If I haven't seen a mealie bug for a year do you think I've conquered them or am i just kidding myself? For a couple of years prior to relocating I carried out a regime of completely submersing all my plants (plant, pot, substrate, the lot) in a bucket of the most noxious insecticide I could lay my...

I overwintered a batch successfully last winter by chickening out!
They stayed in the propagator, under lights, and all did very well.

I've had H. tessellata occasionally self-pollinate, producing seedlings true to type. I've not had other types self-pollinate.

Last winter was singularly destructive - hopefully a one-off - in that many cacti and succulent plants, Aloe strtiatula being one, were caught off-guard by the early cold whilst still in active growth and subsequently damaged more than the temperatures would normally suggest. Nevertheless not many ...

It's certainly making the summer growers confused. Any remaining flower buds are being aborted and are falling off. Some early spring growers are confused too. One of my Pediocactus knowltonii is budding up. My P. knowltonii plants always produce buds in summer. Here's July 2021: knowltonii-0701.jp...

el48tel wrote: ↑Sat Jul 22, 2023 8:04 am It's certainly making the summer growers confused. Any remaining flower buds are being aborted and are falling off.

Some early spring growers are confused too. One of my Pediocactus knowltonii is budding up.

How do I reply to a particular comment? MatDZ, thanks for the idea but ai don’t think it is as it doesn’t have any spiky bits long the edges at all. Another strong vote for Black Gem. 1. It often doesn't have very spiny leaves. 2. Your photos clearly show some leaves with with a few teeth on their ...

Matucanas are generally not self fertile. It's not particularly rot prone for a cactus. It is, of course, far less tolerant of persistent damp than many non-succulent houseplants. The greenhouse is probably the best place for it over summer, but it is quite tender so will need some warmth when night...

It's hard to be specific, but in general, I'd expect a reduction in system efficiency as you add fans without adding more batteries and panels. In addition, the battery may be suited to lower load applications so may be less effective and/or have a reduced life if driving multiple fans. However, as ...

Is Opuntia humifusa self fertile? I have pods swelling under dead flowers. According to ADBLPS, yes. I sowed Opuntia humifusa seeds last year and more seedlings sprouted than I sowed seeds - several of the seed seemed to have double embryos and I think 1 seed may have had treble. I'd not noticed th...