I still haven't done that first watering of the year for my collection! Typically nighttime lows are consistently in the 50s by the end of Match, but thanks to the periodic cold storms NorCal has been getting it's bouncing between a few warm days and then several cold ones where temps go back into ...

CoolestGravy wrote: ↑Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:25 am Right on, that sounds much easier to deal with than what I was thinking.

As always, you totally rock Steve!

Well, thank you, and I'm glad to help!

Yellowing is caused by chlorosis, a sure sign that your Fairy Castle is nutrient-starved. I discussed the fertilizer issue with you here... https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=405035#p405035 ...but I recently found something that'll simplify your fert situation: https://www.amazon.com/G...

Hi Zac, Back in May 2012 I spent a wonderful afternoon photographing the Huntington's desert greenhouse collection, so check out the photos in my Flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/134602763@N02/albums/72157719863777449/ The top dressings on their pots are quite attractive, and they may giv...

That definitely makes things simpler to just use one things. Would you still add the CalMag as well? Yes -- add 1/2 tsp. TPS CalMag per gallon of watering solution. This supplements all NPK fertilizers. I was looking for something like this but had a hard time finding one. I appreciate all your eff...

Hello Could you help with ID? Below my types. 1. Tephrocactus articulatus var. strobiliformis? 2. Tephrocactus articulatus 3. Some cylindropuntia? https://i.imgur.com/bzTFjwv.jpeg I think #2 is strobiliformis... https://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/CACTI/Family/Cactaceae/16060/Tephrocactus_articulat...

This just in... I just found a fertilizer that'll simplify the matter: https://www.amazon.com/Grow-More-5118-Tillandsia-1-25-Pound/dp/B004G1CU3O/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ES9ryD2sLO1Xf2g1IhL6w989ZYNMvPHS4gm_wZ3DVqtc_Aicud5D8o23-BpxMnGOYctfwVv92u2cbg2nChJcY42Fz4HQ1uuZyvYTCQeDM7L7cCzLsZRbmBFc3ShJw4w...

Update! I was able to salvage almost 2’ of the necrotizing cactus and the cutting is currently chilling upside down. The other San Pedro has been successfully removed, roots cleaned, and will be repotted once its roots are sufficiently dry. No mealybugs and the roots look good! Thanks again for all...

Ok, so just diving into this deeper and I think I'm more confused than when we started 😆 Yeah, I know -- that was me trying to figure all of this out a few years ago ](*,) . Trying to explain it ain't easy either, but I'll do my best. I've ordered the fertilizer and calmag you mentioned in a previo...

In my experience you should never water mildly, soaking your plants thoroughly with every watering makes much more sense. Of course making sure that the soil completely dries between waterings. This applies mid-summer as well as in early spring. However, it is generally a good idea to spray your pl...

From the "Cal-Mag of my dreams?" thread I started in July 2022, here's a brief quote from MikeInOz: I don't think giving gypsum (calcium sulphate ) would hurt any cactus even epiphytes...We have to standardize the culture because if we try to replicate the habitat for every species insanit...

Thank you for another thorough response. I was also pleasantly surprised at how the roots looked. My pleasure -- I'm glad to be working with you on this! :D I have probably 5-10 cacti but about 200 succulents total. I've started using a fertilizer recommended/sold by Bonsai Jack: https://www.bonsai...

It shouldn't do anything it's more decorative than anything else, maybe hold water in soil a little longer as Mike points out. Nothing wrong with the decorative aspect, although for growers who find that stuff floats out and gets all over their plants when they water, top dressing is functional as ...

Pot culture is very different from growing in the ground - excess water is drawn away by the surrounding soil in the ground. In a pot, only the force of gravity drains it, and it's a weaker force than the adhesion of water to the soil. Soil in the bottom of the pot remains saturated until the plant...

Great photos, and those barrel cacti are stunning!