01.05.2026 - 03.05.2026 The exhibition, which will surprise even sophisticated connoisseurs of cacti and succulents, will be held in the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus from May 1 to May 3! When: May 1-3, from 10:00 to 19:00. Where: exhibition pavilion. Cost: entrance ticket to the botanical garden. This year, the botanical garden will bring together 20 collections from all over Belarus — more than 4,000 exotic plants with unique adaptations and high collectible value. An incredible variety awaits you: from miniature "living stones" to giant columnar cacti that have evolved over millions of years in conditions of drought, strong solar radiation and poor soils. The star guest of the exhibition The Carnegia gigantea cactus, which is the largest cactus in the world, will take the center stage! In the natural environment, it can reach: height — 21 meters; weight — more than 6 tons; volume of absorbed water after rain — up to 800 liters. In greenhouses, it grows more slowly and usually does not exceed 3-4 meters in height. In nature, this giant is a key link in the ecosystem: many species of birds and insects nest in it. Amazing exhibits that you will see The exhibition features rare and unusual species, each of which is a small miracle of nature: Ariocarpus fissuratus is endemic to Texas and northern Mexico, disguises itself as rocks and is almost invisible in nature. Astrophytum caput medusae is a cactus with elongated "tentacles" named after the Gorgon Jellyfish. Euphorbia obsa is a spherical succulent from South Africa that resembles a soccer ball. Pseudolithos migiurtinus is a Somali succulent with a skin similar to frog scales; its flowers smell of carrion, attracting pollinating flies. Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is a miniature cactus whose spines resemble woodlice. Haworthia truncata is a succulent with "truncated" leaves in the form of a three—dimensional fan and "leaf windows" that let in light. Conophytum is a "living stone" that goes into summer hibernation and dries out completely. Aztekium valdezii is one of the slowest growing cacti: it increases by several millimeters in 10 years. Blossfeldia liliputana is the smallest cactus in the world, a record holder for moisture retention. Aloe rauhii is an unusual aloe with leaves covered with bumps and spikes resembling saw teeth; the color range ranges from yellow to purple. Lithops werneri is a "living stone" with an epidermis that follows the structure of the soil. Anacampseros filomentosa is a dark green pyramid covered with white hairs that survives at temperatures above 40°C. Avonia papyracea is a miniature African succulent with snake shoots and white scales that reflects up to 60% of sunlight. Discocactus horstii is a rare thermophilic cactus with delicate white flowers that open only at night. Ariocarpus retusus is a "guerrilla cactus" that grows almost entirely underground; in nature, it can be found only by the protruding tips of the leaves. Obregonia denegrii is a unique species, similar to a pine cone, with thin spines at the ends of the leaves. Strombocactus disciformis is a miniature slow—growing cactus with a spiral arrangement of tubercles. Practicum: let's plant our cactus! On May 2, from 11:00 to 12:00, an exciting cactus planting workshop awaits the young participants of the exhibition. Children will find out: how to properly prepare the soil for cacti; which pot to choose; how to take care of a plant in the first weeks after transplantation. At the end of the workshop, each participant will receive a cactus as a gift! Please note: the number of seats is limited. Don't miss the chance to see the miracle of cactus blooming, to get acquainted with rare species! We are waiting for everyone at the Cactusomania exhibition! You can find out more by phone: +375 29 320 17 17; +375 17 379 69 15.
