PLANTS: Deserts plants have many adaptations to survive in such a dry environment. They are good at storing and finding water. Dearest plants can only grow until there is enough rain for them to grow. In hot deserts, you'll often find a Cactus. A cactus is great at storing water. With their waxy coating, water can't escape and their spines protect them from being desert dinner. Their roots are shallow, and widely spread so that any rain can be taken immediately. All plants need light and air and also water. But it is hard for desert plants to get enough water to survive. Desert plants have developed ways to make use of every drop of water they get from the rainfalls.