The Dark Side Of Our Succulent Obsession - Cheddar Explains

Gardens of indoor plants adorn windowsills across the globe. Cacti and succulents have especially seen a bump in popularity - as they are often smaller and harder to kill. As a result, there is also an increased global appetite for rare, endangered species of cacti and succulents. Many fear that one day, we won’t see many unique cacti in the wild anymore.
Further reading:
The Guardian
www.theguardian.com/environme...
The Washington Post
www.washingtonpost.com/nation...
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
www.iucn.org/ssc-groups/plant...
The Atlantic
www.theatlantic.com/science/a...
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews.cfm...
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[@ellepwnzstevedaily]

Just gonna throw this out there: a membership to the cactus and succulent society of America is pretty cheap, and with a membership, you get access to their seed bank. The seeds are collected from personal plants and shared with members of CSSA for just $1.25/pk. I ordered almost $100 of seeds (including many lithops and other ‘living rock’ succs) and will be busy for years to come. Absolutely worth my $50 membership. Edit: You might also check for a local cactus and succulent society. Smaller groups may also do something similar. Mine does not, but several planty friends of mine have told me theirs *do* have a seed bank or seed share program.

[@rickytorres9089]

To be frank though that's a minority since these plants as they said can take 7 years or so before they even sprout. For those of us who don't wanna wait for a spec to grow out of a 1" pot, you can support your local growery (even if they are online) provided they do know who they get them from, where they come from, etc.

[@pattheplanter]

I would recommend the same for many countries in the world. The British Cactus & Succulent Society has an excellent seed list every year and a wonderful forum for help from incredibly experienced growers.

[@pattheplanter]

@@rickytorres9089 Most cacti and succulent seeds will sprout within 7 days and many are faster-growing than you might expect. If you want a living rock or saguaro you might have to be more patient but many others are faster and prettier.

[@rosesmary]

Wish I have that in my country

[@ellepwnzstevedaily]

@Arely Delgado idk if this will format right, but here it is: 3 Dioscorea Sylvatica 2 boweia volubis 1 adenium arabicum 1 adenium obesum ssp somalense 1 adenium thai socotranum 1 aloe ferox 1 aloe variegata 1 ariocarpus trigonus 1 astrophytum myriostigma 1 astrophytum capricorne 1 borzicactus aureaspinus 1 borzicactus icosagonus 1 conophytum Angelica MRO 137 Rooiberg 1 conophytum angelicae pofadder 1 conophytum minimum 1 dinteranthus microsperma ssp puberulus (white flower, yellow also ok if out) 1 dyckia cultivar special 1 echinocactus grusonii 1 echinocereus scheeri ssp gentryi 1 echinocereus subinermis 1 echinofossulocactus multicostatus 1 echinopsis subdenuata 1 espostoa melanostele 1 gastreria variegated hybrid 1 idria columnaris 1 lapidaria margaretae 1 lithops dinteri ssp brevis 1 lithops gracillidelineata 1 lithops hookeri ssp marginata 1 lithops hookeri ssp susannae 2 lithops lesliei ssp venteri 1 lithops lesliei ‘albinica’ 1 lithos marmorata ssp elisae 1 mammillaria prolifera 1 matucana madisoniorium 1 melocactus neryi variegata 1 mestoklema tuberosum 1 neobuxbaumia polylopha 1 neohenricia sibbettii RW 86 Pampoenport 1 nolina recurvata 2 orbea variegata 1 othonna pachycaul 1 pelargonium aridum 1 pelargonium carnosum 2 pfeiffera ianothele 2 pseudobombax ellipticum 2 pseudolithos miguritinus 2 pseudorhipsalis ramulosa 2 rhipsalis baccifera ssp horrida 1 rhipsalis guademalensis 1 schizobasis intricata 2 stapelia hirsuta 1 uebelmannia pectinifera

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Only a $525 fine? Geez I'm sure that'll stop them

[@eitanamir7918]

I'm sure it was worth the time it took two agents to track the smugglers over a whole roadtrip, too

[@m.j.golden4522]

🅰️n act of violence against nature should be judged as severely as that against society or another person. - Dr. Michael W.Fox

[@m.j.golden4522]

🅰️n act of violence against nature should be judged as severely as that against society or another person. - Dr. Michael W.Fox

[@rickytorres9089]

It was most likely a first offense for PERSONAL smuggling, if they did it again I sure they would get a considerably larger fine, jail time, etc. As they said "professional" smugglers face these considerably larger consequences "off the bat". What they did for the 525 bucks one was basically a "smack on the wrist" or a "warning" per se.

[@FleurChat7]

@@rickytorres9089 I agree, the smuggling rings were charged over 100k

[@jakericcitelli8044]

I suggest propagation. If you have a properly acquired plant and can, make more for your friends. Dont buy 10 when you can make 9 if you start with one. I can give my mom a pothos plant without buying a new one. My teacher gave me the peice that I used to make my own plant.

[@chrispy2271]

I have 9 echeverias now although I only bought one lol, propagating them is fun

[@rickytorres9089]

Exactly just buy enough stock for yourself to be happy with (sustainably and noninvasively that is) then grow the rest if possible. Though let's be honest though, not many will wait several years for some to grow so a reputable grower would ALWAYS be required for those.

[@ronaldowens5025]

The echinopsis/trichocerous trade is run like that. Cuttings and seeds from mostly home growers of the more obscure verities are how its done. Most if not all can be traced back to single specimens decades back.

[@autumin6843]

I plan to steal some leaves from the stores section and propagate my own

[@rickytorres9089]

@@autumin6843 Have fun at the country jail for 6 months or more in some states. :)

[@tanya292]

Existence is so tiring sometimes. Succulents have a dark side too? Succulents?

[@bsmythe3214]

Succulents kill.

[@HermanManly]

Just wait 'til you hear about the Avocado cartels of Mexico. Shit's crazy yo

[@tanya292]

@@HermanManly my country has sand mafias, they steal sand from river banks. And avocado? Like it’s vegetable!

[@rickytorres9089]

@@tanya292 Yes it's insanity. That why we try to buy California ones and we limit how many we eat. Typically only just over a few of these a month if that.

[@tanya292]

@@rickytorres9089 that’s good and responsible of you.

[@malcolmchristoyeomans2134]

I run my own succulent nursery in Limpopo South Africa and we regularly get foreigners coming to SA to take succulents from the wild. We grow all our succulents from seed from reputable growers and suppliers like the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. SA is home to 46 to 48% of all succulent species in the world.

[@eveenala]

You can’t replant your succulents from parts? (I’m wondering if South African succulents can’t regrow from planted sections)

[@A.Martin]

@@eveenala some types do some don't

[@malcolmchristoyeomans2134]

@@eveenala Of course you can grow succulents from cuttings. People take whole plants from nature and and cuttings. It destroys the natural plant populations. I get licences from the South African Dept of Foreestry to collect for propagation and preservation, however foreign nationals come to SA to poach valuable and endangered species. in 2019 and earlier this year foreign nationals were arrested with succulents to the value of $1 Million US. South africa is home to 48% of all the worlds succulents of 11000 species, so SA is a major succulent destination.

[@nick2128]

SA has a lot of things to work on, I am thankful I live in America where we atleast try to move on from segregation and don't have 75% of people living in slums .

[@user-qo7vq6yx8q]

@@nick2128 what a braindead comment omg

[@crystaleevee1334]

As an Arizona native, I’ve met loads of tourists who come to visit here, and one of the things they always want to see is the Saguaro cacti in its natural habitat. It’s so depressing driving along our highways that used to be plentiful with Saguaro Cacti and Joshua Trees, and seeing more and more vanish as I drive by each year. But nooooooo, we have a bunch of greedy ****s that keep illegally digging up one of our state’s unique icons and selling them on the black market. And the amount of comments I see dismissing this problem as a non issue is also depressing.

[@noahfirstark]

Depressing is exactly the word. I wonder if people know what they're doing to their planet

[@johnnarogers5636]

I live in So Cal and the Joshua trees are diminishing. Usually fires burn them. Ironically after the fire there's usually a new building project 🤔 wonder why....

[@jennhoff03]

@@johnnarogers5636 Ohhhh that sounds nefarious! I would never have put that together.

[@RevkaArabella]

Honestly, I only like cacti where they belong; in the southwest. I don't have a single cacti, only succulents and other houseplants. I don't see the point (no pun intended). I've never not gotten pricked or hurt by a cactus and I have no interest in collecting them or having them in my home.

[@rhondafannin4953]

It sickens me what the pandemic and greedy opportunists have done to the plant world. 🪴

[@NoReplyAsset]

I think it's also a problem that plants are sold with no info about them. :( they're treated like decorations with a generic "idk random cactus" label.

[@HallofWin]

That’s crazy I would never support buying from that source! I live right next to Mexico in the Chihuahuan desert so I love cacti and succulents as I can’t really grow other plants but I don’t think I would own as many if I lived in a different hardiness zone

[@adeleheaton6041]

I always see that at large chain home/garden stores... it bothers me so much. Don’t even sell them if you’re not going to set the customer and plant up for success. It’s like selling something without instructions.

[@rebeccarice4160]

Yeah, that is so annoying! Imagine if they did that with food... Sandwich roulette! 🙈

[@Mypawsitivelypets]

It's really not that annoying. I run a small family operated nursery. Some of the plants that we purchase elsewhere have labels. But, we grow and propagate a lot of plants ourselves. Those plants don't magically grow labels. Printers, ink, the tags are not cheap. You'd see an increase of at least $1 per plant if we printed a tag for every one of the thousands of species of plants we sell. Not to mention the amount of people who pull the tags out and throw them on the ground instead of putting them back in the plant's pot. Now that IS annoying. That's worth at least another $1 per plant to pay for the labor to have someone pick them all up off the ground and re-tag the plants. Also, the people who ask what color something is, then I pull the tag out and show it to them... like that tag doesn't even exist. That tag and lots of other tags are ending up in the landfill one day, anyways. For our in-house grown plants that don't come with tags, I make signs with plant information on them. I try to purchase tags for plants as much as I can, because I know people love them for some reason. They really aren't all that great though. As long as you know the plant's name, that's all you need. You could do like all the nurserymen and research yourself. In 10 minutes, you could learn a lot about a plant. Set yourself up for success too. If you see a plant without info, ask someone who works at the nursery about it.

[@lolagonvieve7388]

I'm one of those people that see them as decoration, you people need to get a grip

[@tumbke]

I don’t like how succulents are the most popular. Especially when you live in a region where the weather isn’t suited for them and they easily die off unless you’re aware of this, and yet they’re the ones most commonly sold in stores.

[@iismitch55]

It’s the rise of indoor gardens. Anyone can grow succulents in their house regardless of climate.

[@amyx231]

Easy to care for. That’s why.

[@HermanManly]

@@amyx231 Easy to keep alive, yes. But not at all easy to keep pristine.

[@greenmario3011]

They're cute

[@rickytorres9089]

They said it's mostly online retailers and places (Ebay, Amazon, etc), next time you are concerned just ask the shopkeeper, nursery, seller, etc before purchase as they said. To be perfectly clear selling and raising them is not the core issue, it's stealing them from the native habits that is. Just buy KNOWN good NATIVE plants and NONINVASIVE species and you will be good to go. Supporting the environment without harming the natural habits is entirely possible while still doing indoor growing.

[@chrisg1499]

1:40 "This isn't the first time a plant's popularity has given rise to illicit activities." *checks upload date of 04/20* nice

[@Wowwhut]

Nice

[@ernestodaggsk8]

When she said that I immediately thought of cannabis lol

[@aaronstanley6914]

Im sure that was totally not intended but is a very nice happy little accident,

[@dancingdoungnut]

nicceee

[@JacyndaMinor]

Noice

[@jasons5916]

People are digging up full size saguaro cactuses and selling them? That's crazy. If you want a cactus in your yard, buy some desert land with cactus already on it or a house in an area that has them.

[@LurpakSpreadableButter]

Or grow them

[@rickytorres9089]

@@LurpakSpreadableButter Have fun on a hospital bed by the time yours reaches 6 feet if that...

[@rickytorres9089]

Exactly that's the best solution for something like that or contracting a growery who grows them in captivity that already have the sizes you are looking for. Just make sure they are not invasive as well of confirming where they are sourced.

[@lilblkrose]

I've seen one of my neighbor have one these (California) long ago and honestly, it's ugly amongst the palm trees. So yeah, it's better to look in its own natural habitat.

[@jacobruiz8269]

@@rickytorres9089 this is the problem. We are in such a horrible "I want it now" society. Having the plant grown and taken care of through generations within a family is not cherished as it should be, which is a shame. To most, having a 6ft one plucked and placed through their own convenience is horribly greedy, let alone dull. I wish people could see the fun and connection in having a plant grown from the dirt. Most people lack that connection. Yes, maybe it is "just a plant", but when you're actively engaged in taking care of and looking out for it, it starts to become like a pet, or even a kid. It's always great to see young plants thrive and grow over time, well for me at least. I know it isn't the case for some other people.

[@AskMiko]

The disregard for nature is so frustrating... greed so powerful, we are decimating nature and our lives to get a few bucks.

[@user-qo7vq6yx8q]

And the same people like to pretend they're such entrepreneurial geniuses

[@rickytorres9089]

Really is... I didn't think this would actually be an issue even at a local grower.

[@NoReplyAsset]

*capitalist humans do this, not normal humans

[@donavan4481]

@@NoReplyAsset commy

[@NoReplyAsset]

@@donavan4481 the top 1% are responsible for climate change/corruption/exploitation etc.

[@whwhywhywhywhywhywhy]

I think the part where cheddar said you're unlikely to get poached succulents from a local nursery should have taken up more time.

[@rickytorres9089]

Still I gonna take responsibilities knowing this now and inquire with them more closely (without being a Terry about it of course. :) ).

[@damondefranco]

Yes. I was left wondering if I should feel guilty about buying so many succulents at Lowe's this year.

[@KILLKING110]

@@damondefranco lowes has to use reputable company or else deal with the wrath of the government

[@ashd9942]

@@damondefranco Lowe’s sources mainly from California nurseries that succulents are native to! you can see the nursery on the pot’s tag/sticker

[@zenadiamacroura5981]

DISCLAIMER: this video sheds light on a very REAL topic, succulents are being poached and so are a variety of other species. The succulents you get at Kroger’s and Trader Joe’s are cultivars and plants that are propagated in commercial greenhouses. Only the succulent mouth-breathers are purchasing rare whole specimen plants that are poached. Keep collecting succulents and plants to your hearts content. Just be aware that this is a thing.

[@broccoligirl9019]

Yes also please don't join in on the smuggling

[@tenzinsmith7991]

How can I tell if I’m buying from a legit source though? All the succulents at physical stores near me are the lame common varieties.

[@rachel3760]

@@tenzinsmith7991 stick with the "boring" conventional ones. You don't need or deserve exotic plants dude.

[@LunaticTheCat]

@@tenzinsmith7991 There's nothing lame about the succulents at stores like Trader Joe's.

[@itsjustme5241]

Its a fucking plant

[@Digitalhunny]

Most succulent's are _so_ easy to propagate! Call your friends, if they have some & you have some each look up how to grow babies from them. Right here on YT! Than simply mail them to each other. Grow your gardens, with peace of mind that you're not apart of the problem. Meet new people online to swap with. We can change how this market operates, or rather doesn't anymore.😏 Happy plant swapping, my green thumbed friends.🤗🇨🇦

[@ArkinMC]

That's the way to go! In my opinion, it is also way more satisfying if you succeed in growing your own little plants :)

[@Digitalhunny]

@@ArkinMC - Exactly!! Imagine, if we all did this? The absolute satisfaction, we'd _all_ get knowing we're a part of the solution. Plus, new friends?! Winner-winner chicken dinner! (Omg, I _really_ just typed that? I am SO super sorry.) 🤣🤣🤣

[@karoisart9266]

In all my life I've only ever bought two succulents and no cactus ever. But now I have so many plants just by reproducing the plants of teachers, friends and acquaintances. It's so much fun to grow them my self and its so exciting to watch them growing

[@oakesaustin160]

You should understand that people like you are neither the problem nor the solution. The plants that are most vulnerable to poaching are usually slow growing and difficult to propagate except by seed (and seed grown plants will look very different from those found in habitat). They cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and are only bought by serious collectors. Growing common nursery plants like Echiverias, Kalanchoes, Crassulas, Mammilarias, etc from cuttings isn't having an effect on the poached cactus industry one way or another.

[@moisesm9602]

Yes!!! I bought a aloe vera plant a few years ago and now I have 3 more! They keep having babies too!

[@elliebeuscher5210]

You can still have plants! Find people who like plants and trade cuttings with them! You are actually saving the environment also because your avoiding the shipping. You can rescue plants from people who don’t want them anymore, and sometimes stores throw away the plants that don’t look their prettiest.

[@HBMPaladin]

I just wonder is there a single human activity that I won't find a video "dark side of..." and that it will destroy the planet.

[@Jenny77901]

the problem is most hobbies are inherently wasteful. when they become commercialized, people will do anything for money. ethically sourcing a lot of things is very difficult. imo the “dark side of” trend is awesome for showcasing the issues with how things are usually built off of profit now and don’t think about the long term effects later

[@rickytorres9089]

@@Jenny77901 Exactly the indoor growing of plants isn't the issue it's the ways it's sourced (and invasive species) that are problems. All we have here is snake plants and aloe vera. Now however I am gonna try to make sure any more additions are more sustainable and try to get native plants where possible.

[@matheussanthiago9685]

just wait until fucking direct carbon capture become sufficiently spread I guarantee you, I're bound to find a way to fuck the very system designed to unfuck climate

[@rickytorres9089]

@@matheussanthiago9685 The idea itself is already dumb. It's like using an AC to cool another AC down. You would probably do FAR more good of using native bamboo plants for the job. They can sequenter CO2 just like trees but grows in just the matter of months instead of years (the slowest among them will only takes about a half decade, while trees will take AT LEAST twice as long if not 30 plus YEARS). Plus to boost they can PRODUCE up to 35% more Oxygen to boost. Further lowering the C02 just because of the gas mixture in the surrounding atmosphere.

[@VincentGonzalezVeg]

Reforesting This is a challenge

[@matthewhenington8139]

Whereas I agree that this is a problem, we basically just glossed over that land development is the main cause of species extinction in succulents and cacti. I’m glad that we are putting attention on the illegal market of succulents but we’re also shifting the blame somewhat from corporate America that is vastly destroying our natural landscape and forcing species into extinction.

[@amandafey]

PREACH!!!

[@nicolamorrell3723]

Surely the US has an environmental body involved in the planning of development. The least they could do as job number one is remove and save the plants that exist in the site. Replant as part of the landscaping..? Remove 1, plant 5 !!

[@andrewgodman]

It’s illegal to take anything in to NZ due to biosecurity laws. Hell I once forgot a mandarin in my bag traveling from Australia to NZ and was charged $500

[@Dilmahkana]

Serves you right, we don't want your grubby Mandarins here. Unless they're imported in the thousands 😂

[@moviemania1137]

Enjoy your socialism... Laughing from American😂

[@andrewgodman]

@@moviemania1137 yes, no 2 and 3 in economic freedom 😂

[@jaymo9919]

@@moviemania1137 USA ranks pretty low in the freedom index mate.

[@bsmythe3214]

@@moviemania1137 "Laughing from American"... said by "Vladimir Putin". English is not the first language of that non-American troll.

[@qwertyuiopgarth]

This is why my indoor garden is jade plants and spider plants, they are not endangered and are every bit as interesting as the exotic species. (I also had an apple tree that I grew from seed, indoors it kept its leaves during the winter.)

[@SeraphinaPyle]

For real, there's plenty of non-endangered plants to keep. Jade plants are wonderful :D

[@rickytorres9089]

@@SeraphinaPyle I fairly thinks growing endangered plants isn't the issue. But rather them discussing about the taking EXISTING ones from NATURAL habits that is.

[@ManOfSteel1]

Do you know how easy is it to regrow a succulent? Most of the succulent regrow with just one leaf and few weeks. If your friend has a succulent just ask him/her to donate one leaf/stem and plant it in a small size pot or a mug.

[@Thunderyena]

not the case for these pricey endangered species, so they're much harder to repopulate.

[@sashascarah6533]

Tbh I'm thinking of giving this a go with my Christmas cactus to see if I can get more, I'm actually tempted to try grafting them to get split coloured flowers as I have red, orange and pink ones

[@cakirogl]

so easy to grow succulents is it possible for them to extinct. endengerd species what? it is a bullshit. most of them survive the winter and if you plant them directly to the soil they spread everywhere.

[@Thunderyena]

@@cakirogl did you not pay attention? not every succulent species reproduces easily. only some of them can be propagated with pups, aka reproduce asexually.

[@broccoligirl9019]

Some succulents can't do that

[@mangosgottatango3573]

Please use captions. It helps me watch the videos.

[@GarrettXHolder]

Click the CC button

[@RealBradMiller]

Go into settings (where you can change the speed of the video) and do subtitles that way. I noticed hitting the CC gives you auto-generated subtitles or none at all. At least on my tablet and phone.

[@RealBradMiller]

@@endergamer794 Why escalate things so quickly?

[@GarrettXHolder]

@@endergamer794 where my comment I wanna fight with this splatoon loving incel

[@nutzpflanze6088]

@@GarrettXHolder hahahaha

[@elopickle]

The irony that I got an add for the monthly subscription service ‘Barry’s cactus club’ before this vid hahah

[@joebaumgart1146]

I have so many succulents. It's a problem.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@joebaumgart1146 Rest assured it's not the growing them in your house it's the issue it's knowingly buying smuggled ones (or invasive species can also be a concern too). In the future just make sure you get the information you need before you considers buying your next plant to add.

[@batintheattic7293]

@@joebaumgart1146 Can't really be a problem, Joe. Just give some of them to friends and family.

[@joebaumgart1146]

@@batintheattic7293 there you go!

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Me too 😡

[@SteinGauslaaStrindhaug]

She had cactuses in her stockings? That's a ridiculous level of commitment to smuggling...

[@-Dragon-Master-]

Imagine how many times she got pricked

[@jols._.9835]

There's a shot of how she kept them inside stockings. I assume she attached them to her body but didn't wear them

[@jaydensomeone6738]

Welp, now even cacti is going extinct

[@hasanmuhammad6651]

:(

[@oakesaustin160]

This is not even close to a new issue. Cacti have been threatened by ranchers and collectors for decades.

[@moisesm9602]

It's been an issue for years...

[@-Dragon-Master-]

Cacti

[@jaydensomeone6738]

@@-Dragon-Master- Nice spotting

[@greenmario3011]

Everyone I know with a succulent has them because they're cute, cheap, and easy to care for. Who's out here paying thousands for endangered succulents?

[@NoReplyAsset]

but that's just it, they are quantity over quality. thousands of plants for very cheap.

[@mrscotchguy]

You'd be amazed what's on Facebook marketplace. There's a bunch of plant nerds selling and raffling rare tropical that you can propogate just to flip the offshoots. It's seems similar to people with a gambling addiction.

[@justinhaase8825]

Middle aged women

[@justanotherjessica]

People obsessed with social media clout. They'll post pictures of their super rare cacti and succulents to get likes and comments. It's gross.

[@SlapstickGenius23]

Poor plants!

[@tecpaocelotl]

This is why people need to focus on plants that are family heirlooms. One plant is a chile plant that has been in the family since my great grandparents.

[@broccoligirl9019]

OoO that's nice

[@ziguirayou]

This looks exactly like those drug smuggling documentaries from the 90s.

[@kamcorder3585]

Succulents are so easy to propagate! I noticed the other day that a leaf (or whatever they're called) fell off my dwarf jade and started a new plant. I struggle to grow anything from seeds, but I can make my succulents have babies whenever I want.

[@thedude5001]

Depending on where you live its not legal to propagate a species outside of its natural habitat as it could import diseases or act as an invasive species

[@hershelroswell]

@@thedude5001 that's most likely only an issue if you plant it outside. if you keep it indoors and don't plant it out then it will Probably be okay

[@ifbadwhypretty]

I'm from the Philippines and I've also observed how strong the plant mania during the pandemic. People poach carnivorous plants and philodendron varieties even more these days.

[@likira111]

That's it, time to grow dandalions

[@tinybird2413]

I was just thinking something like that. If we can popularize noxious weeds as house plants, poachers might eradicate some of the more egregious clumps of weeds around the city and homes lol!

[@Jackson-nr2mw]

@@tinybird2413 dandelions are actually very important wild flowers what many insects and bees rely on. I hate how their considered weeds

[@rickytorres9089]

@@Jackson-nr2mw Indeed I don't understand why they are sprayed so much. Just mows them before they seed and you should be able to contain the issue without killing them altogether.

[@hauntedshadowslegacy2826]

@@rickytorres9089 Dandelions are taproot-type plants. Mowing down the top of it won't get rid of it, nor will casually plucking the top half. If you wanna get rid of it, you have to pull out the largest section of the root (which goes pretty deep). That said, I do agree that dandelions shouldn't be demonized like they are. The demonization they face is left over from the 2nd American Dream. As that Dream is finally dying like the first one did, I think it's about time for the worshipping of grass lawns and the demonization of so-called 'weeds' to die out, too. Water acquisition is a major problem for many places. Grass lawns are inefficient and greedy. Switch to native and lower-maintenance landscaping if able. For places that get plenty of rain or cool weather, try out moss lawns. There are better, more-sustainable ways to make houses look nice than the antiquated ways.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@hauntedshadowslegacy2826 Make senses and entirely got you there now. Thanks for explaining all of that to me and helping me understanding of all of that. :)

[@mb6019]

Very interesting! In Spain most of my exotic plants come with a plant passport and a number. Something like that would help track more rare species.

[@AquaMarino]

Thats good policy!

[@SlapstickGenius23]

That’s so good.

[@jonirojonironin5353]

All of my caudiciforms which are succulents are small seedlings. Just buy seedlings which are locally grown and not big plants because big plants are most likely poached.

[@skulmanHD]

Just found this channel, judging by the thumbnails and style of presentation one could think this is a Buzzfeed-type content but every single video I watched until now was genuinely really interesting and informative, a perfect example of 'never judge a book by it's cover'!

[@alansaxena7934]

Hmmm... I didn't know cactus smuggling was a thing

[@hat880]

Humans are so irritating. Why do we keep taking things too far😐

[@BlackZenon]

Greed

[@TheSpiralProgression]

Capitalism and Consumerism

[@coagulatedsalts4711]

the good thing is, it’s VERY taboo to poach plants and is often reported. some people get away but many people are caught.

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

Because there are 8 BILLION humans. Pretty much every single problem in the world is because of human overpopulation in one way or another.

[@Dilmahkana]

Because we've lost our reverence for nature and the systems around it. Stopping an evolutionary process that has been active for millions of years? Yeah all good.. Disrupting a complex ecosystem where members share in a millennium long relationship? Yeah that'll be fine..

[@chaselearnslanguages47]

There is no action that doesn’t have a downside. If the downside isn’t obvious at the start, it simply means that it is time delayed.

[@mms2855]

just for discussion's sake, what would be downside of, for example, drinking a glass of water? if every action has a downside what would be this one?

[@chaselearnslanguages47]

@@mms2855 With every glass of water you drink, there is less fresh water. Eventually the Earth will run out of fresh water.

[@bellatam_]

So may as well do whatever we please

[@chromeclayman]

Ever heard of the water cycle? There is not a finite amount of fresh water. Sure there are thing like agriculture that deplete fresh water sources at a rate that is not sustainable, but the amount of water that 8 billion people need to consume per year for drinking water (~1.46e+13 liters @ 5liters per person per day) is lower than the yearly amount of recharge from runoff and groundwater recharge (~4e+16 liters). So no, drinking a glass of water will not cause the earth to run out of fresh water.

[@chaselearnslanguages47]

@@chromeclayman If you want to say that it is going to be agriculture that uses up all the fresh water, that’s cool. 👍 👍 👍

[@Oozes_Dark]

There are so many plants you could have that won’t destroy habitats 😭 some of the most beautiful ones you can propagate and create infinite plants from just one to share with all your friends

[@TEENYcharma]

I have a dragon fruit plant and it makes so many new shoots every year so I just give them away

[@juliaf_]

This is why I only get succulents that can be propped easily. Even if it was unfortunately poached at some point, I got the plant from a reputable source that grows their plants and likely could get hundreds of plants from a single leaf in a few years time.

[@rendorwilliams9116]

I like cactus and succulents because they are small, compact, low-key, efficient. Also the cactus have thousands of spines which serve as a valuable defense mechanism. I think that people are forced to be more like cactii, because of the many harsh tricks, traps and predators that exist throughout our landscape. I had a large cactii and succulent garden with over 200 species when I was a kid.

[@liliumjade]

Now I feel bad for all the succulents I've unintentionally killed....I've learned my lesson that the only plant I can trust not dying on me are pothos. 🙈

[@RevkaArabella]

Try Kalanchoe Tomentosa, it's pretty hard to kill.

[@doraspoljar697]

My first plant was a zamifolia.you can not look at yhem for 100 days and nothing will happen to them or you can water tjem every week and nothing will happen to them

[@liliumjade]

@@doraspoljar697 Ah yes, I've been gifted that plant and I have yet to kill one.

[@singingstars5006]

Succulents I don't kill. Cacti though...I've given up on them.

[@-Dragon-Master-]

@@RevkaArabella i have one of those its a panda plant

[@riccardofabbri1110]

I'm from Italy, in EU countries when you buy a "foreign" plant, they come with a plant passport label, to certify where they come from

[@elyenidacevedo1995]

That's a good idea they should do it in the US.

[@AVspectre]

I was initially confused given how easily many propagate, I appreciated the long-life examples. One of the commenters talked about sourcing seeds from succulent clubs. Highlighting ethical and sustainable alternatives like this would have been a valuable addendum to this story. Thanks for highlighting this issue.

[@gabi.a]

damn, I thoght it was gonna be about companies intentionally giving you wrong instructions so you kill the plant and buy more or something XD

[@nolaray1062]

Well, that also happens! There are many plants in big box stores that dont accurately label the needs for each particular plant.

[@scorchinggoat9589]

@@nolaray1062 most likely out of laziness of the company in stead of one big succulent conspiracy

[@nolaray1062]

@@scorchinggoat9589 I don’t think it’s a “conspiracy”, I just think it’s not asking too much of them to properly label things they sale that require care and upkeep.

[@scorchinggoat9589]

@@nolaray1062I was kind of joking when i said conspiracy but yeah it is annoying when they mislabel care

[@nolaray1062]

@@scorchinggoat9589 with all the crazy things happening in the world, conspiracy theories don’t sound so crazy anymore 🤣

[@snowflakes7344]

I used to live in Arizona when I was little, and I have memories of the sandy roadsides with huge cacti and saguaro's. The fact that they are slowly disappearing over time just breaks my heart.

[@RudieObias]

I live in Brooklyn, NY, and I live within a half-mile of, not one, not two, but three vegan coffee shops and plant store hybrids. So yeah, the obsession is real!

[@rickytorres9089]

Let's not get over our own heads. They might not be doing anything wrong it's HOW they gotten those plants and if those plants are invasive or not. If you are concerned just talk them about it (without being a Karen or Terry respectivity of course).

[@gardeniablossom4077]

Well this is devastating! I love the desert and cacti! I love succulents, I will make sure my succulents are fair trade and sourced ethically. I was looking at succulents on eBay but now I think I’ll just NOT order any online 🥶😢 this is pretty heartbreaking. Save the cacti!!!!

[@HallofWin]

Omg me too !! But how would we look into where they come from ? 🥺

[@cajones5956]

I’m watching this as I unbox my new succs. I propagate and give. I talk to them and take care so I’m not going to feel guilty. My goal is to never buy the same too many times.

[@rafaelcostadematos5806]

Reputable plant growers: - do their research properly (I mean PROPERLY) - know the species requirements and keep it as best as it is possible - try to reproduce the species in cultivation and share it with other reputable growers - avoid at all means to buy plants that where harvested from the wild - tries to educate people - dont love plants, respect plants Instagram people who think succulent are pretty: - "I am saving the world" - nature *-* good vibes S2 gratitude - all plants have emotions - "I dont know the species name, but I love it anyways" - "I give them names because they are part of the family" Unfortunately both are seen as terrible poachers that harvest all plants from the wild in order to keep it by themselves. When in fact that are many outstanding growers worldwide that are of major importance of many plants ex situ conservation and research. The greatest problem is that not everyone cares about learning the ethical pathway. Great video to bring light to the topic though.

[@joekeating3329]

Captions needed. Really dropping the ball here cheddar. Love the channel though, excellent production

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

This is crazy

[@Wowwhut]

Wait, people post succulents on instagram? That's like flexing your muscles without ever lifting 😂

[@bsmythe3214]

I like to show people my huge saguaro.

[@rickytorres9089]

That itself is not the issue as long as they weren't porached that's not the issue. Not as bad as getting a turtle and letting it dies in the tank cause you don't have insanity powerful filters, cleans their tanks (half hour a day on average/tank), etc.

[@-Dragon-Master-]

Like posting dogs or pets on it

[@tenzinsmith7991]

Some succulents are incredibly hard to keep. Some are thousands of dollars. It definitely can be a flex.

[@LunaticTheCat]

I think people post succulents to IG because they're pretty, not to flex.

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

Thank you for this info!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I live in Alabama. I once worked at my local Walmart in the garden department and saw a cute, bulbuous plant abandomed next to my register. Not knowing where to put it back at (nor was that my job, we had a man that handled stocking the plants), I left it alone. The tag read California Sunset and it had a pink tint to many of its waxy petals. It was my first time seeing such a plant and it was going for only $5. I thought abouy buying it and putting it in my bedroom, but my room in particular had a horrible mold problem in the floor thst we really should've demanded resolution on from the property managers, and I was scared of it becoming infested with bugs. But I've always wanted to still get one, just one, as I'm a novice with plants. Now this video makes me wonder if I would also be contributing to this issue. Walmart would've had to have gotten the plant from a grower, so with money legally exchanging hands, I would hope it's not causing a negative effect.

[@TEENYcharma]

I’m glad your concerned but you shouldn’t really, because you always help from giving away cuttings or growing from seeds. Walmarts plants are probably cheaply grown, but I definitely think they wouldn’t buy from a poacher

[@tedrudiaurelio2358]

This also happens with the nepenthes of the Philippines, most especially Nepenthes truncata. Its everywhere on facebook marketplace. Truly sad

[@Marijolas]

Thank you so much! I had no idea!! Plus, they are so easy to propagate!

[@choux8372]

I buy the damaged or unwanted flowers from supermarkets and nurse them back to health. I've even bought rare succulents for cheap just because they looked really dehydrated or were being over watered. You can also start out with one, then propagate the leaves by leaving them in a container over some dirt. I would suggest Christmas cactuses to start with!

[@PlayMoGame]

I first heard about the threat of cactus poaching thanks to Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

[@sasquatchdonut2674]

I think the biggest problem is when people take the whole plant. You can take cuttings and still get a nice plant

[@kamcorder3585]

Exactly

[@aperson4511]

That still damages the plant.

[@sasquatchdonut2674]

@@aperson4511 but it will grow back

[@aperson4511]

@@sasquatchdonut2674 some plants like copiapoa take nearly a hundred years to grow back to it’s original size.

[@sasquatchdonut2674]

@@aperson4511 Still, at least the whole plant isnt gone. I agree with what you are saying for certain species. Ima look that plant up though, never heard of it.

[@Lemonz1989]

My country has an endemic plant, that is somewhat threatened. I sometimes collect a few seeds from wild plants, and plant them in my garden, and then collect seeds from those plants and plant them in the wild, around my area. It helps them reproduce locally around where I live, so they also live inside my town, which they very rarely do. Also, it has the added benefit of me having a few of them in my garden and windowsills, because I love rare plants. 😅 I just don’t buy or dig up wild ones, just for this reason. I usually get rare plants for free as an exchange from other plant lovers who already have them at home. Without money involved, I can usually be pretty sure that the plants aren’t from illegal sources.

[@maryoaks3228]

Thank you for this. Truly eye opening.

[@P.I.P.E.L.I.N.E_Podcast]

Interesting 🤔

[@crowpond3665]

Why is this thumbnail like a Game Theory video

[@realry329]

A friend of mine considered this plants as one of the best future investment. Good thing he all raise his succulents from cuttings or seeds.

[@Estherbethe1...]

This is actually a real problem sadly. Any one specie's does affect entire ecosystems and chain effects happen rapidly. Something we absolutely cannot afford.

[@brit1428]

This makes me so sad. I love succulents. Why can’t we just have something be pure?

[@chrisrelhard]

damn, i never really thought about that actually. to be fair 90% of my succulents nowadays come from trimmings from friends/family/myself, but i'll definitely be asking for the source anytime i buy them.

[@brigc7755]

Mine at Home Depot come with labels that say where they're from (just bought 2 cacti that are from Richmond MI.) So I'd say store bought succulents, although poorly taken care of, are legally obtained. I like to steel falling off leaves and propogate them ( i might start an etsy shop this summer of propogated succulents in case u wanna get any from me)

[@OoRowosoO]

This is important. More people need to see this

[@markhawbaker6931]

Nicely put together.

[@cominationz6130]

Here is my suggestion :) Making a project to protect areas where these succulents and cactuses are found can be a huge start. But also, succulents are extremely easy to propagate. I mean, you can use an entire succulent for propagation. We can probably help by propagating succulents and replanting them in the wild. It's simple we can just use the lower half of the leaves to be propagated each leaf giving 1-5 new plants depending on the species, the upper half will be cut off and air-dried in order for its wound to heal and placed in water or in the soil for it to grow new roots, and then it will be a new plant, and the stem that's left over will produce new babies like branches on a tree which can either be left there to grow or get clipped away for it to be a new plant as well. Cactus-like succulents, on the other hand, can be propagated as well by cutting off their arms (branches) and planting them in soil, and from there, they will grow. It's so easy to do that people who raise and take care of succulents can work together to raise a bunch of succulents and plant them to where they are from. And if anyone has any doubts about how easy succulent propagation is, most of my succulents just came from the leaves given to me by other people.

[@aperson4511]

This works mostly with echeveria and crassulas but with dudleyas it might be harder. Also some species of dudleya are nearly impossible to grow from leaves like dudleya brevifolia. I think another reason we don’t propagate dudleyas like this is because they don’t typically grow from leaves in habitat. With cactus on the other hand I think propagation by cutting would work for most genuses like opuntia.

[@cominationz6130]

@@aperson4511 Yeah you are right. Dudleya succulents won't really work well with leaf propagation. In fact, one of my echeveria don't want to produce new pups or even roots from leaf cuttings. However, for the succulents that can't be propagated by using their leaves, you can still behead them, make the upper part heal and grow roots, and let the lower part grow and gain new pups. But even if this is true, you got a point about how close to impossible propagation can be for some other succulents. Some will easily dry out or rot away during propagation or just live for a while and then die for some reasons because some are simply not hardy, but still, it really depends on the succulents. I admit that I am not the very best when it comes to taking care and propagating succulents. I only own 9 common species and none of them belongs to the dudleya family but I enjoy doing research anyway incase I randomly get a new succulent which is why I am confident enough to give a suggestion like this. Pardon me if I missed a detail as important as that with out looking further into succulent propagation. I should know that all succulents are not the same because I've been taking care of different plants for a long time and can confirm that each plant can have certain requirements for them to grow and be propagated successfully. Thanks for noting me. Still though, I hope that a project that involves gardeners propagating certain species to be brought back in the wild would be made. I would definitely help if I knew of one in my country. Thankyou for commenting 😊 thanks to you, I've learned something new.

[@oldchild527]

Glad you touch the subject, there's been an assault of the land and specially the peyote has been robbed for the likes of youngsters who have gun with it.

[@ZoeCote]

just curious... is this happening when you buy them from plant nurseries too?? or are this predominantly an issue with trafficking over social media? (it'a hard to imaging Home Depot would be smuggling tiny cacti lol but pls educate me if I'm wrong!)

[@AnaRuizNeko]

This is the video I needed. I saw someone on market place selling a lot of a cactus that is just about to be a threatened specie. In fact is one of the ariocarpus, just not the same that you mentioned on the video. Where I live in Mexico is a place where many of this type of cactus come from and I was really aware as a bought a little cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) that is disappearing from his natural environment but where I got it is a place that take care of this, they grow their own cactus and succulents and they educate people who visits their place about endemic species. But I'm afraid that as it is poorly regulated in nurseries and this state is everyday more populated they going to disappear more rapidly

[@deckarddwizardd1909]

I have many plants at home but never have I ever bought anything. No pots, no plants, no fertilizers, no anything and my garden is lush. A lot of people think that they need to buy plants just to start a garden. Go out and ask for cuttings from other gardens. Its free and you know that you are not buying smuggled/stolen plants. Plant them yourself and you will truly learn how to care for them. If you buy full grown plants, it defeats the purpose of gardening.

[@bpeoples4043]

aw now I feel bad. I got 2 succulents in the last year. I won't buy any non native species and will either enjoy what I have or ask a friend

[@potatopotatoeOG]

The increase caused a looot of theft. A lady left her house and thieves just dug up parts of her flower boarder

[@kristina_lynn]

I LOVE this video! I feel so ignorant that I had no idea this was happening, even though I had previously worked a job doing Dudleya monitoring in the Southwest - at the time the succulent obsession wasn't really a thing. There were populations in people's backyards that they didn't really care about and wanted to pave over. I need to start making sure any succulents I buy are ethical now! Wow...humans really can ruin even the most wholesome things lol. Thanks for the eye opening documentary!

[@esperanza10123]

Oh my god, yeah, why don't you guys have captions!? Even just auto generated ones!?!? What about my HOH, deaf individuals, and the countless others that find them helpful

[@anitaxyz9767]

There are auto-generated subtitles on this vid now if you're still interested

[@LemonsRage]

"5 million of them were millanials" You act like getting into gardening is a bad thing...

[@a-s-greig]

Just think of all the _cloth napkins_ they could be buying instead.

[@scorchinggoat9589]

not really its just mostly millennials who buy the smuggled succulents

[@aperson4511]

To all the people saying just propagate them from leaves, the reason people don’t do that is because it damages the mother plant and it can cause infections. People do propagate succulents though just not from leaves. They propagate them by separating clusters or just by seed because that happens very often in nature. Also we can’t just plant any cactus or succulent in the wild, we need to plant plants that have the same genetics as the ones in the wild. Most of the time when you buy a succulent/cactus from a store it is a hybrid or cultivar. If you want to buy succulents from trustworthy sellers I would get them from WalawalaStudio on Etsy or from RareSucculents also on Etsy.

[@scorchinggoat9589]

also many take long to mature and that's why they are so rare and sought after

[@nikolasflameart9750]

That's wild. Always loved succulents. I have a landscaping business and noticed a lot more succulents these days. Makes sense.

[@mithooladley]

In my childhood and teen years (80s 90s) every one used to say that growing any kinds of plants with thorns inside a house is bad for you and that plant (but still growing them in the backyard was alright back then), but now since the last few years I've been noticing everyone, even those astrologers and reiki healers (who too are becoming popular like succulents in a suspicious way🤔) are telling that as many thorny plants you have in your house as possible is good for you. Sorry for the weird account name it's because my daughter has to attend her classes with my account 😂

[@joebaumgart1146]

Here's a fun Darwin award winner. About 10 years ago a cactus smuggler was trying to cut down a 20 foot segaro Cactus. It fell forward instead of backward. She was both crushed and punctured to death by the over 200 lb cactus. She died a few hours later! Lol 😂

[@mistyfox2078]

Not me in middle school smuggling little succulent pieces from the store and selling tiny succulents to people at school 😬

[@-Dragon-Master-]

Yes police this comment right here

[@otdev7803]

People are also stealing from nurseries and botanical gardens which is another big issue in the plant community.

[@edenmartinez783]

Plant poaching as an insanely big issue right now both with succulents and with aroids like rare monstera, and philodendrons specifically. Calathea are also being poached very often and as mentioned the minimal or nonexistent regulation makes it difficult for sellers and buyers to know what plants have been poached since there’s loss of information in every level leading down to retail selling. It’s incredibly sad :(

[@jaredplouffe7285]

My garden center did 300% sales some weekends during the pandemic

[@tiajoseph7309]

Never even realized this. Makes you wonder how many endangered plant species are being smuggled each year. I own some succulents myself, but only difference is that they're fake.

[@TheDesius]

well of course the plants at grocery stores and big garden centres aren't smuggled. only very rare and endagered spiecies are worth smuggling and they will be sold for at least $50 so those plants at the store are not the problem.

[@jbean530]

Wow. Good information. I had no idea this was happening. Thank you for the information.

[@MS-uj5ui]

As a plant center merchandiser, house plant people are WILD. The collectors somehow find out when we have shipments when we don’t even know. They will open boxes and look over your shoulder as you try to unbox them and get mad when we don’t have something. People go CRAZY over Monstera, Pothos, and succulents. I just take home cuttings and pieces that fall off. I will admit I took home two pothos from a shipment though. But as merchandisers we get the luxury of picking out what we want as it comes. We don’t get a discount lol don’t worry.

[@TryingtobeStoic]

In India, I doubt if even the smugglers would know whether it is illegal or not. You can forget about the police.

[@saloni.sharma]

lol you're right! actually india has a good variety of indigenous succulents and cacti which is easily available so most people here are interested in collecting them rather than some exclusive species. some succulents including varieties of Echiveria and cacti are gaining popularity here and may be imported but aren't illegal, and they're able to thrive easily here considering the climate, especially in north western parts. fortunately most of the people are more into taking plant snips and growing them out rather than spending a lot on them but i won't say there aren't any impatient ones who'd rather buy them illegally

[@gatogordo2197]

I have three succulents but I live in california. This is a surprise for me I didn't know that this was happening.

[@sumedhahalder159]

Passion for Gardening does not mean destroying natural habitat. That's true for sure

[@lactate8008s]

This is why it's important to own native plants whenever it's possible. They're best suited to where you live, they help wildlife, and you don't have to worry about any unfortunate smuggling.

[@m.j.golden4522]

🅰️n act of violence against nature should be judged as severely as that against society or another person. - Dr. Michael W.Fox

[@airsickspace9272]

This is why I use common plants (non invasive) or native plants

[@dnrmoore4124]

I read the title and I was like " oh god every things is bad"

[@catsmeoow6697]

Nothing is safe from obsessive consumerism! I love my plants but I’ve always been about growing what already naturally grows locally! I think another dangerous aspect is that a lot of people do this via trade for no money and those individuals probably don’t feel like what they are doing is wrong...

[@Melospizia]

Thanks, I needed something new to feel guilty about!

[@Lolidropz]

Thank you for this video, super informative. I was not aware of this issue before; it's very unfortunate how much potential we humans have in destroying the environment.

[@jasminealwedyan874]

What about the ones from Walmart? Are they plant-napped from the wild or are they cultivated from seeds or cuttings grown in a greenhouse?

[@JohnnyWednesday]

Why haven't you done any cheese based videos?

[@JaccoSW]

The dark side of cheese: dead baby cows

[@crazydragy4233]

@@JaccoSW One could argue that that is indeed true.

[@ShieniLicksOnLemons]

At least the officials don't have to do body cavity searches when they suspect cacti smuggling... Hopefully anyway

[@jfm14]

Thanks for covering this issue; not enough people know about it! The recent obsession with unusual plants, particularly rare succulents, is a bit baffling to me. I love plants and gardening as much as anybody else, but I've never felt the need to acquire something no one else has... it's not worth endangering a species and negatively impacting others in its native ecosystem. Please heed the advice in the video, folks! Familiarize yourself with the IUCN Red List and know where your plants are coming from. Any reputable nursery should be able and willing to answer questions and provide details about their sourcing of seeds, props, plants, etc.