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...