Snails live all over the world in soil (or dirt), sand, trees, under rocks or leaves, and in the rivers, lakes, and oceans. Land snails cannot breathe under water so they must come out when too much water enters their habitat to avoid drowning. The habitat of the cactus plant is dry, arid deserts. Most plants would die in the intense heat and sunlight that are present here, but cacti have adaptations that allow them to thrive.