The plant ends up looking like this...
[attachment 2713 Rhipil.jpg]

Not wishing to complicate matters, your description of the growth form for R cereuscula, Nick, is not so different from what I've noticed in mature R. pilocarpa... the pic shows these 'palm trees' just as they begin to arch downwards under their own weight.
Mike
[attachment 2712 Rhipil.jpg]

Can you spot those flowers yet, Colin?!

Mike
[attachment 2710 Mamele2.jpg]

Thought I'd add this one to the thread, flowering for the first time in a 2" pot. It came as Stenocactus xiphacantus, but looks just like S. multicostatus to me - although this one has purple filaments compared with my larger S. multicostatus where they're off-white... Mike [attachment 2709 ste...

Colin I only have experience with R. pilocarpa, R. burcheli and R. salicornioides, all of which as it happens are in flower (or just finishing). I claim no expertise, but my understanding is these are 'jungle' cacti, so I water them (with dilute plant food) all year round, although rather less in wi...

Please do post those pics in due course, Maria! Sharing the joy of new buds and flowers makes it all even more worthwhile. I find myself taking my lunch down to my 6' x 8' greenhouse to spend as much time as possible there at this time of year - every day there's something new to spot. Even if it is...

Thanks Colin

Thanks Colin
Unfortunately I've been unable to get a reply from Alan over an extended period, hence my query. Unless anyone else knows contact details for anyone else on the committee I shall have to write to Bill, who indeed does not use email.
Mike

I was interested to read in the editorial of the new Cactus World of plans for a special edition focussing on conservation. (I was also interested to read the editor's views on the links between, conservation, trtae and the society's fortunes, but that's another matter!) My question is, does anyone ...

The plant is about 3.5 inches across. I have a couple of seedlings that are barely an inch across budding up as well. Here's a pic of the bigger plant from last year. It's a real favourite of mine.
Mike
[attachment 2586 Stenmult2.jpg]