When I used to make compost, I sifted what I used for potting mix through 1/4" hardware cloth, chunks that wouldn't go through that screen went back in the compost pile as they weren't broken down enough. A lot of commercial potting mixes I've seen could use that sifting.

Possibly Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri, though it's supposed to be found in the mountains farther south. Echinocereus triglochidiatus is also a possibility.

Hi Spence, Setiechinopsis tend to be short lived plants, over 5 years is a good age. However they are self fertile therefore plant a few seeds from those fruits to have replacements coming along. I'm well aware of this, I was starting to worry that I might not harvest any seed before they died. Now...

I recently read on the BCSS forum someone submerged a Lithops with root mealies in methylated spirits. I have done it as well on some Pterocacti recently without any side effects. I don’t know a more specific term for it. It’s also sold as fuel for ‘stoves’. Here, it also has a blue tint to it. Sol...

I've had good success with a soapy water soak, should be fine.

I expect the purple will fade. Orange spots may remain, but they'll be hidden underneath as it grows.

One obvious difference between N. warasii and N. magnificus is that N. magnificus has a more bluish less shiny epidermis and N. warasii a dark green shiny one, as can be seen in your pictures above. The original post seeking to ID Colin included a picture from when he was acquired, looked quite blu...

This is the second thread about this cactus, check out the first one: viewtopic.php?p=402072#p402072

Colin is a happy cactus in his new pot. Multiple flushes of bloom per season aren't unusual for his species,

Yep, it depends on the light output.

There are light meter apps for smart phones, some aren't too bad.

It's like a slow-motion fireworks display.

I would wait until it's big enough to make a good cutting, at least. I think it will turn upward, but you could find out by waiting. They do produce offsets on stolons, but also directly from the main stem. You often see them with a ring of offsets around the base, with others popping up separately ...

It's so close to the soil line that you won't be able to tell the difference once it gets some size to it, this is totally normal.

Cactus seedlings like 100% humidity in the early stages - fungus likes that, too. Humidity won't kill the cactus seedlings, fungus will.

I agree - wait and see, the leaves that are dead will dry up and you can do cleanup then. It's not in bad shape, really.

As for ID, there are so many species and cultivars... but it looks a lot like the common Aloe barbadensis (aka Aloe vera). The tall spikes of yellow flowers match that ID.

#2 may be Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides.