lophophora companion / nurse plants
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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!
- greatnorthernexotic
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 138
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 06 Dec 2022
- Branch: LEEDS
- Country: United Kingdom
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lophophora companion / nurse plants
I'd like to pot up an l. williamsii with a nurse plant or a companion plant to attempt to recreate the 'habitat' look in a pot. Does anyone have any suggestions for a suitable plant that (a) it grows with or under in habitat and (b) won't get too big?
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BCSS #54601 (LEEDS BRANCH)
youtube.com/@greatnorthernexotic / instagram.com/greatnorthernexotic
In the greenhouse: ariocarpus, astrophytum, aztekium, copiapoa, lophophora...
In the outdoor arid bed: hardy agave, aloe, dasylirion, hesperaloe, opuntia, yucca...
BCSS #54601 (LEEDS BRANCH)
youtube.com/@greatnorthernexotic / instagram.com/greatnorthernexotic
In the greenhouse: ariocarpus, astrophytum, aztekium, copiapoa, lophophora...
In the outdoor arid bed: hardy agave, aloe, dasylirion, hesperaloe, opuntia, yucca...
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- BCSS Member
- Posts: 466
- Joined: 14 Aug 2009
- Branch: None
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Lancaster UK
Re: lophophora companion / nurse plants
There is a handy list of plants in this area/habitat here:
https://bplant.org/search.php?search=&r ... art=0#page
Other than other cacti and succulents, the genus that stood out to me was Eriogonum. Some species, not necessarily those listed, are sometimes available from alpine nurseries/seedlists.
In a pot though, you have to balance the water needs of non-succulent plants in winter with the dryness requirement of your Lophs.
https://bplant.org/search.php?search=&r ... art=0#page
Other than other cacti and succulents, the genus that stood out to me was Eriogonum. Some species, not necessarily those listed, are sometimes available from alpine nurseries/seedlists.
In a pot though, you have to balance the water needs of non-succulent plants in winter with the dryness requirement of your Lophs.
Darren nr Lancaster UK. Growing Conophytum, Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, bulbs etc.
Re: lophophora companion / nurse plants
I've only seen it growing in very large clusters under creosote bushes, Larrea Tridentata, though these are meant to produce something from the roots that deters other plants. Otherwise they're seen as smaller plants out in the open, they don't seem to have 'nurse' plants like quite a few other cacti. Loph Diffusa often grows with Opuntia Microdasys, which seem to make a strange couple. I brought back a few pieces of Mexican rocks, no plants, to make them feel at home!
Stuart
Stuart
- DaveW
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 8180
- Joined: 08 Jul 2007
- Branch: NOTTINGHAM
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Branch President
- Location: Nottingham
Re: lophophora companion / nurse plants
You also may find some information here:-
https://sacredcacti.com/blog/tag/nurse-plants/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/ea ... urse-plant
However you may not have access to the same nurse plants as in habitat and many are found not just under shrubs but among grasses, therefore just let the grass grow in the pots.
You may get some indication from these videos:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7rNP1UBOYo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRntZ1Y5258
Also remember that a nurse plant may only be required at a seedling stage then die off leaving the more mature cacti exposed. However some smaller cacti may grow under more permanent nurse plants all their lives.
https://sacredcacti.com/blog/tag/nurse-plants/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/ea ... urse-plant
However you may not have access to the same nurse plants as in habitat and many are found not just under shrubs but among grasses, therefore just let the grass grow in the pots.
You may get some indication from these videos:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7rNP1UBOYo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRntZ1Y5258
Also remember that a nurse plant may only be required at a seedling stage then die off leaving the more mature cacti exposed. However some smaller cacti may grow under more permanent nurse plants all their lives.
Nottingham Branch BCSS. Joined the then NCSS in 1961, Membership number 11944. Cactus only collection.