Why are cacti and ice plants popular in rock gardens?

Cacti and ice plants are popular in rock gardens primarily because they are succulent plants characterized by their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy stems or leaves. This adaptation makes them well-suited for the often dry, well-drained conditions typical of rock garden environments.123

Within the order Caryophyllales, both the Cactaceae and Aizoaceae (the ice plant family) families are renowned for these succulent traits. Many of these species are native to arid regions and have evolved specialized mechanisms, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), to minimize water loss during hot, dry periods. Their unique, often striking forms—ranging from stone-like appearances to ornamental ground covers—make them highly desirable for collectors and gardeners looking to create aesthetic, low-maintenance landscapes.1425