Problem is, I now have a handful of seed pods but I'm not really interested in seed, I'd like a flower! So, my question is, are there any "tips and tricks" that might work to get a bud to open?...
Frailea Castanea "buds"
Forum rules
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!
-
JonNo
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 447
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 10 Feb 2020
- Branch: None
- Country: England
Frailea Castanea "buds"
My little Frailea Castanea keeps on churning out flower buds, but they never open... They just keep stacking up and of course the top ones then fall away. I've read this is because they self pollinate and therefore often don't open but rather just become seed pods.
Problem is, I now have a handful of seed pods but I'm not really interested in seed, I'd like a flower! So, my question is, are there any "tips and tricks" that might work to get a bud to open?...
Problem is, I now have a handful of seed pods but I'm not really interested in seed, I'd like a flower! So, my question is, are there any "tips and tricks" that might work to get a bud to open?...
-
Diane
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 5590
- Joined: 15 Jun 2007
- Branch: None
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Frailea Castanea "buds"
Yes, they need plenty of sun (probably not possible indoors), heat and I think high humidity plays a part too. The few I have in the greenhouse have flowered in the last week or so, after hot weather.
- Frailea sp.
- Frailea asteroides
Diane - member of Kingston branch
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
Re: Frailea Castanea "buds"
They are beautiful Diane, I am envious!
Mine sits in the South facing lounge window in the daytime. When the sun is out, because it is shining directly on the plants through glass (and the Frailea is front and centre in prime position) it gets very hot indeed, quite often over thirty degrees I'm sure, in fact I've had to move a couple of plants because they were scorching... Even the Mealy Bugs wear sombreros. I guess it must be the humidity level I'm failing on then.
Ah well... I'll just have to admire yours!
Mine sits in the South facing lounge window in the daytime. When the sun is out, because it is shining directly on the plants through glass (and the Frailea is front and centre in prime position) it gets very hot indeed, quite often over thirty degrees I'm sure, in fact I've had to move a couple of plants because they were scorching... Even the Mealy Bugs wear sombreros. I guess it must be the humidity level I'm failing on then.
Ah well... I'll just have to admire yours!
Re: Frailea Castanea "buds"
As Diane says you need high humidity and heat.( I don't give mine a lot of light as other cacti also, I keep the. Fraileas green in colour ). I also water these types more often( every 5 days, this depends on the weather)
Russell, just a 17 year old cacti, succulent and orchid collector.
From Sri Lanka (tropical climate)
From Sri Lanka (tropical climate)
Re: Frailea Castanea "buds"
Hi Russell, sadly high humidity levels is one thing I can't achieve in my lounge... Looks like I'm stumped!