Simply stunning.

I've sprayed my plants on the two or three nights this year when it has been really warm and sultry. I think it does them good and mimics overnight dew to some extent as well as deterring the dreaded RSM (NOT Regimental Sergeant Major - remember them?). I'm not convinced that using fertiliser in the...

It may be the angle of the photo but Harry B's specimen looks a bit leggy compared with Lindsey's. Maybe not enough bright light?

Without seeing a picture it's impossible to say.

Both are Ferocacti but too young to be specific about species. Stainesii usually has very red spines, although this depends on the amount of sun they have had.

Lovely deep colouring, Maurice. I know exactly how you feel when a cactus blooms, especially if you've had a long wait.

Looks like mihanovichii to me.

And for those who wonder: an HPLC is a instrument for chemical analysis that is not just time-consuming to use, it also frequently malfunctions and is therefore very good at wasting the operator's time. I was going to ask what an HPLC is. Good luck with the cactus & succulent collection, Pionee...

cactusrogerUK wrote:Cross pollinate, and collect a trillion tiny seeds next spring. Sow. They grow like weeds!! Swamp eBay

I took the brush to them on Thursday and will await seed pods with interest. EBay will be deluged.

Many thanks, Richaud and DaveW.