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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 2, 2008 17:02:38 GMT 1
Actually The witch I've just looked at it on Google Images and although there aren't many pictures, where it's planted into the ground even the leaf tips don't dry up which gives a clue. Probably needs a decent sized pot too. It's still in the tiny pot you put it in Mick.  Move it on then The witch. Be generous as I know you are.... |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 2, 2008 17:25:03 GMT 1
Move it on then The witch. Be generous as I know you are.... I will Mick - I've got some cactus compost as it happens. Or should I move him outside? Too late in the year now. |
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Post by Sweetleaf on Sept 2, 2008 20:17:55 GMT 1
Mick  ...........my Xmas cacti which have been in the garden all summer, already have well developed buds! Is this a record?  |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 3, 2008 9:50:47 GMT 1
Mick ...........my Xmas cacti which have been in the garden all summer, already have well developed buds! Is this a record? I don't know about a record but it is very early. |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 4, 2008 10:00:13 GMT 1
I really must take my own advice....
When the weather was nice and warm and sunny last weekend I went through and watered everything. Of course, the weather promptly went downhill and they aren't drying out as quickly as i would like. That may well be the last watering of the year for the cacti.
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 8, 2008 9:43:35 GMT 1
The witch, I potted on Manfreda in July and the roots are already through the bottom of my pot. It needs potting on again.
But, excitement! At last one of the Pelargonium tricolor cuttings has rooted! What an ordeal that has been.
I repotted all my winter growing succulent pelargoniums Saturday morning and put Pachypodium succulentum into a lovely square pot. Looks very handsome now and will be going to the Oxford show in September.
A lot of the Lithops are flowering now.
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 9, 2008 13:22:26 GMT 1
I potted on my Manfreda at the weekend Mick - he was rather pot bound - poor chap. I've got a feeling he's changed his name to Agave now. I'll have to check. |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 9, 2008 16:56:39 GMT 1
I've looked at Manfreda in some depth. Correct name Manfreda maculosa.
It's also called the spice lily, gets about a foot across, has fragrant, creamy white and pink flowers in Spring in a spike about 4' high.
Likes the hottest, sunniest spot in summer bnut also likes plenty of water. Can take pretty low temps in winter, even below freezing, if dry.
Early American settlers considered it an antidote to snakebite and the roots were pounded to a mash to use as shampoo or a cleanser.
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Post by 4pygmies on Sept 9, 2008 17:00:07 GMT 1
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 9, 2008 22:48:05 GMT 1
I've looked at Manfreda in some depth. Correct name Manfreda maculosa. It's also called the spice lily, gets about a foot across, has fragrant, creamy white and pink flowers in Spring in a spike about 4' high. Likes the hottest, sunniest spot in summer bnut also likes plenty of water. Can take pretty low temps in winter, even below freezing, if dry. Early American settlers considered it an antidote to snakebite and the roots were pounded to a mash to use as shampoo or a cleanser. Best I find a large pot in preparation then Mick.  Indeed - get ready.... |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 13, 2008 21:10:18 GMT 1
I have a show coming up in October - work to do....
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 16, 2008 8:50:18 GMT 1
I have a show coming up in October - work to do.... Where Mick? Witney, Oxford. It's an all succulent show. Not a cactus in sight. |
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Post by 4pygmies on Sept 16, 2008 18:21:37 GMT 1
Take your new camera and learn how to upload it Mick...........?  |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 17, 2008 9:03:12 GMT 1
Stop it you lot....
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 17, 2008 13:01:29 GMT 1
No more watering for the cacti now until next year.
Ferocactus horridus (and it really is horridus) has budded up for the first time but unless we get some sun the flowers won't open.
You'd like a picture of it wouldn't you....
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Post by Sweetleaf on Sept 17, 2008 15:16:44 GMT 1
No more watering for the cacti now until next year. Ferocactus horridus (and it really is horridus) has budded up for the first time but unless we get some sun the flowers won't open. You'd like a picture of it wouldn't you.... Well, yes, but ... commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Ferocactus_horridus.jpgI have already stopped watering and am in the process of bringing indoors some of the more tender plants (well, into the porch)  The rest will follow. |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 19, 2008 8:51:49 GMT 1
No. That was for the cacti. Succulents can continue to be watered into October. After that once a month will suffice.
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Post by 4pygmies on Sept 26, 2008 16:36:59 GMT 1
I can't wait for the comments but, Mick, why is my little cactus (I know it's not a mammillaria but can't remember its name..), the one with the white flowers covered in white crusty stuff, please?
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 27, 2008 8:10:37 GMT 1
I hope it's not mealy bug....
Can you post a pic?
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Post by Biggles on Oct 14, 2008 22:09:45 GMT 1
Mick--You have probally been asked this question before so forgive me -- How did you get into Cacti Growing? Did you just start off with one then you 'Caught the Bug' for it? I have never been a Cacti Lover simply because I can never get them to survive--they either go all shrivilled up or just dont seem to grow into anything --no flowers no new growth etc. I think it must be because I am impatient! ;D They certainly look lovely when you grow them but then you must be very patient! --Bigs PS Signing off for now--See you tomorrow-- |
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Post by mickthecactus on Oct 15, 2008 9:02:09 GMT 1
Hi Bigs.
When I were a lad my parents used to pick up odd cacti when they went abroad and because I had a bay window with a big window ledage they were all put there. I didn't do much with them (doubt if I even watered them) but then when I was 16 I came across a litle booklet about cacti in a garden shop in the City where I had my first job and that set me off. The rest is history.
For the most part they really are very easy to look after. Just follow some basic rules and they will follow:-
Give them as much sun as you can.
Water thoroughly but don't water again until they are dry.
Don't water between October and March and keep them cool and bright.
Repot every other year at least.
That's it!
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Post by Biggles on Oct 15, 2008 10:37:22 GMT 1
You make it sound so easy!--Now where is your camera--Stop teasing-and take a few photographs--
You say "When I was a lad"--now that cant be many years ago--
but it just shows from little acorns big oaks grow--
Good luck with the show in October and let us know how you get on--We want photographs with Proof that you were there-- ;D
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Post by mickthecactus on Oct 15, 2008 11:22:33 GMT 1
You make it sound so easy!--Now where is your camera--Stop teasing-and take a few photographs-- You say "When I was a lad"--now that cant be many years ago-- but it just shows from little acorns big oaks grow-- Good luck with the show in October and let us know how you get on--We want photographs with Proof that you were there-- ;D I did the show last Sunday - see Cactus news..... There are some photographs there. |
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Post by Biggles on Oct 15, 2008 12:45:01 GMT 1
Thanks Mick--Will have a look later--Bigs
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