Cactus ID
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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!
- NorfolkExotics
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Cactus ID
Hi all, I recently purchased this cactus from B&Q after deciding it was my duty to save it from its dimly lit, poorly drained environment, despite having told myself earlier in the year that I should be making purchases less frequently
As someone who is relatively new to cacti (at least in comparison to my unhealthy habit of buying agaves and giving no consideration for space), I would be greatful for any help in finding an identification.- rodsmith
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Re: Cactus ID
Possibly a melocactus.
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Re: Cactus ID
Melocactus Azureus - keep it warm!
Stuart
Stuart
- NorfolkExotics
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Re: Cactus ID
Thank you!
- el48tel
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Re: Cactus ID
A thought ... with no preconceptions ... so don't bellow at me ....
Why do Lidl, Aldi, B&Q and Garden Centres all sell Melocactus which need fairly stringent growing conditions, without a name label, let alone an indication of what the plant needs to survive?
Why do Lidl, Aldi, B&Q and Garden Centres all sell Melocactus which need fairly stringent growing conditions, without a name label, let alone an indication of what the plant needs to survive?
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
- NorfolkExotics
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Re: Cactus ID
They don't care about suitable growing conditions etc. because they sell most of them to people that want windowsill decoration/office plants who have no clue about how to adequately care for them and most likely wont take the time to do the slightest bit of research as to potting mixtures/watering. They probably can't be bothered to offer suitable growing conditions because they aren't selling to a market that has a clue (that and it would probably take too much time and effort). B&Q also had mammillarias as well as some ferocactus, not exactly plants famed for being moisture loving...
The Jardinland chain in France, though obviously more specialist than B&Q etc. has also been quite bad for growing conditions of plants in my experience. I have been to several in which plants that really want no business with excessive water were sitting in a large tray full of water while already completely waterlogged in a potting mixture with no grit at all, and on top of that the lighting was sub-optimal. One of these in particular was near Carcassonne and I felt so bad for a little agave isthmensis that I had to buy it (took it out of the pot in the car park and the roots were soaking). For the amount of plants that they must kill through such conditions, surely they would make more money by ensuring reasonable conditions?
The Jardinland chain in France, though obviously more specialist than B&Q etc. has also been quite bad for growing conditions of plants in my experience. I have been to several in which plants that really want no business with excessive water were sitting in a large tray full of water while already completely waterlogged in a potting mixture with no grit at all, and on top of that the lighting was sub-optimal. One of these in particular was near Carcassonne and I felt so bad for a little agave isthmensis that I had to buy it (took it out of the pot in the car park and the roots were soaking). For the amount of plants that they must kill through such conditions, surely they would make more money by ensuring reasonable conditions?
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Re: Cactus ID
Arguably, Melocactus make better houseplants than collectors plants - they would be much happier in a central heated room on a sunny windowsill than in a cool greenhouse.el48tel wrote: ↑Mon May 13, 2019 9:30 am A thought ... with no preconceptions ... so don't bellow at me ....
Why do Lidl, Aldi, B&Q and Garden Centres all sell Melocactus which need fairly stringent growing conditions, without a name label, let alone an indication of what the plant needs to survive?
- el48tel
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Re: Cactus ID
Point taken about the growing conditions. But no label ... name or hint about conditions was my main point. At least the larger plants in IKEA come with a name so you get some clue ... or could do should you Google it.
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
- Phil_SK
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Re: Cactus ID
The sooner you kill it, the sooner you'll buy a replacement.
Phil Crewe, BCSS 38143. Mostly S. American cacti, esp. Lobivia, Sulcorebutia and little Opuntia
- el48tel
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Re: Cactus ID
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.