BCSS - Forum

Nearly all of my Pterocactus have buds on, but seem reluctant to open.
But this one made the effort today.

Same with mine although I noticed an australis was almost open today.

I've had a few flowers on my reticulatus, but unlike last year's complete ring, this year they are opening 2 or 3 at a time in succession.

Now they are all starting

Here are some of my pterocacti this morning, lots of buds but not many flowers yet.....

It‘s interesting to see you are growing some of these with their tubers exposed. What is your reason for doing this, Tony?

Christian wrote: ↑Tue May 18, 2021 11:26 am It‘s interesting to see you are growing some of these with their tubers exposed. What is your reason for doing this, Tony?

Two reasons, Christian.
1. I cut all the top growth off most of them in Autumn 2019 when I last repotted them and wanted the tubers to heal above ground that winter before the new growth dramatically started in spring 2020.
2. If the tubers are totally sunk they tend to grow more quickly. I am happy that such plants in 5 inch pots are big enough for me.

Thanks, Tony, that makes sense. Looks like a good way to restrict the size of the plants - though I expect you‘ll need to be careful to keep the tubers sufficiently shaded in the summer.

Until I read "5 inch pots" I was going to ask if you thought the pots were big enough for their tubers. Most of them look more like 3" pots.

ralphrmartin wrote: ↑Tue May 18, 2021 5:49 pm Until I read "5 inch pots" I was going to ask if you thought the pots were big enough for their tubers. Most of them look more like 3" pots.

Indeed they do, Ralph, photos of pots & trays (never mind plants) can be deceptive in the eyes of a viewer, without a measure. Most of the plants in this 20" tray are in Optipot 12F pots, taken on a sunny/shady evening after a recent thunderstorm.