What is up with this Uebelmannia pectinifera?
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 10:25 pm
I bought this cactus labeled U. Pectinifera and I knew something was wrong when I got it, but it was well priced and I thought I could cut the top off and try to root it or graft it.
First thing, is this actually U. pectinifera? It does not have the same wooly ribs I am used to seeing but maybe it is too young or a subspecies? The plant seems taller than I would expect for the size of the head. I thought this species had a more globulose habit.
When I looked closer at home there are very small dried clumps of egg cases that fell off with a light touch. They didn't have anything wet inside when I crushed them. I believe this plant was treated with insecticide before it was sold, but I think it had a serious infestation before. Could an infestation havr made it grow this way? What bug, if any do you suspect? I don't think it is mealy bug.
Do you guys think I would be successful cutting off the top third that looks healthy and rooting it? Could I possibly graft that same portion?
What about the bottom part, do you guys think it might pup out once it calloused over? Could I upside down graft lower portion?
Is it too much length (deep) to just bury all the ugly stuff?
That's a lot of questions, but hopefully you guys can help me with some of them. I would like to save this plant.
Thanks!
First thing, is this actually U. pectinifera? It does not have the same wooly ribs I am used to seeing but maybe it is too young or a subspecies? The plant seems taller than I would expect for the size of the head. I thought this species had a more globulose habit.
When I looked closer at home there are very small dried clumps of egg cases that fell off with a light touch. They didn't have anything wet inside when I crushed them. I believe this plant was treated with insecticide before it was sold, but I think it had a serious infestation before. Could an infestation havr made it grow this way? What bug, if any do you suspect? I don't think it is mealy bug.
Do you guys think I would be successful cutting off the top third that looks healthy and rooting it? Could I possibly graft that same portion?
What about the bottom part, do you guys think it might pup out once it calloused over? Could I upside down graft lower portion?
Is it too much length (deep) to just bury all the ugly stuff?
That's a lot of questions, but hopefully you guys can help me with some of them. I would like to save this plant.
Thanks!