FamilySource review · 8 September 2026
← Cactus CodexA family with several evolutionary branches
The 2025 nuclear-gene study recognizes six subfamilies: Pereskioideae, Leuenbergerioideae, Opuntioideae, Maihuenioideae, Blossfeldioideae and Cactoideae. Its broad sampling informs family classification; it does not authenticate named garden clones.
Use the right level of comparison
Family, tribe, genus, species and clone answer different questions. A species description describes variation across plants. A clone record follows one selected plant through vegetative propagation. Read Names & lineage before assigning an identity from a photograph.
Care follows habitat and life stage
Rainforest cacti and desert cacti have different moisture and light requirements. Seedlings, rooted adults and fresh grafts also need separate decisions. Start with the growing guide and consult the evidence by plant group.