Thank you all for the replies!
Well, there are a few glitches in this year's approach, which I have yet to figure out.
I wrote I had them continuously wet for over a month. Most responded with the desired inflation and flower buds, but some gave me worries.
1. I guess I've been just on the edge with the amount of water I've been giving.
06.04.2012
paradinei SB502
At start it took up some water, started forming buds, but suddenly between week 3 and 4 after the first watering, began to shrink. It stood shrunken for a while with no signs of both body and buds growth, and my concerns were confirmed. It has lost part of the main root to rot. This plant is in the lowest part of the tray and probably got too wet. The picture above is after it was treated with 3% bleach solution and fungicide. Re-potted already and out again.
2. I have no clue about this one.
06.04.2012
fickeiseniorum RP145
The only one to continue shrinking without any response to the watering. I suspected root problems, but it showed nice and healthy roots, so I still don't know what is its problem (side-by-side
peeblesianus has no problems at all). Anyway it passed the same treatment as
paradinei, re-potted already and out again.
3. My 2
simpsonii decided not to flower, but showed vigorous growth instead. AFAIK, these are the easiest of the group and I wonder what I'm missing to make them develop and keep their bids and flower…
Next I'll be posting the condition of my garden
Opuntia-s, but time to go to bed now…