A cactus has special adaptations in its roots, leaves as well as stems that enable it to thrive in desert environments. These adaptations include – spines, shallow roots, deep-layer stomata, thick and expandable stem, waxy skin and a short growing season.