Cactus lovers/growers?

**whippetgirl** · 05-24-2007, 08:46 PM

I have a collection of cacti/succulents. I have an echinopsis that has bloomed a few times(it is quick, with blooms that only last a day) pretty cool. I have several aloe plants that have bloomed as well with mango colored flowers. I have various other cacti that I am not sure of their names, but they thrive with very little care. I have a stapelia (?) that I got when my daughter was born,16 1/2 years ago. It was about 3 feet tall. I put it in the bathroom and now it is about 6 feet tall. Like you, I enjoy their sculptural qualities.

**Laterider21958** · 05-24-2007, 09:17 PM

I am not into the cacti, but do find some quite interesting. Have collected quite a lot of succulents though.

I love the variety of leaf shape and colours of the succulents, and they can look quite spectacular in the right pot. Have been successful in propagating some in half sand/half potting mix and have given them away as gifts (in attractive pots). One bonus - if I forget to water them they don't drop dead quickly!

**Fredwina** · 05-25-2007, 05:34 PM

I've been inspired by your posts again Ladies!
in the wild:

They're soem even more impressive one along the Railroad tracks I take to work (these aren't that set). Note the Au natural California Palm in the background
These have had some TLC. enjoy!

**Bikingmomof3** · 05-26-2007, 03:31 PM

Awesome pics Fredwina.

**Fredwina** · 05-27-2007, 10:11 AM

now , you've really done it!

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 05-27-2007, 05:50 PM

Fredwina, are those YOUR cacti in the pots on the wall there? How lovely!
I also can't beleive all those great cactus out there growing in the streets....amazing!

Here is a pretty picture of a group of my cacti catching the afternoon sun...

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**Fredwina** · 05-27-2007, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Fredwina, are those YOUR cacti in the pots on the wall there? How lovely!
I also can't believe all those great cactus out there growing in the streets....amazing!

Here is a pretty picture of a group of my cacti catching the afternoon sun...

Yes, they're mine! all mine ......
with only 8 inches of annual rainfall and 40+ days of 100F temperature. it's easy!
It's just a lot of folks opt for the generic suburban look

**bmccasland** · 05-28-2007, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by missymaya

bmccasland, have you tried potting it first or planting in a really really sunny, dry spot? Or, try a different cactus (if you haven't already). Semaphore's grow well in sticky and humidity filled environments (which is why they do so well in Florida, Virgin Islands, and Jaimaca. I hope the cactus you does well, they're so nice.

Missymaya - my cactus is in a little pot, sitting on a corner of the driveway. The hottest dryest sunnyest place I could find, for a piece of geography that gets something like 60+ inches annual rain fall. The kalanchoes seem to like it. I thought PPear would be happy too. What I'd really like is a "Christmas" cholla - I used to see them in the desert around Phoenix, when I worked for Maricopa Co. Parks at Lake Pleasant. Chollas really like hot and DRY, so it probably wouldn't be happy here one itty bitty bit.

Pre-Katrina there was a succulent nursery near-by, but I'm not sure if they survived. Guess I'll need to check the phone book.

My house is fairly small, so many of my house plants have been banished outside. Thus must cope with the high humidity on their own.

**Fredwina** · 05-28-2007, 04:38 PM

Saw these on my ride today:

BTW, those are grapevines, Cucamonga Valley style in the background

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 05-28-2007, 05:09 PM

Fredwina- those pads of that prickley pear are enormous! (can you tell I'm a Northern girl?)

Here is a website that really inspires me, such incredibly beautiful cacti and succulents, so beautifully potted and cared for:
http://www.southampton.bcss.org.uk/ShowC1.html
Note- there is more than just one page of pictures....click on "Go to next gallery" at the bottom...

**CyclChyk** · 05-28-2007, 05:15 PM

I love cacti but do not grow them. This one however, has graciously graced my yard........

**CyclChyk** · 05-28-2007, 05:16 PM

Fredwina those are gorgeous!

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 05-30-2007, 05:53 PM

My "Blue Flame"...

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**Fredwina** · 05-30-2007, 06:56 PM

Rancho Cucamonga, Ca population 160,000
Climate : semi-arid
Number of Library Branches : 2
Books about cacti and succulents : 3 and only the branch nearest me

I'm not sure if made myself clear, The ones on my patio I had just bought from Target. Let's see if still have a Black thumb

I was going to check out a book at library - but.... and the local bookstore obviosly don't know we import 62% of our water. Maybe I'll stop by Rancho Santa Ana Gardens and see what they have in the bookshop. or go to amazon and get this
Lisa , Pretty plants
and now for some pics I assume succulents are allowed (it's an agave) Tequila!

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 05-31-2007, 05:50 AM

Fredwina,
I didn't know that tequila was made from agave plants!!!

Thanks for the info!
Your Target cactus are wonderful!

Is that the view from your prison cell window?
(just kidding, I lived many years in PR and got used to all the essential "rejas" over every door and window there)

I think there is way more and better info on cacti and succulents on the internet than in books. The people on the cactus forum moan about the dearth of good books to ge had. I've found lots of great and informative websites though.

Cyclechick- those cacti in your yard look a might thirsty!

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