The Cactus Thread

This thread features a comprehensive discussion on growing, identifying, and propagating cacti and succulents, highlighting community observations, practical troubleshooting, and individual species behavior.
  • Cold Hardiness Limits: Community members noted that several species, including Oreocereus celsianus and cold-tolerant Echinocereus varieties, can survive extreme freezing temperatures down to 0°F (-18°C) as long as their soil remains completely dry throughout winter.
  • Water Therapy Propagation: A specialized method of suspending rootless or severely dehydrated cacti like Astrophytum over water with rubber bands was praised for encouraging rapid root initiation within just a few days.
  • Lighting and Dormancy Requirements: Members cautioned against placing desert cacti in dark indoor rooms or relying solely on basic grow lights, emphasizing that full sunlight and a cool winter dormancy period are necessary to induce blooming.
  • Pest Management Practices: Effective solutions for mealybugs include direct application of isopropyl alcohol and systemic insecticides, while using volcanic ash grit helps prevent sciarid fly larvae infestations.
Updated: AI Thread Summary
Zigs

Zigs

New member
Location
Kent, England
Thought it best to start a thread that' just for Cacti and Succulents, rather than putting them on the what's looking good thread and getting in the way of other flowers.

I'll post about what's happening at the moment, upcoming cacti events and the odd video. Feel free to plunge in with any questions and of course your own Cacti and Succulents :)🌵

DSC04776.webp
 
Those Echinopsis flowers are lovely, and are also scented, but they do their flowering overnight to attract the moths for pollinating purposes (I think) and by tomorrow will be gone - and just leave a nasty prickly round lump again 🤭
 
Sheal said:
I hope it went well today @Zigs. :)
Click to expand...

All good ta Sheal :)

Met a lot of people, much interest in the cactus house, folk took a load of cards so might get some visitors later on.

The big cactus seller from Bristol didn't turn up so I and another BCSS member spread out onto his tables :)

DSC04923.webp DSC04915.webp

Richard from Herne Bay BCSS branch specialises in Carnivourous plants...

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There was a stall with Lithops for sale

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And one selling decorated pots

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Everyone seemed to have a good day and the castle say they will be organising another event in the future :)
 

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