My new Opuntia humifusa

fanaticactus · Post by **fanaticactus** » Fri Apr 16, 2010 8:17 pm

Just so you could all see them as they are now, here are the 2 Opuntia humifusa I bought to take up to Vermont--hopefully as my first two cacti for the outdoor cold-hardy garden. I'll monitor their growth during the summer. We now have high-speed Internet up there, so I should be able to post photos whenever!

Peterthecactusguy · Post by **Peterthecactusguy** » Fri Apr 16, 2010 8:46 pm

Looks like they got some nasty glochids on them. I have a feeling if I planted one of those it would not like the AZ climate too much and would be confused.

RayC · Post by **RayC** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 1:39 pm

Should be a good start. My Humifusa that has been in the ground for a couple years is still trying to decide if its wakeup time yet, taking on water but no new growth yet.

fanaticactus · Post by **fanaticactus** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:09 pm

RayC wrote:Should be a good start. My Humifusa that has been in the ground for a couple years is still trying to decide if its wakeup time yet, taking on water but no new growth yet.

Maybe the totally bizarre weather we've had around here this month has it completely confused. Do you talk to it?

RayC · Post by **RayC** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:32 pm

fanaticactus wrote: Maybe the totally bizarre weather we've had around here this month has it completely confused. Do you talk to it?

I'm afraid to talk to it. This is the one variety that could grow almost like a weed around here (most likely I'll have to do some trimming later in the year with this). Been talking to some of the slower growers though and they seem to be enjoying it.

fanaticactus · Post by **fanaticactus** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:41 pm

Well, there ya go, RayC!! Sounds like you've learned your cacti's needs. We do what we have to, right?

John P Weiser · Post by **John P Weiser** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:40 pm

Great to see your healthy young plants. You think two is enough?

You know if you put the word out that it's not, more will start to show up on your door step as if by magic.

Good growing!!

John

fanaticactus · Post by **fanaticactus** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:14 pm

Well, at least until I really get a garden going up there, John. Then, two is never enough. Isn't it true you should never plant an even number of anything? I've already had (and accepted) a very kind offer from one of our members to send me some pads that were destined for the trash. I want to try my luck with some Echinocereus and Escobaria. But nothing fancy or too 'permanent' can be done up there until a new screen porch is built this fall, because it'll be in the same general area as I had planned the garden. I'm getting enthusiastic, and once I start a project, I want to finish ASAP. But this is a project I don't want to rush.

Post by **daiv** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:41 pm

Such plump plants. We still have the wrinkles here. It will be nice to see those when you get them in the new bed.

fanaticactus · Post by **fanaticactus** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:07 am

That's what I liked about them, Daiv--the pads were nice and fat. I hope that means they're ready to go crazy this summer!

ihc6480 · Post by **ihc6480** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 12:25 am

I agree with John on 2 not being enough and about the magic part too.

Once your garden starts your grass disappears

Peterthecactusguy · Post by **Peterthecactusguy** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:25 am

Bill,
you have a nice yard. I would totally have the same yard too, If I lived there. I hate grass!

John P Weiser · Post by **John P Weiser** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:54 am

Bill
You got a spare bedroom?? Sounds like Peter wants to move in with ya.
You'll have to ask Judy if it's alright.
I'm just guessing but, I bet she tells you one cactus crazed man is more than enough!!

Peterthecactusguy · Post by **Peterthecactusguy** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:56 am

John... LoL
I would have to bring some of my spiny friends too. hahahahahaha