Meet the Homalocephalas
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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!
- iann
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Meet the Homalocephalas
The original Homoalocephala texensis, frequently lumped into Echinocactus, but a recent study says it should be split. It isn't actually the size of my lawn, but it is about 12cm wide.
Also recommended is that E. polycephalus joins Homalocephala.
And ssp xeranthemoides, obviously.
Also E. parryi, similar but with shorter tidier spines (and not clumping).
An interesting bunch, especially if you like spines.Cheshire, UK
- ralphrmartin
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
Wow, Ian, those are some superb examples of these very tricky to grow plants; the middle two are especially difficult.
Any tips?
Any tips?
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
- ChrisR
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
I suspect Ian can grow anything......
Chris Rodgerson- Sheffield UK BCSS 27098
See www.conophytum.com for ca.4000 photos and growing info on Conophytum, Crassula & Adromischus.
See www.conophytum.com for ca.4000 photos and growing info on Conophytum, Crassula & Adromischus.
-
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
They are lovely plants.
- Tina
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
Gorgeous, any cultivation tips.
All so lovely and green even at the base.
All so lovely and green even at the base.
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
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
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: Meet the Homalocephalas
Great plants! I'll join the others in asking for tips
- iann
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
I do like to grow unusual plants and things that have a reputation for being difficult. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not. I kill plenty of plants, some deliberately testing limits and trying odd things, some accidentally when I know better, some for no apparent reason.
Coincidentally, I noticed this Glandulicactus uncinatus yesterday, looking a colour that indicating imminent death. No reason that I could think of, it isn't a particularly touchy species. Today, with a friend, and I think it is time to start writing an epitaph.
Coincidentally, I noticed this Glandulicactus uncinatus yesterday, looking a colour that indicating imminent death. No reason that I could think of, it isn't a particularly touchy species. Today, with a friend, and I think it is time to start writing an epitaph.
Cheshire, UK
- iann
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
H. texensis isn't hard to grow with fairly standard methods. This particular plant always seems like it is a bit stressed in the sun, but it keeps on getting bigger.
E. polycephalus is the one people have trouble with. You need to remember that it only grows for about two months of the year, say March and April. Be satisfied with a couple of new areoles, which is actually a fair chunk of plant, and don't try to persuade it to make more later into summer. So I start watering in February, give or take a few weeks, whenever there is a bit of early sun to warm up the greenhouse. Cold nights, freezing or even below, are not a problem and may be helpful. Then fairly dry until late summer. It isn't as strict as something like a Sclerocactus about being dry right through summer, and leaving it too long might even cause the roots to be lost. Full sun helps the spines, any scorching is more a sign that the plant might have problems than the greenhouse being too hot. If they lose their roots, it takes a very long time to regrow them so a plant might sulk for two or three years. Probably the most difficult thing is germinating the seed.
E. parryi is a bit more normal, but still tends to push some new areoles in spring and then spend summer just maturing them.
E. polycephalus is the one people have trouble with. You need to remember that it only grows for about two months of the year, say March and April. Be satisfied with a couple of new areoles, which is actually a fair chunk of plant, and don't try to persuade it to make more later into summer. So I start watering in February, give or take a few weeks, whenever there is a bit of early sun to warm up the greenhouse. Cold nights, freezing or even below, are not a problem and may be helpful. Then fairly dry until late summer. It isn't as strict as something like a Sclerocactus about being dry right through summer, and leaving it too long might even cause the roots to be lost. Full sun helps the spines, any scorching is more a sign that the plant might have problems than the greenhouse being too hot. If they lose their roots, it takes a very long time to regrow them so a plant might sulk for two or three years. Probably the most difficult thing is germinating the seed.
E. parryi is a bit more normal, but still tends to push some new areoles in spring and then spend summer just maturing them.
Cheshire, UK
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
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Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
Thanks Ian. I'll just pop and unwater my H. polycephala!
I once wrote an article on Glandulicactus uncinatus, and got asked to change the title to Sclerocactus uncinatus. I pointed out that it couldn't possibly be a Sclerocactus, as I can grow it! (I clinched the case by citing DNA evidence too).
I once wrote an article on Glandulicactus uncinatus, and got asked to change the title to Sclerocactus uncinatus. I pointed out that it couldn't possibly be a Sclerocactus, as I can grow it! (I clinched the case by citing DNA evidence too).
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
- KarlR
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 635
- Joined: 13 Oct 2014
- Branch: None
- Country: Norway
- Location: Kristiansand, Norway
Re: Meet the Homalocephalas
Thanks for the tips, Iann! I also have watered my xeranthemoides and parryi recently. They're quite young so I thought they'd appreciate some water - how old are yours when you start holding off water during summer?