My silly question for this week...
Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii v. Friedrichii (or so it was labelled by the seller).
I bought this plant just over three months ago from an E-Bay trader. On arrival, I was a bit concerned as to its appearance (which wasn't much like the picture in the listing, which turned out to be "an example"...) but the seller assured me that it is perfectly normal for one of these plants to look like this, and the complete absence of any green and the black "highlights" are just a feature of this species.
I potted it up carefully, and in the ensuing period it has altered not one jot. And I'm beginning to wonder - is it, like the proverbial parrot, deceased? I appreciate three months isn't long in the lifespan of a cactus but I can't help but wonder... Can I get the opinion of those that know please, is the colour and overall general appearance that of a live plant?
dead or alive?...
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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!
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- BCSS Member
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Re: dead or alive?...
Are there any new spines appearing?
BCSS no.33806
Turbinicarpus, Lophophora, Ariocarpus, Lobivia and Gymnocalycium
Turbinicarpus, Lophophora, Ariocarpus, Lobivia and Gymnocalycium
- Diane
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Re: dead or alive?...
It looks a bit dehydrated, but the colour is quite normal for this species. They do prefer an ericaceous potting mix, though, as do most Gymnos, so you might want to think about repotting it...
Diane - member of Kingston branch
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
Re: dead or alive?...
Probably lost it's roots, take it out of it's pot and have a look.
BCSS no.33806
Turbinicarpus, Lophophora, Ariocarpus, Lobivia and Gymnocalycium
Turbinicarpus, Lophophora, Ariocarpus, Lobivia and Gymnocalycium
- rodsmith
- BCSS Member
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Re: dead or alive?...
It looks completely dried out to me and may not be salvageable. Still, worth a try. EBay sellers!!
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Re: dead or alive?...
Thanks all, that's really helpful.
It has been watered regularly since being in my custody, but I guess if it has indeed lost its roots that won't have made a lot of difference..! I'll take it out and re-pot it. Thanks Diane for the tip ref the compost. I did in fact buy another one about a month after this one which is in the same compost and seems to be doing fine (and is fundamentally green!), I'll think about re-potting that one in ericaceous too...
Much obliged.
It has been watered regularly since being in my custody, but I guess if it has indeed lost its roots that won't have made a lot of difference..! I'll take it out and re-pot it. Thanks Diane for the tip ref the compost. I did in fact buy another one about a month after this one which is in the same compost and seems to be doing fine (and is fundamentally green!), I'll think about re-potting that one in ericaceous too...
Much obliged.
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
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Re: dead or alive?...
Are those buds developing? If so, I think it's probably OK. Actually, while this plant looks a little shrivelled, which indicates the roots may be a bit dodgy, the colouration is quite typical for this species, and indeed is one of its attractive features in my opinion.
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
Re: dead or alive?...
If they are buds (so small its hard to tell) then they haven't changed or developed at all in the last three months...ralphrmartin wrote: ↑Wed Jul 01, 2020 6:41 pm Are those buds developing? If so, I think it's probably OK. Actually, while this plant looks a little shrivelled, which indicates the roots may be a bit dodgy, the colouration is quite typical for this species, and indeed is one of its attractive features in my opinion.
I've just taken the plant out of the pot and removed all of the compost (with warm soapy water and a rinse). There is a small amount of root, though the bottom of the plant is hard and a light brown colour. I'll give it another spray of SB later, then let it dry overnight and look to re-pot it in ericaceous in the morning.
I too like the colouring actually, it's unusual, its just that it isn't what I was expecting when I bought it and the lack of any signs of life made me wonder if the colour in fact indicated a problem... Anyway, as Rod said, worth a try and I've got little to lose I suppose!
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
- Posts: 6070
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- Location: Pwllheli
- Contact:
Re: dead or alive?...
Good luck getting it going. This group of Gymnos needs a bit more warm than some of the others, and perhaps a little watering occasionally in winter can help to prevent them losing their roots.
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk