cacti and succulent fans make your presence known here

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

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commercial mixes are relatively expensive!

commercial mixes are relatively expensive!

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.
 
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.

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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.
 
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.
 
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!).
 
thanks!

thanks!

Melifluonze said:
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!).
Click to expand...
I would welcome such a frag! (Frags can be stored dry in a brown paper bag for years.)

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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.

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Gary Majchrzak said:
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.
Click to expand...

You were right, hot glued on! :lolspin:
 
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'!
 
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:
 
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!
 
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