Hello friends, I dont know the scientific name, but I think its a mammilaria common named Copper King. This is the second one I've had that isnt doing so well, and I killed the first one. I was moving this one and the cactus fell over, when I looked at it there were almost no roots. Looking for poin...

I think these Copper Kings look so cool. I admit I had one in the past & killed it...so I'm humble & want to do better. Much better! I want it to GROW GROW GROW! Both were bought from Home Depot, this one seemed to be calling my name, looking neglected. It only cost $2.36 usd. Any growing ti...

Maybe I should have put this in Grown from seed?
I didnt even notice that category!

I figured the seeds had a better chance in the gel thats inside the apple.
Wouldnt that gel be a nutrient that helps it start out? -COmike

I've heard them called apples before: the red seed pods. Theres so many of the apples on prickly pear here now... I thought I'd try putting a few of them in soil/a pot & see what happens. Has anyone ever tried growing them this way? tips? I didnt remove the seeds from the pods. They are buried a...

Friends,
Of the 4 pieces I planted, the one on the far right (in the pic) now has 2 new sprouts on it.

The main plant dropped off all but the largest (oblong) pad.
Theres no sign of new growth on it -but I continue to water it periodically & give it sun.

COMike

daiv, I did take it from the pot. Its roots looked similar to the way they did another time I'd repotted it. ihc6480, I think if anything it went too long without water. Accidently, it went 2 weeks. I dont think it rotted, because its not soft or gooey. I havent given up on the main plant, especiall...

I wont write much in case no one replies...

I kind of think its dead, all but 2 whole branches fell off. Theres no sign of new growth

Luckily I started the parts (back when I made the first post) that fell off in other pots.
CO Mike

I've seen these conversations before on the forum, so I know losing pads is normal. I've had this plant thru many growing seasons & it had never lost a pad until yesterday. :shock: But...it wasnt just one pad, it was a whole section of the plant I found on the floor! (5 attached pads) Is THAT no...

I'm afraid I'll jinx myself to say it...but we just dont have any inside/outside bug problems here at all. When the cactus are outside, horseflys, wasps and bees hang around on them a LOT, I wonder if that has anything to do with the lack of other bugs that would usually cause harm. I've even seen p...

Loph, I cant read the location where you are (that its so darn hot) What did you mean by split cactus? Iann, I agree 100% about just giving them a little extra care & seeing the result of it. A girl I know wants me to talk to my cactus, she says it works :) I did talk to them, I said "grow,...

that was a good article, and according to it there is (some) benefit to misting or spraying.

I knew roots had the primary purpose of absorbing water for the plant, but was wondering about secondary ways when the soil is dry. comike

thanks! it brings up a related question...

Are opuntia pads able to absorb water through their 'skin'? If so, is it only when they are cool, like at night?