Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- Peter
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
I always use small stones/pebbles at the bottom of pots. This subject has been discussed on this forum previously and there are differing thoughts. My point of view however, is that removing the pebbles when repotting loosens the roots, allowing them to easily 'grab' the new compost. The alternative - a hard as a brick rootball - presents problems with delayed root growth or root damage, and I would guess that many of us will have seen a plant with a hard rootball sitting in compost, static with no root spread. Removing the pebbles is so simple.
- conolady
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
I put a piece of newspaper or shade net if I have some over the drainage holes, then put about half an inch of medium or large gravel over that. I find that it aids drainage very well and doesn't fall through the pot.
First it was orchids, then, since c.2001, cacti and succulents. I'm into South African plants, mainly conos, lithops and haworthias, with a few cacti, especially 'posh' mamms, turbs and other smalls. Now it’s stapeliads as well...
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
Talking of small flies here's a green tip to deal with them.
Get a carnivorous plant ( mine is Drosera binata) and move it where you need it, usually near pots of seedlings and it will hoover up all the flies. It doesn't need reptting, just stands in rainwater all the time.
Get a carnivorous plant ( mine is Drosera binata) and move it where you need it, usually near pots of seedlings and it will hoover up all the flies. It doesn't need reptting, just stands in rainwater all the time.
- GregoryBulmer
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
To stop the tips of Leuchtenbergia principis dying off water it twice as often as the rest of your collection. They don't like being dry for long periods of time
Greg
Member since 2012
Cold hardy cacti and slow growers.
Member since 2012
Cold hardy cacti and slow growers.
- Tina
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
Give some Water to cleistocactus & gymnocalycium over the winter, maybe not the choicer ones like friedrichii or any newly acquired or recently repotted.
Tina
varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
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varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.
Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
- KarlR
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
I know the use of peat in the soil is a contentious subject, so I won't discuss the whole organic/inorganic/peat debate. However, I have found that it's only composts containing a large amount of peat that suffer these kind of problems. Since moving away from peat years ago I've never had issues with too compacted soil.Peter wrote: ↑Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:23 pm I always use small stones/pebbles at the bottom of pots. This subject has been discussed on this forum previously and there are differing thoughts. My point of view however, is that removing the pebbles when repotting loosens the roots, allowing them to easily 'grab' the new compost. The alternative - a hard as a brick rootball - presents problems with delayed root growth or root damage, and I would guess that many of us will have seen a plant with a hard rootball sitting in compost, static with no root spread. Removing the pebbles is so simple.
Also, in terms of tips, if the rootball really is hard as brick I would break it apart to remove all the old dead roots and tired old soil. Give the plant a good rest afterwards to recuperate, then treat it as all the other plants.
- KarlR
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
My Leuchtenbergias stand in water almost all summer. I'll fill their trays with water (about two centimetres) and then refill as necessary. They're only dry on their feet for any time if I forget about them or go on holiday.GregoryBulmer wrote: ↑Tue Jan 15, 2019 2:57 pm To stop the tips of Leuchtenbergia principis dying off water it twice as often as the rest of your collection. They don't like being dry for long periods of time
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
Thank you all very much for your tips and hints.
Now that we have covered quite a few general points, have you got any that are more genus or species related. We've already had some about Leuchtenbergia and Cleistocactus and seeds of caudiciform plants. Would be grateful for more like this.
Please keep 'em coming.
many thanks
Al
Now that we have covered quite a few general points, have you got any that are more genus or species related. We've already had some about Leuchtenbergia and Cleistocactus and seeds of caudiciform plants. Would be grateful for more like this.
Please keep 'em coming.
many thanks
Al
- Mike P
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
To get Tunilla to flower well keep them in good light, cold and dry over winter and hold off watering until April.
Mike
Secretary Bromley Branch
Secretary Bromley Branch
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Re: Cultivation snippets wanted for CactusWorld
Don't repot Stapeliads until they have started growing in spring.