Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld

[Al Laius]

In the December journal, in my editorial, I asked for members to share with me (for publication) any tips and hints for successful cultivation that you’d be happy to share. I know that there is already a good history of hints and tips on this Forum but what I’m after is short, one or two sentence items. Feel free to contribute if you are a non-member too, and if posting from overseas then please indicate your country as growing conditions can make a big difference.

Send any tips for publication to editor@bcss.org.uk or by responding here on the Forum.

Thanks
Al

[Phil_SK]

I've split your post out of that longer CactusWorld thread otherwise it'll keep getting buried.

[Nick_G]

OK I'll start.

Microwaveable take away containers, 3/4 filled with compost and lid tightly on, are excellent for cactus seed raising.

[Rich45s]

Without ever having tried this myself, the principle seems sound. A slow cooker helps germinate seeds that require under heat

[Peter]

Repotting/potting on is usually the best fertiliser a plant get - but using an oversized pot is likely to kill it. Too much compost in a pot is a bad thing.

[Aiko]

"When in doubt if you need to water, then don't water"

[Kees]

Cover the fresh wound of a cactus cutting with a thick layer of ashes until it is dry. It will keep molds at bay.

[Cidermanrolls]

For most cacti in winter
Dry and cool, OK
Wet and cold, not OK

[SpikyMike]

Talk to your plants. It might not make them grow better - but it feels good.

[Cidermanrolls]

Cacti grow from the south of South America to the north of North America, in every country of the continent. They grow at sea level and high in the mountains.
There is no “one size fits all” in cactus culture.

Please correct me if there’s a country where they don’t grow......