Hi all, When I grew astrophytums in temperate regions, all would flower unfailingly during spring. This is unsurprising - literature is quite clear about the necessity of a cold winter for this genus to flower. However, since living in the tropics, I have been forced to use growlights (good quality ...

I am quite fond of rugged spination. T. schmiedickeanus would be a good example of something on my wishlist.

I am considerably less fond of hair-like spines (like those on peres).

H

Literature suggests that rooting hormones work by increasing the accumulation of auxins in the plant, in turn triggering root growth. If we accept that this is in fact its working mechanism, then it makes sense that a callous will likely obstruct absorption, lowering its effectiveness.

H

Bbarv,

You're right, and yes - it is unclear in the picture. Unfortunately it is the only one I took. Thanks for your input, I'll be positive.

H

Thank you all for the warm welcomes. I'm sure we'll bump into each other eventually.

H

I cannot speak for other genera but here in Singapore astrophytum and gymnocalycium cultivars have seen a significant reduction in prices post COVID-19. The increase in hobbyist importers that came with the pandemic have meant that supply of rare cacti has now increased to reasonable levels. Profit ...

George,
That is true - something to keep in mind.

Bbarv,
How can you tell?

H

Though obviously not as prevalent or with such exaggerated forms, monstrose and cristate cacti do exist in habitat. What's abnormal about them? I'd argue that growing plants in small containers continents away from their native environments is far more unnatural than a misshapen cactus. I buy them i...

Frank,

I've been following your thread for several years now (and have implemented many of your routines) but it is only recently that I decided to create an account. Just wanted to say it is a privilege to learn from your experience.

H

Dave, The rationale behind trimming the tap root was not to fit it into a smaller pot, but to encourage new growth. Though I cannot provide peer-reviewed support for this, it is common practice among cultivators here to root-trim - a practice that seems to work well for G. mihanovichii cultivars. I ...

Thanks Steve, I've updated my profile.

H

George, Yes, I usually trim the roots of my newly bought or repotted gymnocalyciums. I am accustomed to seeing fibrous roots on gymnos but the unguispinus has several unexpectedly thick, fleshy roots. I will try to post some pictures later. Those I trimmed, and am now concerned about the damage that...

Dave, I'm afraid that there is no standard potting mix I am aware of as most if not all brands vary their mixes. RE rot: I have never had an issue with trichocereus rotting, even in the tropics where I now live. Given how light perlite is, it is possible that consistent watering has caused the mediu...

Hello all, Been browsing this forum for many years now but have only recently decided to join. While I am not born in Singapore, I have been working here for many years, and now consider this place my home. My primary interest is in growing specific A. asterias cultivars from seed. Hanazonos, rensei...

Hi all, I recently splurged on some G. Unguispinus and was surprised to see they came with substantial taproots. I did what I usually do with my astrophytums, and trimmed about three-quarters of the tap root off. Retrospectively, I'm not sure if that was the correct move. I am sure that the tap root...