March 6, 2026
Dear CSSA Members,
A recent article in The Economist, written by Charlie McCann, a feature writer for 1843, explores the growing global problem of cactus and succulent poaching, highlighting how rising demand for rare plants has fueled illegal collecting around the world.
The article follows collectors searching for unusual succulents in Mexico and describes the complex motivations behind wild plant collecting—ranging from hobbyists seeking rare specimens to commercial growers supplying a booming market for collectible plants. With succulents becoming increasingly popular and the global market expected to grow rapidly, rare species can command extremely high prices, creating incentives for illegal harvesting.
Conservationists warn that poaching, combined with habitat loss, is putting many species at risk. According to research cited in the article, about one-third of cactus species are threatened with extinction. Authorities in several countries have begun increasing enforcement efforts, including arrests and prison sentences for plant smuggling.
The article also discusses the debate within the plant-collecting community about ethics, conservation, and responsible cultivation. The Cactus and Succulent Society of America is mentioned for its efforts to discourage wild collecting and promote propagation from seed and cultivated stock.
Members interested in this topic may wish to read the full article for a deeper look at the challenges of conservation, enforcement, and ethics surrounding rare succulents in the global plant trade.
Read the full article — The Economist subscription required
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