cacti and succulent fans make your presence known here

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've been growing succulents since I was a little kid.
My newest project is a cold hardy cactus and succulent garden I'm putting in on the south side of our house.
Right now I have three types of cold hardy prickly pear/cholla (Opuntia spp.), several nice variegated Yucca, some unusual Sedum and a few others that can stay outside in addition to my cold intolerant plants I still need to lug inside every winter.
I've joined a couple of online cactus and succulent groups, but there's no cactus site that even come close to something like 'Reef Central', and there probably never will be- for a lot of reasons.
Long story short, over the years I've noticed that a lot of reefkeepers are avid gardeners and I'm hoping to connect with other succulent growers- locally, statewide and nationwide.
I'm especially interested in any hardy Opuntia (prickly pear) that flower pink or red (the types I already have are yellow flowering O. humifusa and O. polyacantha , but I'm not positive of those ID's.)
I'm also interested in any cold hardy "ball cactus" such as Escobaria and Coryphantha as well as any cold hardy Echinocereus.
Heck, cold hardy cacti are so difficult to come by around upstate NY I'd be interested in just about anything.
Cold hardy succulent fans seem to be very far and few in between. Please post to this thread if you're one of them!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_1979keeper.jpg
My Notocactus in bloom

[ri]

I guess I could be called a cacti and succulent fan. I'm not much into the cold hardy varieties, however. My parents planted a few winter hardy cacti last year. They survived the winter and are looking good.

Later this summer, I'll be traveling to Arizona and Texas. I plan to visit several cacti farms with plans of taking many pictures and adding to my collection of succulents. My favorite is the Lithops.

My collection contains close to 200 seedlings (most planted this past winter) and a few dozen "regular" sized cacti. I have many seeds available if anyone is interested.

ri

[T Man]

Howdy Gary! I've been a big fan of cacti also......I live in Phoenix so they grow like weeds here. They remind me so much of corals- when I'm in my backyard I feel like I'm standing inside a giant reef tank. I'd be happy to frag anything you see for you. TinMan

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113880bloom.JPG
You just missed my springtime bloom.....
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113880mc2.JPG
.....................
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113880MC.JPG

[razzmatazz]

Wish I had known this I just gave all my cold hardy cacti away this spring. You could have had quite a collection. If I get any more in I will send them your way.

[kimfdim]

I'm with you on that one, Gary. I have a little cactus garden that goes out on the back porch in summer. I really want to try the cold hardy cactus, however. How cool would it be to have southwest in your backyard without worries of scorpions! If I had it my way...I'd be living there! I will post pics of what I have tomorrow!

[Gary Majchrzak]

Kewl. We have some replies!
I knew Rick was into Lithops. I know Helinski's have a big bed of prickly pear. Sorry I missed your giveaway, razz.
kim- there's a fella in Akron or Alden (I can't remember which one!) that's really knowledgable about growing cactus outdoors.
I need to connect with that guy and see what he's doing.

LU359TINMAN- I really love your plants, especially that Organ Pipe and Silver Cholla. I don't think many of those would survive our wet and cold winters, though.
I've always had to bring my Saguaro and Organ Pipe inside.

[bigjdotcom01]

Luckily for me, I am moving to the valley of the sun in mid-July :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

Good luck, Lew.
I used to dream about moving to Strawberry, Pine, Payson or somewhere down by Tuscon.

[DiViNeLeFT]

im into the cactus and succulents as well. ill have to snap a few pics for this thread... unfortunatly i dont have anything cold hardy, every window sill on the south side of my house is packed full of potted cacti. i do have a species that looks similiar to Echinocereus that blooms with huge pink flowers, ive never left one outside to see if it would tolterate the cold though.

[ri]

Gary,

I bookmarked this site a while ago... they sells lots of Cacti books, including one on growing cacti in the snow.

ri

http://www.rainbowgardensbookshop.com/cactusccb.html#

# 5018 CACTUS IN THE SNOW - B. Brethauer (2000).
For those of you cacti enthusiasts who love cacti, but reside in the colder areas of the world, Cactus in the Snow is a book you must have. Beginning with a learning chapter on the basics of cactus anatomy, where to start, and cultivation and protection for beginners, the book then proceeds to describe the many different species available for those who live in the 'wet and frozen' parts of the world---echinocereus, escobarias, opuntias, pediocactus, yuccas and more. There are 61 black and white photos---all large format and very crisp and clear-among the finest we have seen. 111 pages, 7” x 8-1/2”, staplebound, semi-glossy illustrated cover. All this for a reasonable price of only: $15.95

[Gary Majchrzak]

nice find. Thanks, Rick! :)

[KurtsReef]

Very pretty bloom, and nice shot of it as well.

I have some "Hens and Chicks" in one of my gardens, but thats the only semi-cacti type plant I have.

[concretenomad]

fan

[Brent Thomann]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10069121#post10069121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bigjdotcom01
Luckily for me, I am moving to the valley of the sun in mid-July :)

born in Flagstaff and live in Mesa for 20 years, way too HOT in the summer and too much crime & people now, will never go back! Love WNY and the seasons!

I certainly kicked a lot of cactus growing up out there, no fun!! Especially the jumping cactus, watch out for those! Especially watch out for Brown Recluses, I was bit by one and my arm looked very similar - http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_slideshow86.htm

[Gary Majchrzak]

Dang, Brent- I hope that your arm didn't look as bad as that dudes hand. That looks horrible.

[Brent Thomann]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10123951#post10123951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
Dang, Brent- I hope that your arm didn't look as bad as that dudes hand. That looks horrible.

it sure did, within a few hours of getting bit. the weird thing was it didn't really hurt, just looked REAL nasty. oh, and you get real bad flew like symptoms for a couple weeks. I had a friends grand mother die from getting bit by one. hard to believe the spider the size of your pinky nail can pack suck a punch.

[Gary Majchrzak]

we have a spider around upstate NY that resembles a brown recluse. I saw this one in my garage a few weeks ago and it freaked me out, so before I got rid of it I took this picture.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Dysderacrocata2.jpg
this spider turned out to be Dysdera crocata, a harmless potato bug eating spider.

Some of my cold hardy Opuntia have started to bloom this week. I have 3 prickly pear species that have survived our winters and I'm looking for more- especially those types that have pink or red flowers.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_3698keeper.jpg

[S Helinski]

Here's the Prickley Pear!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/34137P6180002.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/34137P6180003.JPG


If anyone wants some, come on over.

FREE

lol


Steve

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for posting, Steve. I remember seeing those prickly pear when you had a reef meet at your house a couple of years ago. They look like the spineless eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa). Mine are in full bloom right now, too.
I have at least three other types of Opuntia that survived last winter outside and a couple of them have really large pads.

[ri]

Here is a website featuring pics of cold hardy cactus.

http://www.theamateursdigest.com/coldhard.htm

ri

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks for the link, Rick. I've been visiting that website for years.

Steve- I'm guessing your Dad takes care of that garden. Does he feed the prickly pears 'rose food' by chance?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Delosperma cooperi is a kewl winter hardy succulent in our zone as long as it's in an area of good drainage. This plant is originally from South Africa. The sun reflects off of the plant giving it the appearance of 'ice', and it's often called "Ice Plant".

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Delospermacooperi.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_4060keeper.jpg
Gymnocalycium buenekeri (cactus) in bloom.
I've had this one for many years and it has spectacular pink flowers. It's not cold hardy.

[KurtsReef]

A co-worker gave me a part of a cactus last week that is now planted in our landscaping, from photos of it in bloom it resembles the prickly pear posted by Steve. They keep it in their yard year round, she told me that when it looks like "mush" in the spring just leave it alone and it will come back.

[Gary Majchrzak]

that's right- prickly pears look like mush in the spring around here. Here's three different types of Opuntia I have growing that are cold hardy. Last year I planted one pad of each species.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_4172keeper.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_4175keeper.jpg
A Notocactus on the day it will bloom

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_4178keeper.jpg
'Voodoo' Sedum

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_4182keeper.jpg
'Donkey Tail' Euphorbia

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_4184keeper.jpg
a Sedum that propagates itself by self- fragging
(note the frags at the bottom of the picture)

[Gary Majchrzak]

check out this trip through Mexico:

http://www.oasisdesigns.co.uk/mexnov07/1.htm

there are some great pictures!

[Gary Majchrzak]

it's tough to find winter hardy cactus frags grown locally in upstate NY. I have 'em. My cactus plants have survived the past two winters outside (they're "perennials") and they've begun to put on new growth for this year. I have prickly pear and "spineless" prickly pear (Opuntia). I'm always looking to connect with other cactophiles in upstate NY
:)

[Capt_Cully]

Gary, where do you get them? Our Home Depot has NONE, and Lowes selection is marginal at best.

[block head]

i have a love hate with cholla and prickly pear, i lived in colorado for six years and it was loaded with both. spent countless hours removing cactus spines with tweezers and pliers. my bird dog and i hunted scaled quail that form a symbiotic relationship with the cactus. in southern colorado they more common than trees in new york. they are extremilly hardy and should grow very well for u. availability should not be difficult ,anyone in southern colorado new mexico,texas area hate them for the most part and would be more than willing to send u some.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12476760#post12476760 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Capt_Cully
Gary, where do you get them? Our Home Depot has NONE, and Lowes selection is marginal at best.
Home Depot and Lowes don't offer winter hardy cactus for sale- they offer species that are grown for use as houseplants. The houseplant types won't survive outdoors during an upstate NY winter.
I got my Opuntia (prickly pear) plants from a friends garden in Michigan. My Cholla came from southern Colorado. The Opuntia have spent the past several years planted outside in my garden.
There's a local nursery in Brockport that sells winter hardy cactus or you can contact me.
If you think it's difficult getting coral frags you should try getting cactus frags ;)

[Gary Majchrzak]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/june08cactusbed.jpg

[Capt_Cully]

Sweeeeet! Under your tutillage (sp? :fun5: ) I've gotten a pretty nice little house Cactus/Cacti collection. I'll have to put together a little photo journal.

[Gary Majchrzak]

dibs on frags of any pink flowering winter hardy cactus!

[RyanEG]

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj10/Gert0180/cactus_boy.gif

[Gary Majchrzak]

a new meaning for "prickly pair" :D

[RyanEG]

My mother has a Christmas Cactus that she inherited that is well over a hundred years old. Ill try and post a pic.

[Gary Majchrzak]

our variegated Yucca bloomed. This plant was buried under a 36" snowdrift last winter!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_7114.jpg

last weekend we lugged home 2,000# of rock from the Catskills to add to my rock garden. (A family member is trying to clear property of trees and rocks.) If anyone reading this is growing Echinocerus (ie:"claret cup" / "hedgehog" cactus) or Coryphantha ("ball" cactus) in a cold climate we need to talk- I need your help.

[Brent Thomann]

awesome, thanks for sharing.

but Gary, how do you have time for all these hobbies?

[block head]

looks good gary, makes me miss colorado, some sage would be nice addition to your biotype

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks for suggesting sage as a companion plant.
Winterhardy cacti and succulents don't demand much of my time, Brent. The plants that can't handle our cold wet winters and need to be overwintered indoors do take some time and effort to move them back and forth- that's why I'm leaning towards coldhardy types nowadays. As a bonus, certain plants like my cane cholla are growing much better now that I leave them planted outside all year long. I've never been able to maintain potted Echinocereus long term and I'm hoping to try them in some outdoor plantings.
Coldhardy cacti (and succulents in general) are very popular in Canada- especially in southern Ontario. They have cactus and succulent clubs up there like we have reef clubs down here. There are cactus and succulent clubs in the USA as well but upstate NY has very few enthusiasts.

[block head]

i think yucca,sage,pricly pear could survive nuclear winter. i had friends try to burn it out and not be successful. this stuff grows in baked kitty litter soil. temps in southern colorado are brutally hot and cold with snow in the winter.

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've explored a little bit of southern Colorado. My cane cholla is originally from the Pueblo, CO area. I didn't know there was a supermax out there until I drove past it.

[block head]

yeah i worked there, lived in pueblo west for a few years.miles and miles of cholla,pear,sage.

[Gary Majchrzak]

I'm attempting some cold hardy Echinocereus (hedgehog/claret cup) species of cactus. I've done my research, prepared their soil and with any luck they'll survive our cold/wet winter months outside. Here's a real beauty.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_7219.jpg

in order to make room for my new plants I had to remove some of the others that were crowding the garden
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_7220.jpg
these are yellow flowering Opuntia (prickly pear) and if somebody wants them come and get 'em before I toss them out.

[RyanEG]

My dad keeps those cold hardy Prickly Pear in Michigan(native there) they are an really nice looking species.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13211885#post13211885 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RyanEG
My dad keeps those cold hardy Prickly Pear in Michigan(native there) they are an really nice looking species.
in fact, that's where the prickly pear in that picture originally came from :)

many people don't realize it but cacti occur naturally everywhere in the USA except for 3 states. I just added several new species of prickly pear to my garden. I've now got some that flower red, lavender, purple and pink in addition to the yellow ones that I've kept outdoors for many years now. Summer of 2010 should be spectacular in the garden :dance:

[nate82]

ha good way to keep the kids out of your garden... but those are wild great collection

[Gary Majchrzak]

it's been a long harsh winter but two of my four Echinocereus (hedgehog cactus) survived outside in the garden without any special treatment. I don't think there are many people growing this type of cactus outdoors in upstate NY.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/E_perbellus_May09.jpg

donkey tail spurge (Euphorbia spp.) is in full bloom right now and threatening to take over the rock garden. Silver Cholla (foreground) and Sedum (background) also made it through the winter just fine.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/May_09.jpg

now picture how nice this Opuntia ("purple desert") will contrast with those plants above once it forms a nice stand!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/purpledesert_May09.jpg

[NirvanaFan]

nice Opuntia Gary. I had one when I was in my teens for 4 or 5 years. Then my mother killed it while I was at college.

[nate82]

I just bought 4 cacti from Home Depot a couple months ago nothing special but I've been getting into gardening a lot lately just bought a monkey puzzle tree offline should be here tomorrow and my jade is getting huge! Guess this all stemmed from reefing ha

[Capt_Cully]

Looking good Gary! Unfortunately my Black Thumb strikes again. Not a lot of cacti left out side. Just a few chickens and hens :(

Can you recommend a good book or website???

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14954134#post14954134 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Capt_Cully
Looking good Gary! Unfortunately my Black Thumb strikes again. Not a lot of cacti left out side. Just a few chickens and hens :(

Can you recommend a good book or website???
sadly, I cannot recommend a good website.
In fact, the administrator of our coldhardy cactus website has gone on vacation and suspended all new posts until he returns :lol:

two good books for growing cactus and succulents outdoors in our area are
*Growing Winter Hardy Cacti (by John N. Spain)
and
*Cactus in the Snow (by Bruce Brethaur)

these are very inexpensive no frills books and they're great!

Now... onto the reason I dug up this thread. After endless DECADES of failing to be able to keep any hedgehog cactus species alive as a potted houseplant my Echinocereus perbellus is about to bloom outside in my rock garden. Oh yeah, baby. This plant survived outside and unprotected all winter long buried in an upstate New York snowdrift. This event (to me) is similar to the first time I discovered someone could grow Acropora in an aquarium. As Billy would say.... it's HUGE. So is the flower bud below (almost as big as the plant itself). As a matter of fact, when this baby opens up sometime in the next couple of days the flower will entirely hide the plant itself. Kewl.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Echinocereus_bloom1.jpg

[Capt_Cully]

You've gotta post a pic when it does bloom. I'm diggin it Gary. Your excitement is shared!

[Conesus_Kid]

Wow! Is this your first attempt at growing one of these outdoors?

I know next to nothing about cacti and succulents, but I'm thinking I may check out those books you listed above.

Looking forward to pics of the bloom! :thumbsup:

[Gary Majchrzak]

I thought this flower would have opened by today but it just keeps growing larger and larger.
Scott- I've been growing 'Micky Mouse ears' prickly pear type cacti outdoors here for many years. A good number of people that I know of in northern climates grow them- including the Helinski's in Buffalo.
'Ball type' cactus are another story altogether. Not many people grow 'em around here. Trying to find fellow enthusiasts in NY state is like looking for a needle in a haystack. There's a fellow in Alden and one downstate (in Tuxedo Park) into growing these plants but other than that I really don't know of anyone around here. This past winter was my first attempt at growing Echinocereus outside and it's going well with minimal expense. Looks like I'll be trying some more.
Wait'll you see the bloom open up on this thing :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

cactus flowers don't open when it's raining. This afternoon's sunshine finally did the trick.

in the process of opening
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Echinocereus_bloom2.jpg

open @ 5PM
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Echinocereus_bloom6.jpg

[Capt_Cully]

HOLY S***!!!!!

[vetdog]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10346085#post10346085 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
Delosperma cooperi is a kewl winter hardy succulent in our zone as long as it's in an area of good drainage. This plant is originally from South Africa. The sun reflects off of the plant giving it the appearance of 'ice', and it's often called "Ice Plant".

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Delospermacooperi.jpg

Wow...this makes me want to get into plants

[Conesus_Kid]

Wow!!! I'd say that bloom was worth the wait!!

Any idea how long it'll keep that flower? Again, I know nothing about cacti. Are they self-pollinators? (I see both male and female flower parts in your pic.) Do these develop fruit?

Awesome stuff!!!

[Gary Majchrzak]

I honestly don't know the answers to to your questions, Scott.
I've never been able to keep any Echinocereus alive for an extended period of time.
Regarding cactus in general, some of my cactus bloom at night and some during the day. (I've had both hummingbirds and bats at their flowers.) Some retain blooms for several days and some keep blooms for only 12 hours.
I've had Opuntia develop fruit and seed.
Hopefully this Echinocereus plant will reproduce and form a nice big clump.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Echinocereus_bloom3.jpg

[ri]

Very nice!

ri

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks, Rick. Hey, while you're here...

are there any Lithops species that can survive our winters outside here :confused:

[ri]

I haven't found a species that I can keep alive for more than a year indoors!

Most Lithops fall into the Zone 10 category (minimum +30 to +40°F). I have read that some species can survive temperatures down in the teens so long as it is kept dry (ground water and humidity). Personally, I have a hard time believing this considering their normal environment.

ri

[Gary Majchrzak]

a pink blooming winter hardy Opuntia in my garden!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Opuntiapinkflower.jpg

[museumguy]

Ever been to the San Diego Zoo Gary? They have an outdoor garden designed to attract wild hummingbirds that is nothing but different species of flowering Aloe, cactus and other succulents. I've never seen it, but apparently it is amazing.

[eugeneK]

those look nice Gary.
love grdening!

I went to Bristol garden center in victor near Eastview and they sell Tufa rock. They have a diplay that they made with tufa islands and alpine type suculants. I was so impressed by how natural they looked I almost bought some rock to play with. But then my ADD kicked in and i got distracted by some wisteria saplings they had there.

I am Bonsai kinda person myself, i started to experiment with shaping trees a few years ago and if time allows I may get into making concrete planters and custom carved pots :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've been to the San Diego Zoo but I didn't see that display, Tad.

Sara's garden center in Brockport sells alpine type succulents.
I don't know of anyone local that sells the cold hardy types of cacti that I'm interested in.

[shawna1972]

Wow Gary thanks for posting this, Never thought we could have these in our zone
I am into tropicals,Such as mandevillas,Passion vines,Bougainvalias,to name a few.... but these Cacti have impressive flowers and they look stunning in your garden!

[Gary Majchrzak]

lmk if you can grow those tropicals outside all year, Shawna. I'd be interested in that but I don't believe it's possible.

then again... I never thought it was possible to grow some of these cactus outside in upstate NY.

[shawna1972]

lmk if you can grow those tropicals outside all year, Shawna. I'd be interested in that but I don't believe it's possible.

then again... I never thought it was possible to grow some of these cactus outside in upstate NY.

Don't think so Gary,:( Then again I never tried...... but Maypop Passion Vine is beautiful and bears fruit and it in our zone/winter hardy! I havent tried this variety yet but Im going to get some this year. I have the red passion vine and love love the mandevillas (alice dupont) grows like mad! the bougs I have a hard time overwintering! I usually buy new ones every year.the others, I overwinter them in containers and bring them back outdoors Once the weather breaks.

Gary how long does it take your cacti to grow before they flower?

[shawna1972]

Wow...this makes me want to get into plants

Beautiful!

[shawna1972]

I honestly don't know the answers to to your questions, Scott.
I've never been able to keep any Echinocereus alive for an extended period of time.
Regarding cactus in general, some of my cactus bloom at night and some during the day. (I've had both hummingbirds and bats at their flowers.) Some retain blooms for several days and some keep blooms for only 12 hours.
I've had Opuntia develop fruit and seed.
Hopefully this Echinocereus plant will reproduce and form a nice big clump.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Echinocereus_bloom3.jpg

Love the yellow flowering one in the back! What is the name of that one?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Love the yellow flowering one in the back! What is the name of that one?
eastern prickly pear. It's extremely easy to grow around here. You'll have to get a pad (frag) from me some time. You lay the pads ("ears") down flat (horizontal) and roots sprout from the shaded part of the pad. I have some small pads of eastern prickly pear that I placed on my garden bed early this spring and they're developing flower buds right now. Late spring is high growing season for my cacti.

[saltwaterfishlover]

will this site help?
http://coldhardycactus.com/Pages/FAQ.htm

[Gary Majchrzak]

you should be able to keep many types of succulents outside year 'round, Andy. I noticed the huge Agaves planted outside around Orlando.

[saltwaterfishlover]

I might contemplate a blue agave but 15 yrs to blooom.....
the sight was more for you northerners

[Gary Majchrzak]

I use the soil recipe from John Spain's book. Almost any type of soil will work for eastern prickly pear but other more sensitive types of cactus need fast draining soil and a sunny southerly facing position up here.

[shawna1972]

eastern prickly pear. It's extremely easy to grow around here. You'll have to get a pad (frag) from me some time. You lay the pads ("ears") down flat (horizontal) and roots sprout from the shaded part of the pad. I have some small pads of eastern prickly pear that I placed on my garden bed early this spring and they're developing flower buds right now. Late spring is high growing season for my cacti.

Thats awesome! Nice that they bud so early after planting also.Thanks so much but Yeah if I can ever get out Rochester way :)
Hey Gary These Cacti are so so beautiful but how do you handle them? And If using regular garden gloves do the thorns make it through? Ouch!

[Gary Majchrzak]

I use gloves. Only extremely large and heavy cactus with wicked spines (such as Oreocereus) present a handling problem- and for those I wrap 'em in newspapers.

[captain7359]

Here's my slice of the desert.

Started it last year, but have had the two potted oned for a few years.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/w_strassburg/RockGardenfront.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/w_strassburg/RockGardenSide.jpg

With the rate we've been finding stuff to add, soon it'll be expanding to the right :spin2:

[Willistein]

Gary, you inspired me to make a new cacti bed! I used to have a bunch of stuff that I brought back from the Arizona desert. My grandparents built a house in the Sonoran desert on old military land and they had every kind of cactus you could imagine right outside their front door. At one point I brought back a saguaro, jumpin' cholla, barrel, prickly pear, etc.

[shawna1972]

Here's my slice of the desert.

Started it last year, but have had the two potted oned for a few years.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/w_strassburg/RockGardenfront.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/w_strassburg/RockGardenSide.jpg

With the rate we've been finding stuff to add, soon it'll be expanding to the right :spin2:

Nice! I am motivated by all the pics to get my own slice of the desert :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

I recognize some of those plants, Walter :)

I wish that I still had family in Arizona, Dan. Maybe someday I'll just have to move out there myself. I'll have to settle for my cactus garden in the meantime.

[captain7359]

I recognize some of those plants, Walter :)

I wish that I still had family in Arizona, Dan. Maybe someday I'll just have to move out there myself. I'll have to settle for my cactus garden in the meantime.

Yup, the frags have been doing well. Just getting tougher to move each year :fun5:

[Gary Majchrzak]

have you noticed the corn fields around here lately?

'Knee high by July' goes the saying. After the rains Friday the corn shot up to 5 or 6 feet tall. It's been a good year to grow cactus, too: here's a pic of a week old baby cactus that germinated from seeds produced by a nearby mature plant. Notice that the first leaves on a cactus look like little wings (seen at the bottom of this one). Penny for size reference.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/cactus_baby.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

first ever bloom on this specimen
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/notocactus.jpg

[dreaminmel]

The petals on that are extremely cool. Great flower pic!

[superkat]

omg, Gary...that is spectacular! love the penny for scale in that pic. How did the garden fair with the heavy downpour we had yesterday?

[Gary Majchrzak]

cactus plants absolutely love rainwater downpours as long as their soil is porous and drains quickly.

[Gary Majchrzak]

the result of Friday's downpour and today's sunshine

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Noto1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Noto2.jpg

[captain7359]

RIP Big blue...


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/w_strassburg/RockGardenSide.jpg


Think the porch must have gotten too cold for it and it is melting away. I cut away most of the soft stuff, but most of it is soft and the spines are falling out of most of it. I finally had a nice centerpiece to build the garden around and now I loose it. I'll be looking for another piece if anyone has any or another larger type.

[Gary Majchrzak]

sorry to hear of the meltdown.

Only a small percentage of cacti can withstand freezing temps and 'Big Blue' isn't one of them. If there's any solid part of the plant left you can regrow a new plant from it but you'll need to cut away all the liquified parts.
I have replacements if need be :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/pinkOpuntia800x600.jpg

Walter- get over here

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/south_side_garden.jpg

[Capt_Cully]

Holy cow Gary! Looks like a slice-o Arizona. Only thing missing is a skeleton wearing a sombrero.

[saltwaterfishlover]

Have any of you tried to root a cutting and how successful or long did it take for root buts... and how did you do it
thanks
andy

[captain7359]

Very nice Gary. You available tomorrow?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Very nice Gary. You available tomorrow?yeah- I'll PM you my cell #.

Andy- it's really easy to root a cutting. For cuttings of columnar cacti you need to allow the column to dry (heal) up before placing it in soil. For "Mickey Mouse Ear" Opuntia types simply place an "ear" flat on soil and roots will form on the side of the pad laying on the soil.

[Willistein]

Gary, that is too cool. I want a succulent garden...

[saltwaterfishlover]

my Echinopsis pachanoi when I got it, it wasnt packaged well and suffered from spines poking lots of holes and caused rot.... so it got chopped and thats where the little parts came from
http://reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=4613&pictureid=31892
http://reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=4613&pictureid=31893
http://reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=4613&pictureid=31891

[Gary Majchrzak]

due to good growing conditions you should be able to grow that thing to a HUGE size rather quickly down there, Andy!

[mikecc67548]

I got like 160 acres of this cactus, not really sure what its called.

http://www.mescaline.com/exp/peyote-cacti.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

well, Mike... something tells me you know EXACTLY what it's called.

[saltwaterfishlover]

do you have a good soil recipe?
or should the natural soil be good enough?
right now they are in the citrus/cactus soil from miracle grow and extra perilite......

http://www.scotts.com/smg/catalog/productTemplate.jsp?proId=prod70224&ItemId=cat50154

[saltwaterfishlover]

yup still in FLA just south of Boca near 95 and Sample Rd.
suffering from a drout.... our community pond is down 4'

[saltwaterfishlover]

yup still in FLA just south of Boca near 95 and Sample Rd.
suffering from a drout.... our community pond is down 4'

[Gary Majchrzak]

I use a mix of (crushed small size) paver stone, sand and soil. A lot of cactus nuts recommend mixing in some dead, dry oak leaves for their acidity. (Most cactus prefer acidic soils. There are exceptions.)
The mix is then placed over a bed of larger stones. This provides drainage.
IME (much here!) most cactus prefer rainwater to tap but soil must be relatively quick draining.

[acdraindrps]

Add me to the club. I have no experience or knowledge with keeping cacti, so maybe someone here can help me with names/care for these three that I bought from Lowes today. They were cheap and I figured they would look nice in my apartment. The lady there sold me some miracle grow cactus soil and told me to water them only once a month.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd130/acdraindrps/2011-06-12_22-09-54_923.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd130/acdraindrps/2011-06-12_22-10-03_1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd130/acdraindrps/2011-06-12_22-10-12_360.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

the first one is a Mammillaria. (There are hundreds of Mamm species.) These are commonly called "fish hook" cactus. The flowers are real and Mamms can produce hundreds of tiny pink flowers.

the second one... I don't know what type it is, but it very likely has fake flowers glued onto it. (Tug on one and see.)

the third one is a popular cristate form of a species I can't recall.... Opuntia 'Fred' ?

none of these are cold hardy and they shouldn't be exposed to freezing temps. These are good windowsill type cactus. Give 'em full sun but expose them slowly to it so they don't get burned. In the growing period (summer) soak the plants thoroughly after the soil has completely dried out. Over winter them in a cool dry location and don't water them at all.

[acdraindrps]

Not certain, but I think the flowers on the second one aren't fake, as there was the remains of a shriveled one that fell off in its planter when I bought it. I disposed of it. I will check later. Thanks for the help though, Gary. I appreciate any info on these little guys. I didn't buy them as a hobby, rather just something to look at for the apartment. Hopefully they do well.

[Melifluonze]

Hi Gary, I'm not a fan, but I know that we have some prickly pears out on Cape Cod with pink/violet flowers. They've been living there for years and years. I'll see if I can snag a frag (if I can remember!).

[Gary Majchrzak]

Hi Gary, I'm not a fan, but I know that we have some prickly pears out on Cape Cod with pink/violet flowers. They've been living there for years and years. I'll see if I can snag a frag (if I can remember!).I would welcome such a frag! (Frags can be stored dry in a brown paper bag for years.)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/cactus2011.jpg

[NirvanaFan]

I've only got two succulents now. An aloe vera plant and this one. Any idea on an ID Gary? I've had it for 5 or 6 years now and it has grown about a foot. I don't have a great spot for it now because no part of our house gets full sun. It has lasted over 3 years like this though. It grows what look like long leaves and then they will dry up and fall off after a while. I remember the tag saying that it is hardy to 32 degrees when I bought it, but that is it.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t171/NirvanaFan01234/DSC_0593.jpg

[jdoenumber2]

Makes me remember my youth. lol.

I got like 160 acres of this cactus, not really sure what its called.

http://www.mescaline.com/exp/peyote-cacti.jpg

[acdraindrps]

the first one is a Mammillaria. (There are hundreds of Mamm species.) These are commonly called "fish hook" cactus. The flowers are real and Mamms can produce hundreds of tiny pink flowers.

the second one... I don't know what type it is, but it very likely has fake flowers glued onto it. (Tug on one and see.)

the third one is a popular cristate form of a species I can't recall.... Opuntia 'Fred' ?

none of these are cold hardy and they shouldn't be exposed to freezing temps. These are good windowsill type cactus. Give 'em full sun but expose them slowly to it so they don't get burned. In the growing period (summer) soak the plants thoroughly after the soil has completely dried out. Over winter them in a cool dry location and don't water them at all.

You were right, hot glued on! :lolspin:

[Willistein]

I would welcome such a frag! (Frags can be stored dry in a brown paper bag for years.)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/cactus2011.jpg

I remember bringing a baby saguaro (I know, not legal) back with me from Arizona once in an oatmeal canister.

[Gary Majchrzak]

Nirvana- I believe that's a Euphorbia. There are thousands of species.

Dan- I love Saguaros. They just aren't practical to grow around upstate NY unless you have a huge greenhouse like the one at 'Garden Factory'!

[Conesus_Kid]

I talked with the missus and now that I've finished the pool deck, we'll be putting in a rock/cactus/succulent garden around the outside of it. I've got stone around the pool, so it will match that motif and hide the unsightly nether-regions underneath the deck.

Neither of the books recommended in this thread are available through my county library system, so I plan on springing for them.

Looking forward to planning this.:bounce3:

[Flanders]

Gary - your garden is stunning. I am planning a small succulent garden and would love to buy some "frags" from you. I will actually be in town this weekend if you're around and interested in selling anything. if not, no worries. Thanks!

[Gary Majchrzak]

shoot me a PM and I'll try to coordinate.

[Gary Majchrzak]

yellow Opuntia flowers starting to open now

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/yellowsandpinks.jpg

[Conesus_Kid]

Gary- Any Opuntia "frags" available anytime soon? I've got my bed ready and picked up a couple varieties of ice plants, sedum, and ornamental grass today to go with the "hens and chicks" I got from my inlaws. Thanks! :beer:

[Gary Majchrzak]

I keep a "frag pile" :)
PM me.

[Conesus_Kid]

Gary hooked me up with some "frags" today. Here's a few cell phone pics of my succulent garden. In addition to the Opuntia and sedum I got from Gary, I also have a couple other sedum varieties, a couple of "ice plants" and some fountain grass.

I'm keeping my eyes open for some taller items to go in the back. Within a couple of years, I think this will fill in nicely.:thumbsup:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/IMAG0185.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/IMAG0184.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/IMAG0188.jpg

Thanks again, Gary! It was good to see you (and your aquarium!) today.:dance:

[Gary Majchrzak]

I believe the smooth Opuntia is O. humifusa (Eastern Prickly Pear) and the spined one is a variety of O. polyacantha (Plains Prickly Pear).
As long as nobody falls over that deck rail you should be good to go!

[PufferNut]

I always like cacti but never had any luck until recently. I have several seedlings that are perhaps 1/4". Can you tell what kind it is when its that small?

Had a good size fish hook until about 2 days ago. The thing looks like someone sat on it, almost as if it rotted from the inside out.

[Gary Majchrzak]

it's almost impossible to ID a cactus that's 1/4" tall.

Fish hook = most likely Mammillaria species.

Rot from inside out usually means too much (constant) moisture

[PufferNut]

it's almost impossible to ID a cactus that's 1/4" tall.

Fish hook = most likely Mammillaria species.

Rot from inside out usually means too much (constant) moisture

I kinda figured they would have to get bigger, but aside from from one that is clearly different, all my sprouts look the same.

That's what I had heard about rot, but I rarely watered it. Once a month perhaps, and I never fully saturated it.

[Gary Majchrzak]

our crazy weather has a lot of the plants in western NY confused this year. My cacti are no exception. Mild winter coupled with hot and cold spring had me wondering if this Echinocereus was finally gonna bloom for me or not.
Well.. this morning it finally did despite the fact that it's rainy, overcast and cool.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Echinocereus2.jpg

[Conesus_Kid]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/IMAG0325.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/IMAG0326.jpg

Gary,
Those Opuntia I got from you last year have decided to bloom. They are a big hit around here!

Thanks!

[Gary Majchrzak]

so does the ice plant and sedum

[Gary Majchrzak]

I've had this Cholla since the early 90's and it FINALLY bloomed for me this year!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Cholla1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Cholla2.jpg

I'd love to get a species level ID on this one. Originally from an area near Pueblo, CO.

[Conesus_Kid]

Nice!

Does this one stay outside year round, or do you bring it in?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Nice!

Does this one stay outside year round, or do you bring it in?year 'round. I kept it potted and brought it indoors every winter for about a decade and it never did well. As soo as I planted it outside and left it there she exploded in growth.

I have frags :)

[frofan]

I would love to setup a cactus garden at my along a boarder between my driveway and the neighbors yard. It is west facing and gets around 7 hours of sun (11am-7pm). Would this be a good spot for said cactus? If so, where is a good place to pick up some?

[Gary Majchrzak]

:lolspin:

This project sounds totally "do-able". I have cheep cheep cheep frags ;)
Mailorder from out west is gonna cost you WAY more.

[Gary Majchrzak]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/cactusgarden_Oct2012.jpg

[captain7359]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/cactusgarden_Oct2012.jpg

Holy crap can I get some of the fruits off the prickly pear? I want to brew a Saison with them in it as well.

[Gary Majchrzak]

heck yeah. Have some prickly pear fruits!
I just thought they were decorative... I didn't know you could DRINK 'EM :hmm5:

[magdelan]

Oh Gary.... Prickly Pear are delicious! I've made sorbet with them before.

Walter, sign me up for a sample.

[captain7359]

heck yeah. Have some prickly pear fruits!
I just thought they were decorative... I didn't know you could DRINK 'EM :hmm5:
Cool, let me know when's good for you and I'll stop out.

Oh Gary.... Prickly Pear are delicious! I've made sorbet with them before.

Walter, sign me up for a sample.
How did you prep them? Puree or juiced?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Walter- whenever I'm home is a good time. Just PM me and set it up.

[NirvanaFan]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t171/NirvanaFan01234/DSC_0593.jpg

Gary, I have a question for you, ohh cacti guru...
My cactus pictured above has been getting taller and taller... It had a run-in with the wind the other day. Who knew the taller it got, the more top heavy it would get? Well, the wind blew it over, and it fell from the grill shelf. When it fell, it broke in half. Like right in the middle. What are the chances that the top half will grow roots? What are the chances the bottom will survive?

[Gary Majchrzak]

both halves could grow new plants BUT I believe what you have there is a Euphorbia. This is an "old world" succulent. Probably originally from Africa or the middle east. They usually have a milky sap. I'm not familiar enough with that species to know what both halves will do. I guess we'll have to wait and see...

[magdelan]

How did you prep them? Puree or juiced?

I kind of used both techniques. First, using a gas stove, hold them one at a time over the burner using tongs to burn off the prickers. Now that you can easily handle them, peel them. Next, I pureed them, and then put them through a chinois [shin-wah] (very fine mesh strainer). Add sugar, honey or agave nectar & something to add tartness (I used lime Kool-Aid). If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour into a pyrex and place it in the freezer. You will then need to "rake" it with a fork every 30 minutes untill it is frozen to the consistancy that you are looking for.

[NirvanaFan]

both halves could grow new plants BUT I believe what you have there is a Euphorbia. This is an "old world" succulent. Probably originally from Africa or the middle east. They usually have a milky sap. I'm not familiar enough with that species to know what both halves will do. I guess we'll have to wait and see...

The sap was an off yellow color, and sticky. Not as sticky as pine sap, but definitely a little sticky.

I'd be happy to have just the bottom half survive. The thing has tripled in size since I have had it. In fact, I was going to re-pot it in a gallon sized pot in the Spring. I need to get a grow light for it.

[magdelan]

I just got this frag of A. Tetragonus (Fairy Castle). Will this heal on its own or should I make a clean cut at its base? Also, Does this NEED to be planted upright or can I lay it on it's side in some properly mixed substrate once healed?

I'd like to start a suculent garden this summer on the southern side of my house. Its on a slope so drainage will be excellent!!

Any frags will be welcome. Please PM me if anyone has some to offer up. I'd like to keep some cold hardy cacti that don't need to be brought indoors every winter, but I also woudn't mind doing one or two imperssive types where I could plant in a five gallon bucket and bring in the bucket every winter.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/fishflopy/cactus_zps6ba28387.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

that's a Euphorbia spp. , Mike.
It looks all healed up and ready to plant... or lay it down sideways.
I got frags when you're ready.

[Gary Majchrzak]

iphone pic

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/cactuspic_iphone_zps5a3c8e24.jpg

how'd the Saison turn out, Walter?

[captain7359]

you're a mind reader!!!

Just kegged the saison yesterday and was going to add some of two different the pears this week.

[Gary Majchrzak]

I want a sample!

you're a mind reader!!!I've been told this before. One key: you must have a mind. Probably why I can't pick the winning lottery numbers :spin3:

[Conesus_Kid]

I was going to bump this thread today. I spent a better part of the morning opening the pool and noticed a boatload of new growth on the Opuntia.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/2013-05-26190533_zpsf9193342.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/2013-05-26190538_zpsd96540ae.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/2013-05-26190551_zps99c77b85.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/skrebbeks/2013-05-26190602_zps81c104a8.jpg

[fishareinwater]

After going through this thread I noticed that it looks like a lot of yours act differently than my friends. Hers shrivels up and dies every yr and then sprouts new in the spring. It's some kind of prickly pear.

[Gary Majchrzak]

our prickly pears shrivel up every winter- just no pix of the shrivelled state.

Several different species seen in this thread. They all have slight differences in habit, bloom time, flower color, etc.

[Gary Majchrzak]

Cholla from CO is now 4ft. tall!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/Cactus2013b_zpsb535fdd0.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/gary334/media/Cactus2013b_zpsb535fdd0.jpg.html)

[captain7359]

Rochester tunas are no where as sweet as the ones I have from Arizona. More slimy not as sweet. The saison I have goes fairly well with the fruit, but I think I can tweak the next batch to make it even better. Gary, let me know when you're around the next week or so.

[magdelan]

I have done a path of Hens and Chicks up the right side. I now want to do a more substantial garden on the right side peninsula. If you look at where the third rock in meets the fourth rock, there is a space between them where I want to plant a focal point. Something that won't grow out of hand and something that won't grow sloppy. I want something here that makes sense. I would, however, like to plant something that will spread on the sides of the rock. Once I find what I like, I am going to mix the soil with a mixture of sand and perlite. Any thoughts??

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/fishflopy/Garden_zpsf4592ef0.jpg (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/fishflopy/media/Garden_zpsf4592ef0.jpg.html)

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g37/fishflopy/Garden2_zpse0d5dcfd.jpg (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/fishflopy/media/Garden2_zpse0d5dcfd.jpg.html)

[Gary Majchrzak]

Gary, let me know when you're around the next week or so.I'll be around the whole 4th holiday :celeb3:

Mike- you did an awesome job with that walkway!
I see where you want the focal point planting. Spiny plants (cactus) are not good near walkways and most sedums grow like wildfire and at some point attract bees to their flowers. You might want to look at alpine plants. Miniatures.