Noted, thanks MatDz. I had problems (entirely of my own making) last year using Chempak, so feeding is an issue for me...

Interesting observations, thanks. My plants are also "warmer than usual" (as they live in a centrally heated house) so what you say about the medium drying out more quickly is pertinent and useful to know. As regards feeding, I guess in the long run it is much the same situation as with us...

Any advice please as to whether this is suitable for general use? Am thinking of trying something different to my usual John Innes No.2/ grit mix.

...as a full ring?!

That's a nice display. Apart from Shlumbergera and Aloe Variegata, I've so far had Mammillaria Gracilis Arizona Snowcap, Mammillaria Bombycina and Echinocereus Viridiflorus in flower, though the buds have been quite reluctant to open, no doubt due to lack of sunshine. All just before they had their ...

That is indeed beautiful!

My little Nelii has for the last two winters produced a bud, and on both occasions they refused to open and eventually dried up... I guess you must get a better quality of sunshine in West Wales than I do down the road in North Shropshire!

Herts Mike wrote: ↑Wed Jan 03, 2024 9:12 am Clutching and straws comes to mind....

Or - optimism?! Out walking this morning I passed a house where, in the front garden, there were daffodils in full bloom... All very strange.

Five plants in bud or flower this week, including this one.

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. I Googled the book mentioned by Ralph, and as best I recall it is the only time I have ever done such a search and received no results whatsoever! So I think you were lucky to get a copy ianstrutt, well done! I doubt a letter to Santa is going to help me ...

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. I Googled the book mentioned by Ralph, and as best I recall it is the only time I have ever done such a search and received no results whatsoever! So I think you were lucky to get a copy ianstrutt, well done! I doubt a letter to Santa is going to help me ...