buds over the winter

[oldcat61]

Any idea what will happen to these buds now that winter is coming? I can bring in at night & put out in the morning on nice days. Will the buds fall off or sit there until spring?

[Aiko]

I fear they will probably fall off.

[K.W.]

Good evening Sue and Aiko,

not so pessimistic!!!


This plant has driven buds in summer 2013. But has not bloomed in 2013.
On June 22, 2014, the dried buds were still on the plant. Not one was falling off.

Bild 75844.jpg (92.24 KiB) Viewed 2040 times

So they looked like at the 30th of September 2014

Bild 85482.jpg (101.14 KiB) Viewed 2040 times

Bild 85484.jpg (119.33 KiB) Viewed 2040 times

And so on 1th of November 2014th

Bild 86878.jpg (104.66 KiB) Viewed 2040 times

A little water during winter from time to time.


Best wishes

K.W.

[cactushobbyman]

My Ferocactus latispinus flower in Nov.-Dec. in my area. Temps can be as low as 28 degrees this time of year. My are budding now and they are early this year.

[oldcat61]

Thanks for the encouragement. Young plant, these will be the first flowers, so I didn't know the normal bloom time. Sue

[oldcat61]

My first flower!!! The longest wait for a bud ever.

[K.W.]

Good morning Sue,

congratulations!
As I have already said, not so pessimistic. . .

Best wishes

K.W.

PS and such a beautiful flower!

[oldcat61]

Thanks - now it just has to grow big like your beautiful examples. My furballs send holiday wishes to Frau Klein. Sue

[fanaticactus]

Hi, Sue. I've hardly been doing this forum at all this winter, except for my new collection of Zygos, because...well, winter...you know? Anyway, I'm blown away at that beautiful December flower on the Fero. Mine bloomed once then died about 3 years ago. It was a good sized one. I've replaced it with a smaller and will keep my fingers crossed that it will reach blooming size. We've been warm up here, too, but not to the extent you in southern Jersey have been. Incredible weather! Are any of the other buds growing, or did all the strength go into that one? BTW, Happy Holiday season!

[RichR]

My F. lats always bloom in late fall-early winter.

[oldcat61]

Sorry for not replying; haven't been on lately. My husband is recovering from back surgery, so I've been playing nurse plus trying to do all the things around the house he normally handles. He has spoiled me more than I ever realized. Just the cats & koi pond were overwhelming when he was in the hospital. The fero bloomed for several days but the other buds aren't growing so I put him back in the GH for the winter. Enjoying the "holiday" bloomers & the winter growing succulents. Can't believe I'm opening the GH doors in December.

[fanaticactus]

A fast recovery to your husband and more power to you for taking up the slack. I know all about it: I've experienced both sides--patient and 'nurse'. Not fun, especially at this time of year. Meanwhile, enjoy your cacti when you can. I even had the GH door open for several hours on one of our warmer days last week.

[Tiggy]

Wow! What a beautiful flower, well worth the wait then. I also have one of these which put buds on last year but they didn't materialize for me. Fingers crossed for this year.
Sorry to hear about your husband and wish him a speedy recovery. I had a bid op on my back about 15yrs ago which wasn't even guaranteed to work, but when you suffer enough you are willing to take a risk just for the chance of a normal life. It turned out very well for me and even the specialist was surprised at the result and how quickly I recovered. I put it all down to following doctor's orders (and more important physiotherapy's orders). I seemed to spend the entire day doing a series of exercises and resting from them at the beginning but I was determined to give it my best shot after spending years of having to be careful. Hopefully he will be much better off after the convalescent period.
All the best for 2016 to both of you.

Susi