Cactus Doctor

[mickthecactus]

I wish I knew what you meant.

[sweetleaf]

Look in the FAQ Mick! The witch posted instructions on how to do it in "creating Links" I havent got the hang of it though, I will have another go sometime, I suppose.

[debbiem]

Hi Cactus Doctor. The question's probably been asked before, so excuse me if it has - I have kept my cacti in the bathroom over Winter and now it's time to do something for them. They're about to go outside. I know you say, Mick, that I can repot them in acid compost but what about fertilizer? Would they be happy with some Growmore in the pots, or MiracleGro or Miracid? It's about time these poor old things had life rather than just an existance. My usual crime against cacti is to overwater them and then they rot so I've hardly given them any water at all for months, as I've read somewhere that they shouldn't have water through the Winter months?
Thanks!
Debbie

[mickthecactus]

Debbie, absolutely right. Keep them dry through winter but they definitely should be watered now.

Don't add Growmore to the potting compost but water with 1/4 strength tomato fertiliser each time you water. Let them dry out before you water again. Keep them in the sun.

Do you have any pictures of them?

[debbiem]

Thanks Mick - I'll take some pictures. They deserve more attention than they're getting, although they must be pretty resilient!

[debbiem]

Here's a picture of them Mick - I hasten to add that this is BEFORE the repotting, which I'll do today.
Can you identify any of them from the picture? I know it's not the best....

[mickthecactus]

Not easy Debbie.

The biggest one towards the back is an Ecinopsis, the one next to it looks like a Notocactus,
the one in front of that could be an Echinocereus and that's about it. Have any of them flowered?

[debbiem]

I seem to remember a couple of them flowering Mick, but it was a long time ago - I've had them for years. It's about time I afford them the same attention as all the other plants, starting with repotting them, which I've just done - they're a bit composty at the moment;

[The witch]

What a lot of lovely cactus you have there Debbie
Potting them on isn't a pleasant job, did you wear thorn proof gloves and did you use cactus compost?

[mickthecactus]

I think Debbie used ericaceous but I can't see much sign of sand, perlite etc. to open it up for good drainage.

I also wonder if some of the pots are a bit too big. The pot should really go with the root system.

Debbie?

[mickthecactus]

I think cactus growing is going through a bad patch at present.

Yesterday I went to the nearest cactus nursery to me which is in Farnborough, Kent and the guy running that is 75+. We were running through old nurseries and one by one they have all gone. His is now the only one left in the South and the future of that must be doubtful at best.

[sweetleaf]

Thats bad news why do you think its happening? Are garden centres taking the trade?
They dont offer much choice though do they?I think you should be thinking about saving the hobby by interesting more people in starting their own nurseries Mick!

[sweetleaf]

My Sanseviera (SP) is flowering for the first time Im rather pleased with it, would you like to see a pic? Its a succulent, but I think you might be interested regardless.

[mickthecactus]

I think it's just that too many collectors are popping their clogs and there are very few younger people taking up the hobby now.

However SL you are a younger person and you're interested so not all is lost...........

[sweetleaf]

mickthecactus said:

I think it's just that too many collectors are popping their clogs and there are very few younger people taking up the hobby now.

However SL you are a younger person and you're interested so not all is lost...........

True! ;D

[debbiem]

Gosh that's lovely Sweetleaf!
Sorry I haven't replied before as I've been away for the weekend(and back with cuttings galore which all look promising).
The witch, as they were so parched I turned them out on a piece of corregated cardboard and didn't even have to tip them out, they just fell onto the cardboard sideways.
Do you think the pots are too big Mick? They all look EXTREMELY happy now they've been rained on for a couple of days. They are indeed in ericaceous compost with some crocks at the bottom for drainage - would you recommend something in addition to this?

[mickthecactus]

Yup. They should be thoroughly watered but then dry out quickly or the roots are liable to rot particularly if sitting in a lot of cold wet soil.

I mix 50% sharp sand/grit with my compost and then add some perlite at potting time as well.

[debbiem]

Ok thanks Mick - right now they could do with a dry-out. I'll keep an eye on them.

[mickthecactus]

Debbie, I would also say only to water them when the weather is decent. Curent weather is unsuitable and I haven't watered at all this month.

[The witch]

Debbie perhaps you should consider using this next time.

[debbiem]

:smileThanks The witch - I'll remember that for next time. I don't know what the weather's doing here really, it's sunny at the moment but threatening rain so I think they should spend a few days in the dry somewhere.

[Sleepy]

debbiem said:

:smileThanks The witch - I'll remember that for next time. I don't know what the weather's doing here really, it's sunny at the moment but threatening rain so I think they should spend a few days in the dry somewhere.

Lovely blue skies and sunshine here at the moment.

[debbiem]

Sunny and breezy here - looks like it could change at any moment. And bloomin' cold.

[mickthecactus]

Exciting stuff - just had an e-mail from the States and they are sending me a cutting of a rare Agave that doesn't seem to be available in the UK - Agave gypsophila. And with the current exchange rate the cost is less than £5 including postage.

[debbiem]

Gosh that's excellent Mick! Bet you can't wait for its arrival.