S.D. Cactus and Succulent Society prepares show and sale for Feb. 14 – San Diego Union-Tribune

There’s a lot to love about the San Diego Cactus & Succulent Society’s 2026 Winter Show and Sale, coming up on Feb. 14 at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.

Admission is free for the event, which will highlight striking succulents and cacti from around the globe, as well as rare plants and pottery from dozens of plant vendors and local artisans in Room 101 and on the adjoining patio.

The show is open to anyone who grows succulent plants, and there is no limit to the number of entries per class, or the number of classes entered. The event typically draws collectors, gardeners and families from across Southern California.

The annual show and sale is set up in Room 101 and the patio at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. (SDCSS)

Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special guest judges Tom McCoy and Mark Fryer. Sale hours for the public will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the Room 101 sale is open early to society members only from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information on how to become a member and for additional details on the show and sale, visit SDCSS.net.

Rare varieties will be on view at the show. (SDCSS)

The San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society, an affiliate of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, was founded in 1961 and is made up of hobbyists, researchers and enthusiasts who share a common interest and appreciation for the uniqueness and beauty of succulent plants. All are welcome, whether an expert, amateur or novice. The group meets monthly — typically the second Saturday of the month, in Room 101 at Casa Del Prado, across from the San Diego Natural History Museum.

SDCSS volunteers maintain the Baja California Garden and the Old World Succulent Garden at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The Baja garden has the largest collections of Baja plants outside of Baja. The garden is over 35 years old and the plants are very large and mature. The Old World Succulent Garden is planted with Aloes, Euphorbias, Pachypodiums and other succulents from Africa (including Madagascar and the Canary Islands) and the Arabian Peninsula.

The San Diego Cactus & Succulent Society’s Winter 2026 Show...