Cacti and Succulents

This book gives a comprehensive overview of the more important species of cacti and succulents. The photographs are beautiful and the information content is superb. For cacti and succulent lovers/keepers, the author gives very helpful advice on their care and maintenance. In addition, he gives a short discussion at the beginning on the evolution of cacti and succulents. The myriads of different shapes taken on by these plants are a constant source of amazement, for they can be highly symmetric as well as twisted and deformed. The photographs in the book are a marvelous example of this variety. A short dictionary of terms is inserted at the beginning of the book for the beginner who is approaching cacti for the first time. The botanical names are given for each entry and the author gives recommendations on the cacti that bloom the easiest. A section on propagation and grafting is also included in the book. A very delightful book on a class of plants that are intriguing in every way.

This book is beautifully illustrated, and contains a wealth of useful information to those learning to grow cacti. Mr. Hecht's minimum temperatures run well above what I think are correct, but safety is good idea for the novice. I highly recommend this book.