Cactus and Snow
The first major cold front of the season blew in November 21st and two days later brought a blanket of snow. I had to kick up the setting on the heater in the greenhouse to keep the temp up to 42 during the two coldest nights which were in the low 20s. Today we may...
A New Split Rock Bloom
I recently rescued this little split rock from one of the big box stores, and it rewarded me with this purple bloom. Most of my other split rocks and other plants of this type tend to have yellow or orange flowers, so this was a nice change. As you can see, this...
Aloinopisis Aloides
These little South African succulents always surprise me when they bloom. I never seem to realize there is a bud getting ready to open, and then there it will be. They bloom in the fall here since they originate below the Equator and their seasons are not the same as...
Rooting Succulents
Have a succulent you really like and want another one or two just like it? Seeds are an option, but I don’t seem to have much luck with that method. Instead, I rely on cuttings and rooting leaves. I googled the subject of rooting succulents and came up with all kinds...
Tiger Jaws-Faucaria Tigrina
Faucaria tigrina, commonly called tiger jaws because of the shape of the leaves and the fact they have teeth-shaped appendages on the edges of the leaves that give the appearance of an open mouth full of teeth, are from South Africa. Mine tend to bloom late in the...
Ariocarpus Retusus and Ariocarpus Trigonus
I bought my first ariocarpus several years ago, maybe around 2005 or earlier, an ariocarpus retusus, and it just sort of sat there. Time passed and it finally grew enough to be repotted. Then last year in the fall it surprised me with a bloom. And then this year,...
Mammillaria Spinosissima v. Pilcayensis
When I bought this little cactus probably in 2008 or so-unfortunately that was when I wasn’t keeping up with details like names and dates-it was just two little cylindrical plants about two inches long attached at the base and forming a V-shape. I had nothing...
Moving in for the Winter
Our first cold front is due this coming week-end, predicted to fall into the 30s by Saturday, October 5th or Sunday night, the 6th. Up here the smart thing to do is move plants in at least by mid-October to avoid the fun of moving them in during blizzard conditions,...
A Delightful Little Lithop
I bought this pair of little lithops with hopes of keeping them alive, which isn’t always the easiest thing to do, and not only have they lived, but bloomed beautiful yellow flowers! The little horned lizard, or as they are colloquially known in Texas, horny toads,...
Plastic vs. Wire Hangers for Hanging Pots
Trailing succulents are good choices for hanging baskets. Their fleshy growth stands up well in high winds, and the fact that they are succulents means they don’t wilt if they miss a watering. That’s the good news. The bad news is that if they thrive, over time they...
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