Potting medium advice for Cleistocactus Please

[Tiggy]

Gave up trying to find an established plant and just grabbed this cutting that was going in an auction on ebay. First time ever that I have tried putting a bid for something, but I was so desperate to obtain one of these that I couldn't resist. Cost 5euro plus just over 6euro for postage and packing. Arrive within four days from Spain to Italy (which is quicker than from Italy to Italy ) I am now hoping that it will take and I can have the pleasure of watching it grow. What I need to know is what would be the best medium for her, and should I wait before planting or can I do it now immediately? I really want this to have the best chance of flourishing so any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. I did find a more mature plant for sale on another site but they are on holiday until the 4th August and then if it is no longer available? This is why I had to grab this whilst I could. Here she is-

P1090216.JPG (77.61 KiB) Viewed 1119 times

P1090220.JPG (106.15 KiB) Viewed 1119 times

P1090222.JPG (115.02 KiB) Viewed 1119 times

P1090224.JPG (103.8 KiB) Viewed 1119 times

Do you think it will take alright?

P1090231.JPG (90.71 KiB) Viewed 1119 times

Thank you so much for any help.

Susi

[tumamoc]

You need to get roots growing on that cutting as a priority. The best way, in my opinion, is to temporarily pot it in a very well-draining mix (pumice, gritty sand, etc.) with little to no organics. After a couple of weeks or so, check for roots. The plant is well-hydrated right now, so you should have plenty of time to get things going.

[DaveW]

I just use my normal potting medium, but you can root first in a gritty medium like tumamoc says and I believe some just root plants solely in cat litter or pumice before potting them on to their usual potting soil.

Browsing the web I found a couple of references to using honey as an alternative to rooting powder. I know honey contains a natural antiseptic or antibiotic and has been used for healing wounds in the past therefore the idea is not as crazy as it sounds at first, though I have never tried it. By the way a teaspoonful of honey works wonders on a sore throat and you can speak easily again within a minute or so of taking it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 111037.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2001/nov ... agent.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyQX9kUAohk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There's often some scientific truth in old folk remedies.

[bruno]

Cleistocactus straussii is a robust plant that can be grown in the open all year around here in Italy, it can survive cold wet winters and live in a variety of soils, just have a look at this which is flourishing among roses in a garden near Ciampino, Rome

cleistocactus straussii.jpg (37.47 KiB) Viewed 1097 times

ciao

[Tiggy]

You need to get roots growing on that cutting as a priority. The best way, in my opinion, is to temporarily pot it in a very well-draining mix (pumice, gritty sand, etc.) with little to no organics. After a couple of weeks or so, check for roots. The plant is well-hydrated right now, so you should have plenty of time to get things going.

Thanks "tumamoc", will certainly follow your advice.
Dave- I have always used honey for colds and infections for years now, even manage to stave off bronchitis with it. I swear by it. Having said that, can't remember the last time we had a cold or any other sort of infection. That's one of the benefits of living up on the mountain . Never heard of honey being used for rooting though . Not sure that I want to experiment on this particular cutting but will keep it in mind for the future.
Bruno-I do have a cold patch where plants are left over winter but it is protected from the elements. It is a totally different climate up here unfortunately. My hubby is originally from Nola in the Campagna and he can't believe the difference, very cloudy, lots of rain, winds, snow, especially this year, It's like Fantozzi we have our own personal cloud which doesn't seem to move, especially this year. I don't think we have had one clear week of good weather yet . Nice plants that you posted.

Susi