Thanks! Yeah, Illinois isn't the best weather-wise for the next several months. I was never too fond of the scorching summers in South Australia either. Climate was much better for cacti, though!

I've got a bunch of Lithops & other mesemb seeds on the way, so that'll keep me busy this winter

I've got about 40 cacti and succulents growing under lights in our basement. They're currently accompanied by my tropical bonsai trees until Spring. Unfortunately here there's only a window of a few months where the cacti can be taken outside, so I often don't bother. I've been collecting since 2008...

If starting lithops from seed, can they be started year-round or is it best to plant in spring? I'd be keeping them indoors under lights, so temperatures would be fairly constant. I was just curious if it's necessary to 'sync' them up initially with a particular growing cycle, or if they take wateri...

Fantastic photos! Growing cacti outdoors year-round is one of the things I miss from downunder.

Does anyone know of any cacti collection database apps for iPhone or iPad to keep track? I'm not too fond of Excel or Access myself! If there's nothing available, I'm considering writing one myself. I've developed a popular one for bonsai, but I'm curious whether anyone would find a similar one for ...

The Chicago Botanic Garden is definitely the best local place to go see cacti. They have a greenhouse full of them, with some stretching up to the ceiling. It's fun to visit even in the middle of Winter. Last time I went there (around September) I was pleased to see they've got a bunch of Lithops gr...

I've been browsing the board for years, but finally decided to register! I'm an Aussie expat living in Illinois. I've got a heap of cacti and succulents in the basement under lights, and I'm also a bonsai fan. I'd say my favourite succulents are definitely Lithops, though I still have a lot to learn...