I have observed spines appear to grow better, stronger and with more intense colours when cacti are given increased fertiliser, I particularly seemed to notice it with slightly increased potassium. This is short term qualitative, not quantitative observation.

Have a look at the Chemical Abstract Service database (cas.org), and search on there for the CAS numbers, you will soon find a full list of names, risks, hazards, warnings and mitigations. On a separate note, I have tried Clonex on cacti cuttings. It’s a hormone liquid, but it seems to have a detrim...

Ralph,

Your in north Wales, how are your flowers so much more advanced?

Mike,

You could chop it of fairly low down then let the base offset to form a nice clump, and also root the top down.

Ed,

Mine are only starting to show flower buds, most have nothing showing yet though.

Hi Ed,

The buds are definitely this year’s, the ones from last year shrivel to a hairy blob or loose the fresher colouration even when they stay attached.

My Chamaelobivia are also starting to produce buds as are one or two Rebutias!

Stunning flowers, were they scented?

I gave my youngest seedling cacti a spray on Thursday (nice sunny afternoon), and delopyed a pipette on the smallest of the year before seedlings. With feed in obviously. Then it’s been raining since! Spent today watering and feeding my Clivias because they have started into growth this last week or...

I would guess at T.valdezianus x a turb with longer central spines, perhaps the macrochele types.

Hmm, no cockroaches tonight!